I was walking with a friend this morning. We meet up every couple of weeks when we are both in town and walk our dogs together at a wonderful off-leash dog park. We caught up on my trip to Maui and the ways our lives are changing – and have changed – since we started walking together over a year ago.
The metaphor that came to me was that of a kaleidoscope. We have all the same colors and shapes (health, work, relationships, adventures, pets, family, friends) from year to year. Yet the way in which they come together changes each day, week, month, or year. Much like a kaleidoscope that has shapes that retain their color, but come together in a different way with each spin of the scope.
Last year, particularly in the last six months, I was so focused on building a program, that I ignored my body’s signs that I was doing too much.
Back to Basics
As 2022 begins, I’m being especially good to my body – getting lots of rest, eating well, and doing consistent, gentle exercise.
No fancy new things in my practice. I’m focusing on the 1:1 and small group work that brings me joy!
The picture in my kaleidoscope has changed and with it has bloomed a simplicity and clarity I hadn’t even realized I needed.
- That never-ending quest for just the right client management system is a great way to distract me from uncomfortable feelings.
- I like the idea of building long-term relationships with a small group of people who are deeply committed to living authenticity, following guidance, and transforming one small step at a time.
- Eat well, walk often, do yoga twice a week, sleep at least 8 hours a night, laugh and play more, and travel to warm places in winter (Tucson, here I come!)
- Reach out to that client or friend who is on my mind when I wake up in the morning. Sometimes a quick email check-in means a lot and shifts their day.
These kinds of simple changes, over time, change our experience of life. When we slowly turn the scope and the arrangement of glass changes in the lens of the kaleidoscope, we create a different, but equally beautiful image. So too in our lives, we can experience more joy, contentment, curiosity or ease when we simply shift our focus, what gets our attention, or how we follow our impulses/guidance.
So I wonder….
- What needs a bit or rearranging, releasing, or calling in for 2022?
- What new simplicity, beauty or clarity are you exploring or seeing right in front of you?
- What’s the next small, simple action you can take to turn your scope?
- How can I support your unfolding this day, month, or year?
Onward to the Solstice… and Maui