The Cycle of Life and Cosmos
Do you ever feel slightly on edge? Your nerves can’t quite settle down, your shoulders are tense, and you remind yourself that you can stop hunching. The state of the world, elections, wars, fires, family conflicts–there’s plenty to keep us high strung. On the, um, “rare” occasion this happens to me, I try to get my body moving–a brief jaunt around the block, or a visit to my backyard to force me to regulate. No solutions needed except just existing and seeing myself in the wider web of the natural universe.
With the often unpredictable nature of life, I can feel disoriented, and worry about my inability to control my future, let alone this day. Recently though, I decided to change my environment instead–I stepped into my garden and noticed my Cosmos flower had blossomed. I had planted the seedling a month ago, and while it had been steadily growing, I had no idea when the delicate petals would open up and face the sun. I took a moment to bask in the glory of this flower, and to be grateful for cyclic change. Gardens remind me that life isn’t stuck, things are changing behind the scenes (or underground). My role is to provide the necessary conditions for growth, both as a human and as a therapist.
Don’t have a backyard to feel more Zen? Go for a leisurely walk and notice the greenery and new life popping up around you. Or, bring the outside in: intentionally place an indoor plant in a spot that invites you to slow down, notice the colors and textures, and remind yourself of your embeddedness in the cycle of life. Notice being ok in the moment. Breathe.
