On embracing life's cycles and being a witness

Published about 2 months ago • 2 min read

Plunge into Calm

Happy Tuesday! Here is what is inspiring me this week + a new Plunge into Calm date.

Breathe.

One cycle of breath consists of an inhale and an exhale. Or perhaps an exhale followed by an inhale. Either way, there is expansion followed by contraction. Many phenomena follow this same pattern—the universe itself, sound waves, economic cycles, athletic programming, cell division, tidal forces, and I'm sure many more. Our energy throughout the day also goes through periods of natural expansion (highs) and contraction (lows). I personally feel that my creative urges come in bursts of expansion, followed by times when I feel very contracted. I'm learning to trust and respect these ebbs and flows in both literal and creative energy.

What does this look like for me?

For example, I'm trying to take time to put my feet up on the wall, breathe, or do a 10-minute Yoga Nidra-like practice when I feel my energy dwindling, instead of reaching for more coffee or scrolling on my phone.

I read and write every day, but on days when I feel less inspired, I choose a lighter book and don’t worry if my writing is unorganized and incoherent.

There have been many times in my life I’ve pushed myself when I really needed to rest. The cyclical nature of breath and the simple practice of breath awareness are reminding and teaching me to be patient and to wait for the next expansion.

“When we focus on the breath, we are focusing on the life force…To contemplate breathing is to contemplate life itself.”

— Larry Rosenberg

There’s one important point I feel compelled to add. The acceptance and patience I’m advocating for shouldn’t be mistaken for complacency with life or the tendency to quit when things get hard. It doesn’t mean we should sit around and wait for a burst of energy if it hasn’t come in years. If that’s the case, a change is likely needed. It also doesn’t mean I’m neglecting my responsibilities as an employee, parent, or partner. It simply means I stay in the mix, but I'm more intentional about how I spend my energy and approach challenges with acceptance and patience.

Be Human.

Years ago I read The Overstory by Richard Powers, a novel that delves into the deep interconnectedness between humans and the natural world. The book is composed of short, moving stories, each told from a human perspective. It made me reflect on how trees are alive—they grow, reproduce, and eventually die, each with its own life story, much like ours. Yet, unlike us, they lack the awareness or ability to tell their stories. While this could lead into a discussion on quantum mechanics and the Many-Worlds interpretation, that’s not where I’m headed.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what a privilege it is to be human. We are incredibly fortunate to be aware of our existence, our impermanence, and the beauty that surrounds us. This awareness brings with it the responsibility to step out of the stories in our minds and simply be a witness. Perhaps this is part why we exist on this planet—to witness life and tell its story. So, next time you encounter something beautiful in nature, take a moment to truly see it. Consider it part of your life’s purpose to notice and appreciate it.