Who Am I Without You

Written By Kari Lyons

November 2024 Blog-

Greetings friends, “what do you feel and where do you feel it?” One of my well-used Mindfulness prompts seemed appropriate today, post-election.

The range of emotions and reactions I’m hearing from my community is vast.  And wherever you find yourself, can be a moment for reflection and growth.  

Whether your affiliated with red or blue or somewhere else, when we are asked to choose our leaders, we draw deep into our beliefs and values—the core of who we feel we are as humans. And it’s here the great divide forms, believing that “we” are not like “them.” Splitting the world and our community into those like us and those not like us.  For some, the divide goes even further, into categories of “friends” and “enemies.”  

Even though as humans we are All capable of friendliness, acceptance, rage and hate, we draw a hard line that makes “us” right and good and “others” as wrong and bad.  I have no magic for righting the state of divide in our community, country or world, but what I do have is my heart and some lived experience with closing down, judgment and “othering.”

The main way I come back to my heart, (or my senses) is to ask myself this question:

  • “What do I gain by shutting down my heart to them?” (whomever we identify as the other)

    followed by…

  • “Is this who I want to be? Does closing down in judgment align with my values and life”

    if you answered no that’s not who I am nor want to be, then ask…

  • “How can I expand my body-mind-heart to be a bridge for unity & connection—not a barrier?”

Anytime we feel emotionally raw or activated is a good time to 1.) reflect in a place where you feel the most safe and feel all your feels, followed by 2.) draw in towards your community—to receive the support of your team. To be cared for and reminded of the richness of human connection.

This month I want to share out, as a deep gratitude, the members of my professional healing team. I’ve been building this team since I landed back in my home town some 14 years ago and am happy to report that these men and women have become my fearless allies and supporters, as a small business owner and as a human—a human who is always leaning into the edges of her humanness.

These are people who I see for my own healthcare, who I call on for personal or professional consults, cups of tea, chocolate tastings, who hang my flyers, “like” my social posts, and make referrals to my business.  

These are people who’s work I have personally experienced and who’s integrity and hearts are strong and pure.  These are people who are human—willing to make mistakes, learn and grow, laugh and cry, and call on their own community when they need it.

I share these fabulous humans with you so that you can also know about their work and perhaps call on them to enhance your own growth and healing. Beyond their professional training, they are tuned in to what is needed for someone as an individual— not as a protocol. When you are in their presence, you are seen, cared for, and fully supported.

Their service and their presence in our community (and mine) makes my heart sing with contentedness, gratitude and love.

Be the change, by surrounding yourself with others who believe in change!

*Join an educational experience this month with those listed in orange!

With Deep Gratitude for this life and my Team ~

Kari

Kari Lyons
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