The why is simple:
To connect.
Dr Jodie Fleming
I sit in a privileged position where I’m invited into the inner world of the lives of thousands of humans.
This has afforded me the absolute knowing that sharing our story is the greatest gift we can give.
Being Human
Too often, we feel alone in our experiences, as though we are the only one who has ever felt a certain way or thought a particular thought. But the truth is we have all inherited a tricky brain that was not designed by us nor for us.
Even though we as humans developed the ability to think and problem solve and make decisions, there’s a whole part of our brain that functions exactly as it did 70,000 years ago. Sadly for us, the new and the old parts of our brain, simply don’t work well together, leaving us to often feel and respond to fears where there are no threats.
When we realise that others share the same unhelpful stories in their minds, the ones that stop us from falling asleep at night. When we learn that others also have strong desires to avoid similar situations to us, or struggle to concentrate and focus their attention when having to perform, we realise that we are not alone in our humanity.
We come to learn that we are in fact, human.
Choosing vulnerability is the ultimate act of compassion, for ourself and for others. Accepting our humanity, our imperfections, while willingly embracing the messiness of life in all of its unpredictability, allows us to consciously let go of the struggle. Even if only for a moment. The cultivation of a state of mind grounded in equanimity is the key to flourishing, regardless of what is happening in the world around you.
When we grow to accept our emotions, our patterns of thought, our behaviours and experiences all belong to being human, not only can we forgive ourselves, but we can also know that we are not alone. We can come to understand that what we struggle with, everyone else struggles with too. Allowing for the possibility that our experiences may simply be normal reactions to abnormal events. Acknowledging that we are already perfect and whole, exactly as we are.
How do you spend most of your day?, I was asked once. Reassuring others that there is nothing ‘wrong’ with them and that their experiences are common, and that there are many ways that I can help to lessen the struggle, was my reply. Connecting on an authentic, human level, is what gives my life meaning.
Connections are why I sit with you; walk beside you; retreat with you; share my stories with you; and, work with you.
It’s my ‘why’. Let me help you discover yours.
