 Our hearts are tender organs housing the seeds of our truest desire, our deepest yearnings, our most intimate requests. It’s the instrument of connection, compassion, creativity and the space with which we sense our intuitive knowing. Because of such, it can be a tremendously vulnerable feat to expose these delicate aspects of ourselves, and becomes even more challenging in matters of romantic love. But, why is this so?
It’s an interesting paradox that I find many, including myself, struggle with: this deep hunger for intimate connection, and a vast resistance of fully accepting it. Afraid of diving and not being caught; panged with the remembrance of love lost in the past; not knowing what it means to allow the fullness of our tender hearts to be held in a safe and honest way; the list goes on. Instead, we create remarkable walls that keeps us nicely protected from that which we so crave. Recently I was talking with a dear friend about our experiences in the land of love. As we shared our desires, struggles and sorrows, she reflected back a point that changed the way I view the intimate relationships in my life: how can we grant all of our connections the same reverence we impart to our lovers? This means communicating our needs, our affections, our loyalties in an unguarded, transparent approach that clears up any complexity and ambiguity. I’ve surely had a fair few lovers run to the hills when the question of “what am I to you?” or “where do you see this going?” comes up, and I’ve certainly clammed up at this inquiry myself. I’ve found that these types of responses are wonderful defenses to shielding aspects of ourselves we’re not fully capable to express - yet. What if we brought these same questions to our friend and family relations? Would the same hesitant response still arise, or might it offer a new channel of conversation that would actually bring more richness and open our capacity for deeper connection to those parts longing it? And let us not overlook the immense, unrelenting flow of affection offered in every moment. How the world around us begs to be noticed, tasted, touched, and doted upon just as earnestly as any ardent lover. Be it your morning coffee, the kiss of rain on your bare cheek, noticing the erotic union between the bee and a bud, the way you make your art, your bed, your souls work, we can make deep passionate messy love with all aspects of our life. By doing so we start to recognize that our carefully constructed walls contain windows and doors with which Eros is sure to enter.
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 Our external environment has sipped in much water lately in great relief from the long dry we’ve experienced. I’ve enjoyed listening to the bird-song as they sing and bathe in the puddles nearby, and smile in delight while watching the small toads and nymphs scurry along through the thick moisture.
:: It’s clear how we all need the essence of rain in the world around us to help grow the crops that sustain us and maintain the balance of the rivers and streams, among so much else. But, how do we spring to our own inner well of needs? :: Self-nourishment is a vital practice that is often overlooked when we’re busy taking care of our family/homes/jobs, discovering and pursuing our dreams, and working toward the betterment of the existence of all. However, we can’t fill up the cup of another when our own is parched dry. :: Take some time to reflect on the ways you are cultivating self-nourishment / self-love / self-growth in your own life so that you can show up for the rest of the world. :: Here’s are some of my own favorite self-nourishment practices: •Soothing self-oil massage; this ancient practice known as abhyanga is one of the most delicious, grounding, nurturing rituals that offers a wealth of physical, mental and energetic benefits. More on this practice in another post. •Making a home-cooked meal, infusing it with all the gratitude I feel for the abundant Earth to nourish my body. •Taking a pause through the day to acknowledge and thank all my triumphs, all my struggles, and my strength for the process therein. •Listening to something sweet, be it an inspiring podcast, the gentle purr of my feline familiars, the laughter of my friend’s children, or the soft melody of an uplifting song. :: These are just a few examples of the many ways we can bring more nourishment to ourselves as a way to water the seeds of our being; simple steps lead to a ripple effect when it comes to self-care. How do you tend to your own self-nourishment? Share so we may all sprout!  The Midsummer Solstice is a celebratory rite where Earth rejoices through great abundance and Light fills our hearts and minds in an outward flow of possibility. A point of blooming, birthing and manifesting, the high heat of Summer is a pinnacle time for transformation as we ignite our highest intentions.
. The Solstice also marks a juncture of the ever-continual sacred cycle, where we will once again wane toward the season of stillness and introspection. . While we dance and sing in celebration of our all-giving life-force, may we too reflect on the darker, cooler energies that contain our balance so that we can sustain our radiance through the trying times at present and to come. . Be rejuvenated. Be nourished. Be luminous. . . |