Sometimes in the sleepless nights seeds are planted. These days sleep is definitely a rare commodity, however I’m finding if I can stop tossing and turning and resisting the consistent wake ups, I notice ideas start to flow in, priorities become obvious and greater clarity around where there needs to be space in my own life is put on centre stage in the meandering of my thoughts.
It’s really easy to hold off on all the uncomfortable things and to keep spinning our wheels, during those windows of our lives we often hold the shields a little closer to our bodies. There comes a point when it’s imperative to create some space between your body and the protection so you can breathe and truly discover who you even are and what you need – independent of everyone else’s ideas. I love the image of a bed of moss surrounding my own body, moving with my breath – rather than preventing it, and being permeable to a healthy flow of what is needed both within and without.
As I write this, the birds are just waking up and the early hours of dawn are approaching. I feel sleepy, but alive and grateful for the magic of our natural world as I gaze out my window. I am a part of it all, and I realize that a little bit more every day. The treasures we find outside in our natural world are also found within, but again we need the space to discover, and remember, what those are.
I just finished reading the book Big Magic (Thank you Sarah and Nicki), by Elizabeth Gilbert. There is a quote that really resonated with me, and I’ve posted it up in my office as a daily reminder.
“…because your life is short and rare and amazing and miraculous, and you want to do really interesting things and make really interesting things while you’re still here…….
It’s what we all want.
And you have treasures hidden within you – extraordinary treasures – and so do I, and so does everyone around us. And bringing those treasures to light takes work and faith and focus and courage and hours of devotion, and the clock is ticking, and the world is spinning, and we simply do not have time anymore to think so small”
Ahhhh I get goosebumps when I read this. And those treasures – they may be the simplest offerings; your nourishing and simple vegetable garden, your rose bush, or your incredible cookies that you bake, the way you listen, or the one poem that needed to be written in your lifetime, the care of your children (human and nonhuman), or perhaps the strumming of your guitar played quietly for your soul and your soul alone. The simple treasures are often the most miraculous, remember that.
Elizabeth’s words remind me to stay connected with the moss, making space for my personal practice, reminding me of the magic inside of me – and you. It reminds me to listen with all that I am when the birds sing, to breathe fully and completely with every cycle of breath, and to open my eyes with the wonder of a child as the daffodils emerge from their winter slumber – before they fade away.
As my mom fades away, I am reminded of my brief visit here on this earth – in this body, with these unique gifts, for this cycle of my life. It’s my choice how I show up, and the space I let myself inhabit.
I ask you to find some space to breathe between the shields life hands you, maybe imagine them as a bed of moss wrapping you in love, and offering you protection in a way that doesn’t force you to stop breathing – but rather to start being.
Taking time to honour the earth as we celebrate Earth Day tomorrow , giving gratitude for the trees who support us to breathe. David Attenborough reminds us the Earth will continue long after we’re gone, so let’s recommit to our care and stewardship of our home while we’re here, as we discover our magic during our time here.
Much love. always
Amber
If you’d like to practice with me I teach weekly live online zoom classes , and as an additional support for you to practice on your own schedule I’ve created a video library and a monthly video subscription
Don’t ever hesitate to reach out, my support is here holding you in my heart.
