Over the course of the last year I have gotten to know a certain space rather intimately. This space is hard to navigate, with its many places to get lost, dark corridors and endless rooms filled with closets, the contents of which could put the Kardashians to shame. I used to avoid this place for fear of uncovering its secrets. It seemed daunting and overwhelming so I acknowledged it's existence every now and again but with out fail, after contemplating entering through it's weathered doors, I would shake my head of the delirious thought and go on my merry way.
This place, of course, is my mind.
It is so fascinating to me how 'disconnected' many people are. I'm not talk about your crazy Uncle Ed who lives in a trailer hooked up to a generator, 'off the grid' style, with a shot gun and his dog Bow. I am also not talking about the pop/punk sensation 5 Seconds of Summers hit song (though I do love it... I am, admittedly, bias though). I'm talking about how people exist in this world not understanding the complexity of themselves and not wanting to. What is crazy is that I used to BE one of those people. I was fine or so I thought.
Over the course of the last year my soul, mind, body, spirit, has undergone an overhaul (allow me to rephrase that... is undergoing an overhaul). I have realized just how connected we are as human beings one to another, but also unto ourselves; mind, body, soul, three in one, the holy trinity of humanity. If one thing is 'off' the whole house of cards will collapse.
The health of your body affects the health of your mind, the health of your mind affects the health of your soul, and so on. There is a flow, a rhythm. This is not a new idea. Eastern beliefs have connected with this truth for centuries, I am just a little late to the game. Better late than never I suppose.
This is why the breath in yoga or meditation is so powerful- you are connecting your body and your mind. Pranayama, the fourth of the eight 'limbs' of yoga, literally means "to extend the vital life force". Patanjali describes using breath to reach a state of 'yoga' as a state of attention where you experience clearer perception and a greater connection with your true Self ' BOOM (I am only just learning about this, yoga is a state of being not just down dogging it on the mat). Who else has scalp tingles right now!?
Do me a solid, look up from your screen (I promise I'll still be here when you get back), take a deep breath, look around you, listen, feel the sun on your skin, listen to the music playing in the background or chatter at the table next to you (I'm in a coffee shop, this is my moment, you will have yours). What do you see? What do you hear? What do you FEEL? That last thing, the idea of feelings, is so layered these days. There are surface feeling we are aware of- jealousy, envy, hurt, anger, happiness... but what about the feelings that remain deep in the caverns of your being? The things hidden in the closets of your mind. Listen. What are truths within you?
You are a whole being and today do yourself a favor and honor the sacredness of our humanity. Choose yourself, not in a narcissistic, self indulgent kind of way, but in a positive 'I give myself grace, cut myself some slack, give myself permission to...' kind of way.
Today I give myself permission to let go. I struggle with that. I like to control things and letting go does not come naturally to me. Today I give myself permission to acknowledge my worthiness of love, of grace, and contentment, things which I tend to feel are meant for everyone but me. The truth of who I AM is deep rooted in the very cells which all lean on each other to form the fibers of my being. They are always there, humming and today I will do my best to listen to their song (it strangely sounds like a song off Lemonade).
I know, I've been rubbish about posting and here I am coming at you with two heavy hitters in a row, but I gotta say I'm not mad about it, it feels good guys.
Have a beautiful weekend.
Such love
*I took the photo at the top at a beautiful waterfall in Dominical, Costa Rica. This waterfall is Drews 'Zen' place, the peaceful place in his mind... and I love that.
