It is that time of year when we are used to indulging in turkey, many styles of potatoes and umpteen desserts. We hang out with friends and family and plot our strategies for consuming the day. I personally, have always longed for a different day, one that was more spiritual and filled with more gratitude than food. It never went that way in my family. My desire to go around the table and say what we were grateful for seemed to fall flat as everyone wanted to stuff themselves on the main meal, as if the hour of appetizers wasn’t enough! So, this year with the pandemic upon us, I’m reflecting on what it’s really all about, this giving thanks and for what exactly?
Our world is upside down. Nothing we know is “normal”. The frenzy of shopping is not very pandemicly stylish. What do we do now without the many distractions of parties and get-togethers keeping us busy? It is the perfect time to get quieter and listen for our own inner guidance. I am not an expert. I only know that when I am quiet enough to listen, I receive great “knowings” and have experienced life-changing direction. I am thankful for that.
About every two or three weeks, I’m driving along and all of the sudden, I have what I call a “gratitude attack”. It is a blissful, giant inner-self hug which pops up usually when I am on a beautiful stretch of road with a great vista or in the countryside. It serves as a reminder that I am in a good place in my life, that I feel healthy and safe and have purpose. It springs up without any instigation, there is no song on the radio (I listen to NPR in the car), there are no flags or signs, just deep gratitude that comes from within. It will put a smile on my face and have me say prayers out loud for the joy I feel.
All that said, that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues I’m dealing with or problems that block my view. It signals to me that I am on target to live the best life I can. Learning how to navigate the bumps and road blocks is what a successful life is all about. That’s been at my core since I was trained as a Rolfer in 1980, there is balance and order in nature. It is our job, each individual person, to find that inner balance to live that accomplished life. It can be discovered on so many levels; mentally, spiritually, and physically. We just have to be quiet enough to hear/feel/sense that guidance along the way.
For over 25 years, I have said daily prayers as I walk or run my dogs early in the morning. It doesn’t matter if it is raining, snowing, freezing cold or boiling hot; I begin by thanking my higher power for this beautiful day. I then speak thanks for my health and my safety and for the health and safety of those all around me. I start with my beautiful pet family, move on to ask for continued guidance for my mom and family, my friends, clients, and extended family. I blanket the earth with gratitude, prayers and joy.
During this time of Thanksgiving and introspection, what are YOU thankful for? Have YOU found YOUR passion and run with it? Do you reserve some quiet time so that answers may come to you?
When I was in my early twenties I questioned everything about my life and the world. I took every workshop and every training I could to explore my inner life and how it made sense in the outside world. It was in my second session of the ten sessions of Rolfing®, that I got the message loud and clear to become a Rolfer. I was only twenty-two but when there was such a marked direction, I had to pay attention! The rest is history. I am grateful every day that the message found me quiet enough to hear it.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays this year, as we all are more alone, less social, more home-bound, especially as the weather turns colder, it could be time to be quieter with purpose. Without all the buzz of the holidays as we did them before, without stuffing of our bellies at big family dinners, perhaps it is a good time to take stock of the life you have. Make some lists. See what you are thankful for and see what needs to shift for you to be your best self. What do you want to do to increase the quality of your existence? What are your options to live in a body that supports and serves you? What is your current passion and how can you make it bigger in the world? What do you stand for?
Try to make the most of this time. Shift your world and find the balance and order that we are usually too busy to entertain. Stay quiet, stay safe and stay well.
Sharon Sklar is in her 40th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. State licensed and the only Rolfer in Central CT, Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children and adults recovering from stress, injuries and the traumas of life. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation.
www.SharonSklarRolfing.com.