Pause Practices-May's Clarity Lookback
what in the actual F, May!
The Heart
May isn’t a convenient month to have a heart attack, just asked my Dad, who survived a massive blockage on May 13th. Nearly sidelined from life, he is alive and grumpy that pickleball and golf are off the table for a bit. His motivation to move has never been more clear, even under physical duress. The daisy chain of events that occurred got him into the cath lab at the exact right time.
Was I scared—no—I did not have time to comprehend the deadly outcome. I trusted in medical science that day, and my Dad’s guides, too. As they wheeled him back, I surrounded him with light, knowing very well it was the 13th of the month.
Many, if not all, of my deceased relatives have passed away on a 13th. The calendar date kept popping into my head in the waiting room as I made calls. When I saw my Dad (the tall guy below) in ICU only 75 minutes after his arrival to the Emergency Department, he reminded me 31 is is basketball number, not 13. Reframing the number reframed the day. Swapping unlucky 13 (sorry Tswift!) for a hall of fame jersey number was, just what my psyche needed to hold onto.
The question I’m asked this week is, how are you, were you scared?
I am tired but also well and grounded. Why? Dad is alive and walking on treadmills today. He’s taking care of himself with his medical team.
I’m committed and have deeply prioritized my self care practices to reduce my day to day cortisol levels. One blood test showed me how off balance my cortisol levels caused fatigue and overreacting to many simple things. Every day, despite looks or judgement, I take time for myself.
Pockets of alone time to write, move, flow, read or take a long shower. Most importantly are my rituals around visualizing a calm body, mind and spirit every single day. Asking for help from my own team has created a love for myself in a way I’ve never had before.
Seven (chakras, baby) things I’m reminded of:
say what you need to say —with kindness- throat
wear what you want to wear - sacral
advocate for yourself mentally and medically - heart
there are people saving lives and most likely, what you are worried about or trying to do is not that important, so chill out - root
you can control somethings but not most things, let the universe move as it must- crown
for some, decision making is in your gut, your heart or your head- decision making in crisis is life or death, DO NOT HESITATE to go with what you know in the moment.- third eye
have more fun, take the trip and focus on the core few who really care - solar plexus
now, onto lighter topics…
The Energy of Exfoliating
My gf’s took me to a salt spa on my last birthday and then everything became about salt. Salt scrubs, salt shampoos, salt in my marg (yes, try it before you stir or shake).
Why is scrubbing with Salt so important energetically?
All day long, we pick up the energy of others, even the places we visit. Everyone we run into or pass by leaves a it of their aura. Often we absorb their vibe, too.
Why exfoliate— It’s the detox of your skin! I love to meditatively release the bad vibes of the week.
Have a run in with a nasty driver at a stop light and it sticks with you? Exfoliate
Get into a fight with your teenager? Exfoliate
Have a long work week with too many takers? Exfoliate
Work from bottom to top as you work the salt’s detoxifying magic—legs to hips, chin to forehead or shampoo from nape to crown to get the biggest release.
In my shower: Osea’s face exfoliator (subtle), Trader Joe’s Lavender scrub (right amount of scent!), a true detox charcoal scrub (must use a charcoal, Shore is women owned, ships anywhere), goop salt shampoo (So sudsy, gifted but have bought more)
Energetic Happenings:
June 17th - 6.30 pm Rte 33 Boat Launch
First Intuitive Reiki session on a Stand Up Paddle Board - use LynnMull at checkout!
What I Did to Practically Pause in May:
Movement: tennis, walking, tennis. I cannot say enough about moving under stress.
Meditation- it works to sit with a question and hear what God wants me to hear.
Talking to REAL friends: my besties live in other states or cities so voxer and marco polo is my go to must have.
Pre-Summer Ritual: Sitting outside in the rain, listening, cleansing the week’s stress is a true natural gift.
Things I’m Easing into for June.
Visualizations- I’ve been recording wonderfully meditative visualizations.
Reading - Emily Henry’s new book gets rave reviews—I usually crack fiction every night but I’m saving this for the real summer when school is out.
Booking- a last minute Nantucket trip.
Glad you’re by your dad’s side…it’s the best medicine for both of you. Wishing him a full recovery and you, continued clarity. You’re doing good work!