acts of fear = acts of violence

acts of fear

What do you do when a wave of fear washes over you?

How do you respond to the tsunami of life that crashes down sometimes? 

I take myself to the beach.
This act of loving kindness toward self
is a commitment.

A stretchy goal.
Five days in a row,
no matter what


You see, coming up this Friday I’ve got surgery

I’m dancing with my fear. 

I’m reclaiming my power. 

for when I’m scared, 
I tend to contract.
I push back.

I get angry.  

Instead of isolating, I 
Gotta get out of the house.

Instead of contracting,

I’m releasing the pinch.

And sharing my strengths here with you, because perhaps you feel the feelings of life intensely. 

and that’s okay

what if? 

Instead of holding it all together…

You allow yourself to Weep. Tears. Ample tears. Lotsa snot…

and instead of playing the look-good game…

you could honestly share your feelings with a trusted friend…

The invitation:

Release. Let go.

Feel the fear. Release the pinch. 

Turn towards others instead of curling up in fetal position. 

Trust yourself to not abandon yourself.

Focus on your part in the nightmare around you.

Do what you can to center yourself.

Repair your relationships.

Then do what you can to serve others.

Repeat. Have Faith that this is enough.

You are enough. 

TEAM FAMILY TOP-TEN TIPS

know your why

Here is a top-ten list complied by our family, Toby, Everett, Amy & Marc (TEAM) on 7/30/19. These are some of the golden threads that sustain our loving connection. Take what you can use and leave the rest behind.

1: Trust- Reliability, Safety, Respect, Freedom.

2: Communication- Being willing to express needs and wants, “Thank you for asking for what you want/need.”

3: Honesty- open to each other, don’t try to hide feelings, be respectful of each other’s ideas.

4: Meals- mealtime, weekend morning, no rush, kitchen becomes a place of gathering.

5: Nature- spend time outdoors, go on walks, take care of the earth.

6: Media-Free- device free at meals, and no screens on Sundays.

7: Spontaneous Getaways- spend time away from home, go on excursions together, and house-sit for friends.

8: Chore Day- one day a week we tackle household chores- kitchen deep clean, bathrooms, vacuum and mop, gardening. Daily chores (dishwasher, trash, recycling, compost, bed making, personal hygiene) assigned from an early age.

9: Car-free Days- a chance to relax and simply be.

10: Family meetings and meditation on a weekly basis.