Self-growth: How to tie your shoes differently

​This is both an exciting and exhausting time of year. We are in the holiday season where we have the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. We remember those who are not here and spend time with those who are.
 
Among these relationships, whether familial or friends, there is bound to be challenge and stress, in addition to joy and love. Often we just try to bare through the difficulties that arrive, by finding ways to avoid or cope until the time has passed. Or we might be trying on new ways of being with them, or simply new ways to be in relationship with ourselves. If you are trying to find a new way, it may seem overly challenging or daunting at times. Remember to be patient and gentle with yourself as you are embarking on new steps of awareness and growth.
 
It’s kind of like having to learn how to tie your shoes differently. I’ve recently learned a new way to tie my shoes and it’s such a great metaphor for self-growth as well. I’ve been tying my shoes the same way for the past 37 years. Now, when I go to tie my shoes I have to slow down and consciously guide my hands to tie in this new way. This isn’t just one week and then I have it mastered. Nope. I’m still working on it; even 2 months later, my hands still want to go back to tying my shoes the way I had been doing it.

When we learn a new behavior or a new way, it takes time to change. It requires slowing down and consciously guiding our self in a new groove, a new path. This also makes ‘new grooves’ in your brain and new pathways and signals. Eventually it will become a habit, but it will take time. In this very ordinary but perfect metaphor of shoe-tying, I’ve become very humble and patient with myself regarding self-growth and change.
 
So as you spend time with your family and friends, may you be patient with yourself in discovering new ways of relating, centering and connecting within.
 
I send you each my blessings in this season of Lights and Holy-days.
 
~ Janet Wepner
 
 
 
PS The new shoe-tying method is twice over (instead of just once) in the first move, and then “bunny rabbit ears” which cross over twice (instead of just once). Voila!
And to untie, it’s one pull of the string rather than fiddling with double-knots.
;)  I learned this new way while attending my facilitation ‘apprentice’ training weekend with the Hero’s Journey Foundation.
I keep trying to make one ‘bunny rabbit ear’ but it doesn’t work the same. Good luck everyone!