After a while you will learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and changing a soul
You will learn that love doesn’t mean leaning and company doesn’t mean security
And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts and presents aren’t promises
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of an adult, not the grief of a child
And you build all your roads on today, because tomorrows ground is uncertain for plans
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get to much
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers
And learn that you really can endure, that you really are strong
And you really do have worth
– Anonymous
This piece was given to me when I was 19, and leaving the house I grew up in, almost 30 years ago. I think I’m starting to finally understand.
Take a bit of time to simply sit with this piece, a little time for self reflection. Notice whatever arises.
The more we can practice self acceptance and understanding, the easier it is to breathe, and in time grow a little more fully into the person we’re here to be.
The world needs YOU, underneath all the layers life has thrown on you.
Thank you for sharing this little window with me
Much love
Amber
xo
If you’d like to practice together, I offer weekly live online zoom classes, and as an additional support for you to practice on your own schedule, but together, I’ve created a video library and a monthly video subscription
Wishing you wellness in body, mind and spirit on your own unique journey.
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.
