At this point in the year, I think we’re all ready to ring in 2021 with hope and optimism. Let’s do that! Let’s also stay rooted in the reality that we are responsible for creating the life we want to live despite outside circumstances.
Trust has been coming up a lot lately, specifically around all of the fear that has surfaced around the election, the New Year, our economy, and the continuing evolution of the pandemic we’re in. A few months ago I heard Carolyn Myss say that you have to be able to trust yourself to have any idea what to trust outside of yourself. And to do this, you must commit to something. It doesn’t have to be anything big, a 10 minute walk every day, but that one thing needs to be consistently done every day.
The reason for this is to show yourself that you’re worth it. You’re worth that 10 minute walk, because you said you’d do it, and by showing up for yourself, you know you can rely on yourself when you start to question your circumstances.
This couldn’t be more critical right now when part of the energy of next year consists of passionate action. This means we’re all going to be active in our opinions and outward expressions, and the only way to continue to remain centered (at peace) through this noise, is to continue to go inward.
Going inward means blocking out the world: quieting the mind through meditation, slowing down, journaling, doing sessions at the Cave. The world taught us quite a bit this year about what it means to stop the rat race. We need more of this, more intentionality, more stillness, even if it’s only a few minutes a day.
Learning to trust yourself is the first step in not being swayed by outside influence that may or may not be correct, anything from conspiracy theories to government mandates. Now is the time to go inward, stay centered, and root down.
This reminded me of a TED Talk I referenced a while back by Kathryn Shulz on being wrong. We don’t like to be wrong, we feel bad once we realize we’re wrong because of conditioning, but the irony in it all is that until it’s pointed out to us that we’re wrong, we feel right.
Right or wrong, black or white, it might be easier if things become a little more grey for us in the coming months. Not to say don’t stand by your convictions, but remember to stay rooted in love. Let’s keep learning and practicing the art of listening to one another.
Jose’ kicks off the trends talk by saying that we’re going to spend the next 4-7 years recovering from 2020. 2021 is our first year in recovery. Recovery requires many acts of grace, community support, and a commitment to ourselves. Let’s be intentional about going inward so we can create a healthier environment for future generations.
“If you really want to rediscover wonder, you need to step outside of that tiny, terrified space of rightness and look around at each other and be able to say, ‘I don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong.’” - Kathryn Shulz