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Sometimes the path forward isn't always clear.  Sometimes life presents us with no-brainer decisions. We reach a fork in the road and it is imminently clear that one of those directions leads to greater fulfillment, and well-being, and less suffering and dysfunction.
Other times we reach a decision point, and it is unclear which direction will lead in alignment with our values and priorities. In some cases, we aren't even sure if we are at a definitive juncture in the road. It's more like we are at sea without a map. We can keep going in the direction we are going, or we can steer the ship 2, 15, or 90 degrees in another course. All of which will lead us to different places, but we don't have a knowing of what the weather will be like ahead or where and when the ship will reach shore. Sometimes it's really hard to know what to do. Being with the unknown can be unnerving. I don't know about you, but parts of me certainly feel a lot safer with a guarantee, or reassurance that things are going to be okay or turn out a certain way. Since I haven't been able to procure the guidebook that tells me when x happens turn to page 63, when y happens turn to 243, line 7, I've had to adapt. I may not be able to provide guarantees, but I can practice providing presence, care, and compassion to myself. I can validate that it's hard to be with the unknown, and make space for the feelings of fear or anxiety that arise. For me, I also find comfort in the shared humanity that many other people around the world may be going through similar dilemmas, and that really we all are just making the best judgment calls we can even if it feels like we're aiming in the dark. So if you are finding yourself in the grey area right now, where things aren't fully clear, I just want to offer you some grace. You also don't have to walk through the grey alone. Reach out if you need some support. Warmly, Sarah
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Wisdom from my father.  My dad, Bob the Nice Guy, having just pet a porcupine. This one goes out to my pops, Bob the Nice Guy.
Today, and all days, but, especially today, I remember him. During his time, this kind, gentle, creative soul emanated a love that I'll be nestled within for the rest of my life. Dad modeled how to be a brave, compassionate human, spirit undampened by challenges. He believed in me, and this instilled a confidence in myself to step into the world as I have. He gave me my goofy, and sometimes ridiculous sense of humor, for better or worse. I'm sorry? ;) There aren't words for all that I could say. Perhaps someday, I'll reach across time and space to him in the Great Beyond, capture the words in poetry like the great mystics Hafiz and Rumi, bottle them up as some elixir to share with you. But that is for another day. What I have for you today is wisdom he shared with me often during my early decades: "Life is what you make it." When I muse over this, I meditate on the essence of what I want to cultivate in my life. Compassion, kindness, joy, wonder, acceptance, love. I aim to help myself and others find relief from pain in healthy ways. To delight in the unique facets of life. To laugh and marvel at the beautiful intricacies that are revealed when we pay attention. I suppose there are some specific "outcomes" that maybe, someday, I'd like to experience, but I hold them lightly now. I know that life is more than the boxes we check off. It takes twists and turns. Sometimes it pans out as expected and sometimes not. A lot of it we can't control. But the way we choose to show up with what is given, we can. I do believe care, love, wonder, and shared humanity exist in all these moments, though sometimes it can be hard to find or access. Yet, if I trust in my ability to find these qualities within myself and the world, there will be a little more internal grace, no matter what plays out. Even during the hard stuff. In the months following my dad's passing last fall, the prospect of Father's Day rolling around without him felt pretty grim. Around the new year, inspiration came of an epic adventure to connect with him, and let a shared dream finally come true. This gave me a light and a focus amidst the grief, a way to make a long-held vision come to life. As you read this, I am likely in ceremony, honoring this sweet soul and our shared love of mountains, land, and nature. Making a bit more magic out of this life, and if I'm going to really make Dad proud, a joke of it too. But more on that later... right now, I'm busy. Happy Father's Day. So it goes. Sarah P.S. Dad would want me to share this with you. :) If you want to sing out, sing out... |
Sarah Barlow
Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Embrace Your Essence Sign up for our E-Letters Here
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