How sharing our imperfections paves the way to acceptance
Part of my role at the library is to do the occasional story time with young children. As a child-free person, I haven’t done a lot of story time in my life, but I think my nieces and nephews have enjoyed the odd bedtime reading from Aunty Em.
This week I did my first solo Story Time at Play in the Park. And of course, I was a little bit nervous. Nothing like having to sing in public to get the heart rate going. As the kids gathered I noticed a little boy who looked extra nervous and shy. I told him, “This is my first story time and I’m a little bit scared.” I watched his face soften as he realised he wasn’t alone in being nervous. He didn’t become the most boisterous child in the group, but he participated and I think he had a lot of fun (as did I in the end. The Hokey Pokey will do that to you!)
This past couple of weeks I’ve been spending a lot of time leading and teaching groups of people. The kids at story time of course, but also women who experience pelvic pain at some workshops I co-hosted for the Pelvic Pain Clinic, and at a mindfulness course I presented for the Wellstead CRC.
What I have witnessed is there is healing power in feeling less alone. The women who have come together form the pelvic pain clinic felt supported when they realised they aren’t the only one who experiences this invisible pain. The students at the mindfulness course felt comfort in understanding that no one can clear their mind of thoughts for long. But those short moments are worth chasing!
I know we’re not taught to share our flaws or fears, but there IS power in sharing them because learning you aren’t alone triggers self-compassion. And that’s what we all need a little bit more of.
So, perhaps next time you feel a little bit nervous at a big gathering, or at a new class, you might whisper it to the person next to you and realise you aren’t the only one.
Yoga Pose of the Week
Child’s Pose is a classic. But, if you googled it, the photo probably wouldn’t look like this. My bum is a bit up in the air due to tight hamstrings and my knees are very wide to make space for my tummy. That’s what’s so good about this pose. You can adapt it for most body types or injuries. Try a blanket under the knees for support. Or a block or cushion under your forehead for a bit of space. Or try it lying on your back with the ankles pulled towards the groin. Comment below if you’d like some personalised suggestions to make child’s pose your own.
Yoga Philosophy of the Week
One of the foundations of yoga philosophy is “satya”, the Sanskrit word for truthfulness. Satya encourages us to live with integrity, authenticity, and alignment in speech, thoughts, and actions. Sharing your fears instead of holding them in can be a beautiful way to practice satya.
Mindful Moment of the Week
As I mentioned, I got to teach a course in mindfulness this week in Wellstead. We practiced meditation and mindful eating, and workshopped some ideas of how to live mindfully everyday. Mindfulness supports physical, mental, and spiritual health and can be a great way to reduce stress. If your community group or workplace is interested in having me teach a course, get in touch!
