Are you on “the list?” You know, the items that you check off, or hope to, throughout your day? This list makes up your life…you want to make sure you are on it. Optimally, at the top!
As an energetically sensitive being, personally, I can only take in so much external stimulation at once. Otherwise, my nervous system gets overloaded, and my circuits blow. It’s not pretty. I have learned (learning) to pace myself between doing and being, on-the-go and off-the-clock. I am also a wife, daughter, and mom of a 12-year old son, so I get LOTS of opportunities to practice pacing!
When I’m stressed, and even when I’m not, Nature is one of my go-to’s to find sanctuary and feel solace. It’s Q-U-I-E-T. The external environment reflects my inner nature. Allows me to breathe in and out, to put an ebb in my flow. Also to remember that I am made up of the same stuff as the trees, the sky, the sun. If my position on the list drops, or fallen off altogether, this time-out strengthens my ability to tune in and be able to hear myself think, feel, and be.
PUT THIS IN YOUR TOOLBOX
When I engage with Nature this way, as well as other body-centered tools in my toolbox, I get to practice a powerful tool that allows me to re-establish my place on the list, and be in two places at once! It is called: Dual Awareness – being present to what is occurring internally and externally at the same time. I acknowledge, without judgment, what I am experiencing – the good, the bad, the beautiful, the icky. Whatever it is, is. Then, I can discern more easily what I need to feel good, or even better, and get back on the list. All the while, the external is still doing its thing, the planet is still spinning, and no blaming, shaming, or should-ing is required.
This practice strengthens the ability to hold space for both/and, instead of either/or. For example, I can feel my impatience when my son not listening (again) because he was distracted by technology. AND I will always love him to the moon and back AND I need a break.
To strengthen dual awareness, you must place equal, if not more, attention on your inner world, so you can more easily be with the outer world.
Inner World = (or >) Outer World
It’s not always easy to tune in, I know. This is why Nature as well as other supportive environments are essential. A really good friend, trusted advisor, or sacred community is vital. They provide a bigger container that allows stress and struggle to dissipate. It also permits your inner wisdom to be heard and tended.
Amidst the loud, overwhelming, and relentless world, you have a choice to re-establish a connection to your inner world. Choose often. Sometimes you overthink things and life doesn’t need to be that difficult. Stop overthinking.
Feel free to let me know what helps you to strengthen the voice of your inner world – as well as if you are stuck or don’t know where to start.
You got this!
Lisa Medley, MA, CMT believes as we create more love in the body, we create more love in the world. She serves as an Embodiment Mentor and has over 20 years’ experience in the healing arts including a MA in Expressive Therapy, life and wellness coaching, therapeutic massage and bodywork, somatics, energy medicine, and conscious movement & dance. Lisa is energetically sensitive that blesses her with a strong divine connection and challenges her to stay centered in an overwhelming world. She has discovered that honoring body wisdom is the key to sustaining wellbeing and soul evolution with more ease and grace. Learn more http://www.soulisticarts.com