I was looking through a past journal entry* and found this gem: “You are worthy” - Trust the knowledge inside yourself that you are worthy. The fact that you were created means you have a right to be here and a right to happiness.
Remember:
- The universe is alive, wise and compassionate and bringing that into your life & into your heart is the path you are on. It is your life’s work to do this.
- A question to healing is to ask “what is it I am afraid of”? If you stay with the feelings of anger, despair, etc you will feel pain. It might be pain so intense that you’d rather be angry than feel it. Under depression you might find rage. The rage might reveal that you weren’t able to be who you wanted to be. There is no simple formula. Your life is unique. It is suited for the healing of your soul.
- When you feel challenged, it’s an opportunity to stand inside yourself and use your will consciously. When you feel depressed understand that these are the things you need to heal. The healing is in the feeling. Not in the suppressing or repressing. A key question is “what emotion have you depressed or pushed down in you”? What is it that you are uncomfortable expressing? For me, the emotion of anger and rage are ones that I had suppressed or didn’t feel safe expressing. Remember, emotions are not something to be fixed, resolved, swept away under the proverbial carpet or dismissed. They are simply meant to be felt, assimilated, integrated, expressed and digested. The last five years of my healing journey has been on this integrative piece of the puzzle with somatic therapies, like Compassionate inquiry.
- You are a soul first and a personality (ego) second – and your life is continually offering you opportunities to move into integration and wholeness.
- Be able to give the gifts we were born to give. If you don’t know what your gifts are - this is a great opportunity to explore! Try new things! Take up a new hobby. Volunteer. Do a meaning mandala. Work with a coach or counsellor to help you explore your options.
- Part of your spiritual growth is overcoming your fears. The first book I read on this was by Susan Jeffers: “Feel the Fear and do it anyways” - this was the book that gave me the courage to leave my corporate career in 2000 and step into my career change. An oldie, but a goodie.
- Many say fear is an obstacle to experiencing all you are. I offer you this shift in perspective that fears aren’t obstacles but avenues to your spiritual growth. Because you can’t be a whole person giving and receiving from life while you are angry, jealous, depressed, scared. It is up to you to heal these aspects of your life. The guidance I have sought to address these areas of my life has been ongoing and continual. Please ask me for support if you feel called to work with me in this area and you are an existing patient.
- The difficult times are your holy moments.
- Make your life an experiment.
- You have control over your response and the context you put to things.
- There is no power except in the present moment – the ability to feel the depth of your life.
In summary, there are four key elements to nourish your soul:
- Harmony: you must stand in your own integrity first. Not in a defiant way, but in a compassionate way. For this, we need to work on expressing our authenticity and lean into our vulnerability. I often say, you can’t heal it if you don’t feel it.
- Cooperation: we are together because we want to be together. We enjoy each other's company. We are connected and need community. We are all having a hard time; it is a struggle to look at what you were born to heal and to heal it. However, that is the struggle you were born to live. As you appreciate your network & companions and take joy in them, co-creations naturally occur.
- Sharing – sharing means sharing what is important to you with others. It could be a friend who truly knows how to listen. A therapist. Your pet. A tree. For me, my trusted companion has been my journal. It is through my journal that I talk to God. I write and wait for the response. The key lies in removing the clutter from my mind so that I can hear the soft, sweet whispers from spirit.
- Reverence for life - relating to the essence inside. Always go back to your intention. What is your intention? Take time with this question. Reflect. Why ARE you here? What are you DOING? How do you want to BE? Who do you want to BE?
When it comes to our work many want to do meaningful work – something that brings them joy. This can be in creating, building, developing, solving problems, something that gives pleasure, fulfillment, interests you. Something that benefits others. The options are endless. The possibilities really are limitless. If you are looking to take a first step in answering some of these questions for yourself, I invite you to come explore with us at the Mind, Body, Soul retreat in Canmore this fall. It is truly a transformative experience and safe place to land. We will hold you. We will guide you. We will nurture and support you.
Sending you so much love,
Dr. Chris. ND
*referenced from an interview with Gary Zukav on Oprah in spring 2000
