Stop stressing when you stray from the path

There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

I feel a big full-bodied "Yes!" to this wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh.
But easier said than done sometimes, eh?

Here we are just about a month into this new year and new decade.
How’s it feeling for you so far?

My 13 year old son, Oliver said to me yesterday -You know mom? 2020 seems pretty crappy so far. Like - not for me personally, but for the world: Kobe dying, the Australia fires, the coronavirus. It kinda sucks.

Well said my dear boy; well said.

So what is a wise, compassionate soul such as yourself to do in this situation?

What do you do to support yourself and your loved ones through difficult times?

What do you know, with deep knowing, to be the most helpful and soul-nourishing practices for you? What helps you remember that ‘happiness is the way’?

Here are some of my biggies:

• Moving my body every day in some way - yoga, stretching, CrossFit, basketball with Oliver, kitchen dance party with Isadora

• Drinking not much if any alcohol

• Drinking less coffee; eating less sugar

• Writing every day

• Hanging with my kids with intentional presence

• Making time every week to connect in person or video chat with a dear friend

I also know, for me, I have to keep walking my path. I have to avoid losing my focus by letting myself get dragged onto someone else’s path. I  have to stay strong and committed to my work and my truth.

It is so easy for life to distract us from our paths. Annoyingly easy.

Next time you notice that you have gotten distracted from your soul’s path or realize that it's been a week, (or 3 weeks, 3 months or 3 years) since you focused on those habits that make you happy, try to look for the happiness right then, at that moment.

I know, it will feel weird. The regular, human thing to do is chastise yourself for having strayed off your path; guilt, shame, anger, overwhelm can all rear up.

But what if the straying was meant to happen? What if you have to stray because it is an integral part of your path? Can you let go a little bit of the self-criticism and perhaps feel some gratitude and even joy that now you are remembering?

Yaah You for Remembering!!!  

I celebrate you, wherever you are on your path and support you in allowing your way to be joyful.

I have one more quote by Forrest Hayes to share that I read yesterday and now kinda want to tattoo on my forehead:
We have two minds. One thinks, the other knows. The mind that knows goes back many lifetimes. This is the mind of the one heart of all things: the trees, the plants, the clouds, the rivers, the mountains. The more time you spend with this mind, the more you will see the Spirit around you.

I read this quote in an email by this amazing artist, Debra Bernier. I have no affiliation with her work, but it definitely delights me. -This is her latest sculpture


All right lovies! I am sending you love and cheerleading you on your path. May you find your way home to your knowing mind this week, with joy and ease.

Big Love,

Margot