Asking
In the Fall season, we find ourselves ruled by the Metal Element in Chinese Medicine. Metal corresponds to the Lung and Large Intestine systems, and is a time of harvest and collection. This element also connects to our self-worth, our ability to receive (air and nutrients on the physical level), and our willingness to release (toxic waste). Though the Fall season is one where the energy begins to descend, it is also one of great inspiration. An opportunity to determine what we truly want from our harvest.
“What do I really want?”
But to ask, isn’t it selfish? Isn’t it hedonic?
Even disruptive? Or privileged?
Perhaps vocational burnout would ease up a bit if we gave ourselves permission to ask regularly, and confront what it is that we truly want on the deepest level.
To sit and receive the answer.
Listen to it.
And then create and lead with it.
Simply asking ourselves deeply, “What does my heart truly want?”
Do you notice what happens when you take a minute to pause and ask this question? Your mind begins to descend. Your mind begins to check in with you. Your mind leaves the surface survival layer to go a bit deeper.
It’s simple. But it also takes work, and a good amount of practice to face this head on.
It’s different than the auto-pilot version of asking ourselves what we want, right? “Auto-pilot wants” yearn for a quick fix. It craves a bandaid. A dopamine hit. A donut. An escape. Or even just another bar wrapped around our comfort zone.
“Auto-pilot wants” keep us on a path that has already been walked upon. A path that is not our own.
But asking more deeply, and more presently what our heart wants begins to nourish the vision of our unique impact in this world.
And by trusting that what we want is okay, allowed, validated, acceptable, and even beneficial to others, It will begin opening the channels to our unique vision so that it feels more like our own. Without guilt. And without apology.
Be receptive to what you want. Be wise, and deeply contemplate it. Envision how you can make it happen. Ultimately, how it will serve the world.
And then get to work.
