A Message from the Moon about Too Much
A week ago, when the full moon was at its peak, I arose early to enjoy its beautiful reflection over the ocean. Grabbed my coffee and shoes, kissed my husband good morning, and headed out for a little full moon quiet time. As I got to my spot, I looked up and saw it was tucked squarely behind a spruce tree.
I had a good laugh about the impeccable timing of things, and how patience & imperfection and blah blah blah seem to be vying for my attention rather aggressively these days. (Big words are overrated according to our son.)
So, instead of sitting down, I set out on a walk to get a "better" view. As I journeyed up the hill, a funny thought arose: Wasn't the moon just as beautiful hidden behind a tree as it was in its expansive visibility?
Then, I thought of us….
How we, too, are just as beautiful when we tuck behind a tree or the covers - or a Zoom screen - and take a break from being seen.
Do you remember building forts as children out of cardboard boxes or sheets or whatever else you could rummage from the closets or junk drawers?
Wasn't it a relief to block out the world for a bit? No noise, stimuli or expectations. You could come out and re-engage when YOU felt ready (in the most ideal scenario).
One of the greatest gifts I received from training in Organic Intelligence is how to attune to the rhythms - and needs - of my body.
For example, it's uber-clear when I need to stop thinking about something, or sleep on it - as I often do. It's also clear when I have energy to work, engage, or do something meaningful.
I've learned not to over-schedule because no one wins when I do. (I realize many women don't have the choice to work less, and I'm deeply grateful my family's livelihood isn't at stake when I pause to let my system rest and recover.)
The bottomline is that we all have different capacities and limits - for both work and rest.
Are you aware of yours?
What are the telltale signs you need to shift gears?
Do you become distracted or self-critical upon reaching a work limit?
One of my personal faves was to hyper-focus on what's wrong, including all the things I - and others - didn't accomplish that day, week, etc!
I believe women are intrinsically wired to listen to the wisdom of their bodies, honoring their needs for both work and rest.
It just takes a bit of re-learning given the conditioning of the over-culture: Be productive, never stop, success is determined purely by how much you accomplish (or earn).
Can you imagine if we lived in a society where rest was regarded just as highly as work or busyness? (Can’t help but think of Joey from Blossom’s whoa face here!).
Funny thing is, you'd likely get more done (even though that's not the main point). More importantly, your efforts would come from a place of wholeness and ease because all of your needs would be met.
As a wise friend, Nathan Rehm, said, "A step made from a place of wholeness goes miles beyond an impressive sprint that leaves some part of you behind that you eventually must come back to retrieve."
Rooting for your freedom & ease,
Breon
P.S. Rest looks different for each of us (naps or warm baths aren’t everyone’s thing!). One reason to work with a somatic coach is to find the “right” relationship with rest (and work) that aligns with your nervous system and needs. Schedule a call if you'd like to learn more!