THE REAL STORY PART TWO

​"Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have." - John Piper
 
Today in church we sang It Is Well. Do you know the miraculous freedom that comes from lifting your hands and singing, "Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul."?
 
Change is here. And for some, it's difficult. I get that, completely. But something else has been flooding in as we make room for it.
 
Can you feel it?
 
Ever since I came to the conclusion that Clear Rock could not continue with a competitor next door, I began a practice of radical detachment. A Course in Miracles taught me that I give everything in my material world its meaning and value. For example, I hold attachment to the amazing, beautiful treadmills I bought. They make me think of Tread. How excited I was when they were delivered and set up. How much love and music we shared in those classes. How they helped me train for the canyon hike.
 
So each day, when I enter the studio, I say out loud, "I've given these treadmills their meaning and value. I release all attachment to these treadmills. I set them in your hands, God."
 
As I do, the excitement, love, music and purpose they've brought to my life root in my heart. I keep the memory. I keep the gift. I release the object.
 
And so it is with every object as I become aware of it.
 
I am sure any one of you who has experienced loss, death of a spouse, chronic health problems, an empty nest, loss of a business, or divorce has adopted this same practice, either consciously or unconsciously. Even cleaning out a closet requires detachment and release.
 
What I am finding as I get good at it, and intentionally practice it daily, is a radical freedom that comes along with making room. Creating space. Preparing for what's next.
 
I feel the weight lift. The air around me gets lighter. Less oppressive. 
 
"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." - Hans Hofmann
 
The most common question I got these past two weeks was, "What are you going to do?" I am so excited by the answer, it's hard to describe how much so: I don't know!
 
I have no idea.
 
But of this I am sure. I am in the midst of eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.
 
I must say, at age 53, to sense these endless possibilities is quite exciting. To dream new dreams outright is incredible. I believe God is taking me on a spiritual adventure, the ride of a lifetime. I thought when I got rescued by God that first time, that was it. I was freed from my past and my shame. Now I could hang out, content to serve others within the boundaries of the studio. Safe, comfortable, happy.
 
But God just expanded my borders. And perhaps yours, too.
 
How badass is that!
 
So join me. I pray for your borders to expand. That you muster the courage to eliminate what is unnecessary, or weighing you down. Clear space so the necessary may speak. I believe it will, if only we prepare our hearts to listen. I will be sharing my adventure with you here, and I hope this is just the beginning of our time together. Our walk, side by side, on this path we call life.
 
And as we experience it all, together, the highs and lows, successes and disappointments, may we always remind one another to say, with hands held high and hearts wide open.
 
It is well, it is well, with my soul.