The Only Way Out is Through
The onslaught of news this week has been quite something.
It has occurred to me, on more than one occasion, that it’s almost like we’re caught up in a swell of energy so big we can’t escape it. I am breathless with horror as I hear the accounts of police inside the Capitol building last week. I am worried about the potential of impending violence surrounding the inauguration. I am dreading the news I will wake up to tomorrow morning. It’s been a serious roller coaster for many of us.
But I am once again reminded that it is only through times of great challenge and turmoil that growth and transformation occur.
I have the sense of being in the darkest part of the rebirthing process.
We’re experiencing the stage of painful contraction and crushing pressure.
I wonder if this is what plants experience as they grow and sprout and finally push through the soil above them. It’s like a final, desperate push that says, “Let me out—I can’t breathe and I can’t possibly stay in here any longer!”
I also wonder if I’ll have a shiny new set of butterfly wings on the backside of this.
The interesting thing about transformation, and we most decidedly ARE transforming right now—as human beings, as a nation and as a part of Earth’s living community—is that it doesn’t happen without difficulty. It doesn’t happen without a struggle.
We are in the midst of that struggle right now. I find that understanding oddly comforting. It doesn’t change the circumstances, but it reminds me of the greater perspective. And that perspective reminds me that something better is coming.
As Ricky Bobby said in the movie Taladega Nights, “Thank the 8 pound, 6 ounce, newborn, baby Jesus!” (you can blame my son for this reference).
At times like this, the only way out of our current situation is to finish going through it. We don’t really have a choice. We can’t turn back. We can’t run away. Collectively, we’re all experiencing this together.
I find a slight bit of comfort in that concept of togetherness. Maybe being bemused and befuddled together is better than being bemused and befuddled alone?
As with all challenging times, sanctuary can help. Creating and fostering peace around us does indeed inspire peace inside us. And couldn’t we all could use some peace right now? If you’re new to sanctuary and would like some simple guidance in creating sanctuary for yourself, download my Quickstart Guide and follow the step-by-step process. It’s easy and quick. It’s an act of radical self-care that can shift and change your entire life for the better. Even during a pandemic. Even when the political events make our entire nation feel unstable. Even when we fear for our lives on more than one level.
Maybe even especially now.
For those of you who already have created a sanctuary for yourself, THIS IS THE TIME TO USE IT. Do the things that make you feel nurtured and loved. Do things that fill your vessel and bring you even the smallest moments of joy. Make something. Read something inspiring. Cook something. Light a candle. Go for a walk. Take a bath. Write a letter. Bury your fingers in your dog or cat’s fur. Be incredibly gentle with yourself right now. Allow yourself to relax and decompress in the safety of your sanctuary.
The world is so volatile — let us not lose ourselves in that volatility. If I could pick, I’d choose for you and I to be beacons of light and love. The world needs us.
So here we are.
The only way out of this is through.
Ok. Accepting that truth, what have I done today in response? I have lingered over coffee, cleaned out my fridge (I found things resembling furry science experiments left from Christmas), stared out the window, filled my bird feeders, talked to the tiny little plants in my new Gardyn hydryponic gardening system and ordered groceries to be delivered. I didn’t do hardly any of the things on my long list of chores but I’m feeling ok and that was my main objective. Sometimes it’s my most important thing to do.
So tell me, how are you over there? What are YOU doing to help yourself get through this time? I would so love to hear.
With love, gentleness and gratitude,
Lisa