Finding Stability in the Instability of Life

I write this in midst of moving homes…merging three different residences into one. Boxes, trips to Goodwill, heavy lifting, not knowing where anything is, cleaning, sifting and sorting….chaos!!
 
Simultaneously, striving to remain grounded, connected, and clear so that I can show up for my work with the whole of me intact, usher my special needs kiddo through this change process, and learn how to live with another adult for the first time in 12 years….certainly not easy.
 
As with all of life’s happenings, I always look for the opportunity to grow and change myself…to continuously refine my humanness so that I can meet fellow humans on the path with empathy, compassion, relatability, an open heart, and deep presence.

I truly see everything that we are presented with as a mirror and invitation to dig in and heal another layer of oneself so that we may continue to show up each and every day to the best of our ability.
 
My practices, in particular my meditation practice, has been key to remaining anchored in myself through all of the varying terrains of life.
 
The reality is that life is unstable, uncertain, and chaotic in moments. How we meet ourselves in these moments is a choice and a practice.  We can become so fiercely aligned with our upright and empowered selves, that not much shakes us. Or, we can melt and collapse at the face of these unstable junctures in time. 
 
How can we continuously find stability in the instability of life?
 
It is an inside job. Learning how to stay grounded, calm, present, and connected as the swirls of life unfurl and unfold, is a practice. It demands consistent, creative, embodied, and connecting practices that drop us down into our bodies and bring awareness to our souls. 
 
As we move towards the sacred Winter Solstice…the darkest day of the year…trust the impulse to slow down, to go against the stream of the holiday/end-of-year frenzy, and to drop down into oneself…moment-by-moment. 
 
To perhaps work with your own unique self in your habitual patterns, your ways of navigating the outer chaos and instability, and to dive even deeper into YOU.
 
It is the optimal time to begin or enhance our healing work. To turn inwards and learn how to meet our lives from that place of alignment and truth. 
 
And, it is a process involving an immense amount of compassion, care, patience, and self-love. 
 
As we stare down the end of the tunnel of 2022, looking towards this new year on the horizon, I invite you to take a good look within yourself and ask these potent questions:

• What are you ready to change?

• What do you want to create in yourself in this next year of life?

• What level of support do you feel that you need to begin to actualize these changes and creations?

 
Please, if you are willing, take a moment here...Put one hand on your heart and the other on top of it, feel your heart beating beneath your hands, feel your aliveness….and now make a vow to yourself in this moment, that you will take action in your healing (whatever that looks and feels like for you).  That you will not abandon yourself, that you will not compromise your own health and well-being for the sake of others, that you will honor your body, your heart, your spirit, and your souls needs in this coming year.  Vow to yourself that you will be patience and kind and loving and compassionate with your beautiful self as you take bold moves forward along your path. 

And, if you are moved to….create an affirmation, or “I am” statement that reflects on this declaration and will remind you of your power and choice, when you forget.  Repeat that affirmation silently to yourself....often!
 
Turn inwards, check in, and listen.
 
This is how we cultivate the consistent capacity to find stability in the instability of life.