"You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose."
- Indira Ghandi
Erratic. Sporadic. Chaotic.
This is how life can sometimes feel. The outer world is out of our hands and we feel beholden to its plans and exhausted by its pace. Our inner world, micro-managed by our mind, plays tricks on us and tells us things that don't match up with how we want to be, how we wish to feel. How do we create a more centered alignment with the kind of world we wish for ourselves? A way of being, thinking and feeling that creates an artful equanimity, despite these unpredictable inner and outer landscapes?
The antidote can be often be found in our personal practices. The small daily acts and efforts that keep us grounded, despite the circumstances of our fate. A ritual of repetition that, when we consistently keep, signals that we are committed to care for our well-being before everything else, so that we can step into the wider world and be the kind of person aspire to be. Being of utmost service, offering our gifts in a way that ripples out more beauty, kindness, compassion and authenticity, which in turns inspires others to do the same.
This commitment requires we show up, do the work, be useful (one of the 52 encouragement deck card mantras.)
And, as I say this, I also know from personal experience, it's not easy. It requires discipline, the kind that is best and sometimes only sustained through devotion, a practice fueled by a source greater than ourselves. If I had to break down what works for me into pillars of practice, (and because I love alliteration) here are four areas where you may want to focus, to begin:
Manifesto — a statement of what you stand for and how you wish to live. A compass that guides you back to what matters most.
This is how life can sometimes feel. The outer world is out of our hands and we feel beholden to its plans and exhausted by its pace. Our inner world, micro-managed by our mind, plays tricks on us and tells us things that don't match up with how we want to be, how we wish to feel. How do we create a more centered alignment with the kind of world we wish for ourselves? A way of being, thinking and feeling that creates an artful equanimity, despite these unpredictable inner and outer landscapes?
The antidote can be often be found in our personal practices. The small daily acts and efforts that keep us grounded, despite the circumstances of our fate. A ritual of repetition that, when we consistently keep, signals that we are committed to care for our well-being before everything else, so that we can step into the wider world and be the kind of person aspire to be. Being of utmost service, offering our gifts in a way that ripples out more beauty, kindness, compassion and authenticity, which in turns inspires others to do the same.
This commitment requires we show up, do the work, be useful (one of the 52 encouragement deck card mantras.)
And, as I say this, I also know from personal experience, it's not easy. It requires discipline, the kind that is best and sometimes only sustained through devotion, a practice fueled by a source greater than ourselves. If I had to break down what works for me into pillars of practice, (and because I love alliteration) here are four areas where you may want to focus, to begin:
Manifesto — a statement of what you stand for and how you wish to live. A compass that guides you back to what matters most.
Movement — The language of your body in motion, whether through walking, stretching, dancing, or simply breathing deeply. Movement reminds us that life is energy, and energy goes where there is flow.
Mindfulness — The art of paying attention. A practice of presence that grounds our awareness in the here and now.
Meaning — The thread weaves our actions to a deeper purpose and meaning, making the mundane routines into daily rituals, sacred practices that transform ordinary life into art.
When we anchor ourselves in a few thoughtful practices, they become an embodied way of being, a rhythm that then lives deep in the marrow of our bones, that can carry us through the unpredictable landscapes of life. This is how I hope the Sunday Slowdown newsletter serves you, as a gentle reminder that when you get off track, have momentarily lost your way, need an anchor to remember what you came here for, or simply need to make yourself something good to eat, you can pause, recalibrate, and revision, right here, right now. Also remember, you are human. Do what you can.
Know that I am right here with you.
X Alisa
FOOTNOTE: This is one of my favorite photographs from one of my favorite humans, artist Christy Bush. Every time I see her, she fills my soul with laughter, joy and love. Every time I see her photography at my dear friend Anna Skillman's Gallery, Jackson Fine art, I am moved to pause and take a deep breath. Beauty will do that.
Do your soul a favor. Go see some art.