turning upwards

I am amazed. The other day, I was feeling sad and noticing my thoughts spiraling into the prickly abyss where nothing good happens, I have to strenuously figure every little thing out, and there is no easy answer to anything. 

Somehow I have these stuffed full pockets, areas of my life where somehow I think that my basic formula for joy doesn't count. These pockets are like some kind of "rules don't apply here" areas where I automatically go totally unconscious which basically means I end up in my head, stuck and feeling rotten. Maybe it's money or relationships or car mechanics. 

Then, with a little nudge, it occurred to me that the formula for joy applies everywhere and to everything. Thank goodness. Phew. Hallelujah. Ahhhh. 

And it worked. I got clear on my intention, (this can be general or specific and is basically what you want to have/do/be) sent them like little missiles into space, then let the Universe take over while I diligently began turning my thoughts upwards. I looked for things that felt good to think about. These things don't have to have anything to do with whatever situation is feeling stressful. That's the amazing thing. I thought of raspberry peonies. Burying my face in a hundred ripe, full, exploding blossoms. Drinking in that sensuous nectar.

I immediately felt a whole body shift upwards. Then, as is always the case, delightful things began happening (or were happening all along but I finally turned myself towards and opened my eyes.). The situation which was causing me stress changed. I quit trying to control it. I let myself be surprised.

Ten things:

1. Raspberry peonies

2. Stupendous girlfriends

3. Plane tickets to Vancouver Island in August

4. Tanned toes

5. Purple pea flowers morphing into peas

6. Tangible changes in kindness towards myself as a result of Magical Mothering E-Course

7. Raw blueberry pie with cashew cream topping

8. Loosening my grip on how things turn out and feeling content as that water flows through my fingers

9. Greens from the garden, greens in the smoothie, greens everywhere

10. Two small humans who dance with me every day.

What's your list of Ten?

xo

 

 

 

Comments

[Lucia]

Thank you for the post! Life can be overwhelming at times. That's when I begin to be thankful and grateful for everything I have.
Five things;
1. Cala Lilies in bloom.
2. Live in the moment-letting go of the past.
3. Laughing with my friends.
4. Watching clouds go by.
5. Sunset with my children.

[Teri]

Yes. Been facing a huge life change recently and I'm so not on board with it. It's bringing my spirits down. So ten things...thinking about it. But I'll share a few:

1. Whipped cream with fresh strawberries from the garden
2. Perennial flower bed starting to bloom
3. Pudgy sweet little baby toes and sweet conversations with my little girl.

baby crying! gotta go!

[Erin]

Oh, I think I know this place...that constant pestering of my insecurities or doubts or misinterpretations upon my usual positive, unassuming self.... I think I experienced that recently when I wrote to you! Thank you for your response and the reassurance I felt upon reading it.

stress can triger this for me, and carving out time for myself (even watching my kids play happily somewhere like the beach allows me time to regroup...the key being they are content to explore and create their own joy and are not trying to draw one last drop from within me when I am tapped) Or time with an understanding friend, who can listen and offer empathy and share her life.
that peony is so beautiful!

Happy 4th to you!

[Beth]

Thank you for this. Been feeling stressed and overwhelmed lately, and this brought me back. I'm nearly in tears.