July Growth Dose
Happy July, dear friends. The summer here in Colorado has been wild. We have had extreme heat, abnormal rain, and everything in between. Many people in my circle have mentioned to me that this time has been quite tumultuous for them. The “reemergence” from lockdown has been energizing and yet confusing. The summer is going by so fast and yet just getting started. It is a time to settle in and yet a time to move on. Whatever is happening in your world, I hope you take time for your own reflection and to listen to your inner wisdom tell you what you need most.
Here is your monthly dose of personal growth resources, guidance and inspiration:
Read
The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche
Your Monthly Dose of Personal Growth Guidance and Inspiration
I pick up this book from time to time and just read a passage before meditation or creative writing time. I find it is best when savored, and reflected upon. This book deepens the original 112 Sanskrit teachings with further interpretation and guidance for practice. If you are interested in yoga and meditation, there is so much wisdom to be found in these verses about the human experience. Here is a passage:
Elaborate rituals and garish images
May be useful in meditation when your
mind is whirling with thoughts
Of sex, money and power, wandering like an elephant in heat.
Go ahead and use these tools, yet know,
Beating drums and blaring trumpets
Cannot summon the One who is already present.
I am not a collection of incantations
Known only to experts.
I am not a ladder to be climbed,
A sequence for piercing energy centers in your body.
I am not to be found at the end of a long road.
I am right here.
Listen
Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me
What could be better than laughing and learning at the same time? I know we all try to stay up on current events, but sometimes news can be so energetically draining. If you haven’t already, listen to the NPR podcast Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. This is a news trivia show that is mostly silly but still informative. It’s my favorite for times when I just want to go for a walk and decompress.
Write
I recently read The Birth Order Book by Dr. Kevin Leman. It was very thought-provoking about how our birth orders affects our personalities and life paths. Write a reflection on how your birth order (oldest child, middle child, youngest child, only child), has shaped you.
Do
Plan a summer adventure to look forward to. This can be big or small, near or far. Book that trip you have been wanting to go on, or if that is out of your comfort zone right now go on a new hike or try a new coffee shop in your town. Get out and soak up the summer in a way that feels good to you.
Ponder
How can you be your own advocate this month?
Wishing you a growth-filled July!