Weekly Inspiration: Self-compassion, Independence & Going Deeper

• Self-compassion I took time off of work this week visit the beach and noticed that even without a to-do list, I was finding things to be critical about with myself. It’s easy with a to do list: you either finished the task, or you didn’t. I was impressed by my creativity in still finding things to criticize and judge about myself on vacation, and then I decided to raise my standards for how I acknowledge myself and send that creative energy elsewhere. Oh, and what a relief it brought! Here’s how it played out: Unfortunately, my husband had to work all week and I really wanted to spend my days at the beach, but kept finding reasons not to go alone. What it really came down to is that I was scared to go alone. I expended so much energy trying to stay busy doing other things to avoid this simple truth, and then once I faced it, I called myself childish, dismissed my fear, and tried the tough love approach to get myself to the beach. While it was indeed my inner child needing some comforting for her fear of being helpless and alone, the tough love only moved me further from what I really wanted to do. When I decided to put up a stop sign to the criticism, I was able to connect with my inner child in a kind and loving way, and talk her through how we were going to do something uncomfortable and it was going to be okay. And it was okay, of course! I loved visiting the beach alone, and that leads me to the next bit of inspiration in my week…
• Independence: In some ways, I have always been a loner. Since the beginning of the pandemic, my husband and I have hardly been separated, which has been wonderful on so many levels. At the same time, however, I had forgotten that I enjoy experiencing life on my own, too. Visiting the beach by myself gently awoke a source of confidence and independence inside me that had fallen asleep. It was like I couldn’t get enough of that feeling and returned to the beach every free moment I had. Then I even remembered the traveling I have done by myself in the past and how enjoyable it has been, especially visiting the beach by myself in the past. Not only did I visit Hawaii alone for two weeks, but I also lived right on the sea in Pozzuoli, Italy for two years. When I feel anxiety visiting, I am always scared by how small my world feels and how few options seem available; it’s amazing how quickly it can cut me off from resources I know well. 
• The magic of the ocean When leaving for the beach, someone told me to enjoy my time with the Great Mother Ocean. Curious, I googled ‘great mother ocean’ and learned that there is a spirit guide of water called Yemoja. From what I’ve read, there are some cultural differences about Yemoja, but overall, she is a strong mother figure who is connected with fertility and called the “Queen of the Ocean.” She is said to be the “mother of fish children,” which immediately resonated for me as a pisces. I really loved holding this idea in mind while visiting the ocean and thinking about being mothered by a strong and protective figure like Yemoja. I also learned that walking barefoot on the beach is a great practice for grounding. This trip felt more restorative than past beach trips just holding in mind deeper meanings to the simple concepts of the ocean and walking barefoot on the sand.

I hope your week ahead brings you opportunities to cultivate your self-compassion, savor the freedom of your independence in whatever form that shows up in your life, and to move deeper to discover the meaning in the simple things.

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