“In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
Our current climate is heavy. These are strange and uncertain times.
Many of us are overwhelmed, finding it hard to adjust to this new ‘normal’. I, too, am feeling through these thought-provoking times, and learning the best ways to show up right now -- for myself and others.
I am not here to state my opinions of the events transpiring, except for I am 100% against racism and for humanity. I am here to declare my choice in doing whatever is necessary to show up as grounded, empowered, flexible and open as possible, and encourage others to do the same. From this loving foundation we are better prepared to engage with whatever comes our way.
No matter anyone’s opinions, we all deserve healing. Everyone is responding and reacting the best that they can, in their own unique ways, to these new challenges. I am not here to judge or fear. I’m here to listen. And to ask thoughtful questions.
What matters most to you? How can you show up for what you believe in?
An upheaval with a purpose, I believe we are being called to rise to the occasion, to show up for ourselves and others. What matters to me is purpose, integrity, love, growth, relationships (especially with myself), honoring my inner child, and being curious with no expectations.
Top priority for me is total health, which includes mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s kind of like hygiene, because cleaning is a great metaphor for how it's a never-ending maintenance job - though it does get easier as it becomes a habit. =) This can be simple; stick to the basics. Movement/exercise, eating well, proper sleep, journaling, nourishing social connection, and thought quality control* are all a part of my daily routine.
To show up for what matters most requires emotional resilience and capacity, building strength and openness in both heart and mind.
How can you both strengthen and open your heart? Your mind?
How can you be brave and in integrity with what matters most to you?
I believe all challenges are opportunities for growth and greater alignment.
““Challenge is what moves us closer to our potential. It allows us to thrive.””
For me, building resilience and capacity means facing what's hard and oftentimes scary, stretching myself and reaching uncomfortable depths. It also means discernment in where I put my attention and energy, rest and recovery, taking all the time and space I need without judgement.
My ability to hold space for all that is happening in the world, and the emotions it elicits in me, relies on staying steadfast in my strong foundation. One way I’ve been training, towards my potential, is through practices of self-inquiry. I've found it to helpful to get still, and ask myself some version of this whenever I need it:
What is the best way to honor my purpose, growth, and empowerment? What will help me feel relaxed, inspired, fluid, present, aligned, clear, creative, nourished and healthy?
With this practice, I intentionally create spaciousness. The answers can be harder to articulate, but it seems to always put me in the right mindset.
What helps you build your adaptability and resilience?
What priorities are necessary for you to show up as the person you want to be?
What’s important to prioritize first?
What supports you? Who supports you?
I hope these questions are helpful for you and that you can tailor them to fit your needs. Remember “...be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers.”
What you think, what you do and how you show up matters. Our interconnectedness is undeniable. Your individual health contributes to our collective health.
I help clients identify what it is they want to achieve most and hold them as the expert in creating the healthy life they desire. I trust my clients to know what's best for them and encourage them to honor their truths.
If you are called to learn more about coaching with me, and the collaborative healing I offer, let’s connect for a 30-minute complimentary discovery session. I hope to get the opportunity meet you and learn about what's important to you. <3
* Thought quality control is just what it sounds like. The criteria for quality is that it meets my standards for love, peace, and liberation. Asking myself “What qualities am I strengthening with these thoughts?”
** https://www.karynshanksmd.com/2019/03/16/become-resilient-through-challenge-neuroplasticity/ (Great Read!)
Image created by Lawrence Wong. Check out his work at https://ello.co/lowo .
