It’s a wild and courageous thing to live your life in ways that center your well-being. For many of us, our work and financial security occupy that space; as well as our caregiving relationships and everyday responsibilities. Our well-being feels like a luxury, rather than a necessity.
Last autumn I came across this excerpt from Mary Oliver’s poem Wild Geese:
“You do not have to be good…
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.”
Mary’s words were a turning for me. Or rather, a returning. I was three years into a part-time social justice position that in the past 1 ½ years since the global pandemic and racial uprisings, had become full-time. Full-time meaning it consumed me to the point of spiritual depletion. The need for justice of course is so great, and our organization’s contribution has been healing for thousands across the nation. But somewhere along the way my well-being suffered.
I slowly began to carve out space to let the soft animal of my body love what it loves. I had forgotten, and it took time to remember. After a while though, I stopped pushing so hard, doing so much, and started settling into being. Oh, how my spiritualicous Self bubbled over with delight!
When we allow ourselves to slow down, do less and just be, we discover what really gives us meaning, brings us joy and sets our hearts on fire. We begin to realize our worth is not wrapped up in what we produce or achieve, but in our well-being.
As much good as I was doing in the world, it became clear that I had to leave my part-time-turn-full-time job. And so, I did. I’ve spent 2022 restructuring my life so that my well-being is center stage.
What does that even mean? It’s different for everyone. For me, it means hearing my inner voice and not just my to do list. It means getting out in nature, feeling the sun on my skin. It means reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. It means time to let my mind wander with no particular destination. It means being able to notice my body’s energy and responding to it in kind. It means being able to move throughout my day with ease, not because I’m lazy, but because I don’t want to miss a thing. It means returning to you, and to my spiritual coaching, writing and teaching—three years later renewed and ready. What does it mean to you? See below for reflection prompts. And if you (or someone you know) want help restructuring your life with your well-being at the center, please reach out for a coaching session.
May you find a few moments today to bask in your inherent beauty and worth, and may the world be better for it.
SPIRITUALICIOUS REFLECTION PROMPTS
Begin today. Find a pen and paper, or open your computer, or go for a walk, or sip on a cup of tea, and start reflecting on your well-being, and what it means to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.
Who would you be if your well-being was center stage of your life?
What would you do more of? What would you do less of?
What or who would you need to grieve?
What fear would you need to face?
What old story or belief about your worth and goodness would you need to transform?