This post springs forth from the one a couple of days ago about kindness. For, as I have learned myself, where we have open-ness and kindness, it can't be limitless, we also have to have boundaries. In order to not feel worn out or taken for granted, we need to decide what our limits are, what we let in and out, what we give our energy to, and also what we don't. This is in order to preserve, and look after, ourselves.
I love the Idea of the systems within our bodies appearing at microcosmic level, also having a much larger, wider, or significant relevance within our lives. For example, take a single cell. The body is composed of trillions of these, and there are around 200 different types. Water makes up about two thirds of the weight cells.
All cells have a membrane. The membrane is the outer layer that holds cells together. The most important property of the cell membrane is its selective permeability: some substances can pass through it freely, but others can't. Just like a cell, we have the ability to choose what we let in, and what we don't, or what we let go of.
It is a practice, I feel it's life long, in identifying where our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual limits are. Considering what makes us feel comfortable and what makes us feel uncomfortable and stressed. What makes us feel resentful? And on the other hand what makes us feel good and appreciated? Practising saying "no" clearly to the things which create these feelings within us, as much as possible without guilt. Seeking support where needed if a second opinion would be useful (I do this - with friends, and with a counsellor). Practising being assertive rather than taken for granted.
It's a process, one that I have very much needed to put into practice. I've found there's a beauty is in figuring it out! This, for me, is very much a part of my unfolding yoga practice - a practice of self awareness.
Next post will be : a breathing practice to focus on the feeling of our "outer layer" - our boundary. Perhaps useful for people who feel they could do with setting clearer boundaries.
Thanks to inspiration from a conversation with @marthahenneman
