?

Am I even any good?

Wrong question, my dear.

kauai

forever

ain't necessarily better

self-expression

it's not about the image.
it's about the essence.

redwoods

exploration

 

[fun, consciously-sourced spices from Burlap & Barrel]

overwhelm

see also: being human

unexpected

[blackberries + mulberries from wong's farm]

behind closed doors

You're a gem, my dear.
Even on those days when your mind spins
and your body feels weak --
know that you have value even still.

When you feel the unraveling,
know that there is beauty
in that mysterious transforming.
You need not contain it
or look at this path with shame.

Behind closed doors, in so many rooms,
others are breaking and transforming too.
You may not see it, but as you walk your path,
others are walking theirs too.

Alone. And together.
May you stay connected to that truth.

treat

[macadamias from pedro's organic ranch

the best sort of splurge]

irrational affections

given life's lack of linearity
should it come as any surprise
that non-linear affections arise within you?

you wonder
why that one crossed your path
why that one still comes to mind
and captures your heart in unexpected moments.
foolish one -- you tell yourself,
issuing blame for letting those feelings be.

but maybe those affections
somehow remind you of the greater mystery.
in being drawn by irrational love,
you're reminded -- this conscious mind
is but a fraction of the story,
and it's quite alright
to let multi-dimensional life do its thing.
there's no need for smothering or controlling.

scapes

listen

It's not up to you to judge or contain your life.

It's up to you to listen.

a gift

breaking

As each wave comes,
let it crash,
let it break as it needs to.

Where did you get the idea
that your life should be free
of this breaking?

fresh

bathe

in the mystery
it's good for the soul

divinity

You're no less filled with the divine
when emotion and struggle
keep moving though.

When that challenging interplay
overwhelms your mind, remember --
Christ himself entered the wilderness too.

mood board

that voice

It masquerades as wisdom
trying to keep you
from opening, engaging, exploring.

Calling you a fool,
issuing harsh blame for any struggles --
you've brought them upon you.

Its job seems to be making sure
you're damned if you don't
and damned if you do.

Seeing your sensitivity,
it backs you into a corner --
this world is too much for you.

That voice --
whatever you do,
don't let it contain you.