Today, I am going to mix things up a bit.
I’ve been mentioning Allies quite a bit in my more recent posts – mostly talking about how important they are when embarking on the Adventure of Self-Care.
Today, I want to share with you a few of my Allies – the people and practices that nourish and support me when life is calm and that bring me back to myself and make my path easier when things are difficult and overwhelming.
My In-Real-Life Allies:
The people I turn to when a) my own internal resources and practices aren’t enough and b) I’m finally willing to not have to do (and face) everything alone.
I tend to very easily get caught up in the idea that ‘I have to do it all by myself, all the time.’
Making it a conscious practice to ask for help, and allowing other to support me, has been one of the most rewarding and nourishing (and challenging) things I’ve ever done.
I’ve always been skeptical of people who identify as psychic. And yet, one of my primary Allies is psychic. Sarah Lambert‘s gift is one that allows her to speak to the truth at the heart of whatever my issue may be.
Generally, she isn’t telling me anything I don’t already know – on some level at least. More, it’s how she is able to legitimize what I’m feeling and to put into words (with extreme kindness and compassion) the deeper need. She’s lovely and I recommend her readings without reservation.
Emily Sapp, my designer, without whom this website would not exist.
Emily started out as an Ally for my business and very quickly became a personal Ally as well. I adore her for her ability to listen, her innately generous and caring nature, and her extreme skill as a designer. I simply cannot say enough good about this woman. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting her or working with her, you’ll know what I mean.
I am part of the most awesome Mastermind Group in the world. How I became fortunate enough to be a part of this group of 5 distinctly thoughtful, kind, hilarious, and uniquely talented women, I’ll never know. I do know that I feel so blessed to be a part of this group.
The naturalists and volunteer naturalists of Oregon Metro rock. They rock.
You can’t find a more interesting, caring, passionate, nature-loving and nature-protecting (through education and restoration) group of people. If you live in the Portland Metro area, click here to check out all the ways you can engage with this organization.
My wise friend, who is also one of my Ortho-Bionomy mentors. Uma Malcolm has shepherded me through more transitions and hard, scary things than I can even name.
Interesting. I just noticed how each of these people/groups are Allies both for me personally and for my business. Nice!
Now, a few of my personal practices that cultivate my internal Allies:
- Xinyi Liu He Quan – my relatively unknown internal martial arts practice that helps me connect with my body and ushers in all kinds of new awareness and understandings about how I move and relate to the space within me and around me. (Whew. Super long sentence!)
- 750words.com – my favorite online daily journal – where you can earn badges, like a turquoise horse!
- Walking.
- Interacting with specific qualities – like trust, play, ease, etc.
- Spending as much quiet time as possible in nature – either alone or with my boyfriend.
- Talking with trees (and squirrels, and birds).
- Owl Eyes (of course). Actually, Owl Eyes forms the foundation for nearly all my other practices.
And, also, Shiva Nata:
The brilliant, brain scrambling, pattern busting practice I discovered through the equally brilliant Havi Brooks (yet another both personal and business Ally).
Through this practice, I’ve been introduced to even more amazing people both online and in real life.
People like Elizabeth Halt. And Andrew Lightheart. Two people whose blogs always serve to bring me back to myself and help me feel more connected and whole.
And, or course, a whole amazing assortment of incredibly diverse, interesting and hilarious people on Twitter.
Finally…
To all of you who read my posts and share space with me here, thank you! I count each one of you as an Ally as well and I am so grateful you are here.
Comment Magic:
Who (or what) are your Allies – the people, practices, etc that support you? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Feel free to include links, if applicable. 🙂
One of my favourite new things to do is yoga. It has helped in every aspect of my life.
Emotionally, it’s helped me to slow down and process the emotions that are running rapidly through my soul.
Physically (and this may be the biggest change) I could reach my feet again. Suh-weet. My muscles are stronger, I feel leaner and the pain in my back has diminished substantially.
Online, I give great kudos to Abby Kerr (www.abbykerrinc.com and Leslie from http://www.crunchybetty.com. Both of these gals are doing something grand with their online business.
that link was SUPPOSED to be http://www.abbykerrink.com
Yay for being able to reach your feet again! That’s fantastic. And, thanks for the links. I’ve been hearing a lot recently about Abby Kerr (but haven’t investigated yet) and am psyched about what I’ve read so far (this morning) on Leslie’s site. Great stuff!
Thank you!!! It’s an honor to be included on your list. Be sure, I consider you an amazing ally in turn, and thank you for a list of some wonderful resources.
You’re welcome! 🙂
Oh joy, what a wonderful post. I’m totally honored to be included, as I know you have so many great allies.
You are one of my biggest as well—for realzies, not just cause you said it. I find that moving my body is essential as well: pilates, hiking with the pup, dancing. I also enjoy 750words.com for when I need to write it out. Cooking and playing my accordion also have a way of washing away the muck and helping me feel right again.
My biggest ally is probably my husband. He’s always right there with me no matter what I’m going through. I’ve never really felt like I had a true partner before him. I feel endlessly supported and inspired and, best of all, he makes me laugh every single day.
I *love* your list of Allies. And, I think it’s so awesome (and perfect) that your husband is your biggest ally. You two rock!
One of my hopes for my blog is that it is a calm space where people can feel comfortable and sink into themselves again .. it’s lovely to hear that it helps you feel more connected.
For myself, I would include time outdoors (particularly in the woods or by the ocean), time with the pup, photography, reiki, yoga and shiva nata. And sometimes cooking or baking or chopping vegetables – but not always.
Time outdoors – yes, yes, yes!
I also appreciate how you included things that are *sometimes* allies. I think it’s important to keep in mind that one ally might not work all the time and that’s why it’s important to have several (many!) allies from which to choose.