Category: Beyond Balance

Advancing as a Frog or Turtle?

Frog or Turtle?

I received this image on a newsletter from the smart savvy team at the Clarion Group.  It’s quite provocative and inspiring on so many levels.   Of course, I want to be the frog!!!  I often get to be the frog leaping over the community of turtles.  The truth is,  I am a turtle too.  In fact, I would venture to declare that it is my turtle time when I am deep inside, protected and connected to the muddy earth that has the frog in me be able to fly so freely.  Unfortunately, life sometimes has a way of forcing me into my shell.   Not always comfortable.  Always beneficial.  

Many of us have aspired only to be frogs and been rewarded quite handsomely for our frog like natures.   Trouble is without the turtle influence it’s easy to end up burned out or overwhelmed.  How about we extol both the frog, the turtle and the transition between?      

Advancing to Freedom

 

I just returned from gathering the first batch of bright orange fall leaves from the smallest maple tree back by the big cedars.   Fall always feels like a new beginning to me. Maybe it’s the golden light and the fresh sea breeze?  Maybe it’s the falling leaves that remind me to boldly let go of everything that no longer serves?

I spent August offering service at an international retreat center.  The theme I chose for this month of retreat was strengthening my inner courage and clarity.  I can’t say I am even close to unpacking what was transformed within me.  What did I let go of?  What did I grasp on to?  How did I choose? All I know is there is a new person looking through my eyes.  Or perhaps, for the first time I am keenly aware of who is really looking through my eyes.  

All is vivid and clear and yes, I do feel great courage and confidence.  I’m back on Bainbridge Island coaching and silently integrating. I find myself speaking what is true and offering to others with great gratitude, all I have received. 

To be free you must learn what to let go of and what to grasp on to and when.

The Retreat is the pause in between

Beyond Balance

Today I am retreating by focusing on the still space in between vs. where I usually focus…the intense pursuit of shapes, thoughts, actions and words.  I yearn to access the Heart that resides in this quiet space and it’s all a big HUGE mystery.    I know that all the good stuff lies in between.  All the peace is in the pause.  All the joy, compassion, wisdom and creativity arises in the transition zone.   I want to integrate this remembrance throughout my day AND it’s a bit elusive.  If there are no thoughts in the pause, how do I recognize I’m in it?  

In my leadership, I’m learning that if I focus on attending to the space, (the feeling or energy that surrounds us) the particles (actions) flow more easily.  In my speech, if I pause, breathe and wait…the words I speak arise from a deeper place.  The thoughts and emotions will always be there. I’m not trying to eliminate them to get to the space.  I’m just lightly, secretly shifting my attention to the pause in between.    

Here’s to slowing it all down and entering into the power of the pause!   Here’s to remembering to celebrate the completion points!  Here’s to taking the time we need to acknowledge, honor and grieve our losses.   Perhaps this is why daily meditation is so essential.  It gets us good at entering the pause.  What’s your tip?  Is this one of those secret mysteries we’re not supposed to be talking about?