And day 4 of Air
Week. The message today “I love and
accept who I am...and who I am is enough.”
With the focus on
accepting self and loving self for exactly who I am, the key to doing so is to
look at how we treat ourselves. The word
is far more powerful than we give it credit for. Try using phrases like “I’m recharging”
instead of “I’m exhausted” or “I’m open for love” rather than “I’m lonely”,
or...how about this one... instead of “I’m so busy” try saying “I’m seeing what
I’m capable of”. The heavier the
statement the more negative the intent...the lighter the statement the more
positive the energy. I know it will be
weird at first, so dare yourself to speak (or at least think) in a more
positive way. Think of it as a game and challenge
yourself to find a way of expressing your frustration in a ‘fun’ way.
The title of each of the
three levels today are:
1~Be the sacred
observer: observe yourself...how do you feel, how do you respond, what do you
do, take note of your feelings and your perception as to how you behave.
2~Your faults can be
your virtues: instead of looking at your ‘fault’ as ‘bad’, consider what it is
and look at from a different perspective.
Make a list of those you feel are faults; now think of them positively...from
cheap to thrifty; stubborn to determined; flighty to spontaneous; resentment to
sense of justice....Try it yourself and see what you come up with.
3~Observing your core
beliefs: a core belief is notion that has become entrenched in your
sub-consciousness after having held on to or repeated it for a long period of
time. Naturally, there are positive and
not so positive core values we have.
Some positive ones might be....the more I give – the more I get; no
matter what challenges find me, I always find a way to overcome them. Less positive might be...people in my life
always treat me badly; or....No pain – no gain ~ this is tricky one for me.
So, two years ago today,
was Day 3 of my Camino de Santiago; heading to Ventas de Naron. I’d been away from my family more than with
them since mid June and I was missing them dearly. I wasn’t feeling well. I was physically ill and worse...I was losing
my blister battle. I didn’t like the
saying “No pain; nor glory” because I’ve never bought into the “No pain; no
gain” even as an aerobic “instructor” in the ‘80s. To me...if it hurts or doesn’t feel
right....that’s a good sign to stop what you’re doing a listen to yourself....I think that’s why I love Nia so much....
I have been known to
change my mind when needed, but I am not a quitter; I am survivor. I say what I mean and mean what I say. I will admit, as I reflect on this day, I
remember it was incredibly hard for me and facing the possibility that I may
have to quit. Even looking back on my
blog....I spoke about how challenging this day was. And while I wouldn’t say it out loud
then....I was scared I was going to have to quit my Camino because of my
feet. I couldn’t have that. I suffered through one more day. All my guides, angels, spirit friends, God,
Jesus, Mary, Isis...my grandmothers....all I’ve ever call on....carried me
through that day from the moment I awoke because I needed to vomit, while I struggled
to put my shoes on, from the first painful step to the last....they were
there. Those I cherish most in my
life...have a nature spirit that is special to me and EACH and EVERY ONE of
them appeared that day! The butterfly,
bubble bee, lady bug, robin, sun, breeze, streams, all of them! The walk that day was long, hot and
excruciatingly painful. For a variety of
reasons I had to take breaks and getting started again....was more painful than
the last time I had to start walking, but....I did it. I made it!!!!
At the end of the day, I
broke down and bought new shoes...not no crazy expensive “perfect” hiking
footwear again for this girl....but ugly, simple, inexpensive sandals....my
“Jesus” shoes as they’ve affectionately come known as. My children think they are horrid but...they
are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever had; at least for long term wearing
while walking! And they were like clouds
to walk on after having suffered through those shoes. I am BARE FOOT girl and love to let me feet caress
the earth. Those $160.00 sneakers (and
that was at 50% off) devoured my feet; even the expensive blister proof socks
didn’t help. Don’t buy into this...”you
have to have hiking boots if you’re going to walk” crap. Walk in what you’re comfortable walking
in...if it’s hiking boots...fine; if it’s
sneakers – wear sneakers; I would also recommend – and I think it saved my feet
from worse destruction – have extra shoes to switch into.
As soon as I got to my
room....I rested my feet. I popped my
blisters after taking some Advil. When I felt strong enough to do so, I took a
shower then went to have some supper. I
soaked my feet in epsom salts and massaged them with arnica cream. My plan for the next few days would be to
monitor my feet closely but not dwell on them.
A metaphor of life I guess.
When things are out of
sorts...it’s important to monitor everything but...not to dwell on it. You can’t ignore the problems...or challenges
on your path – that is never good. That’s
when you make poor choices, or worse, no choice at all. When you acknowledge the challenges and keep
an eye on them....you’re able to consider your options and you make choices
that are in your best interest. But don’t
dwell on them. It’s the equal and
opposite reaction to ignoring them.
Often when we dwell on challenges, we tend to make poor choices because
we’ve distorted the situation. Phrases
like “always” and “never” are good sign we’ve succumbed to our frustrations or
distorted a situation. Pause to observe
before reacting ~ don’t take it personally.
Remember, “I love and accept who I am...and who I am, is enough.”
As the day begins, so does my Camino continue....
I may feel horrible, my feet may ache but
the day is beautiful, life is good and journey....
worth while!
These flowers and a
couple other types,
will be constant companions along my way.
The roots of trees cling
to hillsides and provide not only breath taking images,
but refuge for many species.
Whoa....
share
the road..remember?
Walking along the
highway.
This is a four lane highway, notice though, ALL the lines are white!
Clay tile factory
More
Camino pilgrim signs...not just for us
but
for drivers to mean mindful of us too.
Introduction to
beautiful gardens to come
The two other species of
flowers that will accompany me
and decorate my path in
the days ahead
The horizon from a
different perspective
Horton hears a Who!
Fiddle ferns waking and
growing
Not
sure what this is....
some thought it was the vine that strangled the life out
of this area
Notice the traffic/road
sign???
No passing. LOL Not a whole lot of space for "two lanes" either.
This was apparently, a
vineyard after a fire?!
Coming into a hamlet
Which way do I go?!
I’m on the Camino and I
will be going to Albergue
Remember the rule?
FOLLOW THE ARROWS/SHELLS
Lady working...
she was gathering all
the crumbled stone and dust and putting into tubs.
Me holding one of the
many ‘spirit’ friends who helped me today
The next few pictures
are of my blisters;
some may consider these graphic
and/or gross
Blisters before the bath...
Six in all.
Blisters after the
bath...
So....all things
considered....
after a good epsom salt
soak and arnica cream massage...
they don’t look too bad...do
they?! J
~Buen Camino
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