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This is a wonderful analogy. Raising my kids in Waldorf early on they discuss times of expansion and contraction. Times when you go in and times to go out. I have conditioned to embrace this attitude in my older years. I need time to go within. Time to recoup, to rest and to replenish. Then I’m able to go out and handle the world with a bit more patience and wonder.

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Very much so 💛 Personally, I’ve found I contract a lot more during certain times of the year, and feel more expansive during others. It has taken me many years (!) to notice these rhythms; and while there are of course many environmental factors at play, just knowing this - that it’s an entirely natural order of things - invites me to have a lot more patience with myself. Forgiveness feels a lot easier; when you’re no longer battling your own inner nature!

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I feel like I can breathe much easier now. To let go of trying to be someone I’m not. I love being more comfortable in my 51 self. ❤️

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Yes! 💛 Reminds me of one of my favourite Parker Palmer quotes - and one that I’m still wrapping my heart around what it truly means - “What a long time it can take to become the person one has always been!”

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