Spring mirrors my heart

Hello friends,

As a late spring finally blossoms here in Canmore, my heart peeks out of its cocoon of the past few months.

This sense of reawakening has been a long time coming, especially since I committed to a period of deep self-inquiry and inner-work earlier this year.

My intention was to confront my deepest self-limiting patterns, shine a light on my blind spots, and fully embrace suppressed emotions. Looking back, I have to ask: what was I possibly thinking? 

 Marianne WIlliamson’s words were part of the inspiration to jump right into the murky waters of my human condition: “When we let our own light shine, we subconsciously give others the permission to do the same.”

Our one precious life asks us to shed protective veils and rewrite programming that no longer serves us. In quiet alignment, lingering post-concussion symptoms forced a sacred pause, deepening the well of  inner work. 

Impatiently, I looked for immediate clarity on specific situations. Instead, what settled upon me, like a late spring snowfall, was an unexpected inventor of resistance:

Judgement  -  'this is taking FOREver!) 

Justification - 'you're actually fine Julie, just get on with it'

Placating - 'it's all good, life happens',  ‘it’s okay”

Comparing -'It could be worse, other have it so much harder'

Skimming the surface had left me frozen despite the sun. I am learning that true optimism requires more than a cheerful glaze; it demands the quiet courage to meet each emerging feeling fully and honestly.

On a quiet woodland walk, I see my heart mirrored in the unfolding of spring.  unfolding. nature mirrors my heart. From the newly thawed soil, something deep and mysterious has stirred. Exquisite bursts of color and complex shapes appear - the brave, bristled crocuses lead the eventual parade of wildflowers. Encountering a calypso orchid brings me to my knees for close study, perhaps a silent, deep bow to Grace. 

Life is asking the flower to be a flower,  me to be me, you to be you. 

What conditions are required for us to stand in our own quiet splendor? What specific nourishment allows us to emerge, softly yet fully, from our hiding?

I have identified some essential forms of nourishment for me my heart, that may resonate with yours:

1. Meaningful community 

2. In-person connection

3. Nurturing environments you can melt into. 

4. A heartfelt team of support, whether one other or more likely, many others.

5. Practice what I love, teach what I practice. This includes:

   1. iRest Yoga Nidra, 

   2. Somatic, therapeutic movement/yoga

   3. Qigong! 

With that in mind, let’s gather and grow. ♥️