Dear First name / Friend

 

How is your heart? 

Someone I love dearly asked me that years ago, and it stopped me in my tracks. I thought it was a lovely greeting, give it a try this week and see what happens. 

 

My heart is currently demanding courage of me. It keeps whispering, and sometimes shouting, “Rest Woman!” Yet, I often notice a quick rebuttal from my mind, "But how? When? There is too much to do!" 

 

I know I am not alone in our fast paced society. There seems to be a reinforcing dynamic, and dialogue, that there is no time for rest. That we must do do do. In our modern society it takes courage to rest.

 

So how am I finding the courage? As I cultivate my compassion practice, a gentle voice gets louder and louder reminding me I can put it all down. I think it's what the exquisite Mary Oliver means, “only if there are angels in your head will you ever, possibly, see one.” These angelic internal voices seem to have a deep knowing that my rest is paramount.

 

My internal angels and beloved community (which are actually one and the same:) keep whispering blessings for peace and rest. Dissolving my ideas of worthiness or deserving, or as Mary Oliver puts it, “reasons and proofs”, and nudging me to carve out time for myself. So….

 

 

I feel 

excited, scared, and joyful

alongside a certainty 

this is what I need.

 

With 17,000 islands, Indonesia remains remote and community based. I will be welcomed on home stays, visiting an island that does not support cars, and discover intimately indigenous living and a slower way of life. I can't wait to soak in the lessons of living among such a web of reliance and inter-dependence. And then share them here with you.

 

I will try new delicious food, snorkel, yoga, take long walks, and sit quietly with my breath. Our neurobiology clearly shows rest is the time we recover and integrate; the sinews of wisdom settle into our system and allow us to change and grow. My nervous system will inevitably expand, offering a more flexible and present friend, mother, therapist, partner, and human on this wild ride of life.

 

I would love if you joined me in my travels via my Instagram, where I will be sharing and connecting as it feels right. 

 

I will also be bringing a fancy (!) microphone and recording meditations in the jungle, so you will be with me for morning practice. I can't wait to share them when I return!! 

 

Much love to you friend

Ellen

 

 

I would love to practice live with you 1x month. Sign up for my 30 minute monthly zoom here.