Where I’m from, my parent’s love for me was rooted in worry, anxiety and dread.
- “I’m anxious to see you.” (Mom said each time I planned a trip home)
- “Be careful.” (Mom uttered every time I left the house)
- “You’re too sensitive.” (Dad chided me to be more tough — so I didn’t get hurt so much)
And yet was I was told, repeatedly, was that they loved me and they wanted me to be happy. Yet the energetic exchange was negatively charged.
In my adulthood, through the journey of conscious partnership, connected parenting, and ongoing sobriety, I’ve learned a few replacements:
- wonder replaces worry
- delight replaces doubt
- rejoice replaces regret
And thus I return to my true nature. The childlike wonder, delight and ability to rejoice is still in me. And you, too. Experience liberation from negativity. When we quit worrying we allow space for wonder to emerge. Worry is praying for things we don’t want. Free up that energy with a glance up at the cloud or the stars right now.
Pause. Breathe. Reset.
These extraordinary benefits of right living — experiencing daily delight, wonder and rejoicing in the sober mind and tender heart–become rather ordinary and mundane.
So instead of consuming (I just deleted more social media apps from my phone), I’m contemplating my true nature. If you’re anything like me, social media drums up old love exchanges: worry, doubt, regret.
Clearing up clutter of distractions and releasing the pinch of judgement and tech anxiety brings relief. Clarity of mind and openness of heart are glimpses of everyday enlightenment. This, dear one, is a worthwhile journey. I’m delighted to be your guide from the side.
My master’s degree is in Contemplative Psychology. To contemplate is to allow the divine in. Years of practice working with my own mind and tenderizing my own heart cultivates bodhicitta: enlightened mind and awakened heart (same thing).
And so it is, Aloha Friday.
Your matter.
Your relationships matter.
With tenderness,
Amy