“When we know ‘we don’t know’ we become more open to the mystery that is in front of us, allowing life to be as big as it really is.”
- Ann Bradney, Founder of Radical Aliveness
I don’t know about you, but right now the mix of chaos and violence can leave me feeling pulled in many directions. In order to keep being a mother, a farmer, a facilitator, a friend, a human - someone who can show up for those who need it - it's important for me to be balanced and grounded.
There are a few ways I can feel resourced. First - with the slightly warmer weather, the smells in the air remind of Spring. I can almost smell the soil thawing. I can walk outside with my bare feet in the soil, toes rooted in the ground, and remember that I am part of something so much bigger.
Second is to gather with friends, drink delicious herbal tea and play Wingspan (if you love birds, tiny writing and complicated games - this one’s for you).
Another way has to do with one of my favorite principles of Radical Aliveness: “knowing I don’t know.” I can be very attached to my “knowing.” I’ve spent a huge portion of my life trying to know things. Knowing things is important - it can save lives, allow us to accomplish tasks, help us be safe, and so much more.
But also, my commitment to my knowledge can keep me small - in my own little bubble of comfort. It can make it so I can’t see what is right in front of me. I can make big assumptions about people and situations based on what I think I know, rather than being curious.
Right now I am finding energy from learning about things that surprise me. Things that I learned as a child couldn’t possibly be right. Things that I never fully questioned because, in my culture, science sits at the top of the hierarchy: anything that cannot be explained by science cannot possibly be true. I can feel my worldview expanded by the possibilities that exist outside of my limited framework. Check out The Telepathy Tapes for an example.
What ways are you finding to ground yourself or to energize you? Let me know, I’d love to hear.
Your Farmer,
Susan
P.S. I’m offering an Intro to Radical Aliveness at the farm this March. If you are longing for more connection with yourself and your community, wanting to re-write inherited patterns, or craving more aliveness in your body - I’d love to be with you! You can learn more here.