There is a lot of noise in the world today. From the pressure to be part of the latest trend to the constant roar of buzz words on social media to the vilification of communities, books, and desire for equality and change, it seems like we are swimming against the tide. Some days it can feel like we are being swallowed by a churning mass of opposition that will not think twice about knocking us down. Other days we are bombarded with déjà vu because we have experienced the same struggles. This allows us to maneuver through the obstacles with grace. Slowly we remember that we have days where we can breathe easily no matter what is going on. We have the power to stay centered, focused, and can summon the strength to continue what we set out to do. We are empowered to move forward, no matter what lurks around the corner. Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves that we have that power to do so.
It is hard out there in the world. We can feel powerless and voiceless. Feeling defeated is how I describe that feeling and it can be paralyzing. Then one day it clicks. Something from deep inside me is crying out, begging for me to listen, just as I am crying out for the world to listen to me. It took time for me to see what was happening in those moments. It still trips me up from time to time. When it does, I know it is time to take a break whether I want to or not.
Taking a break does not mean you are quitting. Taking a break is a needed action of self-care. We cannot continue to pour energy towards something when our own cup is empty. We are helping no one in that state and we are hurting ourselves and our cause as a result. What we can do is stop. Take a breath. Feel where you are in that moment and assess what is going on physically and mentally. Triage yourself by taking an inventory of where you hurt, where you are angry, and decide what you need before you go any further. Ask yourself some important questions:
How have you been sleeping?
How have you been eating?
Where are your boundaries?
What kind of support do you need in this moment? Is it something that you can do or do you need some help?
Do you need to talk to someone in order to find your way back to your center again?
Sometimes we are hungry and tired. Once those needs are taken care of, we can go back to our work. Other times, we need more rest and silence. Maybe we need help. That is perfectly normal. There is a lot going on in the world. It kicks up a lot for us on our inner planes too. There is no guilt or shame in that. In order to change the world, we also need to change the way we look at ourselves. The act of reflection and recognizing what we are feeling and thinking, helps us with understanding and compassion. We also may be less quick to judge someone else because we can see where they are coming from. We can then give ourselves and others a little more space to figure things out. That is honoring and loving ourselves and those out in the world. It is a ripple effect. Everything that we do, the energy of it ripples out into our circles and the circles of others. Our actions and thoughts reach far and wide. Most of the time we will never know just how far.
Resting is an important part of our work because it gives us what we physically and mentally need. It also strengthens our empathic ways. Remember, even the ocean has a rest in its cycle. The waves don’t only pound at a rocky shoreline. The waves retreat. Surrendering to the tide, they pull back into itself in order to regain strength to touch the shore once again. It is ok for us to do the same. It is necessary and purposeful. We send our message, our light out into the world. We also must bring that light back within ourselves, feeding our strong and tender parts. Nourishing ourselves is as important as nourishing the world. It is a balance. It is a dance. It is a way we choose to be. As magickal beings, may we see the beauty of rest and care, and may we offer ourselves the permission to experience the magick of what rest can bring.
Be well today and take some time to rest.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 