A Summer's Reflection — Criticism and Appreciation

To Subscribers of Connect the Dots

Hi friends,

Thank you for being a part of my journey with Connect the Dots.

I received some harsh comments from a single individual on my last few posts. I’ve been tossing within my internal tornado on how to handle it.
Should I turn the other cheek?
Should I defend myself?
Should I cease being here?
I wondered if he was right and I was wrong.

Moving out of a place of reaction in the nervous system is no easy feat. I’ve been sitting, breathing and moving with this for most of the day.

If I am being honest, I am more sad than I am angry.

A spiritual path is many things to many people. To me, it is breathing through what is.

People who held the pen across history have scripted a lot of the world, that is true in spirituality as well. For this, and a hundred other more personal reasons, I value and practice the inner journey, a place where we receive more of who we truly are.
No gurus or experts are referenced here.

I was taught the Medicine of Circle early on during a series of health crises. So, even today, when something comes up, I tend to sit quietly, drink herbal tea, and find what is truly alive and shaking (or flailing) within me. I take lots of inspiration from the night sky, from seasonal plants and herbs, and from circles of wise people I’ve come to know.
It helps me with simplicity.
And it helps me actively remember that universes live within each and every one of us.
It also helps me connect and appreciate with people in my life, because I can actually see and feel them.
They tell me it helps them too.

I know my way is different, and I choose to do it anyway.

A few days ago, a friend drew some light on a behaviour of mine. He said it with lightness and kindness. Though I didn’t like it at the time, I saw some truth to what he was saying and why he was saying it. So, now I can find a different way through.

How opinions are delivered matters. We can be different and be respectful and kind.

Our human differences are hard to reconcile, especially when we value something so deeply. We all get critical and/ or defensive at times, God knows I do, I feel lucky to have people around me are really good at accepting and reconciling differences.

My work is often an invitation to go deeper into yourself. If this isn’t a path that resonates, that is okay. You will find what you need and what you resonate with.

If my work does help you feel more of yourself, then I am so glad! And I thank you for being here! You are truly awesome. If you have genuine suggestions or questions, please let me know in the comments.

With warmth on this beautiful day,

Aria