On Beginning

When our minds are thick with the “what do I do?” questions, sometimes we need art and poetry and horizons and deep breaths. We need to get out of our heads and hear different words and see the textures of new images.

This morning I came across a beautiful writing in the book Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words by David Whyte reprinted below. It is about beginnings, our reluctance to take them on, and the preference we have for holding on to the old even when we know that growth and discomfort are our next steps.

Whatever you are beginning — the decision to divorce or to reengage your marriage, the dynamic of new family routines and realities, or the launch of the single version of you now that your divorce is settled — please remember that beginning at its heart requires letting go.

We often only think of beginning as starting or adding on to life, but beginning requires we say goodbye to something in order to fully go into the new.

Whyte references beginning as a clearing to only the essential and the necessary. What are those elements for you today? Can you clear space long enough to see what really matters? Is it healing? Owning your version of the truth? Releasing your grip on the way it was supposed to be?

To begin, it helps to know what it is that we are beginning.

Here are some sample beginning phrases for you:

• I am beginning to face reality and invite healing.

• I am beginning to protect myself from the hurts I have allowed from my former partner.

• I am beginning to lead my family into new territory.

• I am beginning to listen to my own voice as a trustworthy one.

• I am beginning to see the limit of what I can tolerate.

Beginning is small, but it can feel so very daunting in our hearts. Take the deep breath today and listen to your own answer…what am I beginning?

You can buy David’s book here in my online store along with other books to support your ongoing beginning.