Monday, October 18, 2021

Believe: NF Challenge October

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The focus for this challenge is to BELIEVE in myself and my place in the universe enough to take risks, and to embark on new journeys that previously may have appeared daunting. Not to be impulsive in my actions, to look before I leap, but also not be afraid of the gap.

Relationships require flexibility, and I have the opportunity to use the balance insights from last challenge to increase my flexibility--of expectations and of myself-- and be more flexible with my relationships, letting them deepen by going wherever they need to go.

The universe seeks to resolve anything that is in tension, because tension creates imbalance. Through being flexible and having faith, I can help release tension in body and in the relationships around me. How tensions find an outlet for expression often reveal hidden truths, like gold in a mine, treasures to be discovered from deep digging.

I often feel pulled in different directions internally, and sometimes I struggle with what choices to make. There is also a stew of external conflict, competition, and often these conflicts mirror my inner dichotomies.

Conflict is inevitable. Combat is a choice, and I have the opportunity to see what is being expressed in the tension, to mine for the gold of the universe and let the treasure come forth.

Spring is often heralded as a time of new life, but the path I have walked so far leaves this autumn feeling potent for new beginnings. There is treasure in the short days, the deepening of darkness that reveals the subtle shimmer of the universe all around us. When I am flexible and balanced, I lay claim to my place in the universe.

Truth can be uncomfortable. It requires courage and compassion to sit with discomfort and uncertainty. When I meet the universe where it is, with an open heart from where I am, insights are possible.

Mind

*Writing. The dissertation is at 15,726 words as the challenge opens. We’ll see how much gets written. 

*Classes and papers continue. I have a document analysis due in mid November, and it’s one of my favorite types of assignments. I then lead the class discussion, which I also usually like.

*Statistics are real, despite what Mark Twain said about them. I have three quizzes and an exam this round.

 

Body

*Make something and eat it every day.

*Supplements daily until November 11, review with acupuncturist

*B12 shot 11/10

*Saturday vegetable pickup

*Milk

*Acupuncture or Massage

*Maybe the gym especially for the sauna and the hot tub. Sometimes swimming.

 

Heart 

*Time with Vivian

*Outings with a friends

*Virtual visits

*Pinball

 

Soul 

*Meditation. Five minutes? Fifty minutes? Whatever, it’s All good. Focus on #reasonsnottoquit and #HeidiKoans

*Sleep. My Spirit requires a lot of rest.

*Still water float October, November

 

Significant dates:

Stats Unit 3 (3 quizzes, 1 exam) due 11/5

Court 11/9

B12 11/10

Paper 4 due 11/11

History of Higher education discussion leader 11/15-22

 

Insights from last challenge:

I am stronger than I know. My real strength comes from trusting myself and trusting the universe. There is nothing that I can't handle when I focus on being present and allow myself to breathe.

 

As we head into the waning light of the year, I am learning to lean into uncertainty with faith, to be able to look at challenges with open mindedness, and to focus on the future instead of the past.

 

Also, random #reasonsnottoquit, because I need them. Possible drops of a #HeidiKoan here and there, because I need to remember them.