Reflections on Rushing & Resting
Come play truth or dare the gentle way + grab your free PDF
Thoughts are swirling around in my head like leaves in an autumn storm. My mind feels scattered these days. And so I asked myself: can I find ease, like the leaves drifting from the top branches down to the ground, gently without rush? Maybe swaying from side to side, not blown around by a gust of wind and pushed to dance extra pirouettes in the air before settling? I’m staying with that theme today.
Should I write, or not and instead create space, hold space and be silent? Listen.
What is worth sharing in these dark days that have broken our hearts and ripped communities apart?
Another sign of my overwhelmed mind: many drafts, little progress. Rewriting. Crossing out. Starting from fresh. Many ideas but little mental capacity to let them come to life. If I were writing on paper, I would share here a photo of a pile of torn pages, scattered all over the living room floor. But I spare us both from that mess. I feel drained in a weird way and keep catching myself breathing shallowly and fast.
How are You truly feeling at the moment?
Have you dared to ask yourself that question, despite and maybe exactly because of what might come up?
Stay around till the end for a few prompts to connect with yourself and others.
Your free PDF gift is awaiting you further below. 💛
I could just shut it all out. But my heart cries no matter how much I hide from the world. I had nightmares the other night. You see, I lived in and travelled around some parts of the Middle East for my volunteering work 10 years ago. I met the most wonderful and welcoming humans: Muslim, Jewish, Druse, Christian and people of other minority faiths who built beautiful communities together. I have also seen a lot of darkness, pain, fear, frustration, anger and too many dreadful passport controls.
In that nightmare I had, I was running for shelter, hiding in a nearby olive grove back where I lived at the time of my stay. I woke up from it sweating, cuddled up in my warm, cosy bed in the south of Germany. I have thankfully never experienced armed conflicts in my life. I knew that I was safe. I knew it had just been a bad dream, and with that, my pounding heart slowly slowly started to calm down again. A relief. For me.
But people like you and I are living this nightmare day and night at this very moment. It breaks my heart, I feel helpless and somehow useless.
And because I feel called to do what is in my power, I have a post coming up on women peacemakers as the impact of female efforts is often overlooked in this context. Their networks and wisdom are often the reason post-war nations heal and flourish again. Women bring unique wisdom to the table.
Tending to our broken hearts and stressed nervous systems is key:
Inspired by this quote, I was reflecting on the autumn season and how I could experience it fully, with all its colours and the gentleness of the drifting leaves.
How can I bring this gentleness of the drifting leaves into my days?
How can I shift from I am busy and overwhelmed to my days are full and I am capable of taking care of myself in whichever way I need?
How can I connect more with the current seasonal shifts, embracing darkness, natural rest and pause?
I spend a lot (really, far too much) time behind screens. My corporate job has seasonal peaks and I am glued to my desk these days. I write, do admin, shop…more screen time. I wanted to ensure I was still connected to the world around me. It’s a human need we all have. A big heartfelt thank you to my dear mentor for reminding and guiding me. 💗
My truths & dares…
5 instead-of-this,-I-do-that reflections for autumn
I created this personal list as I was journalling on what to do less of this season.
✨ Your free PDF is awaiting you further below. ✨
Instead of walking with a podcast in my ears, I let my thoughts wander and observe nature.
Instead of back-to-back meetings, I create more spaciousness and ask to adjust meeting times (where it makes sense / is possible) so I can honour my needs.
Instead of getting up late and then having to rush, I ensure I have time to enjoy my morning tea without scrolling through Emails.
Instead of wanting to participate in all activities, I make intentional choices to focus on receiving the season’s gifts, aka resting and doing crafts (like the rose hips girland in the image below, bringing nature and colours into the house).
Instead of getting hangry and jittery, I ensure I always have my favourite nourishing staples at hand (oven-baked root vegetables, bone broth and banana bread that I usually prep on Sundays).
Here’s the free PDF gift I created for you to write your own “softness list” Enjoy! Please share your feedback, reflections and discoveries if you like.
Over to you - let’s grab a cup of tea, light your candle, and hang out in the comments for some autumn chats.
Ready to play truth or dare in a gentle way, pick one or more questions and join in:
What is your favourite way to connect with the autumn season?
What can you do less of? What do you need more of right now?
How can you bring this gentleness of the drifting leaves into your days?
🌟 Announcement 🌟
If you want Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowl sound baths, discounted well-being workshops, resting circles or 1:1 sessions with me, all while giving back to society and positively impacting our future generations… I have something special for you in the making.
Keep your eyes peeled for my next post.
Take care and keep your loved ones close!
I agree, there’s so much strength in softness.
On that note, I think I’d like to do more yoga, and I’d like to be less hard on myself. My expectations have been quite high lately 💛
This is so beautiful Carmen, I’m really looking forward to reading about Female Peacekeepers. Your bad dream sounds so harrowing, I always find the residue of these kind of dreams linger and can make us feel so on edge. Sending you hugs.
I would like to welcome in more movement and strengthening of my body, and also more meditation and nidra. I would like to let go of too much time on my phone... I think I will begin November with a bit of time away from Instagram. This will help me bring in more soft and gentle energy like the falling leaves.
Thank you for your words. Xxx