Can you see that feeling is not giving names to sensations? Can you find the points of connection, what holds you safe in the rushing river? Can you flow with the current? What you sense in the middle of it all and tethered to love, that is feeling.
I think I’ve mentioned that few of these intentions are recent, meaning most were published long after I wrote them. This one is very recent, I’m writing this post two days after that intention. It hit me that hard, and, having this outlet, I wanted to share.
Think of feeling as a raging river. Most of the time, we sit on the bank and dip our toe in the water. That's not feeling, that's sensing. Every once in a while we hurl ourselves into the middle of the river and because we are untethered, we tumble and get lost. So true feeling requires not only the willingness to go into the middle of the river but a tether to keep us safely there while the water rushes by.
What is the tether then that allows us to feel? My best answer is love, but a special kind of love. A love that allows you to be a mess without explaining. A love that lets you stay silent until you are ready. A love that seeks to stabilize you without directing you. A love that is unconditional. A high bar indeed which is, I think, why most of us spend most of our time on the banks of the river.
I’m not going to give you the standard questions today because what I really want you to sit with is this. Is that love with you? Or is something close to it? How far into the river can you wade today and still feel safe?
As we close the week, can you try taking one step further out? You’re safe. And if not, simply step back.
