Hello—
…and welcome to October and the last three months of 2020.
I sense we're all more than ready to leave this year behind us and move on as quickly as possible.
However, in times like these, we can also have a nostalgic yearning—a longing to return to a previous time in our lives and all the lovely ways things "used to be". And yet, what we remember isn't quite what occurred—our memories have been skewed by time. The upsets have been downplayed and the triumphs underscored, which brings me to a poignant quote I came
across recently:
“The past is a foreign country.
They do things differently there.” (LP Hartley)
When considered in this light, it so elegantly explains why it’s never quite the same when we do revisit "The Past" (3:01). Facebook or YouTube.
And what triggers this pull from the past? Often, is it not wanting to tolerate—let alone stay in the moment—which is the key to our healing process. From The SwaffWords© Archives, these two companion pieces are reminders that we need to be in the present in order to move forward:
"Staying Wet" (2:11)—To maintain momentum in your ongoing practice, approach it as if it's water, and don't get out to "dry off".
"Road Signs" (3:28)—In the same way we read road signs when we're traveling, there are "road signs" that our Bodymind can read. The key is to follow them when we're first aware of them, rather than having to play catch up when we choose not to listen…
How often do you travel to the past? How satisfying is that trip? Does it quell the upsets of the present or exacerbate them by eliminating a path of escape for you? Share your take by commenting. I'd love to know how this all lands for you.
"…profound thought food."
Scroll through the playlists and just click on a video that speaks to you. Then watch, learn, and practice by taking its teachings right back into your life.
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And if you're interested in diving more deeply into my work or getting in touch with me, there are these options:
To find out more about me and my approach:
style and its lasting impact.
To support your ongoing practice:
prompts and reminders.
To connect with me:
In the meantime, here's to letting the visa to that foreign country expire while staying wet and reading the roads signs along the way.
Here's to You and your continued healing.
Stay safe and well.
Carry on—gently.
Until next time—
Thanks much.
Cheers,
Steph
Stephanie Swafford, BCPP, BFRP
"When It’s Time to Listen To Your Self"
