On Sustenance, Humility & Pacing Ourselves
My kids recently missed two weeks of school due to mild but relentless illness, and we were in a slog of clinic calls, tracking fevers and medicine doses, cuddling, shuffling work schedules: doing what we needed to do to manage a tough stretch!
In the face of intensive caregiving, my newsletter and many other business projects ended up in the pile of commitments that had to wait.
I'm still recovering from the cumulative sleep deprivation and overall disruption (see my tired face, below!) and this week is focused primarily on restoration.
I know that many people are overwhelmed these days, and I want to offer sustaining resources if you're feeling depleted at the moment.
Getting out for walks during the tough stretch proved invaluable! Please prioritize your nourishing practices!
I'm reflecting on what it means to sustain ourselves and how to dare to slow down in these fast-paced, stressful times.
Not only are these themes alive for me, but I am hearing them as salient for many of my clients. Interestingly, one word that has popped up a few times in these conversations is humility.
It seems to me that we tend to want to cling to our plans, goals and productivity, but that forces beyond our control - illness, caregiving, loss, vulnerability - humble us.
Humility often invites us to surrender, slow down, do less or simplify.
It sounds beautiful - but I believe that, for many of us, it's not easy to practice.
Humility is rooted in the Latin word, 'low' and is connected to the word 'humus:' soil.
What does it mean to be brought to the ground, to our senses, to our animal bodies, to the realities (demands and gifts) of caring for ourselves and each other?
Sustaining Resources:
Michelle Obama interview - (listen to how often she references sustenance!)
Falling in Love with the World - a lovely conversation between Elise Loehnen and Katherine May (beautiful ideas about humility and being part of this world)
I'll Show Myself Out: Essays on Midlife and Motherhood - book by Jessi Klein (god, I laughed and cried in equal measure - this was a timely tonic for me!)
Long-Covid Handbook - book by Gez Medinger and Professor Danny Altmann (I'm still working on recovery, three years later and I wanted to share this resource, as I know that millions around the globe seek support). Here's a related, recent scientific article, too.
For One Who is Exhausted: A Blessing - from John O'Donohue
Guided Deep Relaxation and Gratitude for Our Body - with Sister Chan Kong
5 Ways to Be More Present: Indigenous Wisdom from Kaitlin Curtice
Rest is Resistance: A Manifesto - book by Tricia Hersey
Tips on Sticking with your Anchoring Practices - Insta video, me (5 min)
For me right now, sustenance and restoration include:
resting, guided relaxation, baths, heart-to-heart convos with friends
knocking a bunch off my to-do list this week (god, I honor the courage it takes to do this when we already feel 'behind!')
setting up a health buddy to help me commit to some dietary shifts and weaving meditation back into my days (I do well with support & accountability)
getting to bed early, resuming daily journaling and walking practices
Please share in the comments below and let me know what you're doing to take good care of yourself in the midst of your messy, beautiful life - or what you're seeking or longing for.
I’d love to hear from you on these themes... questions, challenges, small wins!
Also, exciting announcement about a new community offer coming soon - I hope it might be something that you could add to your tapestry of nourishment!
P.S. Want a little guidance on supporting your energy levels and capacity while also honoring your longings for change? If you’re curious about coaching, please set up a free 60-minute consult with me to explore your options. I’d love to hear from you.
Nicola Holmes is a Change Coach who helps people turn their potent questions, dreams and goals into inspired action. With warmth and wisdom, she’ll guide you to untangle constraints and cultivate courage to create a more aligned and joyful life. She has a BASc in Human Development, an MEd in Adult Learning and spent two decades working in the non-profit sector. Along with coaching for the past 15 years, she’s mama to two young spirited kids and dedicated to Buddhism. Having experienced long-Covid and a move over the past two years, she brings deep empathy to others who are exploring how they’ve changed and who they’re becoming in turbulent times. Check out Nicola @nicolaholmescoach or join the email party for inspiration and resources to fuel the changes you want.