Post 2020 and the year that changed so many of us, my perspective is different. Like I wrote in last week's blog, I don't seem to sweat the small stuff quite so much and I feel incredibly grateful for the time we now have with family and friends. Do you feel like 2020 made you more comfortable with the idea that anything can happen at the drop of a hat? I definitely feel that way and it's echoed all over my work life too.  Similar to starting this business, and creating each knitting project, I may have an idea of where I’m headed and what I hope to create but the road, the journey to that destination is where the messy, chaos of life exists. It’s where I come to understand that I can never fully know what lies ahead or what roadblocks I may encounter next. But it’s also the place where I know that I can overcome, get into a juicy flow state and thrive somehow. It’s the place where my creativity lives and I encourage you to embrace the same! 

As I reflect on openness to uncertainty, I think of this passage from a book I love, Reboot by Jerry Colonna:  “What if being lost is part of the path? What if we are supposed to tack across the surface of the lake, sailing into the wind instead of wishing it was only at our backs? What if feeling lost, directionless, and uncertain of the progress is an indicator of growth? What if it means you’re exactly where you need to be, on the pathless path?"

Doesn’t that just feel like a giant exhale. 

In mindfulness, practice, the “not knowing mind,” a mindstate open to uncertainty, that isn’t stuck in rigid patterns or narratives, holds potential for openness and freedom. When we surrender to our present moment experience, and meet ourselves with curiosity, creativity, and even a sense of humor, we suffer less.  There is freedom in this surrender.

When you think about your creative self - who do you imagine yourself to be? Do you have a destination in mind? What's the road been like so far? Do you approach your creative self similar to a well constructed recipe with order and prescribed steps? Or do you approach it with flow? I’m not sure which is better or worse (and I don’t think it really matters) -- but I do know what when I let go of my belief that it all needs to go a certain way, I enjoy the journey more. 

Could the process, the uncertain path actually be a critical part of the art you create? As the KAL winds down, and you finish your projects, think about what this project can lead you to next. A new pattern that’s one step more challenging? A new set of interchangeable needles? A new skein of yarn? Can you pick a creative project that feels uncertain and scary (but also exciting)?! Whatever you choose next, I challenge you to go “get lost” in the journey -- for we are all lost together and it's a magical place to be. 

This is my last mindfulness blog post BUT we do have two more yoga classes (completely restorative and relaxing) that I hope you'll join in on. 

Lots of love,

Amy