The Unexpected Spiritual Journey
If you asked most weight loss coaches, they would probably have told me I was doing it all wrong. I wasn't walking fast enough, I should have been running, I should have added weights, etc. While I might have gotten it wrong on most days, I never stopped trying. It turned out that this journey I embarked on wasn't just physical—it was deeply spiritual.
A Season of Exhaustion
After March (my last blog post, lol), my schedule picked up in a way that was blissfully exhausting. I was teaching, learning, creating, recording, and managing business tasks like a madwoman. Gratefully, everything turned out great (as expected), but by summer, I was mentally exhausted. I had applied for my usual full-time summer work ( because it was easy and fruitful) but shockingly was not chosen (the universe knows what you need). I was then tasked with the fearful question of how do I make money outside of my contract season. I tried to get my mind in gear for the challenge but nothing was happening-- I was pressing the gas, but the car wasn't moving. I frantically returned to my forgotten morning routine of water, tea, exercise, meditation, and breathwork. Slowly, I felt myself coming back, regaining my power. I was making it through the summer on limited contracts and surviving!
Finding Clarity in Nature
I added a couple of miles of walking in nature to my routine, and my vision became much clearer. The weight I needed to lose wasn't physical; it was spiritual, mental, and emotional.
Earlier in the year, during weight loss meditations, the question was asked: "What is the heaviness that you are carrying that is weighing you down?" I realized I was carrying so much that was overwhelming me and I needed to let it all go.
The Burdens I Carried
Spiritually, I was carrying anxiety of what would happen next with my career, my family, my finance, the bills, my business etc.
Mentally, I was still overcommitting to too many people and projects.
Emotionally, I was carrying the weght of self doubt, unfulfilled expectations of myself, and the financial and womanpower demands of running a business.
No wonder it was hard to lose weight! (And yes, I do admit to indulging in a cupcake or two to soothe the stress.) Those nature walks provided messages about the intangible. I began to plan, reorganize, and let go.
The Art of Letting Go
I am letting go of being anywhere other than the present (after all, the present is a gift). They say that focusing too much on the past can lead to depression, and worrying too much about the future can cause anxiety; I have no use for either. I'm letting go of worrying about the future, trusting my faith and practice to know that I will be taken care of.
I am letting go of the act of emptying my cup to that last, slow moving , suspended drop by not overextending myself. This year I’ve reduced and will continue to reduce the number of commitments I take on for others. In the past, I would work tirelessly to meet unexpected deadlines for some truly beautiful projects. I have no regrets—I believed in those visions and pushed myself to the limits to support them. But that often meant skipping my morning wellness routines, putting my own projects aside, and even missing meals. Now, I’ve intentionally created a schedule that allows me time to breathe, find balance, and create for myself.
I am also letting go of perfectionism and control. I am giving myself grace, streamlining my business , setting clear goals, allowing myself the freedom to fail , have flexible deadlines, and pivot whenever necessary. I'm relying on my coaches and teachers to support me where I need to strengthen, and I'm trusting my spirit to guide me to places that enhance my gifts.
Embracing a Gentle Life
My new business year coincides with the Yoruba New Year. During the annual reading of the year, the Awise (voice of Ifa for the world) shared a story about how Jee Jee (Gentleness) prayed for a long life. Gentle was told that he already had everything he needed. Awise said that most people think that running 3 miles a day ensures longevity, but in reality, it is living a gentle life and exhibiting a gentle character that prolongs life.
With that mindset, I am committing to:
Loving this body with good food, good exercise, balance, and harmony in everything I do.
Being gentle with my schedule, my goals, my need for rest, and my need to pause
Stretching to remind my body that even though I am not dancing, I haven't forgotten its usefulness.
Grateful for the Present Moment
Even with my excess, I’m grateful for this body that allows me to move and groove and bring joy to so many.
I’m grateful for these nature walks, for the trees, for the birds, for the breeze, for the stillness, for the conversation with self.
Moving Forward with Balance
Even when life is 'life-ing,' every year can be our year because this experience is what we make of it, and the lessons given to us bless us by what we take from them. Looking forward to another educational year of balance, growth, wisdom, understanding, and eluvation.
Eluvation Corner
Passing the Baton
What are the "heaviness" or burdens you feel you're carrying? How can you start to let them go?
How can you incorporate more gentle, mindful practices into your daily routine?
What commitments can you release or reduce to create more balance in your life?
How can you practice self-care and self-compassion more intentionally?
What does living a 'gentle life' mean to you, and how can you start embracing it today?
Commenti