Despite having already introduced myself to the Norwich members of The Practice Rooms, I have received a kind invited from Sarah Worley to put together a blog post for the month of January. As such, I thought it would be a good opportunity to expand on my current thoughts and maybe share some of my broader philosophies.
A New Year is a great opportunity to create new habits and intentions. Although this year, and I think I can speak for most of us when I say, is most definitely not like any other. This pandemic has impacted enormously on the lives of all of us, but this is also a perfect opportunity to take stock, reflect, and make positive changes.
I am a strong believer that lingering in the darkness for longer than required is not healthy, but neither is ignoring it altogether. Our greatest growth can come from the shadows and as such, it should be embraced. One particular quote from Carl Jung is rather fitting: “There is no coming to consciousness without pain. People will do anything, no matter how absurd, to avoid facing their own souls. One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious”. I personally believe this to be the only true path to peace. These are dark times, for sure - but for the light to emerge stronger than ever we must grasp the lessons on offer and undergo Metamorphosis.
Before the outbreak of the virus, many of us were caught up on the treadmill of habit and life, mildly to moderately aware of the areas that required change. Moreover, an opportunity for adjustment rarely presented itself. But now is that time! Momentarily we are off the wheel and the hour to evaluate and grow has presented itself. Don’t be weighed down by current events instead, use them to lighten the load.
The Practice Rooms, as one beautiful soul described last week, “is the lighthouse in the storm” – perfect! It is my own belief that they vibrate positive energy within the communities they serve, and their need is greater than ever. This isn’t a time to withdraw, au contraire! The need for physical human interaction and healing has never been greater. Yes, we must follow the rules and guidelines, but we can also start planning for emergence by connecting in a new and inspiring manner with the people we all help through our practices. Reach out, let others know you are there and thinking about them, and willing to provide a service. Maybe invent new approaches, openings, and offers that work for both clients and practitioners alike. Be creative!
My own personal passion for Ayurveda which draws on the concept of balance and harmony doesn’t just refer to the physical self, this model can be applied to all aspects of life and broader society. The era of self-actualisation is upon us, welcome it with open arms, say goodbye to your old self, and thank it for what it taught. Step into the new you!
Nameste!
