Artwork: Forrest Bess
Good morning beautiful people,
I do hope that you are safe and healthy, wherever you are in the world.
As most of us are rushing to the end of the year, is there a possibility to do things differently? Beyond the fear and consumption, in line with a rhythm that feels grounded in a solid foundation.
Easier said than done, as having something solid to rest on demands work and dedication, yet, when the pain becomes too great to bare, there is an alternative to the suffering. Spiritual teacher and author Eckhart Tolle says “Nobody chooses distinction, conflict, pain. Nobody chooses insanity or neurosis. They happen because there is not enough presence within us to dissolve the past, not enough light to dispel the darkness. We are not fully here, somehow stuck between the past and the future.” The old patterns run our everyday life.
Most of us oscillate from being a responsible adult to a victimised child in the same hour. This is not a judgment but a realisation that instead of pushing away those parts or trying to put the blame on someone else, how about beginning to look within, sitting with it all, taking responsibility, accepting our dysfunctions and our pains and reconciling ourselves with it all. Being human is messy and amazing all at once, so we might as well begin to feel United within. Breathing into every part, even the ones we dislike.
Meditation is miraculous with that, and if you tell yourself you can’t do it, just remember that everyone can be present and free of judgements, even for half a minute. Let’s be bold, together.
A few weeks ago, I shared some very powerful quotes from A Life of Meaning by Professor and Jungian analyst James Hollis which said that “The spirit of evil is the negation of life force by fear, and only boldness can deliver us from evil. If the risk is not taken or the choice is not made, the meaning of life is violated.”
“Becoming a servant of life is our first task, and when we serve fear and anxiety, instead of serving our life’s destiny, it results in neurosis.”
”Neurosis is a conflict between the world around us and our nature. Our adapted self, develops behaviours that are ego and fear based and make us run back and forth to keep everyone happy.
So, “who are you serving when you serve fear and anxiety?”
I will leave you with that open ended and powerful question.
May you be clear,
May you be grounded,
May you breathe through it all.
Thank you again for taking the time to read these messages and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have a question. I am here to serve, in any ways I can.
With love and deep respect,
Vanessa
