If you’re anything like me, you probably grew up with a pretty good dose of just that philosophy. You know… the way we’ve always done it must be the right way because that’s what our elders taught us and they couldn’t have been wrong! Besides, we’re still here!
And it starts long before we have the neurological development to think abstractly, which makes it even more powerful.
Tempting as it is, though, it’s not enough. And, when we’re living that battle, it’s exhausting. Or, as one of my collection of wise teachers suggested yesterday, we wind up feeling like our buckets are too full… like our nervous systems are under siege.
I can relate! And, I went way out on a limb and decided to experiment with a different strategy!!!
As I’m writing this, it’s late afternoon. I’ve written other things, today. I’ve made an illustration – this one in charcoal pencil – for my upcoming tweens and teens book.
I’ve made some progress on the Feng Shui list, including arranging the shelf next to my magic chair so I can reach things more comfortably.
I spent some time in an online meditation experience with my Compassion annointing oil and another wise friend.
And, I spent some time communing with the painting, above, who has just told me her actual name… Our Lady of Fiercely Compassionate Abundance!
Now, here’s the surprising part…
I made a promise. Fifteen minutes of MS NOW with my first cuppa this morning. Then, off! You see, of all the things on my overflowing list for this day, that’s the one I most needed to set aside. I’m guessing you might be able to relate.
Now, in the interest of full disclosure, I looped the Legendary Husband in on the plan and he graciously agreed to let me know if there was anything actually earth shattering going on. Not the incoherent hissy fit kind of stuff… which I truly didn’t need. And you know what… it helped! In fact, it’s helping still!!! I’ll probably check in about 9pm tonight, just to see what the headlines are. Otherwise, my list. Including things intentionally chosen to help my nervous system feel safer!
In fact, I got a great new idea in that meeting with my wise friend. He asked if I’d tried having a conversation with my body about comfort and safety and such. It was a great question and it reminded me of one of my favorite Medicine Basket treasures!
Two handed journaling. Inquiry with my dominant hand. Breathing. Perhaps even sipping a bit more cacao while listening for a reply. Then, writing what appears with my non-dominant hand. It really is a perspective shift!
After I put another coat of paint on Gloria, the cat! Here’s where we are at the moment…
ps… love for you to leave me a comment, below, and let me know how it goes in your world. Or email me: suesvoice@gmail.com