redwood wisdom: steady adaptability

My work is loving the world.
Here the sunflowers, there the hummingbird – 
equal seekers of sweetness.
Here the quickening yeast; there the blue plums.
Here the clam deep in the speckled sand.

Are my boots old? Is my coat torn?
Am I no longer young and still not half-perfect? Let me
keep my mind on what matters,
which is my work,

which is mostly standing still and learning to be astonished.
The phoebe, the delphinium.
The sheep in the pasture, and the pasture.
Which is mostly rejoicing, since all ingredients are here,

Which is gratitude, to be given a mind and a heart
and these body-clothes,
a mouth with which to give shouts of joy
to the moth and the wren, to the sleepy dug-up clam,
telling them all, over and over, how it is
that we live forever.

Mary Oliver, “The Messenger”

As I am always looking to learn from nature, I humbly asked the wise ones in California if they had any wisdom they could share with Sasha the seeker.

They answered:

• Resiliency. Remember your natural capacity to bounce back. Breathing, movement, nourishing food, and the things and people that bring you joy will support your body and mind’s innate strength.
• Steadiness. Soothe yourself with whatever practices help you to feel fueled and stable.
• Adaptability. Do what you need to remain as grounded as possible during transitions. Trust in your physical and mental ability to ebb and flow like the tide; to shift with and like the seasons.
• Weather the storms. Cultivate tools to move through anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty – keeping in mind that all storms pass and vary in intensity [without dismissing or bypassing your feelings].
• Observe. Get off the interwebs [after reading this] and get quiet. Listen and learn from nature / your own inner wisdom / others. Stay open to receiving whatever it is you are witnessing – whether there is a lesson to learn or simply just to be more present.

What is nature / life teaching you today?

Work with me one-on-one for personalized support and accountability on your unique wellbeing journey.

Read the newsletter for a favorite apéro inspo to enjoy during the tail-end of summer meals alfresco, upcoming Paris yoga workshops, discounts from like minded brands, and good vibes.

Take good care of your Selves and each other,

[Thank you California for taking care of me]

xo

S

Photo: Ian Nelson / Armstrong Woods, CA / August 2022.