This is the question I was asking myself just last night as I found myself in a funky restaurant in Sedona with a piece of silk hanging above a sand pit. I actually took a couple of aerial silk lessons many years ago and I was dying to give it a whirl. My socialized self immediately objected and started in with such thoughts as: Are you crazy? You’re by yourself, what if you get hurt? You don’t know what you’re doing. No one else is doing it. What if you break it? You’ll make a fool of yourself. You’re not strong enough.
However, my essential self, my inner kid really, really wanted to swing with abandon.
After several minutes of deliberation, I decided that this piece of silk was a perfect symbol for the new life I am creating; a life where one does not turn down opportunities to soar, in any form; a life where fear does not have the final say. So the next thing I knew, my shoes were off and I was hoisting myself up above the sand pit, wrapped in red silk and joyfully swinging upside down as strangers ate their meals. After a few minutes another person came over and also wanted to try. My flight had given him the courage to spread his own wings. I could not have been more thrilled, because that’s exactly what this journey is all about. What is your “piece of silk”? How will you find even a tiny bit more joy in your day? This isn’t selfish as joy is contagious and therefore for the whole tribe. Will you join me on this ride?
Joyfully yours,
Erin
lovely first post. I want to come swing with you. Acepting Freedom is my piece of silk today- with no guilt or over thinking. Free to fly- thanks Erin you are contagious.
Thank you, Joan!! I love that you’ll be giving yourself the gift of FREEDOM today. It is a state of mind after all. Priceless and it makes me smile thinking about it 🙂
Brilliant…and I’m in! My piece of silk today was being fully and totally me in front of a class of graduate students. Cracking jokes, asking about doing things with joy (and I actually taught a little content too :). Most important part was having FUN teaching and letting go of attachment. Yea for silk!
Yay, Rebecca!! I can totally picture you lighting up your little corner of the world and inspiring the next generation to live joyfully. Thank you for sharing and for being a part of the shift in priorities that is going on right now.
Erin, a beautiful metaphor for your new life. You are embracing it fully; you are to be proud. You’ve inspired me and reminded me once again that life was meant to be lived joyfully and without social or man-made boundaries. Love it!
Julie
Thank you, Julie. YES to living an authentic life without artificial boundaries. I’m glad you’re on the path with me. Let the adventure continue…
My piece of silk today was trusting and jumping in with both feet, then letting the waves take me as they will! Thank you for sharing Erin! Which restaurant were you at?? Chocotree?
Monique, you are absolutely right. I LOVE ChocolaTree. It is now my home away from home.
Erin, my love. Your blog reminds me of….”You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.” (M Oliver.) Bringing tears to my eyes as I type. Tears of joy!