Ahhh the second half of life. That invitation to simplify has really opened doors for me. Letting the small stuff roll off, slowing down to be with the harder stuff instead of circumventing. Being with what is inside me and outside of me in the same way. An ongoing journey, yet now seeing there is no destination but here. Thanks for the contemplation Patricia...
It’s always an amazing thing to look back a few years (or more!) and see how much you’ve changed. Spiritual enlightenment is such a remarkable blessing 💛 here’s to the journey!
Isn’t it tho? I love to go back and read old journals although it can also be pretty cringey as I suffered so much unnecessary angst or trivial things.
What an interesting read Patricia. I read the Artist’s Way years ago and did morning pages for some time, the entire time complaining about what a stupid practice it was. Really I got nothing out of it.
Since the Hagitude program ended l’m still struggling to find my way into moving from head to heart. I continue to plow through the extensive book list I compiled. I just finished reading The Neapolitan Quartet. The entire time I was reading it I felt a growing discontent. I found the books very depressing and halfway through the third book, I began asking myself what I was reacting to. When I finished the last book, I cried inconsolably. I think I am finally beginning to recognize how much unprocessed grief I still carry. I know I’m significantly older than you are and I’m still light years behind what I’ve just read in this post.
Congratulations on getting where you are today. I’m a slow learner. I hope I get there before I die.8
Oh Nancy, you break my heart. Are you still writing and working through the grief? I am so sorry you have this trauma to process, it can be such a hard road. But remember that you are loved, you are worthy of love, you are wondrous. We seem to get that birthright beat out of us along the way of life. One practice that was a turning point for me was working through the book The Myth Path by Stanley Krippner. Although I did this practice as part of my PhD it was still a solitary journey and one of the most healing processes for me in my journey into elderhood.
And yes I’m still writing and working through it. I’m almost done writing my memoir that I began last August and that’s been more painful than I expected. It’s no wonder the suggested topics are so fluffy. I’m not sure I’m grateful to my daughter-in-law for gifting it to me or mad at myself for saying yes, but maybe it was time. It’s not something that will be available in bookstores but at least, hopefully, my sons will read it to the end. I’ve never had an opportunity to tell my story before. Hagitude was my first audience and I’m so grateful for the support I received.
Nancy it sounds like you are deep in the journey and on your way. Good for you writing your story and sticking with it through the pain. I miss the Hagitude forum it was just such a wonderful supportive group of wise women. But I’m very glad we are keeping in touch!! I wish you some peace on your journey❤️
Thanks Patricia. I’m beginning to realize that my work is just beginning. I was taught to stuff my feelings and I learned this lesson well. I think if I’d even believed in myself even a little bit things might have beefed different’ but I always believed the lies I was told and certainly until I left home I needed the people who hurt me. Things are different now and even though I’ve done a lot of work, this past year has taught me that I’ve barely scratched the surface. Thanks for your support. It means a lot.
Ahhh the second half of life. That invitation to simplify has really opened doors for me. Letting the small stuff roll off, slowing down to be with the harder stuff instead of circumventing. Being with what is inside me and outside of me in the same way. An ongoing journey, yet now seeing there is no destination but here. Thanks for the contemplation Patricia...
Julie it truly is such a turning inward and yet manifest outward as well.
It’s always an amazing thing to look back a few years (or more!) and see how much you’ve changed. Spiritual enlightenment is such a remarkable blessing 💛 here’s to the journey!
Isn’t it tho? I love to go back and read old journals although it can also be pretty cringey as I suffered so much unnecessary angst or trivial things.
I haven’t been brave enough to read any old journals recently, but if I come across them when I’m unpacking, I might take a peek lol
What an interesting read Patricia. I read the Artist’s Way years ago and did morning pages for some time, the entire time complaining about what a stupid practice it was. Really I got nothing out of it.
Since the Hagitude program ended l’m still struggling to find my way into moving from head to heart. I continue to plow through the extensive book list I compiled. I just finished reading The Neapolitan Quartet. The entire time I was reading it I felt a growing discontent. I found the books very depressing and halfway through the third book, I began asking myself what I was reacting to. When I finished the last book, I cried inconsolably. I think I am finally beginning to recognize how much unprocessed grief I still carry. I know I’m significantly older than you are and I’m still light years behind what I’ve just read in this post.
Congratulations on getting where you are today. I’m a slow learner. I hope I get there before I die.8
Oh Nancy, you break my heart. Are you still writing and working through the grief? I am so sorry you have this trauma to process, it can be such a hard road. But remember that you are loved, you are worthy of love, you are wondrous. We seem to get that birthright beat out of us along the way of life. One practice that was a turning point for me was working through the book The Myth Path by Stanley Krippner. Although I did this practice as part of my PhD it was still a solitary journey and one of the most healing processes for me in my journey into elderhood.
And yes I’m still writing and working through it. I’m almost done writing my memoir that I began last August and that’s been more painful than I expected. It’s no wonder the suggested topics are so fluffy. I’m not sure I’m grateful to my daughter-in-law for gifting it to me or mad at myself for saying yes, but maybe it was time. It’s not something that will be available in bookstores but at least, hopefully, my sons will read it to the end. I’ve never had an opportunity to tell my story before. Hagitude was my first audience and I’m so grateful for the support I received.
Nancy it sounds like you are deep in the journey and on your way. Good for you writing your story and sticking with it through the pain. I miss the Hagitude forum it was just such a wonderful supportive group of wise women. But I’m very glad we are keeping in touch!! I wish you some peace on your journey❤️
I suspect you're right and now that it's started it's not possible to stop. Don't they say better late than never.
Thanks Patricia. I’m beginning to realize that my work is just beginning. I was taught to stuff my feelings and I learned this lesson well. I think if I’d even believed in myself even a little bit things might have beefed different’ but I always believed the lies I was told and certainly until I left home I needed the people who hurt me. Things are different now and even though I’ve done a lot of work, this past year has taught me that I’ve barely scratched the surface. Thanks for your support. It means a lot.