Ikigai + Slow
“The lion of self-discovery is meant to kill that dragon whose every scale reads ‘Thou Shalt’” - Nietzsche
Notes on slowing down into your Ikigai.
We are packing up our little lives into the final boxes that will ship us over to our new home in New England in just a few weeks. A lot of demands have been placed on me during this time. I have chosen to do less.
Less organising, less making it okay for everyone, less perfect - so I can be more in the experience. Of chaos, love and presence.
My body has recently made it clear that it's time my mind slows down enough to let some of these things go. Dimming the bright lights in my head, to a cosy candle-lit glow. Turning down the shouts to something softer and more soothing. Quietening the mind, opening the heart. Slowing down into more presence. Without this, your Ikigai cannot survive. So yes, slowing down is a matter of life and death.
Slow down enough to see what's there. And then slow down further to see what's yours. To feel the vibration of your heart. Your life's purpose. To untether yourself from “thou shalt” obey the stories you have been told and patterns you have inherited. To, in the silence, the presence, notice your “lion of self-discovery” and let that beast roar the pleasing desires of your wise heart. This is your one precious life, I know it's not easy, but it's important you slow down.
I am sharing a free mini September experience on my instagram: one minute slower. Daily-ish one minute videos to offer the feeling of slowing down. Breath, mindfulness, softening your body. Rather than a lengthening of your to-do list, it's an invitation to step into your life now, and let this season shift unshackle you.
Thank you very much for being here. This work is deeply important to me and my soul's Ikigai. Without it, I feel somewhat untethered and motionless. So I am grateful for each and everyone of you, whatever capacity you are here in, and I look forward to taking you over to my adventures on the East Coast :)
As always I love to hear from you, so feel free to send any questions or musings.
