So often on a path of healing work we come to a place of focusing solely on what is "wrong", the shadows we are carrying, our flaws, our fears, the progress left to make, the self defeating, toxic, and un-serving patterns we are still stuck in...and it can become overwhelming and lead to a seemingly never-ending cycle of being "in process".
I feel the truth is, there will ALWAYS be something to improve upon until the day we leave these bodies; and the unfolding of life itself, with its ups and downs, challenges and victories, is in itself "the process".
I've found it helpful to balance this often needed and neglected shadow work and examination with reflection on what is currently going right, what progress has already been made, how my baseline emotional, mental, physical, and energetic state of being compares to say 5-10 years ago and to celebrate the progress, however small or profound it is.
To approach this work still needing to be done from a lens that fully acknowledges how far I have come--a lens of gentleness, patience, acceptance, and healthy pride.
To consciously work to actively bring this lens to the forefront when I find myself in a place of hopelessness, frustration, depression, or overwhelm.
I invite you to take a moment as you read to look back 5 years ago and identify these positive shifts, and leave a few (or many) below so myself and others can celebrate you!
Perhaps you notice you've developed more resilience.
Perhaps you notice the overall quality of your interpersonal relationships has become more balanced and healthy
Perhaps you notice less fear and resistance to speaking your truth
Whatever this is for you, take 5 minutes to breathe with the feeling that is invoked in you by acknowledging this progress. There was a time in my own journey where I kept a running list of these things and it was such a beautiful tool to shift my lens!
I feel it is also important to incorporate play and joy into the healing journey, to consciously create time and space for activity and community connection that feels uplifting, enjoyable, nourishing, "grounded", things that create laughter and a sense of childlike silliness, and this is something I honestly personally often forget and neglect.
Much Love!
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