The soul knows. It does.

As we wrestle with various life conundrums – relationships with others, work directions, past wounds that won’t heal…

..our thoughts meander through the labyrinth of our minds with no apparent way out.

The antidote that works for some, and for me?

Find a quiet space without distraction; formulate a clear and focused question about one’s inner struggle; pick up a pen; and write for 20 minutes without stopping.

The answers come, and they are laser-like in their precision.

It’s what the incarcerated women did this week. Many struggle with what to do about intimate relationships, past abuses, addictions, and next-steps in reentry…

Yet, when directed to offer written advice (as grown women) to the 13-year-old versions of themselves, the insights flow, the advice is powerful, and they sound like yogis in their words of wisdom.

The soul knows. It does. Read on. 
STEP AWAY

Peel your image from the mirror
Step away, to a place
where you do not hear the clock ticking
or car horns blaring
where there is no television –
no ads depicting the so-called perfect woman
step away to a place
where there is no judgment
including your own

Peel your image from the mirror
take all the time you want,
all the time you need,
to decide who this woman is,
to decide who this woman will be
Step away, where all there is are you
and your thoughts

Once you return – there’s one question left unanswered,
do you still see the same image?  –SC

*    *    *

LETTER TO SELF

You think you’re pretty special, but you’re not.  You are a good person, a loving person, a giving person.  You give 100 percent to others.  There is so much in life to explore.  Do what you want.  Don’t let the labels that you give yourself and let others give you contain you.  Keep on being happy and full of joy.  Don’t be afraid.  Set some goals – it is okay if you don’t achieve them.  Push yourself in different directions.  Don’t be boxed in by the framework that you have.

It is okay to be disappointed, afraid.  Push yourself to find different paths.  Challenge yourself.  Be happy with the inside and the outside can follow.

Question, question, question.

Keep on seeing the good in others.  It will make your world a better place.  Think before you speak.  Think about what you are saying and thinking about yourself.

Take pride in your accomplishments, don’t dwell on them; they will fade.

Keep a journal.  Write letters.  Learn to be an articulate speaker.

Learn to cherish those around you.  Make new friends.  Surround yourself with good people that you can emulate and grow with.  Seek insight into your actions.  Seek beauty in nature and appreciate it.  Appreciate all of your senses – be aware. 

Learn new skills.  Practice, practice, practice.

Cherish your past.  Ask questions of your ancestor’s traditions, thoughts, skills, history – anything that rounds out your impressions of them. -AC