In the rich days of October, I soaked up the yellow chamisa and the golden light. Like honey, it fortified me. I danced, I sang, I shared gorgeous meals with my friends. I cried and I laughed. I felt alive and inspired.
.
But, what I did not do was prepare my heart for what was coming.
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Enter November…Ah yes, that familiar sinking feeling that I remember so well.
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Shock, fear, despair.
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You don’t need me to describe each of my deepest fears, to list all the things I think we might lose, or all the things I worry we might witness.
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So, what IS needed right now? How do we make sense of this moment?
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What I do know is that I will be needed. My children will need me. My community and family will need me. And the only way I can be available is to strengthen myself.
.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this question: If I will be needed, then what am I doing to prepare myself?
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I am counting my blessings, I am armoring up. I am more committed than ever to the practices that keep me sane. My morning prayer and exercises keep me afloat. My strength training is starting to pay off- I am getting strong. I am doing things that force me to get out of my head. I am painting and singing freedom songs. I am organizing. I am working hard, and saving money. I am doing things that make me feel alive and connected to love. I am crying. I am re-committing, day after day, to the things that have always connected me to you.
.
But, what I did not do was prepare my heart for what was coming.
.
Enter November…Ah yes, that familiar sinking feeling that I remember so well.
.
Shock, fear, despair.
.
You don’t need me to describe each of my deepest fears, to list all the things I think we might lose, or all the things I worry we might witness.
.
So, what IS needed right now? How do we make sense of this moment?
.
What I do know is that I will be needed. My children will need me. My community and family will need me. And the only way I can be available is to strengthen myself.
.
I’ve been thinking a lot about this question: If I will be needed, then what am I doing to prepare myself?
.
I am counting my blessings, I am armoring up. I am more committed than ever to the practices that keep me sane. My morning prayer and exercises keep me afloat. My strength training is starting to pay off- I am getting strong. I am doing things that force me to get out of my head. I am painting and singing freedom songs. I am organizing. I am working hard, and saving money. I am doing things that make me feel alive and connected to love. I am crying. I am re-committing, day after day, to the things that have always connected me to you.
There are so many things we cannot control, but there are things we CAN do to stay grounded so that when surprises come, we are strong.
Find your community. Hold them close. Find people who support the health and well-being of others. Gather your reserves. Clear out things that stand in the way of your truth. Face your relationship with illusion. Strengthen and protect your nervous system. Fill your well. Gather things that make you feel strong and well.
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Now more than ever, I feel we have to stay aligned with what brings us alive.
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So, tell me…Are you ok? What are YOU doing to stay afloat? How are you planning to fortify yourself?