Day 207/366 days Towards Self-Mastery.
For most of us there is "the life we lead today and the life we yearn for so deeply."
We of the world in 2020 are now nearing the end of the 5th month of measures to support us to deal with the pandemic COVID-19 virus. Much of that time has been spent in isolation and at this time, there are many uncomfortable and awkward moments as we wait to see if our friend will hug us or will prefer to socially distance herself.
When we understand that consciousness is forever evolving and expanding we get a sense that what is here today is the result of our thinking and being of yesterday, and the days before that, a natural progression of events and creation. What then does this say about COVID? What has COVID brought us?
It has brought us time in isolation, time alone that we can use as solitude that feeds the soul or despair for a soul that has not received the nurturing it so desperately needs. It has brought us connection to those who are in our closest circles, fewer distractions, more time to think, consider our options, remember our dreams.
Solitude gives us time to reflect on our choices, the way things are, to look a little way into the future and wonder where our choices are leading us. Without solitude it's difficult to remember our deeper desires, our truest yearnings.
In a world that is hell bent on keeping us distracted our attention and thoughts are drawn in the direction of the best messages, the wittiest marketing, the most distressing news. Like puppets we go where we are directed, and lose sight of what we know, what's important to us, what we want for ourselves and our families.
Solitude cuts through all the static and provides respite from the barrage of media commentary and the demands of a life that we feel compelled to live to fit in, to feel some sense of belonging in a crazily fashioned world that is no deeper in its humanity than the froth on the top of the beer.
For me solitude is where I find my humanity. Where I reflect on my judgement of others and feel my guilt and sorrow and compassion. Where I celebrate my kindness and generosity and course correct at the end of each day.
Solitude keeps me connected to my humanity.
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?)
I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here.
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.