Sofia Speaks: The Complex Simplicity of Life

Stroll Five: CONNECTION

Personal journal note: I’m looking forward to the new whatever that may be.

Many is not himself only… He is all that he sees; all that flows to him from a thousand sources … He is the land, the lift of its mountain lines, the reach of its valleys. – Mary Hunter Austin, author

From ancient soil nourishing plant life ot the coexistence of creatures great and small, the natural world shows us interconnectedness in action. There may be no better setting in which to reflect on our place on this earth and look inward at our relationship with ourselves. This stroll invites you to explore connections across time: those that link you to the rest to the universe, and those within your own mind, body, and spirit.

PAUSE 1
The past, present, and future interweave in these gardens. In the soil, which came from the weathering of rocks over millions of years, gardeners plant seeds that will bloom in the coming days and weeks. How does your connection to the past enrich your life today? What possibilities exist for your future that may be rooted in the past? (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens.”, Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 52).

Journal Entry 1
My connection to the past shaped who I am today, from lessons learned to experiences good and bad. I embrace both because they all make me who I am today. The possibility of loving wholeheartedly exists. This is a part of me that was rooted in the past and has the ability to grow again.

Update to Pause 1
It’s refreshing to know I still had hope for love at that time in my life. I still believe in loving wholeheartedly again, but it just looks a bit different than what I thought it would. This time, I’m loving myself wholeheartedly. 

PAUSE 2
Take a moment to practice mindfulness, becoming aware of the air on your skin and the seasonal colors all around. Poet Gary Snyder wrote, Nature is not a place to visit. It is home. Appreciate that you belong here, that you are connected to this intricate system. Bees pollinate flowers and the flowers, in turn, provide sustenance. You, too, are integra; you too, have a role to play. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens,” Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 52).

Journal Entry 2
No entry

Update to Pause 2
I love the thought of nature being home and appreciating that we belong in nature and are connected to such an intricate system. I feel that the society that we live in continuously teaches us, programs, and reinforces external validation. We embed ourselves into a system that tells us we are not enough. That we need love from a man or woman. We need clothes, homes, cars, and jewelry. A career, money, family, you name it, for us to belong. To fit in. To be seen, when the truth is all we need is to be our true, authentic selves, and because God is within you and not externally, that is all you need. Nature is God. You are God. 

PAUSE 3
The formal Gardens constitute perhaps the most carefully manicured space at Brookside Gardens. Someone must shape the hedges in the Yew Garden and space the bulbs in the Fragrance Garden “just so”. We, too, need people in our lives, not to clip our metaphorical branches (though sometimes they do so!) but to give us a sense of love and belonging. Reflect on your connections with others in the past and present. How have they enhanced your life? How have they changed, faded, or ended over time, and how can you remain open to new connections in the future? (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens,” Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 53).

Journal Entry 3
Within the past few years, I’ve grown a new appreciation for my family and the relationships I have with others. Although I regret letting go of some friendships, I make it a point to appreciate the friends I have and make time for them. I hope I am able to find new connections in the future. I would really like that. I’m open to making new connections.

Update to Pause 3
Oh wow. This entry really takes the cake. I definitely have made connections with nurmouse people in my life past and present since this journal entry. Reflecting on it made me realize how isolated I was at the time but I had a feeling deep within that I would find the connections that I was looking for in the near future, and honestly, I have. I’ve connected with past friends. Mended relationships with family and childhood friends. I’ve tried making new friends and repairing an old friendship. And in the moment, I thought those friendships were what I wanted, but in the end, what I actually needed stayed, and the ones I didn’t left. I have a new community of women that I’m getting to know and hopefully build lifelong friendships with. I’m still very excited about the future new connections that I will make and what dope people life will bring my way.

PAUSE 4
Many of the connections in these gardens are simple. From seed that have been sown, rain brings forth plants. The sequences in human lives are more complicated. We are subject to the forces of nature and to our thoughts, which inform our feelings, which in turn inform our actions. Consider how the connection between your thoughts, feelings and actions influences your life. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens,” Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 53).

Journal Entry 4
My thoughts, feelings and actions influence my life more now then ever. As a mother and wife I try to consider how my actions amy affect those around me. I understand feelings are temporary and I try not to make drastic decisions that I will in turn regret later. I’m really careful with my emotions.

Update to Pause 4
I’ve learned that although my intenct is to set everything on fire when I’m upset. I’ve learned to calm down and to think rationally and critically about my decisions before I take action. Now in the past I don’t feel that anything that I’ve done was irrational. I feel that everything I’ve done I had a valid reason for doing it. However, I know understand the power of clarity and communication. I now allow myself to have my feelings, rationalize them and then I address the person I need to address. Once I’ve said my peace and there is no repair or we can not come to a mutual understanding, I now walk away without regret because I know for myself I did everything in my power at the time to come to a mutual understanding; however, sometimes the best thing we can do and must is walk away.

PAUSE 5
We all experience a sense of disconnection at some point, whether from ourselves, from other people and places, or from the universe. Disconnection can awaken us to our needs. If you are feeling disconnected, ask yourself what that disconnection might be telling you about yourself or your life. The world will still be here for you with its springtime flowers, autumn leaves and leafy nooks and crannies whenever you are ready to rejoin it. It’s okay to take your time finding your way back. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens,” Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 53).

Journal Entry 5
No entry

Update to Pause 5
When I’m feeling disconnected, honesty is not often nowadays because I’m intentional with pouring into myself daily and meeting my own needs. However, I am still working on my relationship with myself. I’m more aware of analyzing my actions and getting to the root of feelings. I love this exploration of myself right now. I’m really enjoying relearning who I am, my likes and dislikes. My strengths and weaknesses. What serves me and what doesn’t. I listen to Spirit a lot more these days and lean into my spirituality unapologetically. I’m so glad I’m betting on myself.

PAUSE 6
It’s has been said that the most important relationship is with oneself. Finding ways to connect with your thoughts and feelings is essential to nurturing this relationship; so are practices that integrate your mind, body and spirit. Completing these strolls and spending time in nature are ways you can care for yourself. Brainstorm some other ways and make plans to act on them. (McCaffrey, Ruth DNP, FAAN. “Strolls for Well-Being at Brookside Gardens,” Brookside Gardens, 2006, p. 53).

Journal Entry 6
I can continue to take care of myself by doing things I enjoy, trying new things buying new clothes and making time for myself and not feeling guilty for it.

Update to Pause 6
Nature is where I find my healing and I’m working on making nature an integral part of my life daily.