From my heart to yours
Today, I feel compelled to reach out to you from the depths of my heart, sharing my personal experiences and sending you abundant love in the life you live. Life, as we know it, is a beautiful yet fragile journey, and in the face of mortality, I often find myself contemplating its meaning.
Sometimes, life’s harsh realities come crashing down on us when we receive news of a loved one’s passing—whether through illness, tragedy, or simply the natural course of time. Each time such information reaches my ears, I can’t help but notice the myriad of reactions that unfold within me and those around me. It fascinates me how we all process and cope with death differently, shaped by our unique perspectives and emotions.
Since a young age, death has been a companion in my life, making its presence known and impacting families profoundly. This has granted me a somewhat detached yet empathetic perspective on the subject. The mysteries that lie beyond the last breath of our human bodies remain elusive, and various theories abound depending on our personal beliefs. However, I do not intend to engage in debates or prove any point about what lies beyond. Instead, I’m intrigued by the reactions that surface within us and those around us when faced with the loss of someone dear—an acquaintance, a colleague, a public figure, or an artist.
As strange as it may sound, I’ve always been fascinated with these reactions. I silently observe and contemplate without sharing my thoughts openly. In my line of work, I have witnessed countless cases where the death of a loved one has had a significant impact on my clients’ lives. It has further reinforced my curiosity about the subject.
Why do we shy away from discussing death? Birth and death are inherent aspects of the human experience; they bookend our existence. It is what transpires between those two defining moments that genuinely matters. Indeed, you can relate to conversations where people ponder what they want or cannot do when they die, often based on personal or societal norms. Of course, estate planning has become a common practice to safeguard our loved ones once we pass. But, I ask you, what if we redirected our focus to living and finding happiness in the present moment? What if we made choices rooted in love, embracing the fullness of our experiences here on Earth?
Nevertheless, the shadow of death looms ever-present, accompanied by fear and the unknown. Can we release the need to control others and surrender to the natural flow of life? Can we let ourselves and those around us be precisely as we are without imposing our will upon them? Eventually, we will all reach the end of this physical journey. Let us strive to reach that destination harmoniously, with our souls nourished and fulfilled.
Today, I extend my heartfelt wishes to all those grieving. Allow yourselves to feel whatever emotions arise within you without seeking to numb or suppress them. Let the waves of grief work through you, knowing that in time, you will find solace and the strength to embrace life once more. Carry the memories of your loved ones deep within your heart, for they shall forever be a part of your journey.
With immense love and a profound appreciation for the gift of life,
Much Love
Marléne
#LifeAndLove#EmbracingLife#CherishEveryMoment#LivingWithPurpose#LettingGoOfControl#JourneyOfLife#GriefAndHealing#FindingStrength#LoveAndLoss#MemoriesThatLast#EmotionalWellbeing#SoulfulLiving#LifeIsFragile#CelebrateLife
#TalkingFromTheHeart#SelfAndMoreCoaching
https://talkingfromtheheart.com/
https://www.selfandmore.co.za/
https://calendly.com/self-and-more-integrative-coachin
Can we cultivate inner safety and let go of insecurity and anxiety?
Is it possible to nurture well-being from within?
In this fast-paced, unpredictable world, we often have a deep longing for inner safety. It’s a yearning for a sense of security, a refuge where we can retreat from the chaotic external forces that threaten our equilibrium. The fear and anxiety that arise when we feel unsafe, whether real or perceived, can have profound effects on our well-being. This quest for inner safety can trace back to our earliest existence, even before conception.
Creating safety for ourselves is an essential journey, but it doesn’t have to involve locking ourselves up and isolating ourselves from the world. True inner safety begins by turning inward, diving into the depths of our being, and reconnecting with our essence.
Finding inner safety has been a profound personal experience for me and one I have been intensely aware of as far back as my memory allows me to remember.
It starts with panic and anxiety becoming overwhelming. I have learned through self-care practices to acknowledge my fears and anxieties, recognize their origin, and embrace them and myself with compassion. Rather than suppressing or avoiding these feelings, I greet them with openness, giving them space to be heard. I need to say at this point that I never felt safe anywhere until I understood that sitting with the discomfort of safety was an opportunity to release the pain and trauma from within. In the need to be transparent, I still feel unsafe until I acknowledge the feeling and anxiety it brings, and then I can meet it consciously. This affords me the gift of learning to grow as I connect deeper within myself and find the safety within my being. It’s a little difficult to describe. In my experience, the feeling of safety is being whole within myself as opposed to being scattered and fragmented. The gift of understanding and knowing that I can work through the lack of safety I feel, and that it is not self-destructive or leading to sinking myself into a bottle of alcohol, pills, or any other obsessive, addictive behaviours I drove myself to indulge in.
I engage in self-care practices that nourish my mind, body, and soul to foster inner safety. I prioritize regular exercise in nature and practices to nurture my soul, healthy eating habits or noticing kindly when I am not eating healthily. Getting sufficient rest is primary for me. I have developed a practice that allows me to understand that a deep connection to myself as a foundation enhances my overall resilience and effectiveness in my world. I explore mindfulness and meditation, allowing myself to remind myself to be fully present and attuned to the present moment as often as I notice the distraction.
In cultivating inner safety, I seek supportive relationships and communities that foster a sense of belonging. Opening to trusted friends or seeking professional guidance can and has provided invaluable support and perspective.
Moreover, I’ve discovered the power of self-compassion. Rather than being harsh or critical of myself, I offer kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. Embracing imperfections and accepting myself as I am enables me to navigate the challenges of life with greater ease.
Creating inner safety is an ongoing process, requiring continuous self-reflection and adjustment. It’s about building a solid internal foundation from which we can navigate the external world with greater resilience and confidence.
Let us remember that we all deserve to feel safe, and by nurturing our well-being from within rather than from the outside, we can cultivate a profound sense of inner safety that permeates every aspect of our lives. Please reach out if it helps you to embark on the journey of embracing your vulnerabilities and discovering the strength within them, learn to grow from that and acknowledging that the vulnerabilities that lie within each of us can create huge confusion and disharmony in our lives and relationships.
From my heart to yours
Much Love
Marléne
#InnerSafety #NurturingWellBeing #FindingSecurity #SelfCare #SelfCompassion #Mindfulness #Resilience #EmbracingVulnerability #TalkingFromTheHeart#SelfAndMoreCoaching
https://talkingfromtheheart.com/
https://www.selfandmore.co.za/
https://calendly.com/self-and-more-integrative-coachin
Hello there folks.
In many ways I feel like I am standing at the edge of a cliff, with the vastness of the unknown stretching out before me, I can feel my heart racing like it has never before. It’s a place where fear and excitement collide, almost as though they are in a battle with one another, where the familiar ground ends and the possibility of flight emerges. These are moments where I hold my breath. In the past I have let fear sit with me and become my constant companion and still jump or freeze. Excitement is an emotion that is foreign to me. I am learning to get to know it and embrace it’s nuances as I would learn to get to know a friend.
At times, life demands that we take a leap of faith, that we gather our courage and trust in something greater than ourselves. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that our true strength and resilience are tested. I have never known what is next even when I have plotted the way, there have always been deviations.
As I prepare to take that leap now , I connect with the depths of my soul. I listen to the whispers of my heart, and I’m reminded that the biggest growth often lies on the other side of fear. It’s in the unknown that we discover our untapped potential, our hidden talents, and our capacity for greatness.
While the edge of a cliff may seem daunting, it also holds the promise of transformation and liberation. It’s an invitation to embrace the exhilaration of soaring freely through life, unencumbered by self-doubt and limiting beliefs irrespective of what the circumstances. The meaning we make of the world around us is subjective.
So, if you too find yourself standing on the edge of a cliff, take a deep breath, summon your inner strength, and take that leap into the unknown. Trust that the universe will catch you, and know that you are capable of reaching new heights. Embrace the adventure that awaits and allow yourself to soar.
From my heart as always
Marléne
From my heart to yours.
Much Love, as always.
Marléne
https://talkingfromtheheart.com/
https://www.selfandmore.co.za/
https://calendly.com/self-and-more-integrative-coaching
#LeapOfFaith #CourageToJump #EmbracingUncertainty#ComfortZone
Hello there folks.
Cold water immersion, also known as cold water therapy, is immersing oneself in cold water for a set period. It has been gaining popularity recently due to its many benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and increasing circulation. Search Wim Hof for his work on the benefits. This is my experience.
I am privileged to live close to the ocean, so swimming was where I landed in a way.
As a novice and weak swimmer since my school days, partly because I had no access to pools or open water, and as I grew up in a concrete jungle, I never thought that open water swimming in low temperatures was something that I would ever try. I get cold very quickly. My Mom did take me for lessons as a small child so I was able to get by for the casual dips and lengths in the pool and dunks in the ocean; from time to time in my life, never did I think that swimming would become a “thing” in my life. However, when a friend suggested it to me as a way to improve my mental and emotional resilience, meet new people, add to my fitness routine which was initially the drawing card for me, and improve my swimming skills by swimming, I eventually decided to give it a try seven months ago.
I was overcome with fear and anxiety the first time I stepped into the cold water. The shock of the cold water was almost unbearable, and I felt like my body was shutting down. But as I started to acclimate to the water, I began to feel a sense of calm and focus that I had never experienced before.
Over time, I noticed improvements in my swimming skills and so much more. I could hold my breath for extended periods, my strokes became more efficient, and I could swim longer without getting tired. But more than that, I realized that cold water immersion in the morning taught me essential life lessons. By pushing myself past my comfort zone and embracing the discomfort of the cold water without judging my performance as a swimmer, I was learning to overcome my fears and develop mental resilience. I realized that I was capable of more than I ever thought possible and that anything is achievable with hard work and dedication. I knew this already, didn’t I? I think we all do to some degree. The trick is allowing ourselves to experience it by breaking out of our comfort zone. This first-hand experience and opportunity popped up on my radar, and I rose to the challenge.
Whether you rate your journey as successful or not is irrelevant. Isn’t it more about breaking out of your comfort zone and learning something new about yourself and others?
My journey with cold open water swimming has inspired me to encourage others to step outside their comfort zones and try new things. There is always another comfort zone to step out of. Every time is an opportunity to experience something new/ Whether trying a new hobby, taking on a new challenge, or facing a fear head-on, we all can do more than we think we can. It takes us to believe in ourselves and get some help from friends.
In a world that often values comfort and convenience over personal growth and progress, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut and resist change. But by embracing discomfort and allowing ourselves to move through our perceived limits, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that can transform our lives.
Suppose you’re looking for a way to build mental resilience, improve physical health, and challenge yourself in new ways. In that case, I encourage you to try that activity you always wanted to do but have allowed the fear to overwhelm you. Perhaps it is cold open water swimming, like me. Maybe it’s taking that step, making that call, reaching out. It may be uncomfortable initially, but the benefits of mastering something for yourself without competition are genuinely remarkable.
The difficult things we overcome in life become the simple things. It’s the things we remember that pull us through the darker days.
From my heart to yours.
Much Love, as always.
Marléne
https://talkingfromtheheart.com/
https://www.selfandmore.co.za/
https://calendly.com/self-and-more-integrative-coaching
#ColdWaterImmersion #MentalResilience #PushingPastComfortZone #PersonalGrowth #NoviceSwimmer #ConcreteJungle #OvercomingFears #ChallengingYourself #NewOpportunities #TransformYourLife #TryNewThings
