Being in Jamaica remind me of what pleasure and ease feels like. I had forgotten, I was wound up so tightly. Eileen Day McKusick talks about how the soul guides us with the feeling of “ahhhhh” and we should go more towards that. If you feel like “ahhhhh” when you think about doing it, it’s probably a good thing.
On the other hand, there are things that make you go “uuughhh…..” That is a sign that maybe it’s not for you. Those “have to’s”, and “I shoulds” create a life that might look good on paper but doesn’t make you happy or serve your soul.
I am realizing that I want more “ahhhh…” and that is how I can create a life that emanates from and reflects my core.
Jacob Nordby recently asked me to reflect on what I want more of, less of and none of in my life and begin an inventory of my life using those qualifiers as a lens.
So far it looks a bit like this-
More of- Love and pleasure. Deep relationship and intimacy. Fun. Travel. Having some time to myself when I am not working. Writing books. Teaching more often and to bigger groups. Doing deeper work with my clients. Meditation and peace. Tango, Salsa and dancing in general. Europe and the Islands. Quality time with my loved ones. Laughing and playing. Fresh fruits and veggies. Cat videos.
Less of- Hustle, chronic over working, snowstorms in March. Social media. Watching stupid TV. Meat and other animal products. The News.
None of- Fear, feeling unworthy, worrying about money, or anything for that matter. A 4 page long to do list. Scheduling my time into 15 minutes increments in my calendar. Not being able to put down my cell phone or computer. Putting everyone else’s needs in front of my own.
Rhys Thomas says we never get anywhere by asking for more of what we don’t want. “Quit doing that, I don’t want any of this, I hate it when…” We do much better when we ask for more or what we want, when we align with what we are YES to in our lives rather than what we are NO to. YES comes from the soul- it’s the “ahhhh.” NO comes from the ego and arguing with the reality of what is and is the sound of “ugggh….”
I am really paying attention to this message, since it is all around me, in the way that signs and omens come. I am gratefully leaning into the process- eager to create a life that fits my core, that is a YES to what I want and that brings me into the feeling of “Ahhhh” as often as possible.
