Be infinitesimal under that sky, a creature even the sailing hawk misses, a wraith
David Whyte
among the rocks where the mist parts slowly.
Recall the way mere mortals are overwhelmed by circumstance, how great reputations dissolve with infirmity and how you,
in particular, live a hairsbreadth from losing everyone you hold dear.
Then, look back down the path as if seeing your past and then south over the hazy blue coast as if present to a broad future.
Remember the way you are all possibilities you can see and how you live best as an appreciator of horizons,
whether you reach them or not.
Admit that once you have got up
from your chair and opened the door,
once you have walked out into the clean air toward that edge and taken the path up high beyond the ordinary, you have become
the privileged and the pilgrim, the one who will tell the story and the one, coming back from the mountain,
who helped to make it.
Especially due to my recent transition from Paris to Nice [surprise!], my re-defining of “wellness,” and the upcoming holiday season [my earth-conscious gift guide remains relevant], I have been thinking of balance lately as walking the fine line between compassionate discipline [instead of shame-centered discipline] and mindful, intentional fluidity [instead of bypassing via general unawareness / unthoughtful action].
For example:
- a gentle yet firm nudge in an intentional direction based on how you ultimately desire to feel and that which you desire to accomplish.
- an accepting, open heart to whatever arises – even if it’s not your perceived desired outcome – knowing that you are not a failure and you have ongoing opportunities to try again.
- ferocious screams and calm breaths – both of which I find are quite therapeutic.
- feeling your feelings and knowing they will pass – bypassing and ruminating are both unproductive; acknowledging you’re having a tough time and recognizing there is calm on the other side of the storm are both part of the growth process and balancing act.
What supports you in remaining as balanced as possible amidst the ebb and flow of life [especially as we approach both the charm and chaos affiliated with the holiday season]?
Work with me one-on-one for personalized support and accountability on your unique wellbeing journey.
Read the newsletter for end-of-year coaching opportunities, Ayurvedic cooking insight, upcoming Costa Rica retreat and Paris workshop details, like-minded holiday discounts, and good vibes.
Take good care of your Selves and each other,
xo
S
Photo: Nice, France / November 2022.
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