If You Are Not Growing...

I like this quote from Tony Robbins: "If you're not growing, you're dying."

And, AND...although I like the quote and believe it to be true, there are times when I use this idea to beat myself up. To tell myself I am not doing enough, not fast enough, not BIG enough, not deep enough...on and on. 

Most people can relate. This has become just another way to make ourselves wrong. Not good enough by comparing ourselves to others.

So what does it  mean - to me - to be growing? I have asked myself that question a lot lately. With some health challenges, an ankle that prohibited walking more than to the car and back for several months earlier this year, and face it - just getting older, what is 'growing'? 

I recently experienced, not just attended, a workshop in Canada. After two weeks of intensive learning and experiential sessions, my take away? Slow Down. Slow down. Slow down. 

My entire life, and I believe even before I was born, I have been in a rush. Existentially a rush to 'get home' to my original home, to grow up, to get a degree, to raise my children...on and on. Rush. Rush. Rush. Slowing down sounded like death. As a young woman, the notion of slowing down was absolutely NOT in my 'field' of consciousness. People who slowed down were not - in my opinion - to be respected. To be emulated.

Geez. How arrogant I am and have been over so many things. And how many people...beginning with my lovely children, have I rushed past? Hurried along at a pace that was not theirs, but mine? 

Do I need to keep rushing? Is there really time? Enough time? If it sit and just listen, doing nothing..am I dying? Will I begin to molt and shed within minutes? Will all that I have worked for just - poof - vanish? 

This seems to be my question today. Maybe tomorrow...but for sure today. How shall I slow down and honor myself and anyone I interact with the 'gift' of time, attention...spaciousness? I am not sure. This is new to me and I am learning.

SLOW DOWN...take a few minutes to just absorb the beauty below....

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