In a blink of an eye, we are already half way February. And as days become longer and brighter, restrictions start lifting up, bringing a sense of hope, a glimpse about the life we used to have before 2020. But can we go back then? Haven't things changed too much, haven't we changed too much? Do we really want to go back to how things were then, to who we were then? A common theme has been arising in several conversations amongst clients and friends. The energy feels lighter, almost as if a dead weight has been shifted from our shoulders - the fact that astrology is in our side until mid April helps with no further retrogrades until then! - Now the question is: what are we going to do with this regained freedom? How are we going to live our lives moving forward? Can we truly liberate ourselves - from what? Every time I think about liberation and freedom, Buddhist philosophy comes to mind (link to a simplified explanation of its principles can be found here). The concept of freeing ourselves from suffering as the ultimate pathway to attain liberation. And what are the causes of our suffering? Fear, resistance, loss...in other words, not accepting what it is. Mentally, emotionally, physically resisting what we are experiencing, what's coming our way, what is in front of our eyes. And I get it, sometimes it's not pretty. It's hard, it's painful, it's soul wrenching. But how much are we adding to that experience by resisting, denying and amplifying what's happening? Adding further feelings and sensations to what's already painful? From a spiritual point of view, we are back into this human life to experience the ebbs and flows, the contrasts and blessings in order to grow, in order to accept and dial down the resistance bit. And that, magically fits into how we translate that major assumption to the focus, vision and purpose we infuse our lives with.
Can we, though nourishing and building trust - in ourselves, in our environment, in our community, in our highest selves and the universe itself - set a vision, a mark and then let go of the stirring wheel for a bit? Do we desperately need to grasp it and grab it at all costs because if we don't take control, nobody else will? I don't have the right answer unfortunately. But I feel - and the experience over the years working with hundreds of clients tells me - that if we combine both approaches: intention, action with trust and letting go, we can go far, we can create amazing results as we embody a more conscious, grounded and fulfilled self. Here are some resources where we have covered some of the aspects presented in this month's newsletter: VIDEOS Coaching Lab: - Cultivating trust - Mindfulness - Working with fear ARTICLES: The art of allowing Stepping into freedom Further reading: Siddhartha Thích Nhất Hạnh - Some of his books: No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha And as always, we invite you to continue reading to discover the activities coming to you this month. With all my love and gratitude,
Monica x