"Know that you are OK exactly the way that you are right now. There is nothing that you need to do. You are perfect exactly the way you are. The changes that you want to make in your life, there is a time and a place for them. And that time might be now. But being kind and gentle with yourself is a way to get things going faster. A lot of people try to use force. They try to manipulate themselves in to action. And actually the wisest thing that you can do is to be kind and gentle with yourself."
Inspiring words from Jennifer Hoffman - today's speaker at The World's Biggest Summit speaking on the wonderful topic of cluttered perfection.
Just what I needed to hear. And perhaps you do too?
Today I weathered a tropical storm Merrily, and kept my calm inside and out, whilst trying to make scones for my in-laws imminent visit. And as my dear husband and I were scampering round trying to make our house look slightly less pit-like, I realised, all this stuff that I am clearing, I am actually grateful for. Our filthy table is littered with the crumbs of shared home-cooked food, with scraps of creativity from felting and clay and pencil sharpenings and bits of Lego and pieces from games we have played. I give thanks for these three children who I bemoan so often. For our home and all of us that make it a mess. It is full of us. Full of life and love. And for that I am very grateful.
Thank you for the quotation. I haven't listened to that interview yet, and it's the offering for today that I'm most excited about.
ReplyDeleteThe in-laws are on their way here, too, and I'm about to write to them (was even going to do so before reading this post) to say that the apartment is a mess, and unless some bizarre miracle occurs within the next 24 hours, it will be a mess when they arrive. The thing is, I doubt they care. But I care. But today is not the day for that particular miracle, and neither is tomorrow.
BTW, have you read Joko Beck's book Everyday Zen? She is a heroine of mine. She studied with Maezumi Roshi, my original teacher's teacher, but I never had the honor of meeting her or hearing her speak.
Hi Rachael,
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the visit. People keep saying when they visit our house, "It's such a lovely family home" part of me reads that as a covert way of saying "what a lived-in house you live in!!" but the other half takes the compliment, that it is full of us, our stuff, our mess, all that makes us us...
No I haven't read it- she stole my title ;) - must get my hands on it - sounds wonderful.
Off to have a bubble bath and listen to the rest of that talk.
I am so happy that my words helped you see your home and belongings and family with new eyes, with gratitude. We can see how blessed we are if we only take that fleeting moment to acknowledge it. From that place of awareness and nourished-heart, anything is possible.
ReplyDeleteYou *are* perfect. Thanks for sharing my words.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer, honoured to have you here!
ReplyDelete