I had this feeling of letting go.
On Saturday, I sat on the floor, meditating, and I felt that it was time to let go of Asheville. Not that Asheville is not still the place where my heart feels full, because it is. But, to let go of the ways that I am trying to hold onto my life there. It is time to let go of all of the moments that I spend here, in Sweden, imagining what is going on there, in Asheville. That time has passed. That old life is over and a new life, a new way of living is beginning.
As I meditated, my mind was filled with revelations that I was following the Easter weekend pattern in my own life. I ended my life in Asheville. I have mourned the loss and live in the uncertainty of limbo + confusion, and suddenly, without knowing what was happening, realized that a new opportunity, a new life was truly waiting for me to grab it and begin.
And with that realization of Good Friday’s loss, Holy Saturday’s confusion + solemness, and Easter Sunday’s good news of a crazy, amazing new life. I felt a shift inside of me. A ending of the wandering and a preparedness to move on. I felt like everything can begin now.
What happened during my meditation was acceptance. Acceptance that the most powerful moment is the present moment – especially when we are aware + paying attention to it. And that acceptance has helped me move from mourning to life. A completely unknown life, but a way of knowing that this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
And right now actually is all about the unknown. It’s about leaping in to a way of living that cannot even be imagined yet. It cannot be planned, and must be allowed to simply unfold. And all of that stuff from the past? All of the old ways of being + living + relating + thinking + believing… it’s time to leave all of that behind as well.
Going back to Easter… think about those disciples who suddenly realized that Jesus was not actually dead. That he was living, though he was leaving, and he was giving them – the men + the women – a mission. All was not lost as the followers had believed + felt. As the had dwelling in the past, dazed + confused, they now understood that they had a chance at a whole new life, with a whole new purpose. Something that they could have never, ever dreamed would happen. They had no idea what this new, amazing future looked like, but that didn’t matter. They knew, in that moment when they encountered Jesus, that something was different. So, now, it was time to get a move on! Newly inspired + energized – the past was behind them, and from now on, it was time to look ahead.
It is the same for us… it is the same for me, now, as I consider leaving my past behind + accepting the unknown future that lies ahead of me. It is time to live in the present moment, anticipating a bright, new shiny opportunities + possibilities. Now, that does not mean throwing away all that has happened in the past. No, not at all. It means, pulling it all together in our souls, holding it there, cherishing it all, knowing that all of the past makes us who we are right in the moment. But, it’s time to step forward. Keeping the old ways part of our history and our story. And with the comfort of the memories and feelings and thoughts and lessons and loves, look ahead with courage + empowerment. What lies ahead is not something that is within our comfort zone, but a life that is bigger + better than we could ever imagine. Deeper. Higher.
Of course, all of this can feel amazing + scary at the same time. Like… “Wow! What an opportunity! I feel totally blessed, as if I am overflowing with inspiration and energy.” It can also feel like, “What the hell have I done? When will things begin to make sense? Why aren’t things changing? This is not at ALL what I had in mind!”.
But, this is how it goes with change + transformation + growth.
Remember what I said at the beginning of the blog post? How I described how I was feeling? it’s a cycle, my friends. And it occurs over and over again in our lives. It’s how life flows. And if we are aware + grounded, then we do not freak out as we flow along with life.
So, we have Good Friday’s all of the time. Days/years/times in life when we know that we have lost everything. When the way that intended it turned out completely wrong. When it feels like our plans, or even our selves, have died. Like it’s all over. Everything changed.
And then, like Holy Saturday, we mourn. We feel lost. We don’t know what comes next. It’s dark and lonely. And, after a while, we accept what has happened and realize that we have to keep on keeping on.
But, just when we are there, right when we realize that life is rolling on without us and we’d better get back in the game, a sliver of light pierces our darkness. Something inspires us. Spring returns. Life begins again. The view after the climb is breathtaking. And we can see clearly now all that we did not understand before. We have grown. We have changed. And we step out, filled to the brim with inspiration + love + peace, so much so that they all begin spilling out of us and onto everyone we meet. Easter Sunday arrives.
And then, the whole thing happens all over again.
So beautiful and inspiring and hopeful.
A really wonderful post. thank you Liz.
Dear Louise, thank you so much for saying that! I’m really happy that it resonated with you. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. xoxo
Your description of the cycles of growth – of those moments of uncertainty and the scariness of being on the threshold about to step forward and then the emergence into the light are not only perfectly put and universally relatable but also a much-needed reminder to those currently caught in stages of feeling lost and of mourning- those times when you can’t see the light or the top of the mountain- and especially those times when you forget that there’s anything other than the suffering and darkness you feel. I hear a sense of triumph and feeling of inspiration in your words as you say you feel prepared and that you Know that this is where you are supposed to be – as you move into your future. And I know this is hardly the first time you’ve been through it, and that you are in fact much more familiar with these moments than I, but I hope that this moment of acceptance is both a relief and a time of clarity that propels you forward into your next opportunity and stage in life. Thank you again for sharing your struggles and triumphs and for reminding us all that growth is continual and the journey is not a straight path. xoxo
It is amazing how you hear and understand exactly what I am saying through my words. I am so grateful that I know that someone reading seems to “get” me, really hears me and understands me. It makes me that much more anxious about finding a place and a way to meet you one day. I know our physical paths will cross somehow. But, until then, just know that your presence here, your thoughts and your own journey, are such an inspiration to me. Much love and many hugs to you. xoxo
I know I’m not the only person who understands, Liz- what you speak is universal, and how you explain things and relate your own experiences brings it to life. You really are a teacher.
I have no doubt we will meet one day since I am absolutely positive that I’m supposed to know you… which may sound a bit strange but I’ve never been wrong about being destined to cross paths with certain people and I felt that way long before I ever commented on your blog. Thank you for your kind words, and know that your journey continues to inspire me too. Hugs and love back to you.