The year 2013 has a new rhythm to it; lighter, more flowy and heart-centered. Open. Inspiring. Transitional. It’s cracking the door open to fresh perspectives and ideas, while old ways of thinking and doing are slowly sneaking out the back door in the early morning light. And at times, if can feel a bit like working through a hangover.
I spent much of December last year taking time to let go of countless outdated ideas and ways of thinking that I realized were more like old comfy socks, but they had holes in them. And those holes were letting drafts creep in that easily turned my thoughts back to things that no longer felt good or supported me in moving forward in a creatively fulfilling way.
But just because I realized it, doesn’t mean it was simple to magically change things in a permanent way. That takes a willingness to change and release the idea of time as well as ALL expectations. Just because I FELT I should be in a different place, doesn’t mean I was going to be there right away. And what I realized most was that dealing with life the way I had been, wasn’t allowing me to move forward in ways I deeply desired. At the same time my desires were changing. It was all quite a bit brain-splody, to say the least.
So the only way I could show up was to be in the flow of each moment – to really get grounded and tune into myself and ask, “what do I need or want, right now?” That meant leaving behind any thoughts of what I might want next week or month and focus on being more than just OK with not knowing. The kickin’ and screamin’ was doing nothing but giving me heartburn and headaches anyway…
Creating a simple routine each day that included stretching, light exercise and regular fresh air breaks offered simple ways for me to physically feel more in the moment and productive towards something personally empowering. Then I just let the rest of the day show up as it did, even if I felt nothing was happening at all, and focused on releasing the judgement around it.
The trick is, as things transition in life there is nothing very solid to grip onto or to serve as an anchor. And while the old is falling away, the new isn’t quite grounded yet, either. In the current social climate, old societal paradigms and ideas are falling away at the same time people are waking up their own unique desire to do things differently. That can make it a bit dicey to connect with something that feels solid, but that’s exactly how it should be as more of the creative, feminine energy begins to flow more freely. It leaves room to expand and create the new.
Each one of us goes through a cycle of death and rebirth, of acceptance, change and integration. But not all of us are aware that it’s happening, distracting ourselves from the uneasiness with more tasks, possessions or vices. If you find that you are now moving through a void-like space as things shift into perspective, congratulations. As uneasy as it might feel, you are on the edge of something new and amazing that’s just beginning to take shape, and that’s pretty friggin’ awesome. Just remind yourself to breathe, sit still, even if nothing is happening in the physical view of your world, and open your arms to take in the new as much as possible.
If your heart has already made up it’s mind on what is real and what is not, there is not much room for dreaming. Invite in the unexpected and embrace the time just before the sun comes out — you won’t regret it.
Photo by qthomasbower on Flickr