In the Northeast, we have a few months to prepare for winter by gathering firewood, securing windows and doors, and getting furnaces cleaned. As with any change, there is always a period of adjustment required. Often change in our lives doesn't occur so predictably.
Change can seemingly come out of nowhere and catch us off guard. We are unprepared, shocked and numbed by the news of the results of some medical tests we had, that the job we've worked at for the past twenty years is being phased out or, as what happened in Florida recently, a hurricane blows through and wipes out everything in its path. In order to heal from our wounds and disappointments we must turn on our feelings and not stifle our emotions.
Did you know that crying is actually the bodies' way of keeping us from collapsing? When we allow our tears to flow it releases built up emotions like a cloud bursting from the full weight of rain. The rain then washes down clearing the air and renewing everything.
Like the rain, our tears wash away the toxins built up in our bodies. Yet, many of us are taught that crying is a sign of weakness and must never be shown in public or even in private. We are all taught to "toughen up" if we are to survive when what we need to do is loosen up and let our tears flow.
When was the last time you allowed yourself a good cry that wasn't in reaction to a sad movie but a reaction to something that happened in your life?
When we are cut off from any of our feelings and emotions this only creates more suffering. Avoiding and denying our circumstance delays us from moving forward in our journey to authenticity.
Like the animals, birds, and butterflies that take refuge from the cold by migrating to warmer places or to a dark cave for the winter, we also need to find places of refuge and comfort as we wait for the sun to return in our lives.
This month, if you find yourself needing a little shelter from life's inevitable storms, spend a time creating a space in your home where you can go and cocoon. Make your space inviting and nourishing. Fill it with soft blankets to wrap up in and pillows to hold. Add music, candles, flowers or plants and whatever symbols or photographs that bring you peace and hope.
You can also create this space in your imagination. Think of a place that brings you peace. Picture all of the details of this place: the sounds, sights and smells. Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed by change and needing refuge you can close your eyes and go to this safe and nourishing place.
Remember, the sun will come out again and summer will return.
Nancy Bishop is a Life & Inspirational Coach. She provides coaching to women at midlife who are in career and life transition. For more information and to subscribe to her monthly newsletter, Authentic Living News, visit her website at http://www.yourlifeyourway.com
We all love picnics. They represent a fun time as... Read More
The one question I keep coming back to is..."Am I... Read More
Researchers are seeking to identify how dolphins communicate. Unfortunately it... Read More
She was just over knee-high standing next to me in... Read More
Whenever we are working on our dreams we are going... Read More
"Some people call the still, small voice insight or intuition?Our... Read More
"In real love you want the other person's good. In... Read More
It is fun to watch movies of those with super... Read More
Did you ever receive a gift in an unexpected place?I... Read More
Are you a procrastinating perfectionist? I once read an article... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 13,... Read More
I've spoken with many people who, over time, have felt... Read More
When in 1996 a local Secondary School opened, the staff... Read More
This is a true story about a woman I worked... Read More
Lance Armstrong has already proven he is the greatest athlete... Read More
Here's the great challenge of life - You can have... Read More
How come, as women, we always second-guess ourselves? Are we... Read More
I sat down to write my weekly humor column, but... Read More
Have you or do you know someone who has been... Read More
Generosity, which includes the free, no strings-attached sharing of resources,... Read More
There is an old principle: You reap what you sow.... Read More
I'm currently listening to The Secrets of the Power of... Read More
Letters on Life#3Some experiences you never forget. In some of... Read More
You, my friend, are going to die.What? What kind of... Read More
It was 1:30 A.M. on Friday, December 6, 1991. Patrolman... Read More
Change, no matter how you cut it, can certainly be... Read More
I work in a factory, and we have supervisors who... Read More
What is it that stops you from jumping off a... Read More
The blaring sound leapt under Jerry's skin and strangled him... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 19,... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of April 7,... Read More
I have a question for you.Who are you?This may be... Read More
What areas of your life are working well? Career? Finances?Relationships?... Read More
"For man, as a specie, and unlike other inhabitants of... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of February 2,... Read More
[Channelled]'Interact,' is a common word that most of you are... Read More
You've heard the saying, "You are what you eat." I... Read More
I love you not because who you are, but... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 21,... Read More
"A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile... Read More
All this week I have been singing.This week I have... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 19,... Read More
A high school senior, looking forward to going to college,... Read More
There is a bottle of perfume sitting on my dresser... Read More
One man can make a difference. I've been saying this... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 17,... Read More
In old buildings there was a boiler room where men... Read More
The following is a true story about a young friend... Read More
I stared into those biggest of navy blue eyes and... Read More
I have always wondered how the Red Sea parted as... Read More
Inspirational Inspirational |