3 Minute Retreat - Listening

Today this is me listening to the thought process and asking you to do the same.

Do you know how to really pause and listen?
Is your thought process crowded with life plans that don’t mirror your soul?

I saw this leaf on an early mountain walk with my dog this morning. It struck me as I walked by it, but I kept walking. It was cold and wet on the mountain; I was not really wanting to linger. But I couldn’t let the imagery go. I walked back over the bridge to the leaf and just stared at it for a good minute or more, then took this photo. I thought about bringing the leaf home, but that is how painful the imagery was for me that I couldn’t face it.

What do you see?
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I was first struck by the vibrant color. It has been raining and foggy for days. The leaves have been long gone for us as we anticipate snow in the coming months. Though, this leaf presented itself to me.

There is a hole. It is imperfect. Though, still beautiful.

I have been struggling for several months if not longer in the direction of my work. I believe strongly in listening. It presents the path to you. Listen to what is around you and it will call you to where you are meant to be.

I have been not listening. I have been running.

It is easier to not listen and run, isn’t it?
Are you like me in this moment?

I have always been honest in my life and work. I speak truthfully to no end in order bring life to others with the story I have walked through. I have been holding back.

I have been holding back because I felt like this leaf. I felt the hole was too big, too torn and worn out to bring life, healing and especially beauty. I felt scared to share the story that was in the place of the hole.

I am still scared.

But it is time to share the story. It is time to give voice to the hole and all it represents. It is time to no longer hide behind the pain but to embrace the pain to heal myself and others who are likely walking alone.

I will tell you right now, it is not going to be taken well by some people. It is going to be hard and difficult before it can release me, if that is even possible.
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I wish to be true to who I am. I wish to be true to the person I knew I could be when I walked away from that which was killing me one day long ago. I wish to honor what was once my mission before I let fear rule me.

I wish to be true to who I am.
I wish to be free.
 
Are you being true to who you are?
Are you free?
Are you listening?
 
(Coming soon a new talk, ‘Meeting God in the Sacred Body, a story of Survival.’ If you wish to understand more, watch this brilliant talk.)