At the top of my heart is the value of paying attention. I want to honor my inner atmosphere by respecting my emotions, paying attention to how I feel, noticing my breath, the stance or slouch of my body, my shifting moods. I’m learning that I can create, dictate, and maintain a sense of emotional and physical balance… and trying (some days more successfully than others) to accept the cool, mild, temperate days that I cannot control. I’m learning to greet those unbalanced days with something softer than resistance, to see them as part of the whole being that I am. To honor my body temple with a bow of recognition, even if she’s aching, cranky, or covered in warts. To hold to the memory and feelings of the blissful state of being, and of who I am.
Not taking life, or myself too seriously. Learning to laugh through powerless moments. Letting go of the grip of loss, anger, and discomfort with an ahhh, fuck it… a relaxed, intentional shrug and soft smile. Allowing the wisdom of a little bitching, some tears, the counsel of friendship, and the dark tunnel of depression (deep rest) to help soothe, close, and heal the wounds of life’s tougher moments. Making space for expansion through the sacred release of letting go.
With continuous self-reflection, I recognize that I can change my footpath, my goals, my dreams, my mind any time I choose, so long as I’ve given a fair shake to each dream that whispers to me in my sleep, in my writing, or within the quiet voice of my body.
I check in with my heart and ask:
How am I doing?
Am I spending time with the loves of my soul…writing, reading, daydreaming?
Am I nurturing my dearest relationships?
Does my career still satisfy me?
Am I growing in alignment with my intentions?
And by the way… what are my intentions these days? What is the true north of my moral compass?
Am I challenging myself in healthy ways?
Am I communicating effectively?
Most importantly…am I listening and discerning from the heart?
Can I stand in the shoes and walk the mile of another, understand their view while still honoring my own evolving beliefs and limited understanding?
There’s a value, a grace in loving and respecting my ever-changing body as she gets older. Walking, moving through asana when I feel called. Long, oiled self-massage. Quiet moments of writing, a book in hand, soft music playing. These allow me to process and pay attention to the world around and within me.
I strive to care for my health, rest often, create often, laugh often. Stay close to my loved ones. Learning daily to be kindly honest with myself and with others…even when it’s uncomfortable.
I’m learning to recognize when I am the student and when I am the teacher. To understand that my spiritual quests, my wisdom, education, and lived experience carry the energy and force of the Universe behind them, through the whispered echos of my ancestors, and the unknown karma before me.
This lineage is potent. Infused with the alchemy of Tao and love, free will, change, destruction, patience, joy, presence, humor, intention, creation, and intelligence in all its forms.
Failing magnificently allows me to appreciate the delightful wins.
Sanctuary of Resistance – A Full Moon Offering from the Inward Path
Crocodile Pose, a Centering & Breath Awareness Exercise
Finding Peace in Effortless Effort
Keeping my sword in its sheath and showing up with a smile (inspired by a favorite Mel Robbins reminder)
Thru soulful eyes 