*repost from 11/2018
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After a looong absence filled with busy-ness and a perfectionistic's procrastination, I just came to a startling conclusion: There will never be a good time. And: Now is the time. Perfection in contradiction. And perhaps a most fitting metaphor for our present situation. I'm going to keep it short and sweet and vulnerable. For an anxious, sensitive person, in this most unstable climate, it can be hard to find a reason to keep going. To step forward in trust that there's a higher plan in place. And yet, we do. I do. And while I face the coming winter with some trepidation, nameless and pretty much groundless fears of being alone, cold, and starving, yesterday I planted bulbs. Spring flowers, a goofily, foolishly optimistic outward demonstration of the inner certainty that wavers at times but is made stronger by practice. Being in the Now, I am safe. In Faith.
In celebration of tomorrow's Full Moon and the approaching holiday season, Madhuri's Garden is offering a 15% discount on Body products: Butters, Balms, Salves. Use the code "FAITH" at checkout. Local delivery or pickup, or add shipping. Many Blessings! This post is dedicated to a dear someone going through a difficult time, exacerbated by intense self-blame for choices made and events that took place long ago. And to me, supremely grateful for knowing when to walk away, and that forward movement is not possible without letting go.
We humans are so hard on ourselves. I can’t claim to be perfect at this, and don’t always remember, but when I’m spinning out of control, I try to take some slow, deep breaths to regain my center, and follow these steps to switch off the hamster-wheel of anxiety, worry, blame, regret, self-recrimination. It really is very simple. Think of it as one of those flow-chart thingies:
“Significantly, when we do metta practice, we begin by directing metta toward ourselves. This is the essential foundation for being able to offer genuine love to others. When we truly love ourselves, we want to take care of others, because that is what is most enriching, or nourishing, for us. When we have a genuine inner life, we are intimate with ourselves and intimate with others. The insight into our inner world allows us to connect to everything around us, so that we can see quite clearly the oneness of all that lives.” ~ Sharon Salzberg, “Facets of Metta” Somehow, and often through the weird magic of social media, the perfect teaching always seems to appear just when I need it most – I count myself fortunate to have had the most awesome gurus, guides, and mentors over the course of many years, who have helped me build a strong connection to spirit and a sense of something beyond my small “self”. Today, there was a poem by the ever-inspiring Rumi, a 14th century Sufi mystic whose creations are so spot-on it’s hard to believe they weren’t written last week. I leave you with “The Guest House”. Much love and many blessings to you! The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. ~Rumi translated by Coleman Banks Lest you think it is all fun and games here in Aliceland - here's what I'm doing on this gorgeous day... New logo, label & packaging design for 1/2oz/15ml essential oil bottle. It is 2.5" wide x 1" tall and contains more words than many first novels. Coming soon to a website or pop-up shop near you! Now that the prototype is done, more products will be on their way, including St. John's Wort tincture & oil, Jewelweed tincture (THE poison ivy remedy); Spring Tonic tincture & vinegar, and much more!!
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AuthorAlice Madhuri Velky LMT Archives
November 2020
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