Last week I mentioned the need to attend to a variety of nourishing activities rather than spending too much unpleasant effort in one area.
This also relates to a conversation a client and I recently had about the importance of how you show up for life.
She used the analogy of a cup. If you show up to X, Y, or Z and your cup is empty, then it has the possibility of being filled with whatever substance is present, or most likely a weird, unpleasant cocktail consisting of emotions and energies that don't belong to you.
If you show up and your cup is full because you had some mindful movement, a healthy snack, and proper sleep you are far less likely to take on what is not yours. Even if your cup is partially full, the other bits will be more diluted.
It's even more problematic if you show up with an empty cup and have unrealistic expectations that the environment satisfies your needs. It would be lovely if all our responsibilities were cup filling, but it's not likely all the time.
The reality is that in some situations we simply need to navigate our way through without giving away our energy or personal power which requires being deeply present and staying in the role of observer. Observer of our sensations, feelings, and thoughts in particular. It's challenging to be the observer when your cup is empty and you are desperate for it to be filled.
The next time you walk into a setting ask yourself...
1. How full is my cup?
2. What am I expecting from this environment?
3. Do I need to be more generous or conservative with my energy?
4. How do I feel when I leave, better or worse?
Remember, it's possible you show up and you, yes YOU, are the most grounded, connected, resilient point of orientation in the room if you have taken the time to do a few simple things to fill your cup first.