Slowly rising into emergent spaces.

“One thing I learned in Federal prison, I have everything I need inside me,” said the stranger in an online community gathering I hosted not long after the launch of my book. This wise one shared that a decade in prison had taught them to become still, to return to the breath, to look inward for resources. 

I’m reminded of this experience often. How I was transformed by this gift, this wisdom, from a stranger. A return to my breath, my inner knowing, the gifts inside me. I particularly think about this now as I prepare to emerge, however cautiously, into a post-pandemic world.

Last Saturday, we gathered as a community to talk about what it means to emerge from the pandemic: how might we slowly rise. 

I created the “slowly rise” note to self based on the learning from a teacher in a workout class. The instructor coached us, “Slowly rise, slowly rise,” as we lifted weights from our waist to our shoulders. She advised this pace was better for our muscles. Such is also true in life. Slowly rise. Rise for the long haul. Rise for the right reason. Don’t rush your rising. Slowly rise—aware, observant, present. Slowly rise as you intend to be one who Shows Up Hard for the beginning and for the end.

Knowing that an emerging is underway and that you have everything you need inside you, how will you slowly rise? 

What is the world you want to emerge into? 

What are your realistic “yes” and “no”s?

What is the new normal will you create for yourself?

Yes, you can slowly rise into that emergent new space. However bold or cautiously emerge, you can choose and plan for the world you wish to emerge into.

Here is to you and your rising.

#ShowUpHard

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