Coming Down From the Attic
Padma Gordon
Oftentimes we don't even realize that we are living in our heads or what I'm calling "the attic." In our Spiritual Self-Care Support Group this week, we explored moving from the head to the heart, or descending from the attic to the living room. This is the movement from the mind of doubt which is a distraction from fear, to the heart of love. How would your life be different if you spent more time in your heart?
Here is something to consider: residing in your heart opens you up to a subtle kind of listening which enables you to discern between the voices in your head and the whispers of the heart of Divine Love. When you as a Rare mother listen to your inner voice, you will be able to access the intelligence that lives within. It is there waiting to support you as you navigate your life with your Rare child.
This may be a different kind of listening than what you're accustomed to. You've been tracking your environment constantly for the needs of others because it gives you a keen sense of preparedness for any emergencies that may arise. You may be asking yourself, "Are they ok? Are they ok? What do they need?" Of course, this is important. And, listening with your heart to yourself, your body and your needs is also important. Pause and ask yourself, " What about me? What about me? What do I need?"
Create Balance
Redirecting some of your attention toward yourself creates balance in your family. Maybe you realize that you can delegate and share meal preparation or administering of meds? Hand off some of the many tasks you're doing and trust that they will get done. You may need to set up some structures initially and the time you invest on the front end is well worth it. You are creating space and time for yourself which is an act of self-love. When you take care of yourself, everyone in your life benefits. It's likely that spiritual self-care has not been on your radar and a few minutes each day makes a difference.
Here is a Practice to Support You to Listen to Your Heart:
Take a few minutes in the morning to close your eyes, place a hand on your heart and feel. You may experience emotions. Feel them. If thoughts arise, let them pass by. The important ones will circle back around.
Once you are settled, set a timer for 3 minutes and ask yourself, "What do I need?" Listen to the sound of your voice. Wait for an answer to come. Take some full breaths and receive the answer. Then, ask the question again. Listen to yourself speaking. Be patient and wait for an answer. Receive it fully. Repeat this practice until the timer goes off. Once it does, thank yourself. You are growing the skill of turning your attention inside and listening to your heart.
Join Us
Please come and join us each Tuesday morning at 10am PDT. Come as you ARE. You can turn your camera on or leave it off. You are welcome to come for the whole session or a part of it. It’s a chance for you to take time for yourself and meet other Rare mothers who totally “get” what your life is like. We look forward to seeing you there.
With blessings,
Padma
