Under Construction
We began our group by delving into the topic of how to stay connected to peace and after our meditation and journaling time, one Rare mother shared that she was “under construction” when it came to really being able to listen deeply and consistently. Right then it was clear that this would be the title of today’s blog post. Why? BECAUSE WE ARE ALL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
We are works in progress. Each of us is building a foundation of self-awareness and self-love. After time, the framing goes up and so on. None of us is DONE. Self-knowledge is a process and each time we sit down quietly to listen, pause or pray, we discover more of who we are. We are all learning to rest in ourselves, slow down, listen and taste peace.
The brilliant Irish teacher and poet John O’Donohue shared these words of inspiration in his book, To Bless the Space Between Us. This is a portion of a blessing called For Belonging:
“May you listen to your longing to be free.
May the frames of your belonging be generous enough for your dreams.
May you arise each day with a voice of blessing whispering in your heart.
May you find a harmony between your soul and your life.”
His words point to the importance of listening deeply because when we do, we begin to discover a harmony within. To do this is no small feat, especially for a Rare mother. You have a complicated life where you are serving somebody selflessly and continuously every day. Most people can't even begin to understand what this is like or what it takes to get up and do this day after day. And yet, in this community there are many who do.
I can’t tell you how many times during the group one of the Rare mothers says, “I can totally relate.” When these words are spoken, you can feel the tension melt. Coming together with other Rare mothers offers a special kind of nourishment that will make a big difference in your life. When you feel understood, it makes things a little easier. Are you open to experiencing some ease?
Here is a Practice to Create Ease:
Begin your day with a “brain dump.” Get it all out on paper. Scribble away and empty your mind.
Now, set a timer for 3 minutes and turn your attention inside. Breathe. Let the thoughts pass by like trains at the station. When you are at a train station, you don’t get on every train, right? You only get on the one that will take you where you want to go. Sit and let these trains of thought pass by. Once your timer goes off, put a hand on your heart, take a deep breath and give thanks. Give thanks for those 3 minutes of sovereign time even if it took most or all of that time for your mind to settle down. Practice and it’ll get easier.
In our Spiritual Self-Care group we combine practices like the one above for listening to the whispers of your soul with sharing what is moving in your heart. We come together to be nourished and real.
You are welcome to join us on Tuesday mornings 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
