When was the last time you had coffee with yourself? Just between you and yourself, while sitting face to face, you exchanged probing gazes and dreaded the simple question: How are you? Not just any “how are you,” but the most genuine and honest one. How long have you buried your desires and deepest yearnings? Can you keep your pain underwater any longer? Social media might intervene like a SWAT team to save you from embarrassment. Both of you prefer to numb this catacomb urge. Melatonin, your loyal ally, takes care of your sleeping lightness; however, your nightmares still remind you that your denial is real.
Ohio’s winter is the season for living inside your room. Go ahead, jump on the occasion! Enter your inner realm through the door of awakening, through the bravery of your vulnerability, and hold your self’s hand for a long walk into the forest of your fear and hesitation. Ask yourself if you are happy. If not, why? What are your needs now? Who or what is making you miserable? What change is essential to move you forward?
The whole culture builds walls in the hall of your awareness. The television, the internet, social media, and that deafening noise of the world yelling out loud: ignore your feelings; don’t look at your pain. Only meditation can save you. Silence and contemplation are your best tools.
Your task on the last mile of the 2023 year is to become a lover of your hidden courage. Grab those dark short days of winter and travel with them where nobody can push you to madness.
~ Naja Yazbek
