Live from the Inside Out

The Journey - Mary Oliver

But little by little,

as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do–
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Often we try too hard to help others when their work must come from the inside out. Our challenge involves providing an example of what we believe works for a balanced and healthy life. We need to release our expectations for others' behavior.

When we journey through life with intention and attention to our mind, body and spirit and another individual notices, then we have added our wisdom. If no one notices, we still provide our best from the inside out. Some of what we share will make a difference. We do not need applause.

Let John Wooden's words roam through your mind today, "You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." 

As Mary Oliver points out, we must save the only life we can control.

Shape of Personal Narrative

"We must create and find our own stories, our own myths with symbols that will bind us to the world as we see it today."  - Terry Tempest Williams

A personal narrative includes a desire, struggle and realization. More than an accounting of events, it includes emotional, moral and psychological tones which give meaning to the events.

Story shape:

You have a desire that starts the story.

You struggle to gain it through an action or actions.

You feel challenges and interrelated events that you made happen or happened to you.

Because of what happened, you became a different person.  You realized something as a result of the struggle.  You may see things differently with resulting wisdom.  Or, you do not gain insight.

Change from an event is a moral change. You had a realization or a series of realizations and a shift in values or perception.  Possibly you learned nothing from the life lesson and continue to make similar choices that end in negative results.

Tell your story by describing a desire and challenges to reach a result. 

Sensing into Serenity

We flow through myriad moods each day. Some stick longer than others in a search for serenity.

Write from one mood to another until you've written into a sense of serenity.

How does your body sense it? What does serenity feel, look, and even taste like?

Write about it so your reader can say, "Oh, I get it."  or "Hmmm, wish I could feel that way."

Search for phrases with sounds, scents and even tastes. Which sensations run in the arms and legs? What happens with internal feelings?

How does the skin feel?

Use comparisons and metaphors. Where do you feel it the most?

Show your serenity without mentioning the word or words like calm, joyful, or balanced.

Move like a camera to reveal the essence.

Write to sense into serenity.