When Things Don't Go as Planned

Working with the plot twists of life...

Snow day!

Yesterday morning I woke up with a full day of appointments on the books, and within a few hours it became clear that the day was going to unfold differently. All the snow we had received the night before into that morning created a winter wonderland that beckoned many of us to shift our plans and stay safely close to home. So instead, I put on my boots to wander, and daydream along the lake near our home. As the day progressed I found it brought with it a sense of softness and peace that felt so steady to rest into.

This change of plans brought on by forces beyond our control got me thinking about our relationship with the unknown, and the parts of us respond when things don't go as expected. Sometimes, the shift brings something we deem as pleasant, like a playful or introverted snow day, and it is easy to roll with the punches! At other times, life offers an illness, accident, or something else we wouldn't consciously choose.

What I offer now for you is the inquiry: what is your relationship with these twists and turns of life? Are there parts of you that can flow with these pivots with ease? Are there parts of you that struggle and try to grasp some sense of control? Most likely you will have some combination of both ease and grasping, depending on the situation. You may even feel an uneasiness when things shift and flow more smoothly, as if a part of you is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Or perhaps a part of you may be able to connect with peace even when life offers something that is generally considered "unwanted" by society. Take your time as you reflect on this. You are gathering so much valuable information, no matter what the information is.

When you are ready, next I would offer that you bring lots of care and compassion to any parts of you that freak out with change or the idea that you may not be in control. It can be scary and unnerving for these parts of us. Then ask this part of you, what does it need? To feel safe? To trust? To be loved, or provided for? As the answer bubbles up, continue to sit with this part of you with so much care, like you would with a beloved who also needed to experience these qualities.

Next you can plug into the energy of the shift, to tune into what qualities it is offering you. For instance, the snow day, for me, brought a more quiet, introspective, restful day. Or, in the case of a family member's illness, it may offer opportunities for connection, humility, truth, community, etc. By leaning into those qualities of experience, we can receive the nourishment that is available even if something challenging may be unfolding.

These intentions together, can often support us in flowing more fully with the twists and turns of life. If you would like to walk with someone else as you practice this, because, hey, sometimes this isn't easy, feel free to reach out. Many clients have said how supportive receiving Reiki has been in allowing them to adapt to the currents of life with greater ease.

Wishing you all a beautiful day,
Sarah