A little reminder this Monday in the calm after the storm. These holiday seasons bring big highs and bigger lows. We need to remember more than ever to breathe, to care and to pause enough to listen to what our heart, soul and most importantly what our body needs. Walk it back out and remember yourself in this day. That could mean eating a balanced meal, taking a walk on the trail, and at its best resting for a nap. More than what is normally asked of us comes this time of year whether gathering in large groups with family or friends, to facing the aloneness that is real, sitting home reflecting on loss and grief; highs and lows. Today, no judgment wherever you are on this path. Just remember to pause and listen. Tomorrow is another day, then another, then another and we keep going. I see you.
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Seek.
"What you seek is seeking you." -Rumi What are you seeking? Do you take the moment in time to consider it? Life is so full and busy every day. We make excuses for not listening, for not stepping up to the unknown that calls us within our soul. If we acknowledge it, it somehow means we must go after it. And if we must go after it, it means taking a risk. If we pause to consider for a moment that it is not just about what we desire, but that something bigger than us is calling us to listen; life may just present us with something meant for us we didn't know about beforehand. Do you stop to ask yourself what your purpose in life is? Do you stop to ask yourself what makes you happy? Do you seek? Just for today in the simplest of ways, I am challenging you to pause; ask and answer the questions. Then listen to Rumi and seek. These words are thrown around a great deal, but they could never be as important this week as they are other days. Yesterday, I wrote about Sanctuary Within the same context, we need love often when we don't even realize it. This time of year, as we begin to come out of the darkness, it is even more necessary to create safe places where we can embrace and accept love. It is good to remember those who we can call and check in with for a brief time when it gets to be a little too much. We need to remember what small steps, activities, or tools we can access in a moment where we need a pause. This time of year, we need self-care, and foremost what will help us in the immediate moments when we can't do it alone. I see you.
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘Sanctuary?’
I think it is different for everyone. A safe place. A place to rest. A place of protection. They are wildlife sanctuaries, places of protection for animals near extinction. They are sacred places in the church, a place of reverence, respect and holiness. And then there is the Sanctuary within. These very different variations can come together in you. The life around us can be very difficult on most days. How do you treat yourself as a Sanctuary? You can become extinct, you need protection at times from that which doesn’t bring you peace. You are gift that needs a sacred space to rest within. We can create this Sanctuary for ourselves in our own private spaces. Finding ourselves in nature can be one’s greatest Sanctuary. I can get lost in the woods and embrace myself with a peace that I cannot find anywhere else. Other times when I can’t go anywhere, I create my Sanctuary in the safety of my home with candles, music and space that is only my own. Yes, we must live in our responsibilities whichever they may be. But we don’t need to let them own us to the point we forget about the care of self. We don’t need to allow them to break us down. We come before our responsibilities. If we don’t take the time to protect our peace, then we cannot be peace to others. Our Sanctuary allows us to pause in the comfort of who we are at our core; it reminds us we cannot begin each breath without first pausing in breath and rest. Where do you go to find yourself? Sometime sanctuary could be simply creating a space around you in protection of that which you cannot control. Wherever you are stop, close your eyes, and imagine a place of Sanctuary and regroup in any moment. You have to find what the meaning is for yourself. You must go deep within. I do know one thing for sure, we all need to create this place on our journey. It is about taking a step back to notice. It is about taking a step back to listen. It is about taking a step back to see. And then taking a breath so that we can keep walking forward. What will your Sanctuary look like today? Our stories make us who we are; good and bad. Some people have stories they don't want to remember, stories they don't want to consider how they helped mold them into who they are today. Some stories aren't pretty, some stories bring sadness, fear and endless emotions. I don't necessarily think that those stories should be forced into the present, but we need to allow room for them when they need to be remembered. Those stories carry character and wisdom that led us to the steps we walk today. So, remember to every so often voice the stories with respect for the lessons they taught you, the courage they gave you and the wisdom that is endless within their existence.
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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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