Trying To Take The World In
...and figuring out how to do it.
This morning I was sitting on the porch with my coffee just trying to take the world in.
By that, I mean, I was trying to smell the spring air, feel the warm breeze, notice how the buds have popped, and listen to that glorious cacophony of morning bird-song.
It was a valiant attempt. But a failed one.
Do you know what happened instead? My worries, and to-do’s, my desires and fears crept in and moved the present moment to the background. I wasn’t seeing what was right in front of me clearly.
It’s hard to stay present and see Reality for what it really is. This is what the masters of all the wisdom traditions have taught - being still and Knowing takes some training.
Now, more than ever, as we try to take the world in (and by this I mean, all the current global events), it’s imperative that we train ourselves to see more of Reality than quick soundbites, insta reels, and push notifications can offer. Life is far more nuanced and complex. Not everything can be simply sliced into right and wrong, the good guys and bad guys.
The resources that follow are ways to help us slow down so we can wake up to more of Reality (and learn how to love it well).
When we start seeing more clearly what’s going on inside us, we’ll be able to see more clearly what’s going on outside and around us. This is what wisdom looks like.
With you one moment at a time,
-Christa
“Spiritual Practice doesn’t make you perfect, it simply makes you present.”
Learning to listen to your soul’s invitation.
Life is fast - I know. Have you ever wondered what we’re all missing because our pace is quick and our mind’s a race? As I work with folks in coaching and spiritual direction, we take time to slow things down a bit and notice the deeper voice that often is inviting us to some place new.
Why not take a few moments and read this evocative poem that speaks about this very thing! Notice what images, ideas, emotions, and even body sensations emerge for you while you read it over a number of times.
The Journey by Mary Oliver
One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voice behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life that you could save.Go ahead and get this free printable of the poem.
Have you ever heard of IFS (Internal Family Systems)? It’s been a powerful tool for me in my most significant relationships. I’m working my way to become a certified practitioner from Laurier University because this tool has some powerful contributions to make in my coaching and spiritual direction practice. I’m loving the learning and I’ll share more in the fall when I’ve completed my studies. But, this is a powerful tool I want you to know about. Here are three resources to get familiar and start using yourself!
Podcast - a really great introduction and explanation
Book - a must “first- read”.
Video - use this short 7 minute guided practice
There are so many powerful resources out there right now. If you’re interested, simply listen to more podcasts with Richard Swartz, and check out the IFS Institute as well.
This week, I worked with 30 executive directors who are wanting to grow their personal leadership and become more skilful at leading their teams and creating a healthy and successful workplace. It’s no wonder they wanted to use the Enneagram!
Next week, I’m leading another group of leaders in much of the same. (PS - there’s still room to join!)
Here’s an image I’ll be showing them.
What comes to mind when you see this?
Whether you’re working in the office, or just working in your life, it’s important to know that so much of how we move in the world as adults is deeply informed by our childhood experiences and the patterns we created to keep us feeling safe.
There’s this saying in the therapeutic world - “what’s hysterical is historical”.
Last time we talked about triggers. Perhaps you can reflect on the times when you are activated by something and observe the little, fearful child inside you that comes out acting “hysterical”. When we can do this, we are much more likely to have self-compassion than self-criticism - and we can offer that to others too.
The Enneagram is a helpful tool to begin to look at our early patterns and see how they’ve helped us and are currently hindering us.
If you’re looking for a someone to accompany you in your own Enneagram journey, as an individual, a couple, a small group, or you’d like to bring me into your organization, you can learn more about some of the Enneagram support I offer here.
Coming Soon!
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