Restore to you…the ability to explore

Here we are still in the grasp of this national pandemic and I would venture to say that our spirits are restless. We all long for the light at the end of the tunnel and that vision of hope where we find comfort and peace. I spoke about restoring peace in my last post and the step of RECOGNIZING that which pulls us away from it. Most often it is anxiety in some form that can hold us back from genuine peace. By recognizing our anchors, we begin to allow space for recognizing our strength and how to take steps in setting the anchor free.

After we recognize these strongholds, then I would encourage us to EXPLORE. I took us last time into the Hundred Acre Woods where we considered the “bothers” of Winnie the Pooh and what it would look like if we could truly understand the story behind the bother. Once behind the curtain, there would be a need to explore this more – to ask more questions, to identify more feelings, to “listen” to the unspoken and then to slowly walk forward. I think the interesting thing about Winnie the Pooh is that often this bear is found “exploring” or wandering. I think he often started out with a plan but then forgot or became distracted along the way so that when he arrived at a destination, there was a bit of confusion. I think there is a little freedom in living like Winnie the Pooh and letting the kite of life just take us where the wind blows and relying on a great pot of honey to heal all that ails you. I would consider this unbridled exploration periodically and encourage the healing that it can bring temporarily. At some point, though, we must explore with more purpose because in this type of exploration, we discover the tools we need for certain journeys and we are able to identify our weaknesses so that we are supported and secure in our exploration.

Because of what is going on in our world right now, we may be afraid to explore because there seems no safe space with specific road maps giving us all the needed answers to feel secure. I would encourage you to instead take an internal exploration to the place where you do have control and ownership. Explore and begin to tether your kite. Unlike an anchor that limits the movements and prevents forward motion, a tethered kite still blows in the wind and can be brought down or let up at any time. When there is no wind, you can run faster to give flight to your kite. You were given your life to create in it that which brings you peace and beauty to the world around you. It is ok to be in various stages of this journey and maybe like Winnie the Pooh you were not even sure why you had a kite or what to do with it so EXPLORE and start somewhere. Tether yourself to some of the things I mentioned in my last post like breathing, journaling, friendships, professionals, your faith and take a step towards learning more about yourself.

You are worth the time to EXPLORE and allowing yourself to RESTORE to you a desired path forward with peace.