From the Alcove (which is the name of my garden studio where I get to engage in deep self inquiry with others) :
ok, while it is daunting, isn’t there immense freedom in finally acknowledging the unseen burdens we carry? Once we truly recognize we’ve been lugging along these heavy loads, (and start to question the necessity of that) we can set them down and consciously examine their contents. Often, so much of it is unnecessary; the weight of painful beliefs and patterns we’ve inherited from our past.
This inquiry asks us to be so honest and compassionate with ourselves as we do this intricate sifting. It’s fruitful though, it allows us to clarify what we can let go of. What a feeling to lighten the load (even better if there is forgiveness self-compassion and insight)! And even if we cannot release anything right away, we absolutely gain a clearer picture of our actual capacity, enabling us to move forward with integrity and honesty in how we extend our energy to all the different parts of our life.
The hardest part of this for many of us is that we cannot wait for others to spot our burdens and give us permission to heal. Perhaps we have a wise friend or family member who might gently nudge some attention towards our inner struggles, but ultimately, it is up to us to do this work, and then again, up to us to acknowledge and honour our own limits.
This is no easy task, especially in a culture that constantly encourages us to override or ignore our limits in pursuit of success (or some variation of worthiness). Waiting for others to allow us to rest or to make choices that nourish us means relinquishing our autonomy and integrity. It is so helpful to remember that while some others may not understand or might even judge our choices, that’s ok, this is our own journey – at the depths, only you know what you are carrying.
The best part of this is the more we honour our limits and live in integrity with them, it seems to be the case that our creativity and energy and overall capacity naturally increases! We start to exist in a way that is nourished rather than overextended, which gives others permission to do the same. From this, genuine and sustainable generosity can start to flow. I feel so much encouragement and joy in my heart, supporting this! 