Slow Down, Mama!
Hey mama,
Do you feel the shift that October is bringing in? It’s definitely giving do less and receive more. It’s giving slow down and play. It’s giving do the least, never the most. And I love this for us because it’s exactly what we need. We need to slow down!
Autum is symbolic of harvest time, and it’s a great time to reflect on how well you’re able to receive. Because of the “mother” archetype that we hold, we often find ourselves as the “doer”. And for some reason we wear this title proudly. We call ourselves superwoman. We pile our to-do list to the brim. We push away all of our help.
We have been programmed to believe that we’re lazy, unsuccessful, or worthless if we aren’t “doing” something. We also tell ourselves the story that we have to do it all alone. This comes up for me ALL the time especially as a homeschooling, single mother, entrepreneur. I’m always battling feelings that I should and could be doing more. I noticed that as soon as Autumn started, my mind went into overdrive trying to figure out ways I can do more, but my body was telling me to slow down. This contradiction between the body and the mind causes so much tension. And normally we give in to the beliefs and desires of our mind, which often times cause us to be out of alignment with nature. It causes us to force things rather than flow.
As a living being part of nature, we can look to nature for guidance on how to live in alignment at any given moment. Right now, nature is showing us the importance of shedding dead skin, of letting go, and of receiving what is ours. All of this can be learned simply by looking at the trees, watching the animals and tending to a garden. The question that came up for me was: How can I get in flow with nature and receive all that is trying to find me? How can I receive all that I’ve been praying for? No longer resisting what is and no longer wanting things to be different. How can I make space to receive my harvest?
After inviting in a sacred pause through the breath, reflecting on what is true for me, and playing more I created harmony with myself and found balance between my mind and body. This past week, I did the opposite of what my mind was telling me, I slowed all the way down. And it felt so good!
Here’s how it went:
I Invited in The Sacred Pause: After putting Kairo to bed and walking the dog, I took time to meditate. Rather than using that time to DO more work, I sat in silence. I cleared my mind. I calmed my body.
I Took Time To Reflect: I journal daily, but this week, I took time to daydream in my journal. I drew pictures (not impressive, but fun!), I wrote affirmations. I took time to count my blessings both big and small. And I decided October will be my last month teaching at Replenish Yoga & Meditation. It’s time to create more space for opportunities to come in through my business.
I Played More: Instead of adding another extracurricular class to Kairo’s week, Kairo and I went on leisurely bike rides every day.
Slowing down can be uncomfortable especially when we feel we may get behind or things will fall through the cracks. But this week, and maybe for the rest of this season, I want to challenge you to slow down. Use the tools in this newsletter to create space to receive. Much can be accomplished through slowness, and in moving slow you appreciate all that you already have.
You are blessed. All is well. Slow down, mama.
THE SACRED PAUSE
Time is an illusion, and you have plenty of it. Get creative with how you use yours.
Taking time to sit and breath can do wonders for your mental, physical, and emotional health. It can help alleviate stress and it can help you move from “doing” to “being”.
You are inherently worthy of receiving goodness, beauty, love, and blessings. It is what God intends for you. Taking a sacred pause and connecting to your breath creates space to see how blessed you already are and to welcome in even more blessings.
Make the time to breathe.
TIME TO REFLECT
Journaling is a great way to work through emotions, beliefs, and negative thoughts. It has been a powerful tool for me as I moved through darker times. It’s an outlet for your mind and therapy for your soul. Below are some journal prompts to help you slow down. Free write for 7 minutes (or longer) using the prompt and see what comes through for you.
You deserve to move slow. You deserve to rest. You deserve to receive.
PLAY MORE
It’s hard to find amusement and levity when you are always “doing”. As you strive to slow down, inviting in more opportunities to play can be extremely valuable.
When you are playing, you’re in a state of joy. You aren’t taking life or yourself so seriously anymore. You have nothing to prove. You have nothing to do. You experience lighthearted cheer that can only be received in the movement, when you are free of your fears, worries, or doubts.
Play is medicine and it is sacred. Here are some upcoming community events that will put a smile on your face and allow you to experience joy in community.
Laughter, ease, joy, and love are all contagious and they want to be had by you. Join us.
