Nourishing the Foundation in a Spinning World

 Last week when I walked down to the water here in Hoodsport, I was struck by this simple truth: The tides are ever changing. When I left Washington almost three months ago, the tide was high most of time, at least in daylight hours. There wasn't much beach to walk on, but today it extended almost all the way to the floating docks. There was lots of space to wander and sweet little tide pools to explore.

As I stood next to these soft rolling waves another truth struck me: the earth keeps on spinning. This foundation on which we stand ~ while feeling solid it's still moving and it's cycles continue. So I ponder: how do we nourish this foundation within us? Our bodies? While everything is moving and spinning around us?

For me it's reconnecting to my breath. To my physical body. Laying claim to my energy system. Taking the time to deeply and intentionally connect with loved ones through phone or zoom chats. Going to bed early. Walking outside at least once/day. Doing simple exercises each morning. Remembering to eat my breakfast. Taking a shower and dressing for the day. Nurturing my inner child. Create, write, play with art. Limiting my online time, even my phone/computer time. Listening to new music that inspires me. Dancing ~ moving my body! Touching my own body, being fully WITH myself. Taking time for sacred sexual practice. Taking my vitamins. Meditating each morning at least 15 minutes. Drawing an oracle or tarot card. Lighting a candle and taking time for prayers at night.

Literally USING the tools I have gathered over the years. It's funny how the mind can complicate things and talk us out of these simple truths. My ego or pride can sometimes just keep me from stepping in ~ to myself. I am personally learning I can no longer bypass these things. I can no longer push through or put myself on the back burner. I HAVE to listen to my system or I will be taken OUT. I felt this when I was in London and when I returned home. If I bypassed these things I'd feel exhausted, passing out for hours at a time or feel the weight of depression settling in and finding it hard to simply function. 

These may seem like simple things, they are... AND they're not. It can be such a challenge not to get pulled into social media, news, fear, depression, stories in our mind, thinking and worrying about all the unknowns, trying our damnedest to figure out solutions ~ all of these being massive energy leaks and depleting our systems. I am NOT saying to force positivity or not feel the full spectrum of what this experience is. What I am saying is:

Find the Balance & Learn to ride the Wave.

Notice where your energy is going. Notice where your mind is going. 
Notice what you feel in your body when you're doing something.

Does this nourish or deplete? 

Notice if there is any resistance coming up at the thought of simply caring for yourself. For me this has been a powerful inquiry. Then adjust accordingly. If you can.. invite curiosity and playfulness. There is no right or wrong. No should's. And what works for me may not be the things that work for you. It becomes a daily, moment to moment conversation with your body and your nervous system. This is a dance and I'm in right there with you. The learning never ends. I am continually humbled and in awe of this process that's unfolding both within and around us.

We need to have some foundational pieces in place, whatever they may be, even if it's just one. THEN build from there, no matter what your life looks like. To me these speak to nurturing pleasure, creative energy, listening to the internal landscape AND having your basic bodily needs met, something that unfortunately not everyone has access to nor the privilege of time to step in to.  

I personally have struggled with these foundational pieces over the years... skipping breakfast, staying up late to watch "one more episode" or finish that last chapter, jumping into the project that I'm wanting to create without allowing it the time to percolate, burning hot and burning out quick, skipping a walk outside to finish something for work, staying in the grind and...

it doesn't work anymore. It honestly never did. 

​So these are my Five Foundational questions I have been asking myself each day, especially if I feel a little off:
1)Are you hydrated?
2)Are you fed? 
3)Are you well rested? 
4)Have you moved your body today? walk, dance, exercise?
5)Have you connected with nature?

What are yours? I love you,
Terri Lynn