Be Willing

I’ve been teaching The Living Art for 6 years now and I’ve had the honor of helping a variety of people overcome their limits.  I often wonder why more people don’t walk this path.  Recently, I realized that most aren’t aware that something is missing nor what it means to turn within. Many become comfortable with masking the uncomfortable feeling that keeps poking them by turning to something that will numb the pain.  Is it that evening beverage, working out obsessively, the “buy now” retail therapy loop, or has food become a forever bestie? Instead of listening, turning to a familiar pattern might feel like a viable solution, but the reality is—it will never be a sustainable path to lasting inner peace.  The reason?  Because what requires healing is inside of you, not outside of you.  External distractions pull you further away.

The Journey Begins.

When I review the different ways people have come to and intersected with my work, I see that there is one critical component on the journey of inner transformation.  There is a starting point that is the same for everyone.  And that is the first step.

We’ve all heard, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”  That single step is so important because it is your first step.  I want to take you even deeper so that by the end of this post, you are crystal clear about what “taking the first step” means when it comes to applying it directly to your own life.

So, what is the first step?  Where are you stepping?  In what direction should you be looking?  This way?  That way?  Where???  Before you get overwhelmed, just consider this.  Think of the “first step” as an internal switch that needs to be turned on.  Therefore, it’s not a physical step. It is a decision that you make within yourself so you can start the process of change.  The crucial “first step” is being willing—being willing to introspect and get to know yourself.  To be willing to get to know you, the real you, maybe for the first time.  This is your first step.   

The tricky part is that there is a difference between saying “I’m willing” and actually “being willing.”  You can say “I’m willing”, but then continue to ignore doing the actual work.  This is not “being willing”, but it’s pretending to be willing so you can trick yourself. This will only take you around in circles, eventually leaving you feeling frustrated and hopeless because no-thing is changing in your life. Let’s set ourselves up for success, instead.

Embrace An Introspective Journaling Practice:

Being willing, truly willing, is an internal shift that occurs so you can start the process of looking within.  Being willing means, you give yourself permission to pause and look at yourself.  To slow down so you can introspect.  To look at yourself without any shame or fear, but with a curiosity. Then, you act.  Journaling is a wonderful way to start the introspective process as it allows you to explore and discover.  Start with a notebook and pen, then begin by asking yourself, “How am I doing today?  I mean, really doing.  Do I have any tension?  What might be causing it?” Set the intentional space so you can allow whatever appears.  Instead of trying to change what you hear or distort what you know to be true in your heart, see if you can approach this exercise without any judgements. You are the observer and your job is to listen and record.

To learn more about how to start your own journaling practice, I’ve written an entire blog post called “Journaling: A Path Within”.

Make time each day to do a simple check-in with yourself.  You don’t have to create a complicated list of prompts to follow or put pressure on yourself to “perform”.  Rather, you’re showing up with the intention to just see how you are doing on the inside.

Be Willing & Be Transformed.

The most important component of this entire process is YOU.  Unless you show up for you, your life is going to continue along the same course.  Until you decide that you’ve had enough, the locomotive called “my life” will keep chugging along the internal tracks that you’ve laid in place.

Even if these tracks were put in place unconsciously and even if they are causing you harm, they are the dominant narratives that control your life.  You will not switch tracks unless you become conscious and start creating the new pathways within yourself.    

If you don’t take the time to get to know yourself and take care of your inner-self, nothing will change.  So, stay curious and understand that you’re taking the steps to build a relationship with yourself.  It will take time, practice and devotion, but it is a path filled with promise and profound beauty.

I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.

---

Reconnect With Nature

Much of my childhood was spent playing in the forest.  Tree limbs were my jungle gym and sticks became my excavating tools as I would dig for rocks and quartz.  I can still smell the fresh scent of the forest ground and feel the textured bark upon my toes.  As I’ve grown up, my natural affinity with nature has not only sustained me, but it has nurtured and healed me as well.  When I am in the presence of the forest, I feel embraced—I feel heard, seen and welcomed.  In an era marked by an increased disconnection from the natural world, there is a growing yearning for something that can restore balance, peace, and well-being in our lives.  Enter Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese art of Forest Bathing.       

Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴)

Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴), which translates to “forest bathing" or “taking in the forest atmosphere," originated in Japan in the early 1980s.  It was developed as part of a national wellness program to combat the stress and health issues arising from the rapid urbanization and overwork experienced by the Japanese population.  The practice has since evolved into a popular form of ecotherapy, attracting global attention for its potential to improve mental and physical well-being.  Shinrin-Yoku, as an extension of the Japanese people's love for nature, stems from the nation's deep cultural and spiritual connections to the natural world.  This reverence for nature can be traced back to Japan's ancient Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, which have significantly influenced the country's customs, arts, and values.

The term “Shinrin-Yoku" is composed of two Japanese words: “Shinrin" (森林), meaning “forest," and “Yoku" (浴), meaning “bathing" or “immersing oneself."  Together, they represent the act of immersing oneself in the forest atmosphere, absorbing its essence, and connecting deeply with the natural world through all five senses.  The research clearly shows that there are numerous physiological benefits of Forest Bathing, such as reduced stress, anxiety, and depression.  Forest Bathing has also been found to enhance mood, focus, and creativity, while fostering a sense of calm and clarity.  The science confirms what we already intrinsically know—being immersed in nature is beneficial for our well-being.

Forest Bathing enables individuals to connect deeply with nature and experience its restorative and healing powers.  The practice is not limited to avid hikers or conservationists, but it is a practice that is open to everyone due to its focus on conscious connection.   The experience of Shinrin-Yoku is there for everyone to experience through becoming more aware of what’s around you and welcoming the forest presence into your awareness. In this expanded state, we can appreciate the beauty, tranquility, and wisdom of the natural world, allowing us to find solace, inspiration, and rejuvenation amidst the modern world's pressures and demands.

Immersing Yourself in the Forest:

Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginners to help you approach the Shinrin-Yoku experience.  Having a framework will facilitate the planning and the time you spend out in nature.

1.     Schedule a Full Day: Start by fitting the experience into your schedule.  Plan to dedicate the entire day to your Shinrin-Yoku outing so you don’t feel pressured to rush or get back in time for another commitment.  Give yourself permission to dedicate this time as a gift for your well-being. 

2.     Selecting the Ideal Setting: Choose a forested area that feels safe, inviting, and accessible.  Consider factors such as the level of human activity, accessibility, and the diversity of plant life when selecting your Shinrin-Yoku location.

3.     Setting Your Intention: Before entering the forest, set an intention for your experience, such as releasing stress, cultivating mindfulness, or deepening your connection to nature.  This intention will guide your journey and help you remain present throughout the practice.

4.     Engaging Your Senses: As you walk slowly and mindfully through the forest, immerse yourself in the sensory experience by noticing the sights, sounds, smells, textures, and taste the fresh forest aroma.  Pay attention to the nuances of the forest, such as the rustling of leaves, the fragrance of damp earth, or the sensation of sunlight filtering through the canopy. Bring all your attention upon the experience and allow your senses to soak up the healing properties of being in nature.

5.     Embracing Stillness and Presence: Find a comfortable spot to sit or stand, and spend time in stillness, allowing the forest to envelop you.  Focus on your breath and let go of any thoughts or distractions that arise, returning your attention to the present moment and the sensations of the natural world.

6.     Reflecting and Integrating: After completing your Shinrin-Yoku experience, take some time to reflect on your journey and any insights or emotions that emerged during the process.  Consider journaling about your experience or sharing it with a friend or family member to further integrate its lessons into your daily life.

A Journey of Transformation and Renewal

The ancient wisdom of nature, harnessed through Shinrin-Yoku, is a powerful tool for modern living, enabling individuals to reconnect with the natural world, heal from the stressors of contemporary life, and foster a greater appreciation for the environment.  By immersing ourselves in the breath of the living forest, we embark on a transformative journey that not only rejuvenates our minds and bodies but also instills within us a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the world around us.

As you venture into the realm of Shinrin-Yoku, remember that this practice is a deeply personal and unique experience.  Embrace the opportunity to explore and discover your own path towards healing, growth, and self-discovery.  With each step taken in the forest, allow the whispers of nature to guide you, opening your heart and mind to the beauty, wisdom, and serenity that the natural world has to offer. In the words of naturalist and environmental philosopher John Muir, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." As you immerse yourself in the art of Shinrin-Yoku, may you find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of wonder in the embrace of the forest.

I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.

---

Journaling: A Path Within

Unleash Your Inner World

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery can be a profound and life-changing experience.  One of the most accessible and effective tools to facilitate this exploration is journaling.  In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose touch with our inner selves as we navigate the constant distractions and stimulation while being pulled in multiple directions.  Journaling offers a counterbalance to the chaos—a sanctuary where we can slow down, reconnect, and delve into the depths of our being.   In the practice I’ll share in this post, we will move away from our technology-centric every day to embrace the art of writing by hand, giving our minds the space to explore and create.

As a lifelong journaling enthusiast, I have experienced firsthand the incredible benefits of this practice.  From my childhood scribbles in a tiny Hello Kitty notepad to my present-day notebooks filled with insights and reflections, journaling has played a central role in my spiritual journey.  Discovering the connection point between self-evolution and journaling can be a truly transformative experience because of the harmonious relationship they share.  Due to being externally focused, many are not used to looking within, but this is the true arena for manifesting lasting change.  So, becoming comfortable with understanding ourselves from a deeper level is a crucial component of this work.  My hope is to inspire you to begin your own journaling adventure and provide guidance to create a practice that fosters self-discovery and growth.  

The Sacred Space of Journaling: Honoring Authenticity

Journaling is a deeply personal experience, an invitation to explore our inner landscape.  To truly harness its transformative power, we must be willing to embrace vulnerability and the unknown.  Surface-level writing may fill the pages, but they will not produce the necessary in-sight for self-evolution.  It is our authentic, honest self-expression that reveals the true path to inner growth.  Therefore, it’s important to remove the fear of being honest by reassuring ourselves that there will be no repercussions for our truth.  We are the ones consciously creating a safe space to freely express for our own benefit of self-realization.

For some, the thought of admitting how we really feel might be overwhelming and trigger a restrictive response where we clamp up.  Don’t use this as an excuse to give up before you try but turn it into an opportunity to grow.  I wrote an extensive blog post on “The Power of Honesty”, which you can read here. 

A Useful Visualization Tool

Use this visualization to help you overcome such hurdles.  Recognize any limiting thought forms and imagine that they are solid blocks of ice.  Close your eyes and with each breath, invite the sun to shine warm and bright upon the ice so that it begins to melt.  See it melting away with each breath as you bring more and more light forward, so that by the end the ice has completely melted.  In this way, you can acknowledge how you feel while allowing distractions to dissolve so they do not hamper your progress.     

Countless benefits can enhance our emotional well-being and personal development through the cultivated practice of journaling.  From increasing self-awareness to fostering emotional healing, journaling holds the key to unlocking our inner potential and creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.  In the following section, we will delve deeper into the numerous benefits of journaling, highlighting how this transformative practice can lead to profound self-discovery and growth.

The Benefits of Journaling:

1. Self-awareness: Journaling provides a mirror, reflecting the inner workings of our minds and hearts.  By documenting our thoughts, emotions, and experiences, we become more attuned to our inner world, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves.

2. Emotional healing: Writing allows us to express and process complex emotions, creating a safe space for emotional release and healing.  Journaling can be a therapeutic tool that aids in managing stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Personal growth: As we write about our triumphs, challenges, and aspirations, journaling becomes a catalyst for personal growth.  It helps us to recognize patterns, set goals, and track our progress on the path to self-improvement.

4. Enhanced problem-solving and decision-making: By organizing our thoughts and exploring different perspectives, journaling can improve our problem-solving abilities and help us make more informed decisions.

5. Creativity and self-expression: Journaling is an artistic outlet that encourages creative thinking and unique self-expression, enabling us to explore our passions and hone our individual voices.

6. Mindfulness and presence: The practice of journaling cultivates mindfulness and presence, anchoring us in the present moment as we delve into the intricacies of our thoughts and emotions.

Now that you're familiar with the incredible benefits of journaling, it's time to embark on your own journaling adventure.  To help you get started and make the most of this transformative practice, I've compiled some practical tips to guide you on your journey:

  Embarking on Your Journaling Adventure: Tips for Getting Started

1. Find a journal that speaks to you: Whether it's a beautifully bound notebook or a simple composition book, choose a journal that resonates with you and sparks a sense of excitement.  Focus on a physical notebook instead of a digital app because we want the tactile experience of putting a writing utensil to paper.

2. Equip yourself with a favorite writing utensil: Just as a painter has their favorite brush, a writer needs a trusty pen (or pencil) to bring their thoughts to life.  Select a writing instrument that feels comfortable and enjoyable to use.

3. Create a dedicated journaling space: Designate a quiet, comfortable nook where you can write without distractions.  Personalize your space with soothing elements such as soft lighting, calming scents, or inspiring artwork.  Create a space that you look forward to spending time in each day.    

4. Establish a routine: Consistency is key in developing a successful journaling practice.  Set aside a specific time each day to write, whether it's in the morning with a cup of tea or at night before bed.  Approach it with a sense of wonderment so you don’t resist the idea of having “one more thing” to manage.  Instead, see it as an enhancement to your life and something that you choose to do for your own well-being. 

5. Choose a format that resonates: Experiment with different journaling formats to discover what works best for you. Try free-writing, prompts, gratitude lists, or a combination of methods.  Remain curious with the goal of finding something that resonates with you.  Don’t force the experience but embody a mindset of playfulness instead.  If you feel stuck, start each entry with the same question, such as “How are you feeling right now?”

6. Embrace vulnerability: Allow yourself to be open and honest in your journaling.  Your journal is a sacred space for authentic self-expression, free from judgment or expectation.  Give yourself full permission to look within and contemplate what you find. 

7. Reflect and grow: Periodically review your entries to glean insights into your personal development.  Use these reflections as a compass, guiding you towards a deeper understanding of yourself and your true potential.

Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper—it's an invitation to embark on an intimate and deeply personal journey.  Engage the practice from the place of genuine intent so that it is a sustainable practice for you.  Recognize that each day might feel different and the words that flow might vary from day to day.  This is all perfectly acceptable, and you don’t need to beat yourself up for an experience that is called, the creative process.  As you set out on your journaling path, remember to be gentle with yourself. Embrace the process and allow it to embrace you in return. Explore, learn, and grow, discovering the vibrant world that lies within.  With time, patience, and dedication, journaling can become an indispensable tool for self-discovery and personal growth, illuminating the path within.

I help people align with their potential. If you’re ready to find a deeper connection with what truly matters, click here.

---