'Accept your follies and find the teaching in them' | #58

Trying to take a week off from self-judgement

Alex and I are out in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. I am writing this as we settle into our little hut before starting a week-long retreat.

We have two hours before the opening circle and I wanted to get this newsletter out before going offline for the week. But I feel pretty tired and also want to squeeze in a nap. I’ve got under two hours.

I asked Alex if it was okay for me to go into the retreat feeling exhausted and he pretty much said come as you are and take a week off from judging yourself.

Just like how we might take a week off work to go on vacation or do a digital detox, I’m gonna try my best to take this week off from the micro-judgement I place on myself every single day.

Coincidentally (or not?), his suggestion was in line with the card I pulled from a deck of animals at an event we went to yesterday. The card is that of a Coyote, and said ‘Wise Fool’. The explanation suggests to let go of the self-judgement of silly little follies in my life. It says once I can accept that I make silly mistakes the way any human might, it will lead me to a place of greater love for myself and others.

So as I settle into retreat mode and switch off my devices, I am going to keep Alex’s encouragement and this card in mind.

This is to ‘Accept your follies and find the teaching in them’.

Until next time!