Before we begin, I want to mention that the day this will be released is Indigenous Peoples Day. To celebrate, I’d like to ask you to educate yourself about the Indigenous People of where you live, and to donate to the First Nations Development Institute. They are an organization I follow and donate to regularly. Their mission is to strengthen Native American communities. As a white woman, it is one of my personal priorities to support the Native communities. Thank you in advance for the support!
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And with that, how are you? For me, I’m really noticing lots of turmoil in my life. I’ve been going through health issues a few days after you hear this, I’m having a procedure that I’m not really looking forward to. I’ve been going from doctor to naturopath, to every other kind of healer I can think of and I’m really struggling with not being able to find an answer to this digestive issue that I’m struggling with.
It’s no fun. It reminds me of years ago, how I kept looking for answers that no one seemed to have, and even now with all the knowledge and training I’ve had, it’s still super frustrating and quite defeating. I’ve been pretty much knocked sideways with the struggle. On top of that, the digestive issues mean that my wellness bodies are out of alignment too, and that just adds to the frustration.
It’s part of why I do what I do. 20 years ago I was frustrated with western medicine and the lack of knowledge about nutrition, and the lack of perspective about the root cause of many illnesses. As I’m going through this experience again, I’m seeing that not so much has changed, and here I am again, doing my own research, going to multiple traditions, trying to find answers that seem to be illusive. It’s exhausting. Western medicine says they can’t see it, so it must be nothing. But I know my body; something isn’t right, and I know to listen to my own messages.
So I’m going through my own process again and again. I use the 5 wellness bodies to see what’s out of alignment. What’s happening physically, emotionally, mentally, energetically, and spiritually? I keep asking, then pausing, experimenting, and trying in order to see if I can get to the bottom of the difficulty. I know eventually it will land and I’ll find out what is wrong. Right now it’s not and yes, I’m frustrated. I’m scared, confused, and so dang tired of not feeling well. I keep looking. Sometimes I even remember my own words of wisdom, that nothing has gone wrong. Sometimes.
In the meantime, I have to be gentle and kind to myself. I’m canceling everything I can. I’m saying “no” at every turn. I’m listening deeply to myself on all levels of the wellness bodies. I’m going inward and evaluating how I can be as kind and compassionate to myself, no matter what. Finding out how I can be still, slow down, even (shocking) do nothing.
Sometimes -ok, most of the time- the answers aren’t forthcoming, and that’s ok. No matter what, I’m showing up for myself with compassion and love. I am watching the process unfold with myself. The struggle is real. My body is suffering, and I can only do the best that I can at this moment. And then this moment. And this moment. Each moment is just another opportunity to show up for myself the best I can.
And that’s what I want for you. Can you show up for yourself in the most compassionate way in this particular moment? Can you bring all of it into compassion? The part of you that is suffering? The part of you that wants something different? The part of you that wishes you could figure out how to lose weight, feel better, and have more energy? If it feels hard, that’s ok. Just notice. And if not, give yourself compassion for that too. It’s just one big practice. No where to get, and not a particular end zone, just ripple after ripple of self-compassion. Really, it’s the best place to hang out!
With all this self-compassion, then you can stop the pushing and “I have to figure it out” and get to a place of curiosity. You can start asking these important questions about your 5 wellness bodies:
- What does my body need?
- What thoughts and emotions are here right now?
- Is this energy mine?
- How can I ask my guides for help?
Self-compassion leads to curiosity, and curiosity leads to relaxation. The phrase I teach my students is “Isn’t that interesting!” and it really can start to open up, what happens next.
So I’d love to ask a favor: try it. Practice it and let me know what you notice. I’d love to hear what health challenges you’ve been struggling with and how practicing self-compassion and curiosity and these questions about your 5 wellness bodies helps you.
Ok my friends. I’m wishing you oodles of self-compassion and curiosity. Thank you so much for listening and take good care of yourself.
