Permission to Go Slow
As we've slowly seen the world and some of our "normal" social opportunities start up again (and with California fully opening up this week), I've had several conversations with friends and clients (and myself) about how it all feels. There is so much joy over the chance to catch up on the hugs, celebrations, and laughter that has been sorely missed over the past 14/15/infinity months. I know my heart has been lit up with all of the chances to gather once again.
And, I know that it has also felt overwhelming for some. It's like we didn't get a warming-up period to go from total lack of socialization to all the options being back on the table. And it can be a lot! I have felt exhausted from small social interactions that I would have breezed through in BC (Before Covid) times. I feel like we all need more permission for all of it to be ok. If you are ready to party through the night, amazing! If you don't feel quite ready to be in groups, totally understandable. If you need a long nap after being out of your house for more than an hour, I feel that too!
Time to Move Through
The anxiety, fear, loneliness, loss, trauma, overwhelm (and on and on) from this past year won't just go away because I can walk into a store without fear anymore. We have all walked through so much, and were affected in different ways which will take time to move through now that we can all take a deep breath again. Maybe quite literally.
Honoring Others and Ourselves
As we walk back into the world, I want to honor those who aren't walking with us. Those who went through unspeakable tragedy during the last year but are still standing. I also want to honor all that we have learned over the course of the year. I hear many people sharing about their newfound understanding of taking it easy. The acknowledgment of how much we used to DO during our days and weeks and how much (we now see) it didn't work for us. Only in the forced stoppage could many of us reckon with the structures we, and society, had set up for ourselves and how unhealthy they are.
So, while I'm thrilled to feel safe to be around my loved ones again, to be able to take part in many hobbies and activities that bring joy to my life and plan for future adventures, I am also honoring the parts of me that still want that slowness. The parts that want me to deeply consider the plans I make before I make them. The parts of me that learned to show up for my mental, physical, and emotional health in a whole new way and want to continue to prioritize it.
What learnings, growths, or understandings from the past year can you honor as you walk back into the world?
P.S.- I am honoring (and investing in) myself and my desire to go slow by going on a retreat next week, my first in over two years, and I couldn't be more excited! I will be off the grid for the week starting on Tuesday, but please join me before I leave for this month's Group Healing on Monday, June 21st at 5 pm PT. We will come together to let go of all that may be holding us back and honor all of the lessons that we want to carry forward and embody in our lives. Hope to see you there!