on receiving
I’ve had to ask my children to help me.
I’ve been laid up the past two weeks.
I had surgery on one leg (I’m all good). I haven’t shared this widely in order to stay in my power through the process.
It’s been fascinating to witness life, myself & my family out of our usual flow. I’m going to share a little with you here now that I’m on the other side of surgery…
Taking myself out of the mix — the routine of my life, and the rhythm of the rest of the world — brings insight. I remember the feeling after having a baby where my whole world slowed down & changed but no one else’s did. It felt odd to see other people carrying on living their ‘normal’ day-to-day when mine had changed infinitely. Relate?
Similar experience now (without the newborn).
In truth, I love the experience.
Rather than wishing it ‘wasn’t so,’ or racing back to what was normal (what even is normal), or being bummed we’re home for March Break mostly tinkering around our house, I am thinking: ‘what’s coming into sight for me, and how can I have more of this?’
I have come to love slowing down. Maybe it’s a mid-life thing.
That said, it did take 5 days to sink into it. To let go of my addiction of doing things, living out our usual family rhythm, honouring my responsibilities, wearing all my hats.
From a spiritual lens — it took me 5 days to lean back and allow myself to release, rest & receive.
I’m lucky I’ve been loved and so very well-cared for, and have been able to completely rest and let go. That said…
I’ve had to ask my children to help me.
Interestingly it took my girls a minute to recognize my need for help, and to acquiesce into helping me. I had a few friends illuminate this for me, “are your girls taking the best care of you?”
I was surprised my answer was “not really.” They were not. I had to sit with that for a second. It had me realize that I don’t ask them to help me with things for myself in regular life. I ask them to do things for themselves, each other, and the family, but rarely (ok, never) for me directly.
I’ve had to ask my children to help me.
I’ve had to ask them to help me do all the things I normally do.
I’ve had to accept their help, and my inability to help them as I always do.
Witnessing this has been revealing. I watched them hesitate the first 5 days — they helped me begrudgingly — because I’d never asked them for help. And they’d never seen me like this, unable to help myself.
As I opened to receive help, it’s shifted. I am watching them now initiate helping me, thinking about me and what I need, making it fun, honouring where I’m at.
I had to allow it. Receiving.
Some helpful reflections that have come through for you to reflect on:
Where do I block receiving?
Where am I good at receiving?
What is hard for me about leaning back and receiving?
What is easy for me to receive?
Is there a story around asking for help or receiving help?
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During this time or receiving I’ve been sitting with (or lying with) my oils 🌱
A few total supporters of receiving have shown up for me during this time…
Accompanying all the meds, ice, supplements, healers, homeopathics, family love (and some gorgeous tulips), my essential oils have been a constant companion through this journey. I’m grateful they’re by my side.
Shinrin-Yoku™
for peace & nature connection
In Your Diffuser
Japanese Forest Bathing. The blend to bring the outdoors in.
It feels like nature filling my lungs and heart as I rest & recover in my room.
SHOP OILS
ADAPTIV™
On Your Crown
1 drop on your 7th chakra, crown of your head. Let it seep in & receive. It loosens the tension and soothes frenetic energy. Helpful for anxious feelings.
SHOP OILS
Neroli
for grounding & connecting to my angels
On Your Inner Wrists [ s l o w | inhales / exhales ]
Feels like I’m breathing with the angels, inviting them in so I can lean back and receive. And, yes, I think I talk about Neroli in every email I send you.
SHOP OILS
Frankincense
On Your Spine & In Your Diffuser
Nervous system support. Steadying. Apply a squirt of coconut oil and massage 2-4 drops onto your spine. Drop into your diffuser on it’s own or blended with any other oil. Therapeutic benefits are vast.
SHOP OILS