“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. Let yourself be silently drawn by the stronger pull of what you really love.” – Rumi
I woke up last Saturday morning, looked at myself in the mirror and thought, “Wow, you’ve aged. Look at those circles under your eyes. You look so tired.”
I WAS tired. Not, “I didn’t get a good night’s sleep tired,” but tired from the emotionally intense rollercoaster we’ve all been riding over the last several years.
Yet at the same time some self-judgment started creeping in, I thought, (lifting my chest and standing a little taller), “And, you are thriving, look at how strong, resilient and hopeful you are!”
I’m 57 and I have much to toast and many exciting adventures I’m looking forward to this year. The media continually calls us to focus on how to be a better, shinier version of ourselves. Personally, I want to cheer Renee on for making it through the last three years– not only intact, but hopefully a bit wiser and kinder.
We are not self-improvement projects. It’s so important to remember to meet ourselves where we are with kindness, respect and to revere our journey (read?self-care is not self-improvement).
Is it time for you to pause and honor your journey? Here are 3 suggestions for getting started:?
- Carefully choose friends/mentors who have the emotional and spiritual maturity to hold the space for what you are sharing; they should both allow you to show up “warts and all” while also seeing the highest and best in you. Be choosy.
- Remember one of my favorite mantras:?many things are true at once.?When looking at big life stuff, it’s easy to get in an all-or-nothing mindset. This rarely serves us; try to cultivate the ability to see more than one perspective (read how to become comfortable with?polarities)
- Journaling can become a great tool for self-awareness and insight. Even just taking a few minutes each morning to reflect and write your answers to: How do I feel? What do I need? What do I want? (read about other?tools for self-awareness). Writing is invaluable to helping me access the 30,000 foot view.
Your journey is sacred.?It’s unique and provides you with opportunities for enormous transformation.?Our greatest growth comes from staying awake, alert and present to what is unfolding moment to moment while standing in allegiance to ourselves and inviting in self-compassion.
I’D LOVE TO SUPPORT YOU! NEW/UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-RENEWAL:
- September 15-17th ~ Sing, Dance, Pray: Romancing the Beloved?at the Retreat Center at Lake Logan (45 min. from Asheville, NC airport). Located on sacred land in the oldest mountain range in the world. Limited to 20. Email to receive a pre-invite; details coming soon!
- October 13-15th ~ Awakening Your Wild Soul: Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat?at?Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health,?will be filled with beautiful, joyful self-renewal experiences to?help you gain clarity and remember who you really are.?Packages start at just $635. Details coming soon.
- Check out my books and self-paced online retreats?~ Check out our award-winning life balance audio classes and books–available 24/7 to enjoy from the comfort of your home, car, or bathtub! Starting at $49.?Learn more.
- Wild Souls Nature Adventures?(based in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC): authentic movement classes, community song circles, full moon hikes, meditation workshops, women’s circles & more.?New offerings listed each week; have me design a custom experience for your team/friends.?Join us Sunday, April 23rd for Wild Souls Authentic Movement near Asheville, NC.?Learn more.?
