I get frustrated. Sometimes, life is a struggle to maintain, and I fight with myself and make lists of the things to do and try to force myself back to flow, and then BOOM there’s a breakthrough and I am on a high of just KNOWING that this is right and I am on the right track and all is going as it is supposed to.
Then something happens. Sometimes it’s big like my computer going out. Sometimes it’s small like not being able to afford a new swimsuit or something, it could be anything.
When that something happens, when that moment turns, all of a sudden, it’s like there’s a stone jamming the wheel of forward motion. Argghg.
The energies roil up inside of me and anxiety spills out. I yell at my kids. I can’t make myself sit down to write. I forget to eat. I fuss and fidget over doing something and so end up doing nothing at all. I need a time out, but there is no one to spell me for that time out, and even if I do get one, I am at a loss as to what will bring me back to center.
But maybe I am wrong in thinking that there is something that will bring me back. There is no post over on Cheerio Road that will answer my problem. There is no calm by osmosis from Soule Mama. There is no miracle of transcendence from Sesame Street playing on the tv while my kids play. Maybe I am not supposed to find a way to snap out of my funk.
Maybe it just comes back to what it always comes back to for me. Remembering to breathe. (Seriously, Ro, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out.) Writing out my head. Taking the steps I need to be productive and get me where I need to go. Telling myself to knock it off and stop feeling sorry for myself. Moving forward, being kind to myself, remembering that this life, the only one I have, is exactly what it is and exactly what it needs to be. And so am I, funk and all. So just breathe.
You're right. There is no post at my place that will bring you or me back. We cannot think or read our way back, only farther adrift. The secret for me is no secret at all. Occasionally I remember to practice. I might practice at home or better yet at my zen center, but it is the only thing that saves me, my family and the world. The practice, as you know, is breathing. I appreciate your honesty and self-study. You are the path.
ReplyDeleteI've been in that funk too, but I can never tell anyone how to get out because its like I wander a dark path and look up and realize that I'm out, but I don't remember the way I took. And on another day I'll not be paying attention and wander back in.
ReplyDeleteOn it goes. But you do get out.
God, Rowena, you've described my most common state. I seem to be forever pushing my self-imposed boulder up the mountain, with sudden, periodic resting points where I can stop and enjoy the fantastic views. And write about them. But too often it's just me and the stupid boulder. Anyone got a chisel?
ReplyDeleteI have too, what is up with the universe? I keep setting goals that I have no desire to do today....so of course, I will do them tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to remember to breathe and to not beat myself up about anything.
Love yourself. That's as important as breathing.
I just wanted to say to all you wonderful readers that your comments helped me when I was in my funk and silenced.
ReplyDeleteI think it helps to remember that you are not alone, and this is a process and normal.
Thank you all.