Lately, my nervous system has been in overdrive. I’ve been dealing with a recent diagnosis of osteoporosis in my spine and my husband’s hospitalization due to a serious systemic infection. Although everything is being managed, my mind oscillates between vigilance and feeling stuck like a deer in headlights. Despite taking time off work and being kind to myself, I’m still exhausted. I’ve accepted the help and support of loved ones, but I know I could do better at asking for help.
However, amidst the fear, sadness, and uncertainty, I recognize a deep well of okayness within me. Beauty and love are also present, nourishing and supporting me. This well of nourishment is familiar to me; it’s where I go in meditation, pranayama, chanting, or yoga nidra. It’s the openness that permeates my being when I connect with nature, feel the warmth of the sun, smell a flower, or gaze at the ocean or sky.
I’m grateful for my practice and the teachings that deepen my connection with spirit. Even in challenging times, the essence of spirit is always here, vast, loving, and supportive. I’ve noticed that this essence moves to the foreground of my experience when life gets tough, unfolding without effort.
As I surrender deeply and let go of resistance, I feel broken open, raw, and vulnerable. I embrace life with all its messiness and gifts, meeting the unknown with gratitude and cherishing each precious moment as the gift it is.
So what I am doing to support myself:
1. Giving space for my feelings, thoughts and emotions to be as they are.
2. Accepting the support and help of friends and family
3. Giving and receiving generous hugs
4. Leaning into gentle self enquiry about what is most nourishing and supporting from moment to moment.
5. Eating small, regular meals (no junk or fast food)
6. Chanting is feeling super supportive right now
7. Continuing to teach, and not expecting perfection as it’s an opportunity to come back home to myself; my body, breath and essence.
“Being is natural to all of us when we take the time to simply experience the presence of our being human. Being is what it feels like to be present and alive, grounded in our own presence. Taking time to rest as Being opens the doorway for you to feel your unchanging inner peace, calm, groundedness, security, joy, and love, for these are natural expressions of our Being and being human. So take time now to simply rest back as the heart centered presence of Being.”
Much love,
Gx
Sending love and hugs for you and your husband Gabrielle- may you be well.
Ann
Thank you Ann. We are taking each day as it comes gently. With love, Gabrielle
Dear Gabrielle
Many hugs to you, thanks for sharing your reflections and thoughts , it’s at times like these that coming back to our breath and being gives us the calm needed to ground into our presence.. you are an amazing & inspiring teacher. Take care
Farida
I truly believe it’s so important to be grounded in our practice of presence and stillness before life gets challenging. It’s so much easier to reach for a tool that we know how and when to use, over working it all out in the midst of the chaos. Much love to you Farida 🙏
Dear Gabrielle,
I’m sorry to read things are this way for you at present and am inspired by your reflections. Meeting the unknown with openness and gratitude is something you can teach me. You’re an inspiring teacher. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and practices. Namaste 🙏🏼
Thanks for your kind words and support Julie. Much gratitude and love to you 🙏
Dear Gabrielle, sending you & your family much love, blessings and light. Surrendering and opening up into the flow of the Unknown is the way of the Heart, it is where the mystery of Life is created and unfolds. This is where we tap into unlimited scenarios of creating & possibilities within the Quantum field. I honour your courage and wisdom to stay heart centred and allowing your personality to be the spokesperson for your Soul. My heart is with you my Soul Sister and let me know if I can assist in any way. Snezxxx
Thank you dear Snez.
Hearing from you fills my heart. Your capacity for warmth and presence is immense and I appreciate you deeply.
Gabrielle 💛