If you read this blog regularly, you will see many re-posts from DailyOm.com. It's just that they always seem to tell me things that I need to hear...and I believe they offer some jewels that others can benefit from. Self-reflection is one of the most important things we can do for our own development and growth as self-actualized goddesses and gods on this earth. We can always be better and do better.
Apparently, I can come off as defensive at times which I attribute to the Aquarian attribute of feeling like we are always right. I can't help if I'm right a lot! And I can't help if I've had (and continue to face) a lot of unnecessary hate and jealousy thrown my way. But as "they" say, that means you're doing something right. Hmmmph. It's caused me to build up a lot of boundaries and protections to that very sensitive skin that lies not so deeply underneath. But I also know that there are walls that need to come down, as I continue to heal; and that this raw new skin needs to feel the fresh air. I'm ready to expand.
I hope you will take some time to reflect what boundaries and defenses are holding you back, and what is worth shedding.
Peeling Away The Layers
Trees Shedding Their Bark
Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can’t expand to our full potential.
Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting.
Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don’t disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self—the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just "me." Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth.
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