As I learn to listen to my body and soul, I’m no longer willing to push through the fatigue to ‘get things done’. When I try to do this I feel a sense of pressure and notice it is harder to connect with moments of joy and ease.
I used to pride myself on my stamina, on shining in a crisis, on multitasking like a mad woman. Then I got sick. Really sick. It made me realize something had to change. I started a process of listening – really listening to my body and to my heart. With this came a new love for myself. A love filled with self compassion.
Lately I’ve been taking an amazing class (two classes really, but that’s another story) and falling into my old pattern of overworking. But instead of pushing and feeling on top of my game, I noticed I was becoming exhausted. I felt tremendous pressure to keep up. I wasn’t enjoying this learning. This despite recognizing the skills I am learning in this class are going to take my art to a whole new level.
Recognizing this, I took a step back. I checked in with a trusted friend and here is what I learned.
New learning
I learned I am no longer able to push through, to override what my body and heart are telling me. As I connect more deeply with myself, trying to drop back into my old patterns just isn’t working for me. I can’t not listen anymore.
I realize I need to take the pressure off of myself. I need to work on this class at a pace that allows me to absorb and enjoy it. Having to ‘keep up’ while also running my business is not practising the self compassion I’ve worked hard to cultivate. I can let go of the expectations I have placed on myself and create a pace of learning that enriches and nourishes me. In that way I can be true to my intention to live life with a sense of joy and ease.
How can I help you?
Does this post resonate with you? If you are looking for writing prompts and other resources to release blocks and connect with your creative self, take a look at my two books. Reach out to me if you’d like some help designing a wallhanging that is a reflection of what you need right now. Sign up for my Heart Notes newsletter so you can be the first to hear about upcoming workshops.
If you would like to develop a practice of setting aside time and space for creativity and wellness, and be part of a community of others doing just this, consider joining my membership community Creating Space. You will receive a weekly prompt for writing and sketching, and have access to a monthly 1 hour live session on Zoom. In this live session I prepare a presentation on a topic of interest to the group, as well as answer questions about creativity, inspiration and wellness. For more information and to join today.
If you are a leader or business owner, I’m happy to design a customized daily or weekly practice for creativity and wellness for your organization. Book a conversation with me today and let’s get started.
