So often in life we hear people say, "I need to get it together" This is a term that can be used when we are feeling an array of uncomfortable emotions. This is a term that is used when our life feels messy, or when our house feels messy, or when we feel messy.
There is nothing to, "get together". We are all imperfect. This is the only way that we get to show up. We show up imperfectly every day.
Our level of comfort with showing up may change for different reasons. It can be hard to show up when we are feeling vulnerable. It can be hard to show up when we are worried about someone we care about. It can be hard to show up when we are feeling uncomfortable emotions.
It is natural and human to want to keep our self and others out of pain. It is natural and human to want to be accepted, and feel a sense of belonging and comfort.
Some of the time we need to move forward comfortable or not. Anyone who has gone through their own recovery knows this. Showing up cannot be minimized. It is often the single most effective tool for change.
Each time we show up we get life practice. Each time we show up we get stronger. Each time we show up we increase our opportunity for support. Each time we show up we begin to feel brave and courageous
Allow yourself the opportunity to feel brave and courageous! Allow others in your life to feel this as well. We can only feel brave in the face of fear. Let fear have a space in your life without judgment.
Practice:
Find a quiet space to be. You can sit, stand or walk.
Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly and deeply through your nose, and exhaling through your mouth. Allow your breath to become slow and steady, and let yourself relax into the present moment.
As you continue to breathe, bring your attention to any areas of tension or discomfort in your body. Scan your body slowly from head to toe, noticing any areas of tightness or holding. Breathe into those areas, allowing them to soften and release.
Now bring your attention to your thoughts and emotions. Notice any feelings of fear or anxiety that may be present. Allow them to be there, without judging or resisting them. Just observe them with a sense of curiosity and compassion. Notice where in your body you feel the fear - it may be in your chest, stomach, or throat.
Imagine the fear leaving your body. As you inhale, imagine that the sky, stars, clouds or wind is drawing the fear out of your body. As you exhale, imagine that you are releasing the fear into the peaceful earth underneath your feet, to be recycled as fertilizer for new growth, new beginnings.
Repeat this process for a few minutes, allowing yourself to release more and more fear with each breath.
When you are ready, slowly open your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
This blog inspired by a quote from Veronica in Anne Lamott's
book, Plan B
"God doesn't want or expect you to get it together before you come along, because you can't get it together until you come along."
A few pages later she also says, "You take action and the insight follows"
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