So, nothing has been going according to plan lately. I mean, the smallest things, plus big (to me) crises, and everything in between. Personally, romantically, professionally, financially. I react in all kinds of ways. Sometimes it truly is necessary to to be deeply angry or sad. Catharsis is so important. However, I also have to bring awareness to, and question, my emotional reactions. They're often unconscious and overwrought. I’m learning so much from this and I’m finding that when I simply shrug my shoulders when the unexpected happens, a bit of lightness enters my being. Spaciousness and grace. It’s hard to write about this without sounding trite and cliched. It’s also hard to overstate its urgent importance in these troubled times, when reaction and division seem to rule the political landscape, as well as our personal relationships and experiences. Here’s a recent example. I decide to try out a barre class for the first time at my yoga studio. However, when I show up, the class is already full so I’m unable to join in. First world problems, am I right? I experience a few moments of frustration. It had taken quite some energy to drag myself here in the first place. Then I experience a calm and loving feeling enter me as I accept the moment. I just. Accept it. And I realize: now I get to go for a walk! I walk outside and it is so freaking beautiful. Mid October, leaves changing, a dramatic sky. I luxuriate in joy and peace. In letting go, in accepting how little I am in control of, I experience a deep and gorgeous feeling of expansiveness. This simple walk through my neighbourhood is infused with wonder, awe, and contentment. I feel so grateful to be outside, on my own, able to enjoy this lovely evening. This was a nothing problem, a silly thing. However, much bigger issues have arisen recently in my life, as I've mentioned. At times I’ve screamed and I’ve cried. I've used a variety of swear words with creativity and great frequency. However, more and more, after each emotional outburst, I’ve discovered new and important ways to ground myself and perhaps even find a portal to something else, something surprising and gorgeous and wondrous. And sometimes I even find myself barely reacting at all... The universe is delivering me a set of lessons. I'm starting to wake up to this curriculum which, truly, is just what I need. Heeding the teachings isn't always easy, but it's so worth it. And I remain grateful. In this moment, where are you? What is happening? How can you practice just being here in total acceptance of the moment? This gracefulness is a part of something called Radical Acceptance. I’ll be writing more about this concept soon - stay tuned! Writer and teacher Eckhart Tolle asks: “What would you do if you surrendered to your life, just as it is, in this moment?"
0 Comments
|
BlogWe features books and other resources that we've found useful, we share personal experiences or strategies, and comment on research or spiritual teachings related to concepts of happiness, sustainability, or the arts. Archives
February 2019
Categories |