To start, I want to share a poem, "The Journey" by Mary Oliver. Years ago I came across these words when I needed to hear them. I was grieving and feeling lost, unsure what the next step of my life would be. It felt stressful and scary at times. This poem helped me know I was not alone and I was not the only one who struggled with finding my way.
An Experience of Mindfulness
I am lucky enough to have a part time job that includes sitting quietly in the woods for thirty to forty-five minutes. I lead or co-lead a group to a location with a stream or waterfall, an overlook or rocks to perch on. Everyone spreads out and finds their own place to sit quietly with themselves, pausing, reflecting, listening and being still.
The other day after the group split up, I sat down, leaned back and looked up at the trees. I appreciated the beauty of the green leaves and the sunlight shining through, but I also felt disconnected. It felt as though I was floating above my body and I had a sense of being "gone."
Using the Expresssive Arts to Explore What You Are Feeling
Using the expressive arts, drawing and journaling, in particular, is a way to access the more imaginal, non-logical parts of ourselves. We can receive insights and new understanding when we let ourselves listen to the messages that come from symbolism, creativity and body awareness. How often do we truly take the time to pay attention to what our feelings and physical sensations are telling us? At times, it can seem much easier to ignore or judge what we feel.
We All Deserve Love
A Story About a Goose and Our Capacity to Care
This is who we are as humans. We have tremendous ability to care about the world around us, the creatures and beings sharing the earth with us, large and small, human and non-human. Sometimes it is easy to forget that, especially when we hear so much about our capacity to do harm and to be heartless.