Deep breaths AND chocolate
I used to think it was all or nothing. If I taught yoga, then I must be very yogic at all times or else I was a fraud. So I best be eating organic chia seeds marinated in bone broth with kale chips and a green smoothie to wash it all down with. I thought to myself, I can't be a calm, loving mother if I am also feeding my kids Cheetos and yelling at them to clean up the pile of shoes on the floor or their underwear on the coffee table. (We have a history in this family of undergarments being left in odd places - just last week my mother-in-law found a strapless bra in my husband's car - I hate strapless bras and took it off as soon as I could after a recent event, fortunately it was mine and she thought it was funny). The list goes on, I can't be healthy and have dessert or teach others about meditation if I need medication to help with my anxiety. I can't be sensitive and strong. I can't be brave and scared. I can't, I can't, I can't. Oh yes I can.
I am so grateful to my new friend Charnell, who during a recent women's circle, stressed the importance of the word, and. "You can wake up anxious and still cut up apples for your kids lunch", she said. And while I have certainly thought of this, lived it in fact, I have never realized how glorious the word and really is.
And it is liberating. And is spaciousness. And is kind. And is acceptance. And is compassion. And is the antithesis of perfection. And is sincere. And is genuine.
This chasing happiness business is crazy making. Because it is impossible. So maybe we find meaning instead and stop worrying so much about finding this elusive perfect happiness. Like Vikor Frankl who survived the Holocaust teaches us in his beautiful book, Man's Search for Meaning, we can survive hardship when we find meaning in our struggles.
As I prepare for facilitating a new women's circle starting this weekend, I am swept up in gratitude for the bright and beautiful creature in my back yard. It is a cardinal and to me this sweet little bird signifies that my dad is near, telling me I've got this even though I am not sure I do. These days I don't strive for perfection or even happiness, I strive for acceptance. And meaning. And unconditional love. And in addition to deep breaths, I need chocolate.