You never know where or when you’ll be struck by a wake up call; the kind of message that sneaks in and rattles your cage. And when you wake up to the knowing that there really is no someday you start to see these messages everywhere.
Because the reality is we all need reminders.
It’s easy to become complacent and comfortable with the day-to-day routine of life. And I’m not even saying that’s bad. It’s not.
It’s just not where we come fully alive.
“Sometimes it takes darkness and the sweet
confinement of your aloneness
to learn
anything or anyone
that does not bring you alive
is too small for you.”
– David Whyte
Fully alive is how I want to live, and I’m pretty sure that’s what you want too or you wouldn’t be here reading.
That’s what compelled me to take part in Patti Digh’s Project 137.
Today was Day 1 of the project, and offered up the invitation to gather 137 objects to keep track of the time, and shift from one space to another. A gorgeous metaphor that triggered my poor ol’ lizard brain.
Since I’m on a bit of a retreat the next 3 days I had no access to the things I’ve collected over the years that I could have used for this first activity. After a few minutes with Lizzie, I asked both my impatience and perfectionism to take a backseat and allow me to move forward with or without the perfect solution.
I sat. I thought. I got it.
An hour later, I’d cut out 137 slips of paper and written out 137 words.
And as I pulled out one word to move from one jar to the other, emotions rose to the surface. . .
Are you willing to deepen, and go where you’ve needed to go?
That’s what I asked myself as I sat with this slip of paper in my hand. The tug of discomfort strong as I wondered what this might mean.
I don’t have the answer, but I’m willing.
And with that acknowledgement, the tears spilled over as I thought of this wake up call, and now this unexpected one to Patti and her beloved family. And while I don’t know them personally I somehow know them in my heart.
One person can make a difference. This fundraiser for Patti’s husband John makes that abundantly clear.
We all get the wake up call at some point; are you willing to hear it?
I like how Patti puts it–to notice how we’re feeling at our edges and then lean into them. The image I always have is of leaning in to a knife’s point, which is what my lizard brain perceives the edge is. But instead of being afraid of getting cut, I have to breathe deeply and push a little further into that sharpness. It’s only when I do this that I realize there is no knife, no real danger, only the perception of such.
I like how Patti puts it–to notice how we’re feeling at our edges and then lean into them. The image I always have is of leaning in to a knife’s point, which is what my lizard brain perceives the edge is. But instead of being afraid of getting cut, I have to breathe deeply and push a little further into that sharpness. It’s only when I do this that I realize there is no knife, no real danger, only the perception of such.
Ellen Berg That is an amazing visual Ellen.
Ellen Berg Leaning in is a great visual; I’ve often thought of it as leaning into my discomfort. Something I’ve often heard in yoga comes to mind as well – to deepen a pose or soften into it. Whichever phrase works, it’s a brilliant strategy because it helps us move through the feeling rather than resist it. Resistance is futile, doncha know 😉
Sandi, the way your mind works never ceases to amaze me. The way that you allowed your brilliant imagination to interpret this exercise INSPIRES me – as does your call to action.I’ll be sharing my love over there as well and am grateful you pointed me that way sweet friend.
Sabrina at MyMiBoSo Thanks for your generous words my friend. Sometimes the way my mind works freaks me out just a bit 😉 It’s not too late if you feel called to join Patti’s project. It’d be so great to walk this journey with you!
Sandi Amorim The video and their story are so moving, and I’ve happily given toward his treatment :). Thank you Sandi for giving me the opportunity to help someone in need.
Bumped into Project 137 from a post you made. Heard the call. Day 10.
Awesomely delicious, wonderfully challenging, magnificent discoveries.
it has simply been: (love this) Awesomesauce – is prepared by mixing equal parts of awesome, amazing and breathtaking. The awesomesauce is slowly cooked and small parts of uncanny, extraordinary and magnificent are added. And when no one expects it the awesomesauce should explode in huge fireworks and sonic booms – Found word from Tia Sparkles and definition in the Urban dicitionary.
MichaelGarvey Project 137 (and anything Patti Digh does!) is most certainly awesomesauce Michael! How fun to be walking the next 130some days with you 🙂
Sandi Amorim MichaelGarvey Delish!!