It is my tree and I'll take it down when I want to.
Hello Wonderful Beauty,
As I write this it is
January 12, 2014, and, um, yeah, this is my Christmas tree. Still up, mostly undressed, but still full of light.
But before I tell that tale:
Finding Your Wild Wonder, my 3 week e-course, is starting Monday January 13. Think of it as a joy ride sourced in the Deep Feminine and expressed in fun and discovery. Just like me tree,registration will stay open a bit late, until Tuesday. If you are not in already, I would truly love to have you.
Okay, now on to the question; Why is my tree still up? It is practically mid January, fully into the new year.
Well.
I haven't wanted to take it down.
I've been
busy with other things (see above).
It is not fun to put everything away.
All true, but not the real reason.
While I have always been one to get my tree a bit late and leave it up well after New Years, this very late even for me. Probably the latest. You see, I haven't been
ready to let this magical little tree go.
It hasn't shown any signs of dryness and it still smells amazing. It felt like to get rid of it would be like throwing away flowers that were still blooming. Most importantly, it makes me happy to look at it. Not worried it is still up. Not heavy like I am avoiding something. Happy. And content.
About a week ago I started taking the ornament off, the really Christmas-y ones that felt out of place. Then I stopped for a couple of days. Next I took anything red off and stopped again because it looked so pretty with just the lights and silver and gold ornaments.
Then I found myself taking an ornament or few off as I was talking on the phone. When the conversation was over I'd return to work, the tree a bit more
bare.
I have been slowly stripping away layers of decorations and savoring the increasing simplicity of the tree. Kind of a metaphor for a lot of things right now.
Yesterday only the lights were left. It feels perfect and warm to have this twinkling glow left in our space. But the tree is now starting to get dry, so tonight will be the last for this sweet tree... Most
likely.
More important, now I am ready to part with it.
Many have strong and definite opinions about when a tree should go up and come down. I have more like guidelines, but I do start feeling pressure to get on with things. Put the holidays behind me and get busy with the new year. Out with old, in with new...I worry about what the neighbors will think when they see the tell tale
lights shinning through the window.
Really? I'm going to let what (I think) my neighbors (might) think dictate what I do with what is giving me peace and pleasure? (well yes, I wont lie, sometimes I get caught up in this knot)
My sweet tree is reminding me that is okay to linger
over moving on. That I don't have to match pace with anyone else. There is something tender and deep about taking time and slowing down the process of change and transition. We live in a world that works on schedules and time tables and big next things. These are important. A fresh, clean start and burst of energy is invigorating.
But sometimes the pace of the world is just too fast for me. For you too I bet. It is important
to check in see if our inner rhythm is in sync with outer expectations of quick turnarounds and fast changes. It may be. In which case dig in and Get It Done! We can allow the swirl of expectancy and more to carry us. But if it is not, and we can be at choice in the timing, sink in and slow down. Savor.
Be more concerned for how you feel than for how you might look to others.
Things are moving fast and in many ways I am moving fast also. But my tree had called me to slow down, enjoy, in this particular way. Some may get twitchy and have judgments about this, just as they may about anything else I do. But it is way more satisfying to settle into my timing, my preferences, my rhythm.
It is delicious and spacious and full of ease. Just what I want my life to be.
Where do you feel the pull to slow down and savor rather than pushing full steam ahead? Or where do you feel the pull to move ninja fast and precise rather than wait and feel it out with the crowd? Can you let yourself sink in and find your true inner timing and rhythm?
When you do, so will find what you most want your life to be.
In loving rhythm,
Sandi
