Reflections, One Year Later

CT Shoreline

Today represents my 1 year anniversary of a ski accident where I impersonated “superman”, unsuccessfully, resulting in a traumatic double shoulder injury with subsequent surgeries. Below represents 4 key reflections with some quotes I have found valuable on my journey. Hope this provides you some additional perspective and meets you exactly where you are.

1. This too, shall pass. We have all heard this expression and normally it goes unnoticed. When life unfolds, as it always does, our perception of reality shapes how we experience life. The reality is that circumstances in our life come and go, including the challenges. But these challenges, an accident, death of a loved one, etc., along with things that we enjoy, ALWAYS CHANGE. What you love or don’t love today, will change tomorrow…or at some point in the future. Suffering is caused when we cling to “what once was” and/or when we resist “what is now.” Being at one with “what is” vs. “what it could or what we think it should be” helps us move through these times of challenge. “The wise remind themselves that ‘This too shall pass’ even when things are good; the foolish, only when things are bad.” ― Mokokoma Mokhonoana
2. Surrender. This word is often viewed as weak. Surrendering to life exactly how it unfolds is actually one of those most powerful things we can choose to do. Surrender is not the same as apathy. Surrendering to the present moment as it unfolds results in being at one with it. Being at one with now allows us to intentionally respond vs. react. When we respond with intention, our actions, if necessary, are one with what is. Our mental-emotional reactions are patterns in our sub-conscious mind that form over several years and decades. In fact, 95% of what we do is directly influenced by our sub-conscious mind patterns. Thus, why we find change difficult. Having this awareness allows us to bring more intentionality and non-judgmental awareness to our patterned behavior. As soon as we observe and become aware of our “reactions”, that’s it! We are no longer living life in a state of unconscious patterned behavior, but in a state of expanded consciousness. The essence of who we truly are is not all of our unconscious patterned thoughts or behaviors, it is the awareness of them. “The only place where you can experience the flow of life is the Now, so to surrender is to accept the present moment unconditionally and without reservation.” — Eckhart Tolle
3. Gratitude. Whatever we focus on continuously, expands in our life. When we encounter challenges, which each of us have, might be experiencing currently, or will in the future, there is always something to be grateful for. In my case without the use of my arms for a few weeks, I was so fortunate to have my spouse “jump in” without hesitation to help with my daily activities. Yes, that too! The incredible surgeon, nurses, PT, my friends and colleagues who supported me, thank you! The appreciation I felt during the entire course of my recovery is something that is still with me today. It also has enhanced my relationships and appreciation of my body. This experience continues to be both humbling and beautiful at the same time. “If the only prayer you said was ‘thank you,’ that would be enough.” ― Meister Eckhart
4. Consistency > Intensity. This equation was never more true to me than the past year. Were there moments I felt sorry for myself, absolutely. Were there moments where I questioned my body’s ability to heal, of course. But it is amazing what happens when we consistently show up. When our wellbeing (physical, mental, spiritual) is a consistent focus in our lives, we grow. When we experience trauma in our lives, we grow. Our ability to be resilient and grow in midst of challenges, is highly influenced by the daily routines. Our daily routines are the results of taking consistent intentional actions, whether that is to ensure we get enough rest / sleep, hydrate / eat properly, move / stretch our bodies and/or practice stillness / meditation. When these challenges come, which they always do, it allows us to go deeper than before. Please reference a previous article if interested: https://medium.com/@qmjqnnmyq/the-core-4-optimizing-well-being-c052987a415c

In summary, I hope you found a few of these reflections helpful on your journey. No matter what you are experiencing, be kind to yourself and know you are here now, present.

Wishing you continued love, presence and wellbeing.