Outside Wellness

The mountains know how to fall apart and build back up. The Earth is lovely and broken and whole and everything we know. Our creator, our ancestors, and our own bodies have brought us here to this moment—and we already know our way on this wild and living land.

Perhaps you have been so focused on the present situation, like I have—just one foot in front of the other—that you haven’t stopped to look at where you are. Consider this your permission, if you feel like you’ve needed it, to take up your rest and take in your surroundings.

The view is so breathtakingly beautiful, and so are you. So look up, and see how far you’ve already come.

No matter how far you feel like you have left to go—what is beautiful now? What is good, now? What have you discovered about yourself along this wild journey?

If 2020 were a trip to the mountains, I would find myself lost in the woods. 

If 2020 were a trip to the mountains, I would find myself lost in the woods. Even surrounded by Earth’s medicine and all I need here, it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, unknown.

It’s so natural now to freak out when I don’t recognize where I am anymore. I haven’t ceased moving—seeking to change outside of me, that which I refuse to change within. And then I look up, “where are we?” and “how in the *?!&^%$@#$!^@$@#* did we get to this place?”

The beat of Earth’s heart in me is the only sound in my ears anymore. When I stop for a moment to catch my breath, silence abounds. I have not stopped to listen to Earth’s heart or my own in ages: there’s been too much to hear. So I seek to numb this perfect voice of stillness, with noise. And there’s plenty of noise, these days.

Many goals and visions we’ve had have fallen in grief and uncertainty. Now it is as if we are in a talus field, trying to build something good and avoid breaking an ankle as we stumble though a crumbling land. Perhaps lately, it’s been easier to focus down on fear with each step.

Although fear may keep us from taking rest and listening to the land beneath our feet and within—bring your attention to that something is still driving you to keep moving. Whether you love where you are now,or aren’t so sure you want to stay here—notice where you are and what (or who) is driving you.

Before you go anywhere, look up, take note of your surroundings. Remember where you are going and be brave to look up and see how far you’ve wandered. It may not be as far as you think; you may even be exactly where you’re meant to be.

Now it is as if we are in a talus field, trying to build something good and avoid breaking an ankle as we stumble though a crumbling land.

Where is your path calling you now? Where do your feet long to take you? Who is the version of you who you long to meet along the way, at the next fork, and the end of your journey?

Your vision of your highest self is not new, but an ancient one—weathered, raw, and refreshed by these heavy rains and wild winds.

Whether you are a doer and want to continue on your journey already, or a processor who would like to enjoy this stillness a little longer—I invite you all to create a vision statement. This written vision will be your map to bring what you already know into fruition and bring you peace as you continue on your journey.

Your vision is alive, no matter what you’re feeling or experiencing, and may evolve as you do. What better time than now to reimagine our lives and the world in which we live? 

Your vision of your highest self is not new, but an ancient one—weathered, raw, and refreshed by these heavy rains and wild winds.

The Vision Statement

Consider what you’ve come through so far—and where you’ll go from here. The vision will be set in the future and reveal your ideal self (even though it will read like present-tense—for example, “I am” versus “I will be.” This technique helps you remember that to be where you want in the future, you must believe you’re already there). This vision will help you remember the path you must take and give you the confidence you need to meet your highest self.

For the beginning of each sentence I invite you to begin with statements such as “I am…” “I have…” “I serve…” “I welcome…” “I feel…” (Or other action verbs).

Then complete the sentence with “So I can…” (Ex. realize my values, talents, strengths, & desires, etc.)

Examples:

• “I am reaching out to friends, even if I don’t feel like it, so I can give to and receive from a like-minded community.”
• “I am going to the ocean at least once per week to help manage my stress.”
• “I have confidence in who I am so I can express myself fully with others.”
• “I am physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong to nurture and lead my three children.”
• “I am sticking to my doctor’s recommendations and eating 75% plant-based so I may heal from pre-diabetes.”
• “I am financially independent from my parents so I can pursue my passion for art.”
• “I volunteer in my community 3-4 times per month so I may be a part of something greater than myself.”

You get to choose the timeline within which you’d like to meet your best self. Please note that this is just a guideline. Remember to trust yourself and adapt this to fit your style and needs.

With love,

E

P.S. It would be my honor to coach you in setting goals and helping you make this vision your reality.