Lately, it’s felt like life is moving quicker than I can process it. It’s a strange feeling. Spring is well underway as evidenced by all of the new beginnings, changes, wildflowers in bloom, and sporadic rain. Here, in Los Angeles, we’ve already gotten the first taste of summer.
I must admit it feels strange to be writing again, after an inspiration drought. My fingers stick on the keyboard. This practice that usually feels like second nature, feels awkward and foreign.
I’ve been succumbing a lot to distraction. I’ve noticed myself always reaching for something in the background, a podcast, audiobook, music. There’s not much room for creativity in the absence of silence. I haven’t been listening to myself, which usually means there’s some truth that I’m not ready or willing to hear. Writing always offers a window into my inner world, the words on the page offer a reflection of where I am, how I’m feeling, what I’m thinking about.
We live our days and our lives often without being fully present in our bodies, and then wonder why we feel so disconnected from ourselves, each other, the Earth.
I can’t help but think this malaise has something everything to do with the state of the world. I know what I need is stillness, but I can’t stop reaching for my phone, filling my calendar, and adding more to my plate. Chrissy Ford’s newsletter made me feel less alone in this.
It feels impossible to slow down when the world demands us to keep speeding up. living under capitalism. There is a low grade tension under the surface at all times. This week it’s manifested in the form of a mild yet annoying twitch in my eye. Last week it was a kink in my neck. My body’s way of signaling that I’m moving too fast and doing too much.
In a world that praises rapid expansion, consumption, and commodification, choosing to slow down and enjoy a quiet morning, a leisurely walk, are little luxuries that sometimes feel out of reach.
I’m doing the small things to take care of myself when the big things feel beyond my grasp. And by showing up for myself in these small, measured ways I hope that inch by inch the bigger acts of care will begin to feel more within reach.
April 19 marked the beginning of Taurus season. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and beauty. Recently, I discovered that my sister and I share a Taurus moon, and a lot of my closest friends have Taurus placements. My grandmother was a Taurus. Taurus’ are good to have around. Steady. Loyal. Sweet. Taurus is all about indulging in earthly delights, and building something that will last. It’s that work hard, play hard energy.
So, if you find yourself feeling the urge to adorn yourself or your home with flowers and scents, take the scenic route home, or trade your going out plans for a cozy evening in, don’t fight it. It’s the season for sweetness, coziness, and a splash of luxury.
I’ll leave you with these photos from a lovely and nourishing weekend trip down the coast for a little reprieve from the busyness of life. It was perfect and cozy and sweet. Sometimes the quickest way to shake things up is by changing your environment so that your perspective and mindset can follow suit.
Until next time. I hope you’re taking care of yourself.
xx Asha