Day 89/366 days Towards Self-Mastery. Mood: rested
Occasionally as I continue this challenge I'm wondering if it's really worth it, then I realise that right now is an example of the very times that self-mastery is so incredible valuable.
Self-mastery is not about efforting, toughing it out, being strong, willing yourself through your fears. Indeed, it is about using this opportunity to know yourself deeply. That's not always comfortable, so ensuring that you are physically comfortable as much as possible is supremely supportive.
Self-mastery is about noticing yourself, being curious about what you're drawn to, without judgement. Bringing awareness to what you are feeling and allowing it. Learning about yourself as you drift through the days, attending to what's important, and sometimes not.
Which brings me to today's challenge, getting comfortable with comfort.
Reaching for comfort is certainly not the inspiration that we receive from the trend setters, the fashionistas, as a general rule. Instead we're navigated some incredibly uncomfortable and positively ridiculous fashion ideas, Let me name a few: bras, super high stilettos, tightly fitted waists, corsets!, tummy flattening shapeware 🙄, shoulder pads, hoop dresses, ...I'm sure there's a ton more. Okay, google "ridiculous fashion items" and you'll discover so much more!
Take a good look at the items you reach for when you feel that you need to dress comfortably. What are you noticing?
This is the time for comfort. Find your most comfy clothes and make them your mainstays for the present. There'll be enough unrest and stress in your life to keep you on your toes, so you may at least find some comfort in what you are wearing.
The textures, colours and fit of your clothing can make all the difference. I'm living in big floppy tees and loose or stretch pants, barefoot or socks, and hair tied up for maximum comfort.
This is a time of change. Your life is changing, our lives are changing. They'll never be the same. We need to give ourselves time and space to allow that to sink in, for the waves of emotions to come and go over us as we prepare for a future that we don't know, except that we know it will be changed.
Comfort is everything right now.
If you have a to-do list and you find that you're being distracted by other activities like wandering in the garden, staring out the window, eating something yummy, reading an interesting book, allow yourself and your mind to wander. It's important to allow your body and mind to find their balance. Your body will show you what it needs, and that will largely revolve around comfort for the time being. Get comfortable with that idea.
There'll be times when you'll want to curl up in a ball, and times when you'll feel like smelling the roses. Both are good, and accomplished best in comfy clothing.
Not having to show up in anything but comfort is very supportive right now.
Stay well. 🌷
366 days Towards Self-Mastery
When I considered my New Year's intentions for 2020 I had just one: To allow my heart to love what it loved...and let it lead me. (If not now, then when?) I've spent months working on integrating my life. To live life more fully with my home life, my interests, my work, my responsibilities, all coming together, all connected. I want to give each the attention that they desire and need, and still have time and energy for the others. That means living and working from the heart.
As I was clearing out my bookshelf over the Christmas break I discovered Simple Abundance. I set it aside to explore it on New Year's Day as I lazed through another delicious day of nothingness. Sarah, the author, says this book is about living in grace. Living in grace I realised, is about Self-Mastery.
My thirst for understanding the human condition has driven me all my life, and hand-in-hand with self-mastery it has been a life-long goal. And seeing as I love to write, that living in grace is about self-mastery, and I love a bit of a challenge, then if I am truly going to let my heart lead, I really don't have any other choice. So scary as it feels, I'm starting out on a daily mission of leaning into the suggestions of this daybook and making a daily post to keep me accountable. If not now, then when?
I'm Josie. You can find out a little more about me here. Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy: by Sarah Ban Breathnach. This book is written for the Australian and NZ market because it refers to seasonal changes. It's available on Amazon here if you'd like to follow along.
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