Sometimes we reach outward...

Sometimes it feels as if we are always reaching outward. Looking for who we are or what we should be in our life. We may ask others opinions, read books, see a psychic, look to what our friends or family are doing. It seems we do everything but what we really need to be doing: asking ourselves.

Our true desires are already with in us or maybe simply on our back. Every time you turn to look for it, it turns with you. It’s so close but we can’t see it. It’s just slightly out of reach.
What can we do, then, do bring our self forward? It’s really rather simple and has been talked about for ages. It’s not a secret. It’s just that no one seems to do it. “Oh, that thing, I’ll put it on my To Do list”.

I’m talking about feeling and sensing our self, slowing down. There I said it! I can feel the eyes rolling. “Slowing down! Yeah yeah. I’ll get to that when I’m 80.” The problem is, 80 doesn’t come for everyone.

I think slowing down and really knowing our self is scary for most people. It means taking a good look at who you are and the life you are in. It may mean changes, a disruption. Even if you are not happy with all areas of life, it may be easier to just stay on the path. The problem becomes what you’re missing. Your path may seem pretty, most of the time: A nice colored sky and some flowers here and there. But, just slightly off this path to the right are flowers you’ve never seen before, a sky that has birds of all colors with puffy clouds and stars in the daytime. This path that is only slightly away from the path you are on now sends your body swirling, full of creativity and energy like you’ve never felt before.

But, I understand, it’s easier to stay where you are.
For those of you who are ready to step off the path…slow down.
Rest your mind.
For those of you who want a challenge, try this for a month. Commit to it. You can easily go back. Trust me, your old path is well worn and cannot be missed.

Try your hand at something everyday;
* Walk in nature, no phone, no music, let nature talk with your inner self.
* Turn off the TV. for the night. Learn about something new that gets you in touch with nature and self. Try your hand at poetry. Express yourself.
* Write in a journal. If you do not know what to write, ask yourself some questions,
What do I really like to do?
What makes me truly happy?
If I could do anything in life, what would it be? Why?
If I could live anywhere, where would it be? Why?

The point is to keep this up for one month. Have some fun and keep a journal of how you chose to slow down and how it made you feel.

In the end, no one can help you know your self but you.

Her back to him
with arms outstretched
totem