As a writer, when I finish a literary project and send it out into the world, querying agents, I feel a familiar mix of fear and hope. I also face the blank page of uncertainty: What, if anything, do I write next?
Whether you write or not, I think this feeling may be universal. A kind of, “What now?” or “How can I best serve?” When these questions arise, I proceed by taking the next right step: volunteering for service positions in my spiritual and twelve-step communities, staying connected with friends, and responding to family members who reach out, while respecting boundaries. These responses serve me by opening my heart, bolstering my self-esteem, and supporting my own self-care.
The blank page of this newsletter is facing me now. Perhaps what I’m typing is simply clearing the clutter from my mind so the true message can emerge, both for myself and for you.
I don’t know. Has sharing my uncertainty contributed to your own spiritual understanding and growth in some way? Or has it muddied the waters, leaving you with more questions?
As I write this I am not discontent. In fact, the word that surfaces daily for me is Santosha, the Sanskrit word for contentment. My uncertainty does point to a trailhead, however: curiosity about how closely I’ve aligned my identity with authorship. I know that my true nature is not defined as a writer, a dancer, a yoga therapist, a prayer chaplain, or any other actions I choose. And yet, those mixed feelings of fear and hope still arise in my conscious mind.
Please share if you relate. I sit with Santosha in the questions, not in the answers.
What I do know is that practice keeps me curious without ruminating.
Because yoga has helped me, I’ve decided to release my original DVDs, directed by award-winning PBS cinematographer Dan Duncan on my YouTube channel for free. I’m beginning with Yoga to Beat the Blues—Level 1. Level 2 will be released next month. Level One has many modifications, several of which I now need! :)
If you, too, are facing a blank page, perhaps we can give ourselves permission to pause, practice, and let the next step reveal itself. There is room for contentment even when we don’t yet know what comes next.
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Watch my original award-winning DVD for free here: LifeForce Yoga to Beat the Blues, Level 1, and please share with anyone who will benefit.
- 12 Chapters shot in HD
- Original music by William Chapman + music from Krishna Das, MJ Bindu Delekta
- Shot on location in Tucson, AZ by Emmy-award winning PBS Cinematographer/Editor, Dan Duncan.
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