This past month has been somewhat of an emotional ocean. Fortunately, the seas have not been as wild as they may have been due to some great supports, that I am so grateful to have.
One reminder that I have found invaluable during this time. is to see and accept all aspects of myself and others, not just the ones I like, but also the ones I want to hide and push away. By seeing and accepting even those 'so called negative aspects or emotions and understanding they are coming up both externally in others and internally in me, to be healed, helps enormously. In the beautiful words of Kim McMillan When I loved myself enough…….. I learned to ask ‘who in me is feeling this way?’ when I feel anxious, angry, restless or sad. If I listen patiently, I discover who needs my love. I find it useful to say 'a part of me feels' .....................(jealous, sad or angry) both internally and externally. By honestly seeing and accepting all my feelings and remembering they are a call for love helps me to remember not to suppress them or express them in unhealthy ways. So with those words as my guiding light I did my best to write a non-eulogy to honour and respect all, including all our feelings. So here it is .................. 'Well as you may know I am under strict guidelines from Mum to say the Lord’s Prayer and one other thing that is not to be about her. So, I will do my best to follow those guidelines and respect her wishes while honouring us all, our feelings and our freedom to honour, accept and express them. I found an advertisement along with the instructions upon her death, it read ‘No fuss cremations – no funeral, no flowers, no mourners’. However, I want to feel free to mourn – to show sorrow for the death of Mum and I also want to feel free to accept all the other feelings that pop up as well. I want to honour and accept them all - the so called ‘good’ and the ‘bad’. As we all know Mum was a very pragmatic person and did not want today to be a funeral with fuss, flowers, or fanfare. However, she did want it to be about family – so here we all are sharing this occasion either in person or by reading this. Mum passed away peacefully on Saturday the 22nd of May – 15 months to the day after Dad. The care and love she received at the Alfred was wonderful and we are all extremely grateful to all the staff for all they did to make this difficult process as gentle as possible. We are also extremely grateful for the care and love she received from family – every one of us. I wanted my presence with her to be a comfort so I was careful of what I said as I did not want upset her. However, I did my best to privately honour and accept my whole backstory of memories and emotions. When I talked about her family, all of you, and her job in creating us all I did not get the eye roll (which I eventually got to see with some humour and affection.) Her life was meaningful because of her biggest achievement – her family – every one of you. She died knowing she had done her best to create our family – a job well done. She loved and loves us all and I am sure in her unique way was so proud of every one of us too. I am sure, like me, you loved her too and are so grateful for all she did and who she was. A part of me feels also relieved and happy she is now at peace. And yet another part of me feels a sense of freedom. Go Well with our love Mum I just want wanted to share another couple of things – a small quote by Kim McMillan and two quotes from Meggan Watterson. I know I have broken the ‘read one thing rule’ Mum but they are not about you, so I hope there is not too much eye rolling and stop the ‘bullshit’ going on. I have had a so many feelings and memories pop up – I have found much comfort and direction in these quotes over the past while. Kim McMillan When I loved myself enough…….. I learned to ask ‘who in me is feeling this way?’ when I feel anxious, angry, restless or sad. If I listen patiently, I discover who needs my love. Meggan Watterson When we can face what we think is dark or negative about us – I mean really embrace it and see it for what it is (a beautiful broken place that’s a call for love) then we can emerge more whole. We can see our own hot mess and not be sabotaged by it. We have nothing to hide. See and accept all that you are. Meggan Watterson The energy of a Mother’s love can travel to meet you anywhere – whether within the world or within your own heart. The message is that she is here. You are mothered. Ask for what you need. Assume the simplicity, the heart, and the humility of a child and ask for a sign that she is here. We will be met with more love than we could ever imagine. And love is always the greatest and most powerful energy of protection. Thank you to all my amazing Teachers for all their invaluable teachings - I would be lost at sea without you all. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you. And thank you all for your friendship, support and love. With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
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I tend to be a very independent person, and sometimes I forget that we are all interdependent. My independence has mostly served me well, however when I take it to extremes it has some downsides. My ‘I can do it myself’ attitude often denies others the opportunity to lend a hand. And also, at times leaves that burning smell of martyr lingering in the air. Being here at the hospital with my Mum, especially on Mother’s Day, is a great opportunity to repay her immense kindness.
My Mum is also an independent person and loves looking after herself in her small flat. I am appreciative that she is allowing me to give her a hand at this time. It reminds me how good it feels to be able to give help when it is needed. As the quote above says 'When you help other people you help yourself. It's impossible to not feel great when you do good for other people' Being in need and asking for help or allowing others to support us is very different from being needy, of demanding. Offering assistance involves being sensitive to the persons needs and wants and is not about barging in, fussing or taking control either. When my kids were little and wanting to be more independent, I tried to remember to ask ‘do you need me to help you?'........ to get those shoe laces tied or shoes on the right feet. Being aware of the need to be patient and to encourage their independence and not to undermine the learning opportunity in 'giving it a go' themselves is important. So, I am doing my best to be mindful to ask for help when I am in need and offering it with awareness and sensitivity. Remembering that, sometimes others are not in a position to help when a request is made, requires understanding and maybe the need to ask someone else for assistance. We don't know what they have going on in their lives, that is preventing them from being available? Compassion to all concerned including ourselves is important. With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
I have been reminded recently that when I focus on problems I seem to attract more problems! This is certainly been the case with negative thoughts and worry too.
When I can change my focus from problem (worry or negative thought) to focus on the possibilities, I have many more opportunities. This is an easy lens shift. All we need is to do is simply do what Matthew Groves suggests and 'replace the word 'problem' with the word 'opportunity' in all your thoughts.' And I would like to add, in your words as well. This trip I have the opportunity to explore (remember - with curiosity!) and learn about Hindmarsh Shire council practices, rules, zoning permits and accessibility issues, and a lack of housing and land for sale! I have also had the opportunity to meet lots of lovely locals, enjoy the beautiful bush and share this beautiful place with friends! My wise inner guide and my truly human self, together, have been focusing on remaining curious about possibilities and subsequent opportunities. Remaining curious and open are key! Opportunities abound if we can just shift the lens from 'problem' to 'possibility'. I am reminded of Lama Marut's famous slogan 'never let a good disaster go to waste'. There is an opportunity for learning and growth in every so called problem or disaster. It is up to us to change the lens to find the cloud's silver lining. A little thought that has helped me do this to 'let go of the word 'problem' and instead embrace the words 'possibility' and 'opportunity'! With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
I have continued to be reminded of the impact we can have on others through the smallest of kind acts! And big ones too, like our Dimboola experience! I know how good it feels to be on the receiving end of a smile, offer of help, an encouraging word, a compliment or a kind act, no matter how big or small! And how good it feels to offer this to others too! This is the energy I want to be around and also the energy I want to share with others!
My wise inner guide and I (my truly wise guide and my truly human self, together) have been focusing on more KINDNESS, POSITIVITY and being aware of being more compassionate toward both others. As I mentioned last blog sometimes, sadly others are not in a position to be kind or positive. While it is important to be compassionate and understanding toward them it may also be necessary to place a compassionate boundary in place to protect both you and them from harmful, negative energy. This quote from Maya Angelou reminds me we that we are all doing the best with what we know at the time, but does not let us off the hook in taking responsibility for a future better best. She says 'Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.' So, sometimes strong kindness and compassion are needed. Sometimes, when someone is being hurtful, negative or unkind the kindest thing we can do is to put a boundary in place. This can be an act of kindness for both them and yourself. I am getting better at checking in with my wise self internal guide for what to do around setting kind boundaries to protect myself and others from negativity and harm. I mentioned one way to do this boundary setting last blog -
So some things I find useful to do when I have been in negative situations include setting a kind boundary in place, like above, removing myself and creating positive energy by......
With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
My wise inner guide and I (my truly wise guide and my truly human self, together) have been focusing on more KINDNESS and being aware of judgement!
I am continuing to practice checking in with my wise self or internal guide often to ask what simple or outrageous things I can do to create more of what my heart truly desires! - both for myself and others. So going into the heart and asking those questions again and again! 1. What do I TRULY want to create? Peace, simplicity, freedom, joy, love and KINDNESS (my top pick this fortnight) 2. What simple or outrageous thing can I do today (or in this or any moment) to create and express KINDNESS. Sadly I continue to experience the tricky person in my life behaving in hurtful and angry ways. Rather than being a victim of such behaviour I am finding it helpful to remember.......
With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
I am continuing to enjoy CREATING more peace, fun, simplicity and love in my life. Recently I had the joy in sharing the February birthday celebrations at the Womens' Development Shelter in Sri Lanka via a video call! Tenzin Lekdron in Bendigo, Tikiri and the women in Sri Lanka and myself and Ian by the side of the road en route to Dimboola! You can see the girls together with their January and February Birthday cakes above (it is the same recipe my friend Vicky gave me over 30 years ago now - it is her Aunt Roz's recipe!) Tenzin Lekdron and I started this tradition at the shelter a few years ago now! Roz's chocolate cake is made by the 'birthday club cooks' and all that month's birthdays are celebrated. And this year I was so happy to be a part of the celebrations. I did not expect my phone to work as were between towns in the Wimmera, but magically it all worked. It was so wonderful to connect with these amazing women. My husband was keen to show them the Australian bush and a kangaroo. When we could not find one, he did an excellent impersonation, much to everyone's amusement. The girls asked me to express my thanks to you all for your wonderful support of their education, training and counselling. If you need any pressies remember our POM products shop here on the website. Please email us if you would like to order some and we will put them in the post. Apologies for a non-functioning POM email address of late and for not responding to emails sent here. It is working now :) Let's continue to CREATE peace, love and joy in the world! Take care of yourselves and others. Much thanks and love to you all Maree and Sue xx Creatively Expressing LOVE
I am looking forward to more 'CREATING' fun, this fortnight. My wise inner guide and I (my indivisible truly wise and truly human selves) have been focusing on creating more JOY. We have had lots of fun in Dimboola kayaking, swimming, dancing the Nutbush at the pub, doing zoom yoga at the camp ground and taking a slow jog by the river! How outrageous! I feel so GRATEFUL for my wise internal guide, myself, my amazing life and all those in it, including those I don't even know who make it possible. Thank you all!
Taking this CREATING approach to life requires me to check in with my wise self or internal guide often to ask what simple or outrageous things I can do to create more of what my heart truly desires! - both for myself and others. So going into the heart and asking those questions again and again! In addition to creating JOY my focus this coming fortnight is on opening my heart and creatively expressing LOVE more freely. I have had the opportunity to do this with a tricky person in my life, who appears to me to be behaving in a hurtful and angry way! Fortunately I know I have a choice regarding how I respond to this tricky person. I can choose to to react from fear creating more anger and hurt or I can choose to respond from love and create compassion, empathy, joy and courage. I need to remember to accept and work kindly with my own feelings of sadness and anger too! When I can love and have compassion and empathy for both myself and my so called tricky person or enemy, they are no longer an enemy. As Lama Marut would say disappear your enemies by loving them. It is sometimes difficult to open our hearts to respond with love when someone is behaving in a destructive way. Often others are in such a difficult spot themselves that they cannot access their own love for themselves and others and hence behave in these harmful ways. I find it useful to remember what Thich Nhat Hanh says 'When another person makes you suffer, it is because he suffers deeply within himself, and his suffering is spilling over. He does not need punishment; he needs help'. And our compassion and love! So, I doing my best to love my tricky person. I am accepting the anger and sadness they are triggering in me and I am checking in with my wise self and doing simple and outrageous things to bring love and compassion to us both. So, checking in with our wise selves to ask those 2 helpful questions....... 1. What do I TRULY want to create? Peace, simplicity, freedom, joy and LOVE (my top pick this fortnight) 2. What simple or outrageous thing can I do today (or in this or any moment) to create and express LOVE? Another thing I find it helpful to remember is - to not taking their behaviour personally and not give myself a hard time or them either! And Instead tell myself 'I have done nothing wrong, and I am loved' (& they have not done anything wrong either - they are suffering and it is spilling over!). So often I make other's behaviour about me, when most often it has got nothing to do with me. I was reminded of this as I said 'good morning' to someone this morning and was met with an eye roll. Who knows what their behaviour is about? (maybe more suffering spilling over). Our quote last week reminds me to keep living, loving, being truthful and fair (and smiling and saying good morning) despite what is happening around me! Not every day is a good day Live anyway Not all you love will (or can) love you back Love anyway Not everyone will tell you the truth Be honest anyway Not all deals are fair Play fair anyway Anon It is a very powerful practice. Some simple and outrageous things I have been doing to LOVE ANYWAY include.......
Wishing you all much happiness, love and joy. Have fun creating what you truly desire With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx
As I said, I am continuing to focus on what I TRULY want to CREATE in my life rather than what I want to push away or resist.
I have fun continuing to question my wise inner guide what I TRULY want and have been focusing on creating more JOY this last fortnight. I was reminded of this 'creating what I want', rather than focusing on 'what I don't want' recently. I remembered that if you want to instruct young kids, especially in potentially dangerous situations, it is best to focus on what you want them to do rather than what you don't want them to do. Direct, short and clear instructions work best. Instructions like 'come here' rather than 'don't run away'! I leant that the same applies when teaching English language students. Instructions like 'pens down', 'look here' rather than 'sorry, would you please stop talking, it is time to finish up, etc. Too many words and way too confusing! And not creating what we want to best help the students learn. Thanks to this wise advice I had the opportunity to 'save someone's life' this week. A woman was crossing the road just in front of me. She was not looking where she was going and was about to step in the path of an oncoming car! One loud, clear STOP bought her safely to a halt. So, I have been taking this CREATING JOY approach to life. I have been checking in with my wise self or internal guide often to ask what simple or outrageous things I can do to create more JOY - both for myself and others. So those questions again and again! 1. What do I TRULY want to create? Peace, simplicity, freedom, love and JOY (my top pick this fortnight) 2. What simple or outrageous thing can I do today (or in this or any moment) to create JOY? It has been a fun practice. Some simple and outrageous things I have been having fun doing, especially now on my 'at home holiday' include........
Not ever day is a good day Live anyway Not all you love will (or can) love you back Love anyway Not everyone will tell you the truth Be honest anyway Not all deals are fair Play fair anyway Anon Wishing you all much happiness and joy. Have fun creating what you truly desire With love, appreciation and very best well wishes to us all Maree xx Please email me maree@pom-melbourne.com to order or to
- Wednesday 2-4pm
Last blog I mentioned I had been getting reminders regarding wise self-care from sloths! This may sound very strange but stay with me as I share my Sloth story. A couple of weeks ago I was doing some preparation for a class I teach fortnightly. I came across the timely ‘self-care, intuitive listening to your body’s needs’ material by Meggan Watterson. As you know I have been sharing this helpful practice in recent blogs.
Meggan was referencing Sloth as one of the so called ‘seven deadly sins in Christianity’. She said the ‘seven deadly sins’ can be more helpfully thought of as the ‘Seven Powers of the Ego’. She refers to them as the 'seven ingredients of what goes into being human, which reads like a food label for the ego'. Meggan’s more helpful spin on these 7 are ...........
Discernment is key, awareness of these habits allows us to practice tuning into the ultimate power of our wise soul, our 'best friend self' to ask my favourite simple question - what does my body and mind need in this moment? Also, in Buddhism there are what are called meditation obstacles, or things that can be hindrances to our ability to meditate! These include slothfulness! The others are desire, ill-will, restlessness and remorse and sceptical doubt. So Sloths abound! However, I think that maybe they have been somewhat misrepresented and misunderstood. Ironically, I had many reminders of this coming up. I thought the references to Sloths was very interesting and wanted to learn more about them. Amazingly the next day I was on my way to the Post Office to post ‘covid care’ packages to my kids. A couple of years ago my friend Wendy had given a lovely little wise book by Sarah Ford entitled ‘Be a Llama and Stay a Little Calmer’. It had lots of funny illustrations and wise advice for me. There were other books in the series including, 'Be a Unicorn and live life on the bright side". I had been enjoying getting these from our local bookshop and sending them to others, including my kids. I was one book short, so on my way to the Post Office and I rang Jeffery's Booksvto get a copy of the Llama book. Beth informed me they were out of stock and only had one Sarah Ford book entitled ‘Be a Sloth and when in doubt just chill Out’! No kidding I was so amazed, I had no idea that there was a Sloth book in the series. Clearly, I needed to read it. Then another crazy thing happened. While waiting in the Post Office cue staring at me was an A4 notebook with a picture of a sloth with the title ‘Sloth Lover’s Club'. How funny! Again, clearly, I must have something to learn from Sloths! I purchased the notebook and have been enjoying using it ever since! I have learnt so much from Sarah Ford’s series of books. In particular I think the Sloth book and the ‘Be a Llama and Stay a little Calmer’ book were both written for me. The final Sloth reminder in this saga came in the form of "Sloth Yoga Calendar I was gifted from my friend Lorraine. So some things I have learnt and am doing my best to practice from Sarah Ford's little "Be a Sloth and when in doubt, just chill out' book and my other sloth sources are to ........ The final Sloth reminder in this saga came in the form of an hilarious and wise 'Sloth Yoga Calendar' I was gifted from my friend Lorraine. So some things I have learnt and am doing my best to practice from Sarah Ford's little "Be a Sloth and when in doubt, just chill out' boo'k and my other sloth sources are to ........ To Slow down, calm down, don't worry and don't hurry 1. Best foot forward....Slow, Sure and Fearless. 2. Listen to others then make up your own mind 3. Things will aways seem better in the morning after a sleep 4. Don't let anything go to waste - Reduce, Recycle, Repair. 5. Be kind to the environment and equally, be kind to yourself and others too. 5. Take life at your own pace - Live life in the slow lane The Covid Mottos I have been saying to myself include......... 'No Rushing' (thanks for the reminder Neil) 'You have plenty of time' 'One thing at a time' (thanks Kate P). I am doing my best to remember not to attempt to fit in lots of events into one day. When I forget to do this I find myself rushing around and not able to be fully present for any of them! 6. No more busyness or striving Instead be plentiful with activity that is joyful and kind. (thanks for the reminder Monique) And remember to take a well eared REST AND RELAX to maintain your joyful activity! In the words of Sarah Ford 'Sloth believes in enjoying the now and embracing whatever the future brings (after a little nap) 7. Be true to yourself! As my favourite quote from Sarah Ford says 'Sloth is always true to himself. He doesn't do exercise (because that is not what his body needs) but he does look after himself - he eats well, sleeps well and is tune with his mind and his body(tunes in an listens to his wise best friend self for what he needs in any moment) in all its hairy entirety. Work with kindness and curiosity around helpful self-care habits using …….. My favourite ABC practice to tune into the body’s or mind's needs in any moment
If you can do something about a situation - do it and don't worry And if you can't do anything about it - don't do anything and don't worry!
I have continued to explore tuning into and listening to the integrative wisdom and truth the body has to share regarding the body's needs in any moment. This blog I wanted, to share a couple of times I forgot to tune in and instead let my ego lead the way. And how my intuitive body kindly taught me a necessary truth, just like a 'best friend' would.
I forgot to use my favourite ABC practice to tune into the body’s needs
My Blood Bank Lesson I had a near fainting experience at the Blood Bank on Cup Day. Ironically it was when I was making an appointment for my next donation! Interestingly, it was a timely lesson about ignoring the ultimate wisdom of the body. I woke up that morning feeling a little light headed, but I forgot to tune into what my body needed and decided to ignore it and go to the blood bank anyway. I had a light breakfast and probably not enough to drink (more not tuning in) Thankfully I did decide to drive, rather than ride my bike!. I arrived at the blood bank and just scraped in for weight and haemoglobin - I was still not listening to my body and what it needed (to go home, have something to eat and to rest!). I again forgot to tune in, ignored my body's needs and donated blood. I sat down for a drink and something to eat after the donation got up to make my next appointment and felt very woozy! I must have looked a bit spaced out because within seconds blood bank staff rushed from everywhere! Eventually I was allowed to drive home where spent the rest of the day recovering and finally listening to my body's need for rest, food, liquid and iron. Ironically the next day my mum had asked me how I had spent Cup Day. I replied 'on the couch after giving blood early in the morning'. She wisely said 'When will you learn to listen to your body Maree?' A good question, that maybe could have been phrased a little more kindly. Again a great reminder to work with kindness and curiosity when we make so-called mistakes and forget to listen to our wise, best friend selves for real 'self care'! My falling over lesson I fell over on my plod around the block way back in March (not an uncommon experience for me!). I wanted to fit a quick plod in before teaching yoga and was rushing home for the class when I tripped up. I now understand I was not tuning into my body and its' need to 'slow down' and not rush. I was tempted to give myself a hard time, but instead decided to remain curious regarding the lesson. Some time later I discovered the fall resulted in a hamstring injury which has been a great reminder to me to listen to my body. To aid my recovery I have again needed to listen to my body and to my wise Physio friend Caroline to remain active and to strengthen in safe ways. I have slowed down my running (from a plod to a slow plod) and have been doing what my husband calls 'Cyril Rioli' (an Aussie Footballer with a hamstring injury) style running which involves small paces, core engagementd and pelvic tilt. (also very similar to the Cliff Young style). I am doing my best not to rush, generally (it is not what my body needs). And I have been especially aware not to rush to fit a fun in and to listen to my body to ask whether a run is what my body needs. And while running I continue to tune into my body's needs at any moment and make the necessary adjustments as I plod along. I am sharing this in yoga too and we practice tuning into our body and its needs it any moment and to let go of any striving. It is much more fun and my wise body constantly reminds me to let go, relax, slow down and smile! My current mantra to stop the rushing and striving 'Relax Maree you have plenty of time.' When I am able to explore my wants and needs with awareness and curiosity, I am able to be aware to tune into my body for what is needed rather than be bossed around by the tricky task master who is so often punitive and demanding with its wants. It takes practice to get used to tuning into and listening to that best friend who is always on our side. For me it is well worth the time and effort. It is an important way I can look after myself and practice true self-care in order to be more available to connect and care for others. As you know I love this quote from Sarah Ford's book ‘Be Like a Sloth and When In doubt, just chill out'. "Sloth is always true to himself. He doesn’t do exercise (because that is not what his body needs), but he does look after himself – he eats well, sleeps well and is tune with his mind and his body in all its hairy entirety.’ I will share more of my amazing sloth teachings next blog! Have fun being grateful and tuning into your body's needs in any moment and truly looking after yourself, to allow you to be available for others. Gratitude and discernment (what to give up and what to take up, in Buddhist lingo) are my two favourite and main practices these days. Of late, I have been on an interesting excursion with discernment regarding tuning into what my body and mind need in any moment. This discernment for me has been about learning to ‘take up’ - listening to my wise, intuitive ‘best friend’ self for what I need in any moment (the wise one my left shoulder) and what to ‘give-up’ – listening to the punitive, critical task master, (the one on my right shoulder).
As you know in the last couple of blogs I have been exploring this in terms of the body’s basic self-care needs for nutrition, balanced activity and rest. In yoga the energy centre related to our basic self-care needs is the base or Muladhara Chakra or energy centre. The idea is that by taking care of our basic needs for nutrition, balanced non-harmful activity and rest we have a firm base of support, a full tank or a grounded foundation so we can be of benefit to others and have plenty to share. I am not able to be of benefit to anyone if I am tired, malnourished, busy or stressed. So, with the help of some wise advice from ……….
My favourite ABC practice to tune into the body’s needs
So, in this blog I wanted to share some times this fortnight I have remembered to tune into my wise best friend. In our next blog I will tell you about some times I forgot and I learned that, when I don’t listen to my wise intuitive body sometimes it teaches me a necessary truth (just like a Best Friend would). It is important to remember to work with our habits, wants and needs with kindness and curiosity. Habits like ………
As I am learning explore my wants and needs with this awareness and curiosity, I am more able to be aware to tune into my body for what is needed rather than be bossed around by the tricky task master who is so often punitive and demanding with its wants. And, as we will explore next blog, if I ignore the body's wisdom it will teach me a necessary truth, just like a best friend would! As I am continuing to learn, it takes practice to get used to tune into and listen to that best friend who is always has our best interests at heart. So, no need to be punitive, or for blame, or to be judgmental or give ourselves a hard time when we forget. I am learning to listen to my kind encouraging best friend for guidance. Last blog I explored my morning coffee habit as an example of being aware of my, often unconscious coffee habit and tuning into my body and listening for what it needs, rather than being driven by the unconscious habit of the ego. This fortnight I have been using curiosity to play with my snacking habit. My snacking habit.
I returned back to work and was close to finished when I thought about having a cup of tea and a snack. I remembered there was a block of chocolate in the pantry. Again, I did my ABC and asked what my body needed. Yes, a cup of tea and a couple of pieces of chocolate was what was needed. A thought came to mind, ‘you could have more of that chocolate!’ Amazingly I remembered to ask again what my body needed – a break was the answer, so I took a 5 minute shavassana instead of eating the rest of the chocolate (which I could have easily done, and felt sick). This for me is about awareness and discernment, learning to tune into my wise intuitive 'best friend' to direct a healthy choice of what is needed and best for me. So, no need for ‘punitive task master or fake friend’. This discernment or what to ‘take up’ or what to ‘give up’ as healthy habits that promote balanced self-care in order to be available for others, is a work in progress and a practice I am playing with, with curiosity. And I make lots of so-called mistakes (aka learning opportunities). There are plenty of times I don’t listen to the intuitive needs of my body and go with the unhelpful choice. And that is ok too, as a learner mistakes are necessary learning opportunities. My best friend self is always kind, encouraging and truthful. More about forgetting and learning next blog! As I said last blog, for me it is well worth the time and effort to tune into my wise, intuitive best friend self in any moment. It is an important way I can look after myself in order to be more available to connect and care for others. I am feeling very grateful for everything in my life and having finished this blog (with no snacking). I am now off to have some fun in the garden. |
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