living into enchantment
How much of my energy is wasted in trying to figure out my purpose?
I know I’ve spent a lot of time and energy worrying about my purpose. “Am I doing the job I’m meant to do? Am I doing enough, achieving enough? I’ve spent too much time worrying that I’m failing at this purpose game: I’m not helping people enough, or not helping the world enough.
Purpose can come with a lot of pressure.
I learned about the pressure of purpose at a pretty young age. Growing up in religious fundamentalism, there was a lot of emphasis on living your purpose. There were books written about this topic that became like a second gospel (does anyone know which book I’m referring to?) ;) We were shamed for not doing enough to evangelize. I internalized that shame, and even after having deconstructed from evangelicalism and high-control religion, I still find that sneaky pull to shame myself for not “helping enough”, the fear that my service to the world isn't sufficient.
Those feelings of not being enough are very debilitating. We can become paralyzed by not doing enough, not living into this higher purpose. I recently heard a quote by Liz Gilbert that has helped me investigate this belief and let go of more of that shame.
Gilbert says she is less interested in finding purpose, and more interested in learning what enchants people. She describes enchantment as a feeling of well-being. It’s soft, neutral things. It’s sustainable.
It’s not excitement, it’s not boredom. It’s neutral. It’s just a peaceful feeling of well-being.
This resonated with me instantly, and reminded me of one of my favourite quotes from Howard Thurman. “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who come alive.”
What makes you come alive?
I’m noticing much of my enchantment is centered in nature, and in simple connection with humans.
It’s floating in water,
receiving hugs from my nieces and nephew, digging in earth, sleeping with my kitties curled up at my sides, and watching them groom each other. It’s that moment of locking eyes with another human across the room, and knowing you are feeling the same thing. Quiet mornings in the porch with a cool breeze, and the smell of fresh made coffee wafting in the air. It’s sitting with someone you care about and listening on that heart level with very few words.
Its being with.
Being with self.
Being with other.
Being with nature.
It’s creating space to feel, sense, breathe, be enlivened.
What enchants you?
This summer I want to pay special attention to enchantment.
To cultivate and notice what enchants me. What makes me feel more alive, more rooted in my body, more self-assured.
This Summer Solstice I’me hosting an event for us to live into enchantment.
I’ve invited Mckye to lead us in an outdoor soundbath, in the park, behind my house. An opportunity to fall into enchantment and connection.
Then we will head to my backyard for fireside sharing of what came up, and what we hope to live into this summer.
There will be food, and connection and play time in the hot tub!
If you are longing for simple connection and hoping for a light easeful entry into summer, consider joining me for the evening.
-RH
