Dear Listener,
Last week’s holiday was a little needed downtime, however I’m back now, with both feet on the ground, reading my (imaginary) thermometer of public thought. Writing/recording for this pod seems to break life into 1-2 week increments, leaving me to reflect on trends like the one I’ll string together here.
Recently I had several conversations with people about their desire to be more themselves, authentically. I’d also call this self acceptance. Movement into this direction entails breaking out of old patterns, and seems to engage most (if not all) of the following; taking a temperature of the room, a bit of confidence, a touch of ‘who cares’, letting go, a thicker skin so the results bounce off, and a resonance with something that's known to be true from within.
I think self acceptance is an act of self-compassion or love, hence todays meditation.
What does that last part look like (knowing something to be true)? It can be; knowing you're a person who wants to give back to your community, knowing you're a creative type who needs engagement in projects that challenge or cultivate this, knowing cooking for others helps you clear your mind and expand, knowing walks with your dog resets your day and connects you with the natural world, knowing a hot bath soothes and grounds you- and makes you nicer around others :) , knowing fixing your friend's plumbing gives you joy.
I happened to be listening to a 70’s station on my drive today, when a Gladys Knight and the Pip’s song came on “I've got to use my Imagination.” The feel is uplifting, inspiring, spirited and soulful! Listen if you can. The lyrics caught my attention, the song is intense - she speaks of a lost love, sadness, her tone at times carries the devastation that follows, yet she sings the refrain as her guide getting through it all:
Ooh, ooh, oh, I've really got to use (I've got to use)
My imagination (I've got to use)
To think of good reasons (I've got to use)
To keep on keepin' on (I've got to use)
I think that is true- imagination helps us get through difficult situations by providing a direction to point our minds and hearts as we navigate hard moments.
For each of the scenarios a person reevaulated their degree of authenticity - pain prompted a self-reflection and a desire to step further into themselves. So if this applies to you, where can you begin? Open your mind, imagine the person you wish to be and the world you would like to create for yourself (so you know where you are going).
Listen to today’s meditation to help you quiet your mind and open your heart. Once the chatter dims, open a space for your imagination to grow by do something (creative) that speaks uniquely to you (sings to your soul).
Even if it’s the tiniest thing, it will mean a lot (to you).
Keep on keeping on.
This is a 1974 recording of Gladys Knight and the Pips singing "ive got to Use my Imagination"
Share this post