Winter Icicles, Shadows, and More
The Universe loves you enough to agree to your request to be here now. Gregge Tiffen (Fanned Fire and Forced Love Never Did Well – February, 2008)
Sadly, the world is not a gentle place. It seems more extreme, more violent, more ‘in your face’ than ever in my lifetime. The pace of change in the world’s systems and its rules seems to be at warp speed. We are a nation and a world divided by these rules, who they serve, who they seem to punish. We aren’t gentle with one another or even with ourselves.
And, in the ever abundant, loving, infinite Universe, this world offers us vast opportunities for learning and growth. I’ve been reflecting on that as I observe events triggered by political ‘leaders’ and how these events land in my experience.
I’ve come to the conclusion (duh!) that it is an important time for personal stability and clarity so that we aren’t caught up in the spin and we don’t become victims of what’s happening ‘out there’. Yes, we are IN this world. No, we are not OF it unless we allow ourselves to be entrapped in its energy. And, boy does the world want to entrap us as a means of control? Yes, I think so. I’m reminding myself of these things frequently, so (spoiler alert), it’s likely to be repeated often in these weekly musings.
This week, my path to that stability is practicing gentleness although, interestingly, I didn’t start with that as my intention. To the contrary, my plan for the week was to be a disciplined task master and ‘get things done’.
I discovered gentleness along the way, when something happened on the way to the ‘to do’ list: a question from my coach – “What are your priorities?” Rather than trying to ‘figure that out’, I sharpened my self-observation and noticed what my daily choices were telling me. I noticed that self-care, Luke-care, and my home environment are what matter most to me right now.
From that awareness, I allowed myself to experiment with different choices:
- longer, slower walks with Luke;
- taking more time to prepare and savor nourishing food;
- engaging in household tasks with joy and appreciation for my home;
- not rushing from one thing on the ‘to do’ list to the next
- and, more importantly, not feeling guilty about my slower pace;
- taking time to rest and read during the day;
- reading news sources rather than listening to them.
Yea Mom! We haven't been on this trail in a long time. Thanks!!!
That’s when I began to experience gentleness from within. Yes, business matters. Yes, political involvement matters. Heck, even the projects on the ‘to do’ list matter. And, their place is not at the front of the line. They will have their time there when it’s time. That time is not now.
Now is the time for stability, clarity and gentleness to counter what the world is dishing out. That is the foundation on which I can stand and a place where I can breathe easily with conviction and courage as the world’s craziness swirls just beyond.
This week I invite you to reflect, explore, experiment, and find your gentleness within. Bring it forth to stand confidently IN the world. Your gentleness matters, as do you!
A Sky Reminder of LOVE!