It is really hard, Barb. I found that when I started mindfulness (and later meditation) and learned that not all my thoughts are true, that helped me discern the compulsive (self sabotaging) thoughts from inner wisdom trying to come through.
It really is a practice because I am never 'done' working on this.
Oh yes! The idea of the different parts of self have been in so many traditions, religious, spiritual, secular.
I am still working out exactly what it means to me as I grow (pun intended) my plant knowledge. But, yes, mostly I think of it as the body and the parts of the mind meant to keep me alive! I ignored the fact that all is connected for a very long time in order to achieve success as I learned it, and my poor animal self paid the price. All parts are healing and learning, always.
I really enjoyed this, Maria. Your point about caring for the animal body stays with me. Are you practicing herbalism? It's something I feel drawn to return to.
Hi Robin! Thank you. Yes, I completed Year 1 of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism's program and am in Year 2 now. I feel studying herbalism ties a lot of my life together, or holds it in a container, or something whole-some like that. The school offers free classes here and there: https://matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/home
I can see how the study would flow beautifully with your science background, Maria, and also with holistic living. Thank you for sharing the info with me. 🌿
You have a lovely voice, Maria. It’s very pleasant and soothing. I appreciate what you said about the ‘looky’ — it’s difficult to be comfortable being in our bodies when we're encouraged to present a ‘youth’ front. It’s okay to be youthful. It’s also okay to be comfortable with maturity. I've had to deal with my grey hair. Lol. I was ‘resisting’ aging through hair color. I still color my hair for time to time. And I’m beginning to get comfortable embracing the grey.
Thank you Anna I appreciate your comments! It sure is hard to allow ourselves to age in our individually beautiful way according to our body's wisdom as opposed to a beauty standard.
I’m working on having compassion towards myself. It’s so hard.
It is really hard, Barb. I found that when I started mindfulness (and later meditation) and learned that not all my thoughts are true, that helped me discern the compulsive (self sabotaging) thoughts from inner wisdom trying to come through.
It really is a practice because I am never 'done' working on this.
P.S. You said animal self, but I read it as body. All parts are connected.
Oh yes! The idea of the different parts of self have been in so many traditions, religious, spiritual, secular.
I am still working out exactly what it means to me as I grow (pun intended) my plant knowledge. But, yes, mostly I think of it as the body and the parts of the mind meant to keep me alive! I ignored the fact that all is connected for a very long time in order to achieve success as I learned it, and my poor animal self paid the price. All parts are healing and learning, always.
I really enjoyed this, Maria. Your point about caring for the animal body stays with me. Are you practicing herbalism? It's something I feel drawn to return to.
Hi Robin! Thank you. Yes, I completed Year 1 of the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism's program and am in Year 2 now. I feel studying herbalism ties a lot of my life together, or holds it in a container, or something whole-some like that. The school offers free classes here and there: https://matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism.com/home
I can see how the study would flow beautifully with your science background, Maria, and also with holistic living. Thank you for sharing the info with me. 🌿
You have a lovely voice, Maria. It’s very pleasant and soothing. I appreciate what you said about the ‘looky’ — it’s difficult to be comfortable being in our bodies when we're encouraged to present a ‘youth’ front. It’s okay to be youthful. It’s also okay to be comfortable with maturity. I've had to deal with my grey hair. Lol. I was ‘resisting’ aging through hair color. I still color my hair for time to time. And I’m beginning to get comfortable embracing the grey.
Thank you Anna I appreciate your comments! It sure is hard to allow ourselves to age in our individually beautiful way according to our body's wisdom as opposed to a beauty standard.