Musings from the Journey
Enhance your life and fortify a deeper connection with your True Self.
 My compassion used to get me in trouble years ago.
I'd find myself in a scenario with someone I cared about and I knew well, and they'd be lashing out at me. Eventually the interaction would shift from dumping to apologies. They were so sorry. They were lashing out because of trauma that happened to them in the past. Then things would be calm for a while. Days would pass, and eventually the cycle would repeat. They weren't wrong. I could see why they were hurting, and behaving that way. That person had been cruel to them. They had been through something very difficult. It all made sense to me, and I let that be an excuse for how they would talk to me, even though it would leave me upset and discombobulated to be their dumping ground. I hoped they'd eventually find healing, and it'd get better. Eventually, I realized that this bounty of compassion I was extending to them, I wasn't extending to myself for being in this situation. Also, that this person was a grown ass adult, and capable of taking responsibility for the way they show up. By being so understanding of their wounds, and not setting the boundary that I would remove myself if they would lash out, I was enabling them to continue treating me poorly. I did set the boundary, and because the behavior continued even after, it meant I ultimately left that relationship. Finally, I let the scales balance so I had just as much compassion (and protection) for myself as I did the other person. My compassion for them didn't go away, BUT the way I took care of myself in that situation changed. I share this, because sometimes I hear clients recalling similar conundrums. It is a very difficult place to be. And perhaps you, or someone you know, needs to hear the words that I would become a mantra for me: An explanation is not an excuse. Years later, I still stand by these words. I have compassion for people who are suffering, and have trauma. It is real, and painful. AND, if you are an adult, in the vast majority of situations, you have access to free and professional resources (books, podcasts, support groups, therapy, classes, etc) that can help you heal. Part of healing is taking accountability for our actions, and ensuring that we don't let that cycle continue by harming others. Do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Okay? Stay tuned next week for our next slogan. ;) Find yourself in this scenario, or another that you can use support with? Reach out! In Solidarity, Humility, and Strength, Sarah
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Setting intentions for the new year.  2025 is exhaling its last few breaths. Phew! What a revolution around the sun. We're still here.
Hopefully, you've been finding some moments for you to also catch your breath. While New Year's resolutions swirl in the air, I invite you to take a slightly different spin on it. What seeds of light do you want to plant for yourself in 2026? Friendship — Community — Understanding — Justice — Health — Spiritual Growth — Security — Ease — Creativity — Adventure — Love — Truth Perhaps, there are some qualities that were lacking for you this past year that you are yearning for? Some unmet needs you'd like to tend to? Narrow it to one to three qualities. Write them down. Meditate on them. Brainstorm some actionable strategies that you can play with to meet those needs. You don't have to know all the ways. Just something that can give you enough traction to start. When we hold qualities versus a resolution, typically, there are a variety of ways to meet those needs, and we can pivot amongst strategies throughout the year. It is more about cultivating the conditions for "love" (or whatever quality) to grow, than succeeding or failing at a goal. After reflecting, what seeds of light do you want to nurture this year? Share with us in the comments. Do healing, intuition, spiritual connection, community, self-care, or empowerment make your list? If so, I invite you to join this year's Reiki Training Program that starts Feb 7th. Learn more here, and register to hold your spot. Happy New Year, ~Sarah May we nourish our collective heart this holiday  As we honor Thanksgiving this year, whether gathered with loved ones or resting in solitude....
May we feel safe to be as we are, in our bodies, minds, and souls. May we acknowledge the provision that life has offered us, and allow ourselves to fully receive that which nourishes and feeds our spirits and flesh. May we shrug off with grace that which would diminish our light. Allowing it to roll off us, untarnished, and view it through the eyes of compassion and a desire to understand. May we be fully grounded in our hearts and feel this capacity grow. May we honor our roots, our personal ancestry, and that of our communities, country, and planet. May we remember that we wouldn't be here without those who came before. May we honor their love, courage, and hope. The beauty they planted that has flourished through time and strengthened through adversity. May we also acknowledge their shortcomings. The moments of misstep, and misalignment with deep Truth and Love. The old wounds, personal, and collective, that have yet to heal. May we recognize this humanness within ourselves too. That we all have these capacities for love, fear, connection, and confusion. May we find tenderness as we see these places where our souls and communities still ache. May we witness the pain and not turn away. May we say, "I am here with you, brother, sister, friend. We will heal this together." May we be willing to forgive, and to practice it until we feel it in our bones. May we have the courage to move into inspired action. Led by the heart, to offer greater healing to ourselves, our families, and the world. May we trust that our love and joy ripples out into the universe, and serves those who need our gifts the most. May we remember that the choice to live from this place elevates us all. We Are One. ------------ Thank you for existing. We need you. With so much love, Sarah P.S. Have a blessing you would like to share with our community? Post it in the comments below. |
Sarah Barlow
Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Embrace Your Essence Sign up for our E-Letters Here
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