When I was learning to meditate, after each session, I felt so much more mental clarity. That’s what has kept me going all these years later.
Even if my mind is full of (not so zen) thoughts, by the end I feel grounded and able to think through and organize my day.
The layers of distraction, memories, and anxiety are sliced through and I feel myself alive in the present moment.
In 2002, my close friend Anita Stoll and I began collaborating to create Yoga and Talk Therapy® groups, as yogis and psychotherapists. Before meeting to discuss creating and publicizing the groups, we would often meditate.
Afterward, as we went through our lists of “to do’s” we encouraged each other, especially if it was something that had been put off, to “Do it Now.” So that our goals and dreams could take form and not just fantasy.
We understood that the mental clarity gifted us a (time limited) opportunity to take action, unrestrained by distractions, self doubt, or a desire to procrastinate.
Could having cancer, facing great loss, or a life threatening illness or injury be clarifying? Can it help you ask for what you want and need more directly and be open to receive when your community or the universe gives to you?
I have found that facing the nearness of my own mortality, or a loved one’s, can have much the same effect of cutting through the day to dayness of my busy life. And the exclamation Do It Now rings in my ears.
Of course,there are plenty of times you feel foggy, from medical treatments, chemo, insomnia, fear, worry about family, grief (including anticipatory) at losing beloveds.
These feelings of anger, terror, grief, and loneliness are aspects of the cancer experience that my JoyBoots therapy groups attempt to acknowledge and address honestly. We have the belief and experience that speaking the truth about what you feel is powerful and allows for connection, meaning, and transformation.
The reality of fighting cancer, both as a patient and a loved one, is that it really sucks. It destoys your illusion of things “working out for the best”
And yet, most of us also find moments of insight, meaning, and even joy along the way. Through connection with who we love and care about and our own relationship (even if it’s a questioning) with God or the Infinite, however you may imagine this to Be.
With the Summer Solstice passing last week, comes the reminder that life is flowing and that everything is impermanent.
This can and will sadden us. And it doesn’t always have to.
Recently, as happens, I’ve faced the deaths of people I loved. One was a dear friend and another was a JoyBooter client. I learned and benefitted so much from my relationship with each of them.
And their loss changed my perspective.
Right now,
It’s a clarity that tells me to “Do it Now” and it cuts through my normal hesitations-both physical “Can i handle this?” And mental/emotional-“Can I really do this/have this/offer this?”
And right now I’m listening to the Do It Now and moving forward with it.
This includes today! This Monday my 15 year old daughter and I are traveling to Spain for a trip we dreamed up in the Spring. We are very excited and not allowing worry to hold us back.
What is calling to you this summer?
What actions do you want to Do Now?
What’s holding you back from these?
I’d love to hear! XO
