Welcome Mat

I just finished writing our February life balance newsletter on emotional health and cultivating the ability to not take things personally. (Sign up here if you’d like to receive it on Wednesday.)

And for me, a big piece of emotional health has been allowing myself to feel what I’m feeling—regardless of whether or not I like it.

My brother Kert, a qi gong teacher currently living in China (read his fascinating blog on his experience here) has been one of my biggest teachers around allowing--rather than resisting--uncomfortable feelings to come knocking.

And, more and more I’m realizing the ability to “be” with what I’m feeling--rather than run from, ignore, stuff, avoid or “positive-thought” these visitors away—is essential to growing into who I’m meant to be. And, it’s also an opportunity to harvest the gifts that come from living with the light and the dark … with polarity (read more).

So as I approach the anniversary of my sweet brother’s death in a couple weeks, a time when I often feel particularly fragile, I plan to embrace and sit quietly with any visitors that may come calling. Regardless of the gifts they may bring. The welcome mat is out. The kettle is on. I’m ready when you are.

THE GUEST HOUSE
This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

-- Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th Century Mystic Poet

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The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: Renee Peterson Trudeau. The skies and mountains of the Olympic Peninsula (WA state). Like the changing weather in the Pacific Northwest, our emotions come and go just as quickly. I recently read that a feeling, on average, only lasts 4-5 seconds.

Whirling Dervish

This morning I could feel that familiar fall sensation rushing through my body of “too much to do.”

Supporting my husband through his job search, helping my son with school activities and easing into 3rd grade, carving out time to connect to family members/friends, training/transitioning new and old staff members, launching new programs/events, supporting clients and our team, navigating technical challenges at work, crawling out of email overwhelm, meeting my physical/emotional needs and ... well, you know the story!

I had a bit of rare, quiet time to myself earlier today and as I came out of my morning meditation, I could not shake the image of the whirling dervishes (great video!) I had seen in Turkey years ago.

The whirling dervishes practice a form of moving meditation connected to the 13th century Sufi mystic and poet Rumi.

They go into a trance-like state where they experience a deep connection to the Divine while spinning feverishly in a rhythmic motion (and they never appear dizzy or lost).

When they dance, the right hand opens to the skies in prayer. The left hand, upon which their gaze rests, is turned towards the earth--their home, the place where they serve.

To me, the twirling dancers seem to inspire or ask, “How can you stay connected to your source/God—what really matters—and still be active, productive and engaged in the world?”

It reminded me that my doorway to experiencing this kind of balance is practicing self-care.

When I attune and respond to my deepest needs and desires—taking time for dance or movement, building in a daily 20 minute meditation, wisely choosing who I spend time with, ensuring I create space for time alone/with my partner/with my family, saying “no” to “shoulds,” taking time to let nature heal me--- my connection to that inner wisdom is stronger, more intact.

And, I’m able to move through my day and week—at whatever speed I choose—without losing my balance.

At least not as often. And, I’ll take that any day.

JOIN A GROUP, ATTEND A RETREAT/WORKSHOP OR DIALOGUE WITH ME: Would you like to learn more about the power of self-care and receive support from like-minded women? Start or join a Personal Renewal Group, visit our calendar to learn more about upcoming events including our November Self-Renewal Retreat and our FREE October 14th Live Inside Out teleclass on Being More Present and Remembering What Matters.

Also, check out our Live Inside Out community and read how people are living more intentionally.

The Journey, a blog about coach/author/entrepreneur Renee Trudeau’s personal journey to life balance and living life from the inside out, comes out weekly.

Photo: by Reza--a dancer at The Dervish school of Mowlana.