notes for my younger/current/future self
We do not have to improve ourselves. We just have to let go of what blocks our heart.
Jack Kornfield
Something I have been working on lately is aligning my actions with how I desire to feel. It is relatively easy to say that we want to practice something like self-love, but it is just as easy to fall into patterns of negative self-talk, feeling like we are not doing “enough,” pushing ourselves, punishing ourselves when we are not practicing self-love…
And so – for example – if I want to practice unconditional love toward my body, I will embrace it as best I can and not let my issues or unnecessary shame hold me back from living fully; I will check myself when I literally check myself out in the mirror and give thanks instead of judge; I will notice my patterns of perfectionism when they arise and say thanks for teaching me / blessings on your journey.
Although these are personal longtime patterns, feeling self-conscious of my figure has never stopped me from enjoying my body: wearing a swimsuit, revealing costume changes backstage at dance performances, being photographed in tight clothing [who knew this would be part of a teaching career?].
The ego is strong, but the heart is stronger.
And so I offer you a piece of my heart from my harMonica Design feature: advice I would give younger [and subsequently current/future] Self:
- Be good to yourself – you are doing an amazing job.
- Don’t try so hard to make everyone like you – you are kick-ass just as you are and have nothing to prove to anyone (and if someone doesn’t like you, send them more love – it has nothing to do with you and in the end it doesn’t matter).
- Everything and nothing matters.
- Don’t worry so much – it’s a waste of energy – enjoy life as much as possible.
- Just because someone isn’t paying attention to you doesn’t mean you’re not valued or seen or heard or loved – let it be and don’t try to fix it/anyone.
- Be honest with yourself/others and feel your feelings even if it’s uncomfortable – it will result in something so magical and lead you to what you ultimately want.
- Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional – shit happens and all we can do is learn how to roll with it as best we can.
- Give long hugs.
- Meditate starting now.
- Perfectionism is relative – YOU ARE ENOUGH.
- Laugh – being a human is ridiculous & challenging & magical and everything in between.
- Everything is fluid – learn how to ride the waves.
- Life is a mess but also delicious.
What tips would you share with your Self in order to align your actions with how you desire to feel?
Read the newsletter for breakfast focaccia inspo, a sweet routines + rituals feature on Taza Ayurveda, upcoming events like Mindful Morning Paris / Wanderlust Germany / Costa Rica 2020, good tunes and good vibes.
Photo by Grant Henry Media for harMonica Design, Brooklyn NY.
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