Trust

​As autumn approaches in a few weeks we are called to root down. Beginning with the breath of fresh air of springtime, then igniting in the fires of summer and now rooting down into the earthiness of autumn. This is an analogy for us to root down into our self and become more distinctly aware of our rootedness into the earth. As we root down, then we can also branch out and drink in all of the connectedness of life.

This time of year is an invitation to trust our self, to trust our grounding. What if who you are, and who you are becoming, is far grander and simpler than what you imagine? Grander in nature and simpler in execution. 
 
We must then also look at the ways we are blocked that prevent seeing our true, grand yet simple self. Our self-identity and who we think we are can be wrapped up in our thoughts, and believing only our thoughts. To unravel and untangle this confusing web, requires time and patience. We cannot always believe our thoughts. This is disturbing to those who believe their mind 100 percent of the time.
 
Philip Shepherd, author of "Radical Aliveness", brings his fresh perspective saying,

“Living in the head and experiencing all our thinking there distorts and impoverishes our sense of being and belonging, because when thinking cuts itself off from the body, it encloses itself from our living reality.”
…
“We disconnect from our bodies in favor of the simplistic preserve of ideas.”
 
“We disconnect from our neighbors in favor of privacy, unaware that the word ‘privacy’ is a cousin to ‘privation’.
​(Philip Shepherd. excerpts from "Embodiment Manifesto").
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​As I step back and view myself and our world, it is disturbing to witness the level of disconnect and how we build walls inside and between one another without being conscious of it. Within the walls of our own minds, we play the dangerous game of believing our thoughts and  assuming we know the thoughts of others. This habitual unconscious pattern can be destructive to our self, our relationships and our loved ones.
 
To heal these habitual patterns of disconnect, we come back to our invitation – to sink into our roots. This means to connect your mind down through your body, through your spine, through your feet and toes, and feeling your roots sinking down. We are all members of this same Earth. We are rooted, we belong.

From our rootedness and embodiment, we can live in wholeness with our minds connected to our bodies rather than disconnected. This is a more natural way of living, and scientifically the same make up of brain cells can be found all throughout the body! From this deep connection within and to the Earth, we can then bridge the gap to others. Instead of building walls, we are building bridges. Instead of assuming we know another’s thoughts or motives, we can open to a youthful curiosity. And if we really want to know, we can come back into relationship and we can ask them with an open curious state about their thoughts, feelings or experiences.
 
This time of year is an invitation to trust our self, to trust our grounding and to trust in our ability to connect and relate to others and to Life. What if who you are, and who you are becoming, is far grander and simpler than what you imagine? Grander in nature and simpler in execution. 
 
My prayer is that we can continue to find ways to not only be who we are, but to also be Who we are Becoming – more deeply rooted, embodied and awakened individuals. I offer this poem by Danna Faulds in closing.

Blessings! 
~Janet Wepner
8-29-18
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"Just for now"
by Danna Faulds
 
Just for now, without asking how, let yourself sink
into stillness.
Just for now, lay down the weight you so 
patiently bear upon your shoulders. Feel the
earth receive you, and the infinite expanse of the
sky grow even wider as your awareness reaches
up to meet it.
Just for now, allow a wave of breath to enliven
your experience. Breathe out whatever blocks
you from the truth.
Just for now, be boundless, free, with awakened
energy tingling in your hands and feet.
Drink in the possibility of being who and what
you really are – so fully alive that the world looks
different, newly born and vibrant, just for now.