WELCOME WELLNESS – Go and Grow Wild
So often in life we try to fix what we think is wrong about aspects of ourselves and our lives. What if we could take a kinder, gentler approach that actually works? What if we could Welcome the Wellness that already exists in our worlds instead?
This doesn’t mean that we don’t acknowledge pain, grief or trauma, but it does allow us to give energy to the wellness that exists too — to give time and space for that to expand and grow.
When we go into judgement or criticism of ourselves or others, we merely lock ourselves into position. This can create a black-and-white view of the world, of right and wrong, whereas life is rarely that simple; there are countless shades of grey to be explored.
We can also inhabit a world where we become the victim, which separates us from the strength and capacities that we possess. When we are playing a part that does not match who we truly are, it can feel deeply uncomfortable and create internal stress. As we know, stress is the creator of so much illness and dis-ease in our lives. Becoming aware of this discomfort can be a powerful guide, gently leading us back towards who we truly are and the wellness that exists within us.
Being aware of the discomfort is a conscious way of moving beyond it and allowing it to become a useful guide to when and where we are being true to ourselves — and when we are not. Once we realise that physical and emotional discomfort can be a gift that guides us back to who we truly are, we can open up and become less afraid of these emotions.
What if we could become aware of the strong tendency to judge, and actively choose something else? To catch ourselves in the moment and stop. To actively choose a space of no judgement in any area of our lives; how we look, dress, eat, move, talk, walk, the friends we have, the house we live in, our families.
Start
Take a piece of paper and write down how you are feeling now. Give yourself time, space and privacy to do this. This is for your eyes only. No one else will ever read or see this.
Write down your deepest, darkest thoughts or feelings; what hurts you,makes you feel sad, or makes you feel less in any way. Tapping into this inner part of yourself will help to bring it forward — for a light to be shone on what you perceived to be wrong, bad or perhaps shameful.
If words do not come easily, or you find it easier to draw your feelingsand thoughts, draw a picture instead.
When you are finished, place what you have written or drawn into anenvelope, seal it, and put it somewhere safe.
Now create a Wellness Breath & Movement Practice for yourself.Creating your own practice will make it truly yours, and you can change it at any time. This is a process of connecting with you — your body, your mind, your energy — bringing them together in a way that nurtures, supports and strengthens you.
You may choose to watch online Yoga, Movement or Breathwork Practitioners, or attend classes. Keep a note of the poses or techniques that you enjoy the most; these may also be the ones that challenge you. From there you can create Your practice.
There are specific movements and breathing techniques that can help us release stress, trauma and grief from the body, while also helping to regulate our nervous systems.
Books can be a wonderful resource too, so check out libraries and bookshops. Or you may decide that you would like support with this process and enlist the help of a Yoga Teacher or another Practitioner you feel drawn to, to help create your initial practice and develop it as you journey.
Or you can simply follow your own knowing about how to move your body, like you did as a young child. Bodies love to move and play. This is all we are doing — dancing and breathing with our bodies in a conscious way.
Music can ignite the body in a way that words sometimes can’t; moving us to joy or touching our hearts and emotions in profound ways. So play with music too and notice how you feel when you listen to different types of music.
Keeping a journal can also be a really helpful tool. It is a way of connecting with different aspects of ourselves. Just make it yours — with lots of words if you love to write, or just a few inspired words, or drawings. There is no right or wrong way of doing any of this. Just a willingness to meet yourself where you are now and explore.
Let this be your personal project.
The project of YOU.
Often people can feel very alone, separate or anxious. This can mean that we are disconnected from our true nature. Our true nature is one of Joy and Love.
If this sounds like an alien concept to you, that’s OK. But if it feels like it could be true for you, then try it out and see how it feels.
Equipment
It is useful to have a Yoga Mat. This can help you create your own special space, just for you. Sometimes simply coming to your mat and sitting or lying down is enough. You are consciously taking time to be with yourself. To nurture yourself. To love yourself.
It can also be lovely to have a cosy blanket, warm socks and comfortable clothes that support but do not constrain you. A pillow or two can also help support different parts of your body during certain poses.
Then you can become as creative as you like. You may add a little vase, jug or jam jar of wild flowers, some shells or stones you have picked up, a singing bowl… the list is endless.
The point is — it’s your list. For You.
Go and grow wild…
If you would like to book online or in person with me for a session to explore this further, to move beyond or embrace anything you feel may be creating a block, or simply for some support, you can book a coaching/energy session with me.
It would be a pleasure to work alongside you.