The Journey Inward

I’ve subscribed to Elizabeth Gilbert’s LETTERS FROM LOVE group and have enjoyed reading and listening to her Love letters, and those of her famous guests. I hopped right in to join, but have sat back the past few weeks and watched the emails fill my inbox. A friend had recommended this knowing it was right for me, as did I, but I couldn’t get up and going. I shared it with my boyfriend, who dove right in. Still I faltered.

I decided to start on a Tuesday because it seemed like less pressure than a Monday. I decided to check in each day and see if it resonated with me. I decided I would decide at that point if I wanted to write. Again, no pressure. I’m not sure why the recurring theme here, but the struggle was real.

I started yesterday and haven’t stopped! I love the process. It feels clunky and awkward and unnatural, but at the same time, gentle and freeing and generous.

Here was my first attempt. I was thinking about my word of the year, Embodiment. I was thinking about a fellow blogger writing about aging. I was thinking about women way younger than me getting Botox. I was thinking about Liz Gilbert’s latest letter from Love. I was ready.

Love, what would you have me know today?

My Sweet One,
     I want you to know that I see how hard you work mentally and physically to accept your body, your aging, your limitations.  I see how hard you work to convince, persuade, and make a case for the natural and organic state of being you wish to manifest.  I see all the hard work.  And I love you for that beautiful mind and spirit.
     I want you to know that I also see how you hide up in that beautiful mind, how you read, listen, discuss and write about what you want to feel.  I see how you work harder than you need to.
     Sweet One, let Embodiment take hold in your body and your mind will follow.  Feel your way there instead of always reasoning.  Your body knows what you need and want more than your brain does.  Do a scan and check in with each part, not to criticize or scrutinize, but to thank and honor.  I know that feels uncomfortable, even impossible, but trust me, there is so much to be grateful for.  
     Your strong bones support you, your lithe muscles propel you, your supple joints turn you.  You speak of longevity, of nourishing and nurturing yourself to be active into your later years, and you shall.  By listening to your body.
     Focus on the versatility of your hair, My Sweet, not on how it reacts to the slightest humidity.  Focus on seeing your dad when you look in the mirror, not your bulbous nose.  Remember the stories etched in your lines and the pain seared into your scars.  Look below the surface to the radiance that is YOU-your spirit, your curiosity.  Love this body of yours.  Have fun with it.  Experience pleasure with it.
     Sweet, you are so much more than how you look, what size your pants are, or what the scale tells you.  You are MAGIC and your body is the vessel that holds it, overflowing with vitality and vigor.  

Photo:  Lewes, DE. 11.11.23 by LA