I have focused on health this month, as well as connection and self-care. Much of what I am “doing” is trying to “not do.” Sure, I’m taking too many e-courses and have been traveling, but largely I am trying to let go, to be still more often, and to be gentle with myself. I decided early this month to lead my body back to a healthy framework. I’ll spare you my aha moment from a dressing room at Banana Republic and simply share that we bought a treadmill and threw out all our candy that same day. When my body moves and feels good, my whole self feels better. After three weeks of eating better and exercising, I’m 9 pounds lighter.
I know that our ability to love others is directly related to our ability to love ourselves. I believe that love is the answer to so many questions. I am more able to give love and compassion to others these days, and more able to view myself with those same eyes. One huge challenge remains: learning to love the parts of myself that I wish were different. I’m sure we all face this. Acceptance can lead to love and that can lead toward either change or simply letting go.
“I am not a hero if I deny rest; I am only tired.” ~ Susan McHenry
I’ve started a list of self-care actions in case, in a moment of need, I need some ideas.
This month’s prompt was to make a vision board. There is a light within that I am tapping into. I don’t know how to picture it or how I would represent it on a vision board. I honestly don’t want to make another vision board because I made this one for my intentions for the year and that feels like enough. “Cherish” for me means tending to my physical body, but more than that, it means quieting my mind and being still. It means listening to my inner guidance. I could never look through a magazine and find images for that. (Well, maybe a photo of a box of tea or a woman looking out her window, but you get the idea.)
There is nothing physical that could bring me the feeling that I’m looking to sustain. I’m searching for meaning, wonder, and inner guidance. Mentioned in this month’s Project Light Year: “It is impossible to be genuinely compassionate towards others if you are not compassionate towards yourself.” And this is where “cherish” comes in. I’m not allowing any negativity into my thoughts at all. If something pops in there that sounds like a judgement, I turn it around actively. Violence in Kiev? I immediately send a donation and feel that at least I’m creating light where there is darkness. Someone testing my patience or sparking judgmental thoughts? Practice sending compassion until I feel it myself. Try it… it works!
I’d like to share with you what came forward for me when I listened to a guided meditation recently:
If you’re interested, you can read previous One Little Word posts here. On Wednesday, we’ll be joining in another Photo-Heart Connection and on Friday, we’ll be talking about spiritual parenting. Have a wonderful week, friends! Thanks, as always, for being here.
Leave a Reply