Have You Ever Felt Disconnected?

Have you ever gotten lost down the rabbit hole of the internet?

Have you ever felt disconnected?

While watching inspirational talks on youtube, I became aware of how so many have similar titles. “How to find happiness”, “What the secret is to happiness”, “How to get anything you want”, “What you should do with your life”, “How to be happy everyday”.

From my perspective that is great, I even find myself drawn to them, and watched a few! Yet today I stepped back to ask why am I looking outside of myself for these answers? How can anyone else know what will make me happy? How can a complete stranger tell me what I should do with my life? Why do I ask other people instead of myself?

Somedays the simple answer is because it is hard. How can I hear my own rhythm in life when I hear so many other rhythms going on around me? It is hard to hear my own rhythm when I fill my day looking at social media and watching other people’s lives on youtube. It is hard to hear my own rhythm when I am filling my day with things to do and constantly on the move. On the surface it might feel good, but under the surface I feel empty, maybe even lost. 

Can I find a balance of finding inspiration from the external and still hear my own rhythm?

How can I hear my own rhythm? How can I follow my own rhythm when it is so easy to get overwhelmed by the rhythms of others?  Can I allow myself to listen to my own thoughts, and be in my body?

Awareness is key here, and awareness is perishable. 

Let me repeat, awareness is perishable.

And while that might seem disheartening, I find that it gives me a sense of wonder and ability to look with new eyes. 

Somedays I am not aware that my rhythm is different then what is going on around me, and I push through and overextend myself. Once I am aware of it I can make a different choice! 

Practices that help me connect to my own rhythm are: having a sit area, walking, wandering in the woods, yoga, writing, gardening, making baskets, playing an instrument. I find the key to connect with myself is to allow and be. Ask questions, and listen with a sense of wonder and curiosity. 

What is your rhythm today?

What practices help you connect?