The Tenderness of Being Human
Great Day!
How are you doing today? I am feeling inspired to write another newsletter to share some juicy bits.
This past week, life offered me a series of small moments that have stayed with me.
A business card discovery on my windshield with written words saying, amazing energy. The triggered emotions of witnessing a momma duck and 12 babies crossing a rainy busy hwy. Saving a cute little mouse that my kitties decided to bring inside to play with. Rescuing an ant in my toilet after I peed lol and helping a beautiful injured bumble bee. (I’m not sharing all of this to be like “ look at me and all the good things I am doing, I am a good person and I have to tell everyone” lol) I am pointing to something very human here.
While experiencing these moments, my heart was bursting with feelings of gentleness, sweetness, gratitude and inspiration. I just love this planet so much. Nature is absolutely stunning in every way.
Within a very brief time after witnessing the momma duck and its babies crossing a busy hwy, pulling over and praying that they all make it safely, I found myself judging someone as they parked at the superstore parking lot. The inner critic saying what a f-ing idiot. I find this so humorous as I am sure you can relate to this. One moment you are being all loving and caring and then the next minute, freaking out at the way someone is driving. Or may be you can’t relate and I am the weirdo lol
“Life isn’t asking us to be perfect. Life is asking us to present.” Treenz
One moment our hearts are breaking open with compassion.
The next, we’re muttering under our breath in traffic.
For many years, I thought healing meant becoming less human.
Less emotional.
Less reactive.
Less imperfect.
What I’m beginning to discover is that healing may actually mean becoming more human.
More willing to feel.
More willing to laugh.
More willing to witness our judgements without turning them into our identity.
More willing to love the messy contradictions that live within us all.
Perhaps wisdom is not found in eliminating our humanity.
Perhaps wisdom is found in embracing it.
The tenderness.
The irritation.
The compassion.
The laughter.
All of it belongs.
“A tender heart is not a weakness. It is a sign that we have stopped protecting ourselves from life.” Treenz
This week, I was reminded that my heart is opening.
Not because life is perfect.
Not because I have everything figured out.
But because I noticed.
I noticed the ducks.
I noticed the card.
I noticed the kindness.
I noticed the judgements.
I noticed my laughter.
Life is constantly speaking to us through ordinary moments.
The invitation is to simply pay attention.
And maybe, just maybe, to laugh a little more often.
For more reflections, images and experiences from Africa, you’re welcome to visit Iboga Journey on Instagram.
@IbogaJourney
And if you feel inspired to give, there is a beautiful farming community in Cameroon rebuilding after a devastating bush fire. Any support is deeply appreciated, Basse
https://gofund.me/37a1be3d
Question to ponder…
What parts of yourself are still waiting to be seen? What have you hidden away because it felt safer to carry shame, guilt, grief, anger or fear in the shadows?
Iboga has a unique way of illuminating what has been tucked away, not to punish us, but to invite us back into wholeness.
Sometimes the medicine isn’t found in what we discover, but in what we finally stop running from.
Much love and appreciation to you all.
With gratitude,
Basse,
Treenz
Are you ready to experience the Master of Plants?
Upcoming Session Dates
July 10-12 Space Available
August 7-9 Space Available
Sept 7-12 Women’s Veteran Retreat
Sept 25-27 Space Available
Self Application Kambo Course Available Upon Request
Private Kambo, Jaguar and Iboga sessions available
www.ibogajourney.ca
woodistruth@proton.me
