Today, we take the time to pause and establish freedom and ease through mindful movement as a way to connect to ourselves and the world around us. When we deepen our internal and external awareness, we allow more space for reflection, compassion, and authentic expression.
The urge to hide from the world has never been stronger. Violence, senseless brutality, and division cause us to despair. We are tired and afraid, and numbing our emotions often feels like the only option. However, escaping our pain will only ever be temporary. And the price of escape is often the very best part of being human: love, empathy, and joy. When we numb the pain, we also numb what is good and whole.
This week, we offer an opportunity to show up for yourself, so that you may show up for others in turn. We need each other, in our families, our communities, our professional circles, and in our nation.
Over the years, we have learned to show up for ourselves in a variety of ways, including creating art and poetry. This week, we've included two of our own "self-portraits," pieces we made while free-writing and drawing, and using the tools we've learned through the Alexander Technique. After listening to the lie-down talk this week, you might be inspired to create a self-portrait of your own. In this exercise, create an expression of yourself when you feel the most whole and connected. Consider how you feel when you are engaged, grounded, open, and honest. You do not need to use words, like we did. Use whatever materials you have on hand, and enjoy the process!
Opening ourselves up to love and honesty can feel difficult. But like anything, the choice to show up becomes easier with patience and practice. We need not ask for perfection, or even try for what feels “right.” Simply ask yourself to make the next best choice. Right now, that means freeing your neck. Give yourself the space to pause and breathe. The connection we nurture in ourselves promotes connection in the world around us. It all starts with a choice to live from a place of love, rather than fear.
Kateri & Alexandra
Alexandra’s self-portrait happened spontaneously in her journaling during a previous time of uncertainty in her life. It was her reminder that no matter how carefully you plan, you have to be willing to accept what the reality is and change your plan.
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