Savoring The Endings
I’ve been remembering the good times of the past year, but also reflecting on the losses and the transitions that seem to be happening all around me. I feel like I’m riding a wave of change. I don’t particularly welcome change.
I’ve been remembering the good times of the past year, but also reflecting on the losses and the transitions that seem to be happening all around me. I feel like I’m riding a wave of change. I don’t particularly welcome change.
Looking for adventure? Willing to take a risk? Here’s the challenge: what’s one of the most common feelings you avoid or resist? Try this exploration of disappointment.
I showed up to this gathering feeling fantastic – and the last thing I wanted was to start feeling sad as the people around me were expressing their grief. No – no – no – I definitely didn’t want to go there. I started looking longingly at the door. Was there any way I could slip away – without being noticed – and just go on my merry way? No chance.
There’s a point in each yoga class when I say to my students, “What do you really want? Open your heart to it and imagine that you are receiving it now.” I have no idea what they want; although because it’s a class called “Yoga For Stress Reduction," I imagine they all want to feel peaceful and calm. So I offer that as a suggestion – priming the pump a little. But who knows? Maybe what they’re imagining receiving is a new car, or a promotion at work?
Here’s the super power that would really be helpful - no fear of feeling feelings. What if I had no fear to feel? What if I was able to accept and welcome all of my feelings? What if I had no fear of my emotions overwhelming me – taking residence and never leaving?
Thought catching is not for the feint hearted. I have to be willing to face all the thoughts I catch. It can be horrifying. It can be embarrassing.
Let’s play a game. It’ll be an experiment. For one day don’t do anything out of a sense of guilt. See what happens. If your life doesn’t fall apart with your unleashed freedom – try extending the experiment to a couple days.
I’ve never been a fan of doing a cleanse. It sounds good, right? Actually it sounds dreadful because it involves deprivation and I’m not big on that.
I’m imagining my body being in sync with this spring season, warming up and effortlessly melting away the excess that has accumulated over the winter months - letting go little by little – and then letting go some more.
The desire to fix, to help a friend with a problem – it’s a good thing - right? Well . . . sort of . . . sometimes. Actually it depends. What is truly helpful?