The Power of Forgiveness

This time away from everyday life has made me soooo acutely aware of myself and my imperfections (... anyone else?). 

There are parts of that has been really nice, and also parts that are extremely difficult. 

All those shadowy behaviors that I easily ignore when I'm busy -- saying things I don't really mean, zoning out on social media, sneaky snaking sweets, snapping at my kids and then beating myself up for it -- are all here for me to look at. 

There's no where to run. 

Nothing to distract me from myself.

And in a way, I know that this is part of the healing that's being asked of us collectively: the opportunity to see what's really here so that we can choose differently for the future. 

But, daaang, it can be a lot to look at at once.

And every time I bring my frazzled, disoriented self to my mat, and finally sit still, what I hear is: "It's okay, beloved, I'm right here.  It's okay beloved, try again."

God an eternally patient Mother, right here with me, never judging or doubting my progress or abilities.

Like babies trying to walk in a brand new world, we are ALL navigating new territory and that can be both overwhelming and, as psychologists know very well, can trigger the old coping strategies that we thought we once mastered to rise to the surface yet again.

Listen, I've tried the breathing techniques. 

The magic yoga postures. 

I've journaled and walked in nature and called friends. 

And while all of those coping skills are extremely helpful in their own ways, nothing has helped me more than the sacred practice of forgiving myself (or rather, resting in the ocean of compassion that lies beyond my thinking mind).

This weekend, I'm excited to share some of the transformative tools I've learned for softening and healing the heart: mindfulness, self-compassion, heart-opening practices, and deep deep stillness.

I share my imperfections with you only to mirror the messy process we are all in as we join together in this journey of becoming new.  To let you know that if you, too, are looking your imperfections straight in the eye, you're not alone.  

Looking back, I can see now that everything I've been through has been preparing me for this time: gifting me with the tools that have brought me back to the Love that's always here -- even and ESPECIALLY when I am a hot mess.  It is an honor to now share them with you, too, as we brave the wilderness together.

With love and deep compassion,
Erin