needing help Archives - Kelly Inselmann

In her podcast Incurable Joy, my dear friend Joy Engel asked the question of us all: what unique gifts can you offer a friend? And who are your “troops” that can be called in?

Take a listen to her story here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vktnqYQ8zr8CX36SOMtDj?si=Or645RWIRTOo1BILT43xHA

Does it have to be an emergency for you to open up to connection or assistance from a friend, doctor, therapist or loved one?

When I was going through a year of active treatment for breast cancer, as a new mother with an infant, I had to learn to ask for help. Not because I wanted to-I was much more comfortable being the helper. I learned how to accept help because I was faced with no other choice.

Receiving help can feel so vulnerable. You may feel that it shows weakness or gives up control.

But softening your attitude towards help and helpers opens space for deeper connection and realization of our shared humanity.

Check out this yogic exercise that helps you embody the feelings of giving and receiving help:

http://www.kellyinselmann.com/videos/on-asking-for-help/

“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes. If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed. Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding, the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds’ wings.” RUMI

It can be hard to accept that you need help. But to survive and thrive, you must to be willing to ask directly for what you need and to accept what is offered with grace (not guilt). Consider that being a gracious receiver is itself a gift and can bring pleasure to the one who gives.

This yogic exercise embodies the natural rhythm of opening and contracting, giving and receiving. There must be balance between giving and receiving. Too much receiving and you are full, too much giving and you are depleted of energy and resources.

Be fearless and honest about asking the Infinite and your community for what you need to make it through the day or the week! And as you are able, pass it on…

What Gifts do Your Bring?

On Asking for Help