I can’t believe how resistant I was to going for a bike ride today. I know how lucky I am to be in such a beautiful place, it’s a lovely day and I had enough time between clients but even so, I was thinking of all the things I “needed” to do.
Reminding myself that I’ve never lived a 20 minute bike ride from the sea before and that I’d promised myself to make the most of it, I dragged myself out and within seconds, was delighted I’d done so.
I’d done a nice long yoga practice this morning but that’s not enough.
I’m normally pretty good (it’s an ongoing practice initially made essential by chronic pain) at paying attention to my body but I’ve noticed that it’s easy to lapse into old disembodied ways of being.
When you think about your own mind, body, heart and soul, which do you pay most attention to?
If you’re anything like me, it varies.
This whole move from Essex, UK to the glorious Wild Atlantic Way in the Republic of Ireland was because the Brexit vote broke my heart and when I reflected on the loss and grief I felt for the UK (as well as Europe and the wider world), I used this to change what I could change.
My soul craved the sea and mountains and Westport has more than exceeded my always very high hopes.
The fact that I’m able to feed my soul such stunning views is phenomenal for me.
In psychosynthesis terms, I’m on the Way of Beauty – Pierro Ferrucci’s delightful book, Inevitable Grace, explores the ways in which we all express ourselves in the world.
For some, it’s through Science, or Action or Will, Love, Dance & Ritual… we’re all different.
Understanding what your soul needs can help use pay closer attention. I’ve been living here nearly 3 months now and routinely walk or cycle out of my way to get my view fix (of the spot I turned into my logo image last spring).
It feels rude not to.
I may have lost you with all this soul talk but if you think about yourself and when you feel most at one with the world at large, what are you doing?
How about your heart? Do you give it enough input into making daily decisions? Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? I often delude myself that I’m more logical than I actually am whereas in reality, I make as many decisions as possible based on whether the idea of doing something makes my heart lift or sink.
And of course we need our minds. Mindfulness has been enormously helpful for me in terms of retraining my mind from default Olympian catastrophiser to someone who at least recognises when this is happening. I can then ground and refocus on what I want rather than fear happening.
And while my move was very heart and soul led, I used my mind to create a portable practice and move the vast majority of my self care coaching, therapy and supervision online. And to sort out the logistics of moving house and country. Boy oh boy – my brain still hasn’t fully recovered.
When you think about your own preferences what stands out?
How often do you put your head down and power through however you might be feeling in order to get things done?
Are you very emotional, making decisions based on how you feel?
Do you understand your body’s language?
Do you make time to reflect on whatever’s trying to emerge at a soul level, for your highest good and that of all concerned?
If you’d like my support in getting to know yourself better, working with your whole self, I’d love to hear from you – you can find out more about my services and, if my approach appeals, get in touch to book your free telephone consultation.
And, of course, you can be your OWN self care coach and simply use this blog and video as a jumping off point to reflect on your own preferences and ways in which you might bring more balance into you life.
You might want to journal or chat with a friend about your answers above.
You might simply want to pause at some point every day and check in with your mind, body, heart and soul and ask yourself, what does each need?
How might you honour each element that bit more?
Big love,
