It's that time of year again - cleaning and clearing up before winter. The fall season naturally calls on us to begin turning inward, selecting what we'd like to spend the next few winter months with. It's a great time to reflect what we no longer find beneficial and to also notice what might enhance our life experience if it were a bit closer. How can we clean out our closet so that we're not surrounded by overwhelm, clutter, or chaos? Cleansing now to release heaviness makes space for positivity and sets the winter months up to have a gentler and warmer quality. As well, how can we stay inspired in joy and keep the heart open and inviting to whatever surprises may arrive?
Externally we do this by preparing our home; sealing off air leaks, implementing energy conservation techniques, putting the garden to rest so it'll bloom vibrantly in the springtime. Internally, we look to do the same; consciously and confidently clearing out worries, fears, unskillful habits, attachments, even weight (both physical and emotional). If we've been stuck or feel stagnated in a situation (responsibilities that feel burdensome or unbalanced, a way of being in a relationship, a job that's not improving, lack of space or time for creativity and fun), this process can be challenging. Not knowing quite what to do, we may give up or squelch the inner voice that continues to call out and wants to be heard. We divert back to busyness to mask the uneasiness we may feel. Emotional detoxing now, however, will keep us healthy, strong, and grounded as the earth around us freezes.
As we go through the release process, it's important to first offer acceptance of the situation as it is. Too often we deny or reject what is true because we don't like it, it's uncomfortable, or we don't know what to do about it. When we have awareness of a situation as it is, or sometimes that it even exists, we are coming into the perfect position to do something about it. Acceptance doesn't mean agreement; it just means that we see how it is with eyes of awareness.
The next step is to slow down and get quiet. Creating space and time where we can soften enough to listen to that inner voice is key; 20 minutes a day as part of our self-care routine is fantastic. And when our inner guide tells us something, in its very simple and direct way, don't reject what is seen or heard. Trust the information that is received without analyzing it as right or wrong. Embrace the information as a gift of clarity - because it is - and let feelings be felt, whatever they are. What is discovered might not be as others would prefer, and it might even point to a big shift in how a situation is to be handled or viewed, but know that we are being shown what is in alignment with our inner harmony. In this way we can finally stop "shoulding" all over ourselves.
As we approach what's been discovered, offer gentleness and kindness. It's so wonderful to be in touch with changes that need to take place and will truly support our happiness, but care needs to be part of the change process. And if we choose to create no change, that's OK too for the decision to remain status quo is being made with conscious awareness. As we change a relationship with our world (internal to self, external with another), it can be done with love and understanding. We don't need to bring the harshness of the winter howl into the light of self-love. Keep the energy of positivity alive as you release what is too much and maintain focus on the heart's request for peace. Walk slowly if you must, but walk. Make a clear path for yourself amidst the scattered leaves.
I am sending light and abundance of energy to all of you during this important time. For whatever support you need in nurturing your inner peace, please reach out.
With many blessings for peaceful days,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Shanti@8limbsHolisticHealth.com
603.228.9007
Externally we do this by preparing our home; sealing off air leaks, implementing energy conservation techniques, putting the garden to rest so it'll bloom vibrantly in the springtime. Internally, we look to do the same; consciously and confidently clearing out worries, fears, unskillful habits, attachments, even weight (both physical and emotional). If we've been stuck or feel stagnated in a situation (responsibilities that feel burdensome or unbalanced, a way of being in a relationship, a job that's not improving, lack of space or time for creativity and fun), this process can be challenging. Not knowing quite what to do, we may give up or squelch the inner voice that continues to call out and wants to be heard. We divert back to busyness to mask the uneasiness we may feel. Emotional detoxing now, however, will keep us healthy, strong, and grounded as the earth around us freezes.
As we go through the release process, it's important to first offer acceptance of the situation as it is. Too often we deny or reject what is true because we don't like it, it's uncomfortable, or we don't know what to do about it. When we have awareness of a situation as it is, or sometimes that it even exists, we are coming into the perfect position to do something about it. Acceptance doesn't mean agreement; it just means that we see how it is with eyes of awareness.
The next step is to slow down and get quiet. Creating space and time where we can soften enough to listen to that inner voice is key; 20 minutes a day as part of our self-care routine is fantastic. And when our inner guide tells us something, in its very simple and direct way, don't reject what is seen or heard. Trust the information that is received without analyzing it as right or wrong. Embrace the information as a gift of clarity - because it is - and let feelings be felt, whatever they are. What is discovered might not be as others would prefer, and it might even point to a big shift in how a situation is to be handled or viewed, but know that we are being shown what is in alignment with our inner harmony. In this way we can finally stop "shoulding" all over ourselves.
As we approach what's been discovered, offer gentleness and kindness. It's so wonderful to be in touch with changes that need to take place and will truly support our happiness, but care needs to be part of the change process. And if we choose to create no change, that's OK too for the decision to remain status quo is being made with conscious awareness. As we change a relationship with our world (internal to self, external with another), it can be done with love and understanding. We don't need to bring the harshness of the winter howl into the light of self-love. Keep the energy of positivity alive as you release what is too much and maintain focus on the heart's request for peace. Walk slowly if you must, but walk. Make a clear path for yourself amidst the scattered leaves.
I am sending light and abundance of energy to all of you during this important time. For whatever support you need in nurturing your inner peace, please reach out.
With many blessings for peaceful days,
Shanti
Shanti Douglas
Mindfulness & Stress Management Coach
Shanti@8limbsHolisticHealth.com
603.228.9007
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