As a single parent for the past 10 years, this was one of my biggest lessons; befriending that voice that tells me I’m not doing/being enough. I also pat myself on the back regularly, physically, as there’s no one there to do it. Comparison is the theft of joy. And, Don’t should all over yourself, are words that speak louder now.
I love that Lors - physical reassurance for those parts of you. And yes, comparison is the theft of joy - nice. Thank you for sharing & thank you for being here.
I have been watching the extra work I make for myself when I pass a product I need because I could get a better/cheaper version of it at a different shop, and really, I need to go to that other shop anyway. And then I'm exhausted, or don't get to the other place, or go and they don't have it either. So, I am trying to just appreciate that the easier option has benefits too.
Great insight Elaine and I'm sure this works as a metaphor for other things we do too - discounting certain benefits (time spent, psychological effort etc) because we feel we OUGHT to do the 'better' thing.
"Unnecessary plastic! What about the planet!! Surely you could have managed to peel a few garlics? Lazy!" I am developing an allergy to plastic myself. Every time I buy something with plastic I cringe a little bit like Tinker-bell watching another faerie die because a child stopped believing in magick.
And, I often succumb to the "lazy" factor over the plastic-allergy, especially when it comes to minced ginger.
It's tough isn't it - I know they're working on more biodegradable plastics and hopefully that kind of system change will make those decisions easier, but in the meantime we can't do it all...
Thank you, Satya, for this incredibly relatable post. I just finished up writing piece about how the "characters" in my brain showed up during my swim workout this week. I can certainly expend a lot of energy meeting (or trying to) meet their demands, or I can practice, as you say, choosing to rest over and over.
loved and laughed, thank you. "I could say more about where this voice came from, why it thinks I have to work so hard (it has good reasons), and what I have done over the years to help it to relax. But today, I am practising Not Working So Hard, and so I won’t." For me, this resonated with my own resistance to the essential softening of body and mind required...carry on!
Beautiful, and kind to yourself. Perfect, in my thoughts (for what it’s worth).
Ultimately, we treat others as we treat ourselves. Kindness and gentleness toward yourself IS being mindful. And tell that silly voice to hush now. You’ve got this.
Balance in all things, right? There are days when picking lettuce from your garden to make the salad, washing each leaf with love and ripping them to bite-size is just the thing. It serves not only to feed your family but also as meditation and practice of oneness with the earth. Then there are days when what you need is the ready-to-grab container of baby greens, no ripping or cutting needed, because you just don't have the mental space or time. God loves to explore all of it. It's our judgments that kick us out of being in the moment. Or our judgments of our judgments (ad nauseum). We do our daily prayers for the earth by opening to oneness, and we do our daily prayers to Divinity by opening to ourselves. Even to the judgments. Even to the plastic bin of salad and the garlic in the tube.
Smooshes is such a good word. And as the internet tells me you can’t pour from an empty cup, so ready mushed garlic all the way (it is possible to buy in glass jars just for information for your inner chiding voice).
Made me smile, such a familiar little voice reminding me I'm not quite good enough. Slowly, slowly I am learning that it was necessary and now it mostly isn't. Thank you for your honesty, it make it possible to be met. X
This was a BAD WEEK hey 😔 Today I have work but have woken up with the start of a cold and I have mystery boob pain which kept me from sleeping in my usual position. So, I’m tired. This was perfect timing and a perfect reminder 🌟
I can't tell you how often I've felt like a 9 year old navigating an adult exclusive world in the last couple of months, so I can relate! On the other hand I'm learning a couple of things - that I can actually be an adult sometimes, and how to enjoy being that 9 year old without a care when I can't. As for making it easy on yourself when needed,I've recently started buying ready grated cheese tralala, and luckily can combine dog walking and shopping as
most supermarkets supply dog trolleys and dogs are normally welcome in most shops. When that stern puritan voice in my head whispers 'lazy!' I shrug and pretend I don't speak English !
As a single parent for the past 10 years, this was one of my biggest lessons; befriending that voice that tells me I’m not doing/being enough. I also pat myself on the back regularly, physically, as there’s no one there to do it. Comparison is the theft of joy. And, Don’t should all over yourself, are words that speak louder now.
I love that Lors - physical reassurance for those parts of you. And yes, comparison is the theft of joy - nice. Thank you for sharing & thank you for being here.
I have been watching the extra work I make for myself when I pass a product I need because I could get a better/cheaper version of it at a different shop, and really, I need to go to that other shop anyway. And then I'm exhausted, or don't get to the other place, or go and they don't have it either. So, I am trying to just appreciate that the easier option has benefits too.
Great insight Elaine and I'm sure this works as a metaphor for other things we do too - discounting certain benefits (time spent, psychological effort etc) because we feel we OUGHT to do the 'better' thing.
I try to remember to pause and ask myself “what if this were easy?” I loved this essay ❤️
Thanks Jen 🤍 I love that question!
"Unnecessary plastic! What about the planet!! Surely you could have managed to peel a few garlics? Lazy!" I am developing an allergy to plastic myself. Every time I buy something with plastic I cringe a little bit like Tinker-bell watching another faerie die because a child stopped believing in magick.
And, I often succumb to the "lazy" factor over the plastic-allergy, especially when it comes to minced ginger.
It's tough isn't it - I know they're working on more biodegradable plastics and hopefully that kind of system change will make those decisions easier, but in the meantime we can't do it all...
Yes! I love this! Thank you Satya for the lovely reminder 🙏❤️
My pleasure Eva - good to have you here.
Thank you, Satya, for this incredibly relatable post. I just finished up writing piece about how the "characters" in my brain showed up during my swim workout this week. I can certainly expend a lot of energy meeting (or trying to) meet their demands, or I can practice, as you say, choosing to rest over and over.
Oof, my Friday newsletter was along these lines… there must be something in the air! (Always?)
I think it's in the air/water because I just published something about this as well!
Recognizing when to listen to the Inner Critic - and so importantly when NOT to - is a great work of life🤣, well done! 💕
loved and laughed, thank you. "I could say more about where this voice came from, why it thinks I have to work so hard (it has good reasons), and what I have done over the years to help it to relax. But today, I am practising Not Working So Hard, and so I won’t." For me, this resonated with my own resistance to the essential softening of body and mind required...carry on!
Beautiful, and kind to yourself. Perfect, in my thoughts (for what it’s worth).
Ultimately, we treat others as we treat ourselves. Kindness and gentleness toward yourself IS being mindful. And tell that silly voice to hush now. You’ve got this.
Balance in all things, right? There are days when picking lettuce from your garden to make the salad, washing each leaf with love and ripping them to bite-size is just the thing. It serves not only to feed your family but also as meditation and practice of oneness with the earth. Then there are days when what you need is the ready-to-grab container of baby greens, no ripping or cutting needed, because you just don't have the mental space or time. God loves to explore all of it. It's our judgments that kick us out of being in the moment. Or our judgments of our judgments (ad nauseum). We do our daily prayers for the earth by opening to oneness, and we do our daily prayers to Divinity by opening to ourselves. Even to the judgments. Even to the plastic bin of salad and the garlic in the tube.
Totally!
I really needed to hear this today. Thank you.
Me too, Susan, me too. Thank you Satya!
Smooshes is such a good word. And as the internet tells me you can’t pour from an empty cup, so ready mushed garlic all the way (it is possible to buy in glass jars just for information for your inner chiding voice).
Made me smile, such a familiar little voice reminding me I'm not quite good enough. Slowly, slowly I am learning that it was necessary and now it mostly isn't. Thank you for your honesty, it make it possible to be met. X
This was a BAD WEEK hey 😔 Today I have work but have woken up with the start of a cold and I have mystery boob pain which kept me from sleeping in my usual position. So, I’m tired. This was perfect timing and a perfect reminder 🌟
I can't tell you how often I've felt like a 9 year old navigating an adult exclusive world in the last couple of months, so I can relate! On the other hand I'm learning a couple of things - that I can actually be an adult sometimes, and how to enjoy being that 9 year old without a care when I can't. As for making it easy on yourself when needed,I've recently started buying ready grated cheese tralala, and luckily can combine dog walking and shopping as
most supermarkets supply dog trolleys and dogs are normally welcome in most shops. When that stern puritan voice in my head whispers 'lazy!' I shrug and pretend I don't speak English !
PS, just unsubscribed under my other email, the non-paying one,I didn't realise I'd subscribed twice. Didn't want you to think you'd lost a reader.