It feels like a tender week out there or at the very least a full week. I heard this piece yesterday and wanted to share it with you all.
So much wisdom in a few paragraphs!
Drink it in and let it bring you back to yourself and soothe your weary soul.
“Hokusai says
Hokusai says look carefully.
He says pay attention, notice.
He says keep looking, stay curious.
He says there is no end to seeing
He says look forward to getting old.
He says keep changing,
you just get more who you really are.
He says get stuck, accept it, repeat
yourself as long as it is interesting.
He says keep doing what you love.
He says keep praying.
He says every one of us is a child,
every one of us is ancient
every one of us has a body.
He says every one of us is frightened.
He says every one of us has to find
a way to live with fear.
He says everything is alive —
shells, buildings, people, fish,
mountains, trees, wood is alive.
Water is alive.
Everything has its own life.
Everything lives inside us.
He says live with the world inside you.
He says it doesn’t matter ifyou draw,
or write books. It doesn’t matter
ifyou saw wood, or catch fish.
It doesn’t matter if you sit at home
and stare at the ants on your veranda
or the shadows of the trees
and grasses in your garden.
It matters that you care.
It matters that you feel.
It matters that you notice.
It matters that life lives through you.
Contentment is life living through you.
Joy is life living through you.
Satisfaction and strength
is life living through you.
He says don’t be afraid.
Don’t be afraid.
Love, feel, let life take you by the hand.
Let life live through you.
”
You just read a poem that is essentially about mindfulness, being present and about self-compassion. It's soothing because we know deep down it's true.
I recently spoke to The Canberra Times about how the evidence for mindfulness and meditation and improved mental wellbeing is so strong you'd be crazy not to do it.
So is today your day to give it a go?
Start with noticing your breath.
That is enough.
Keep returning to yourself and getting that refreshment. It will make life SO much better!
Oh you know what else will make life better? Coming away with a splendid group of women for a gorgeous two night Set Me Free Weekend Retreat in Melbourne. Oh it's going to be so goood!
With love and light,
Lara xx
Hi, I'm Dr Lara Corr, life coach and researcher in work and wellbeing. I coach successful 30 and 40 somethings who want more fulfilling or bigger careers but doubt themselves and their options. I help them get out of their own way, find direction and go for what they really want.