Since I’ve fallen a bit behind in responding to Kat McNally’s August Moon prompts, today I’m going to play catch up.
What would your perfect work day be like?
I’ve never really liked this question. It’s often asked as a way to get you to visualize your ideal and then figure out how to create it, but I find this paralyzing. I want to cram every single good thing I LOVE into my day, as though if I don’t mention something in my perfect-day example it won’t be written into the cosmic contract and I’ll be out of luck forever. But then I list so many things I feel I need to set up a schedule, and with so many item there’s only 3.5 minutes in the day to allot to each. I end up feeling overwhelmed, under accomplished, and wondering what’s wrong with me. How crazy is that?
The truth is I’m not linear, and I much prefer to be free to follow inspiration than a rigid schedule. Luckily I’m my own boss, so literally the only things set in stone are actual client appointments. Other than that I get to direct the flow.
Rather than looking at activities that make up my perfect work day, what really interests me a whole lot more is the energies, the intentions, the feelings. I often think of things as being framed by the qualities I want. I most definitely want my business framed by the energies of joy, inspiration, love, creativity, beauty. And then I get to weave my activities, my intentions, others ways I want to feel, anchored between those five holding points. So I fit in meditation; I don’t stay tuned into my phone, email or social media constantly – those things get specific focused attention and then I’m off to something else. I surround myself with things I love – flowers, fragrance, art – because that keeps my heart happy. Good coffee, excellent chocolate, frequent breaks, time in my studio and time in my writing chair – those are all part of my perfect work day. But mostly I just try to remember: This is my life. How do I want to feel? What do I want to create? How can I be me full-out?
What are the signs you are on fire?
I had to wander around a bit before I got to the answer here. There are of course times when I feel on fire, but I’m certainly not a fiery person. In the 9-Star Ki Chinese system of organizing principles I’m Yang Wood, Water, and Yin Metal. In the Indian Ayurvedic system I’m Kaffa. As someone once told me, I’m “like the slow, clear, well-spaced tones of the sitar; unhurried and with the understanding there is enough time.” I tend to think of myself as quite watery – intuitive and flowing. And while I might readily admit I have a heart that’s afire, there’s very little else about me I might give that description to.
But I do know what Kat means with this prompt. When I’m on fire I feel very focused and clear, almost riveted to what I’m doing. I imagine every one of my cells is electrified, at attention, pouring its energy into the momentum, full-on in creation mode.
What tends to trip you up? What’s your Kryptonite?
I love this question. What a wonderful thing to think about. And my answer is not enough space.
I have to pay very close attention to myself. That sounds a shade narcissistic doesn’t it, but it really is a fine line for me from being full-out creative and engaged and inspired to becoming overwhelmed, paralyzed by overstimulation, and shut down. I have to have the RIGHT number of balls in the air, enough gray cells firing, plenty of room at the table for my wonderful Muses to visit. But I have to balance it with not TOO much contact with people; with lots of rest when I need it; with a wheelbarrow full of compassion for myself. I need space to remember I work and live in a rhythm that’s uniquely mine and it’s not always in sync with the rest of the world, but that’s perfectly fine.
I love the idea of giving ourselves and each other space to be who we really are. The more I can truly let myself show up as me, the simpler it is for me to let you be you. That’s unconditional love. Neutral beneficence. That’s uninhibited joy in action. And all I have to say is, more of that please!
Now what about you? What makes up your perfect work day? When are you on fire? What’s your Kryptonite? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
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I’m jotting this line down, “The more I can truly let myself show up as me, the simpler it is for me to let you be you.” Yes. I needed this reminder. Thank you.
Sometimes I like imagining how different the world would be if everyone were all just themselves full out. I’m so glad you stopped by Cindy – I appreciate it.
Snap! Like you, I always cram too much into the “perfect day” exercise and end of feeling depleted and resentful just thinking about it! I love the way you turned it into something very constructive.
I also want to second what Cindy has said. That’s a killer realisation, just there!
Brilliant catch-up, my friend. x
Today I’ve been thinking about how different things would be if we could wrap our minds around that everything was perfect. How much easier it would be to then follow our inspiration in the moment.