Amid the illusive urgency of transformational times, it can feel like honouring your pace, following what brings you joy, and prioritising filling your own cup is at odds with the heaps being asked of you. It certainly has been for me.
Last week, I took a few days off to hike, following through with the sole longing I pursue, which is to be engulfed in acres of nature without a mean to be reached. To be nobody reflected in everything, as I do nothing measurable on the scales of our modern systems. Boy, did I feel conscience-stricken to have take the decision to leave behind a long “to-do” list but I did it anyway (and that feeling quickly dissipated).
Without a plan or map, I followed my intuition till the summit of my destination where I lowered myself in surrender to the ground. I gazed at the sun, bathing in her light for energy. The infused aromas of grass and flowers resourced me further while the unfurling shades of blue above hugged me as one with the valley.
Embodiment and collapsing the game of separation is an immediate consequence of being with nature. This is how I have always nurtured my aliveness; being with nature and finding ways to bring nature behind the walls I reside in.
Before I knew of the term ‘animism’, I physically experienced it. The idea that we live in a world of sentient, living beings, which have the power to sustain and offer us more energy and thus, life. I’ve trekked tropical forests merging in symbiosis, plunged in cold open waters purifying my spirit, and climbed mountain pinnacles that resurrected. I’ve only ever felt at ‘home’ in the wild. I’ve touched fractals of the Divine in a myriad of forms manifested on earth realising, they are extensions of myself.
After a year and half of isolation and collectively experiencing the spectrum of false “schisms”, many are rushing backwards to a supposed “normal” but what about those of us that still feel like going slow, feeling without delay, and relishing in our oneness?
If we are to honour the aliveness we borrow from earth, we must first honour our own life force/energy through its cultivation. Resting, and resting some more. Slowing down and flowing at our individual pace. Connecting and playing with our Great Mother, like a child in wonder. Our bodies need ample time to decompress and integrate, let alone during a pandemic, so be like a spirit guide for your body: accepting, gentle, compassionate, and patient.
During this prolonged period of rebirthing, take the time you need to tend to yourself knowing you are exactly where you need to be – there is no “catching up” to do.
Begin by noticing the direction and flow of your life. Where is your attention, focus, energy, and time going? Where are they being consumed and how can they be better preserved and harnessed? Then ask yourself, what brings you excitement and joy? And follow that.
If it feels self-centred and burdensome to pursue ease, play and joy lately, I urge you to do so even more.
The miracle of life available to us in each moment. It simply takes going out of your shelter and seeking it in a more expansive reality; to move beyond the constricted views of self to embrace the whole, interconnected web of beings pulsating with vigour at their personal rhythm.
I invite you to return to nature, for Earth can green us till polarities cease to exist. She knows not of any division; she is both predator and prey, welcoming death and life as one.
Take the necessary steps to get yourself behind the idea that alone time, disconnecting from screens, self-care, being with nature, and anything else that nourishes your mind, body, and soul does not take away from your relationships or business but rather, feeds them in powerful seen and unseen ways.
Fill yourself up with what you love, then do and give from your overflow in trust and surrender.
With joy,
Salma
