"Your identity is not equivalent to your biography. There is a place in you where you have never been wounded...where there is a seamlessness in you, and where there is a confidence and tranquility in you. The intention of prayer and spirituality and love is now and again to visit that inner kind of sanctuary." ~John O' Donohue
This is an incredibly powerful thought which is due great expansion. But, for today, I want you to simply pause in the one aspect that truly stands out....'there is a place where you have never been wounded.' Powerful words. Can you trust the depth of their meaning? We often cling to our story that was ingrained in us since birth. As we mature our identity is more often created by those around us, actions, and events that we may have walked through; our stories are then created about ourselves from the fallout. It is hard if not impossible to think that there resides a place within us that has never been wounded. What if we could go to that place when we are in pain; sit in the stillness, our inner sanctuary and begin again outside of our identity, our biography, and our story? Today, go sit in that place that has never been wounded, create a place of sanctuary for you where there is no pain, no wounds and no story other than love. Remember who you were before anyone else told you and come home to you.
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Honoring Space
“I am rooted, but I flow.” ~ Virginia Wolf Do you honor space? We hear these types of catch phrases quite a bit. I feel like people just keep scrolling with an ever-slight eye roll. But in truth, I trust, it got them thinking. Catch phrase or not they are the core for living a life fully. We need to stop often in our footsteps and ask these important questions. It is far too easy to get caught up in the hurriedness of the world amid every news cycle and the constant incessant barrage of social media infiltrations into our life. There is simply no silence anymore. This question, while simple at its core, will cause most to struggle in the answer. One wants to just quip back in an agreeable manner defensively, knowing that the last time they paused it nearly broke them. For many, the pause has a fear attached to the act, for in the silence comes the real feelings. It is where the real-life work sits that we avoid as much as we possibly can. The pause calls us out within. Pausing is hard. Reflecting is exhausting. And awareness is scary. My assumption is that 'space' means something quite different for each person. Then factor in 'honoring space' and that takes a whole new path which brings in trepidation. We are walking through life constantly looking at our reflection, questioning who we are. It is our inclination to be forever hard on ourselves for not being the best of ourselves. We are tired, our eyes show the weariness of the world that has made its mark on our journey thus far. We are always needing to remember to push through the weeds to the open field where so much of our inner core is trying to bloom. The pause will allow us to remember all the times that the weeds did not hold us back once before. When we look in the mirror and see the lines of a life well lived upon our face, we need to embrace those stories, those life-giving moments that made us who we are in the moment that we are standing. Those lines, those stories are countless successes walked when the path looked as if there would never be an end. It is asked of us to honor space to allow you to remember… You are a brave soul then and now. You need to celebrate and honor this space that holds you. You are a warrior then and now. You need to remember the battles won and be lifted up by that memory. You are a healer then and now. You need to remember the wounds that you once thought would take you from this life, instead lifted you up to help the person next to you with their wounds. You are a giver then and now. You need to acknowledge the moments when you felt you had nothing, yet you quietly gave freely to the person in need when your hands were empty. You gave your presence and listening ear. You are a lover then and now. You defined a love that matched your soul; you reminded yourself that you are capable of being loved, that love grows and begins with ourselves first. And in doing so, someone else learned how to love themselves because they watched you first. You were born a beautiful spirit and it has bloomed brighter each day that has passed. The pause wants you to remember to ease your aging worries. The flaws you think you see are the stories you lived that undoubtedly are gifts for the steps you have still to walk. The flaws you worry others will see are the empowering moments others are standing in aw looking at you. When you truly see, you are honoring space. You are strong. You are enough. When we live in the world, not just endure, or suffer through it, we are honoring space. When we create a Sanctuary for ourselves reminding us of the inevitable importance of safety, we are honoring space. When we are being love in our darkest of times, we are reminding those who are watching us that they too can be love in their darkest of times. Together you are honoring space. Today, pause at three separate times. Notice. Breathe. Honor. Sometimes, the greatest gifts and blessings are in that space that we push away. There is a gift waiting for you. Go sit with it. What does Aparigraaha mean?
Aparigraha, leads one away from harmful and injurious greed, refraining from harming others, and towards the spiritual state of good activity and understanding one's motives and origins. I love this word. I saw it recently on a friend's post and it struck me. To me it is a fancy way to say minimalist, less than or an act of letting go. I live my life by this definition, but at the same time I began to think of it not just in terms of material things. What if I let go of that which does not serve me? What if I could release all things that don't lift me up? It is not an easy feat, but it is possible. What is the affirmation for Aparigraha? Here is another take on this beautiful word in the form of an affirmation. I am so thankful for all that I am and all that I have. I commit fully to my true Soul purpose and embrace the abundance that unfolds as I step into my light. Today I give thanks for ... My life is so abundantly rich with the blessings of the Universe. In letting go one can choose to affirm all that is around them. Affirm. Not an easy task, but one that can lift us up with our own accord not relying on others, but rather ourselves. Let's go a step further in action mode. Every time you buy something new, let go of something old—give it away, or toss it out. By letting go of things from the past, you can live more fully in the present. Breathe. When we get stressed out, we tend to hold our breath. Then we go back to the emotion. Every time we think or say something negative, let's replace it with gratitude or something positive. Change the energy around you. Aparigraha offers us so much freedom – the freedom to work and do what we love without worrying about the outcome, the freedom to rely less on external and material possessions to bring us happiness, and the freedom to experience everything life has to offer, whatever that may be. Consider it for a moment today...be free. Do you honor space?
It is a simple question at its core, though most will struggle in the pause to answer. My assumption is that 'space' means something quite different for each person. Then factor in 'honoring space' and that takes a whole new path. I am going to keep it simple. Today, I challenge you to pause at three separate times within your day. Notice. Breathe. Honor. Sometimes, the greatest gifts and blessings are in that space that we push away. There is a gift waiting for you today. Go sit with it. If you know me well, you know I always have a pen and sticky notes in my bag. I started doing this 30 years ago. It is my most favorite activity to change someone's day. I have shared a bit here and there, so for today I am going to challenge YOU to go act Grab a post it, Write any affirmation on it. Post it somewhere in your day; grocery store, bank, school, anywhere you happen to be. Watch someone's day change for the better! I think my favorite is placing a 'You are beautiful' on a mirror in a store. Almost always someone is looking in a mirror for not the best reason. Change their mind! At the grocery, post it EAT THE CAKE in the dessert section for the person who was wavering all the reasons why she should NOT indulge. Remind her that her worth or beauty isn't defined by a dessert! Surprise someone today, and don't forget to take your own advice! Happy affirming! |
Next Women's Beach Retreat!Follow USOur YouTube ChannelAuthorAndrea creates, builds, and offers her teachings and hands on life tools based on her journey healing her body image after a 14yr battle and life of trauma. Her vision always is to help others live a full life with the journey they are given. Featured ProductCategories
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