weekly: the truth about contentment
Contrary to what most people think, contentment doesn’t mean we douse our dreams and "give up". Or become doomed to a life of thinking small and blending in.
It's more empowering than that.
What if I told you contentment is actually a sign of dreaming big?
Hear me out…
The state of being contented means being at ease or satisfied.
It also means the power of containing or holding capacity.
Our capacity for brilliance as divine beings is unlimited.
When we understand our power of containing or holding capacity we no longer feel the need to prove or force what we want.
Rather we attract what we want as a natural by-product of residing in gratitude, confidence, and joy.
Potential vs. capacity
Notice how the word capacity is being used here instead of potential.
In the spiritual world, "potential" is thrown around a lot and causes a lot of pressure.
In A Return To Love Marianne Williamson says:
“Potential can be a dangerous concept. We can use it to terrorize ourselves, to live in the future instead of in the present, to set ourselves up for despair by constantly measuring ourselves against what we think we could be rather than what we are. Until we’re perfect masters, it is by definition impossible to live up to our potential. Our potential always remains something we’re only capable of living later.”
She then further explains, “Capacity is expressed in the present. It is immediate.”
A more empowering view
Capacity is more empowering because it’s about owning what we have right now in the present.
Rather than being paralyzed by the possibilities in an unknown future.
Sometimes we feel we have so many choices available we freeze.
We try to figure out which road leads to fulfilling our “potential” and don't move.
Whereas capacity allows us to see what we’re capable of now.
We start.
We move.
Of course, we’ll be better tomorrow than today but it’s important to get going.
Williamson brilliantly says, “The difference between those people ‘living their potential’ and those who don’t, is not the amount of potential itself, but the amount of permission they give themselves to live in the present.”
This is the second in a two-part series based on Wayne Dyer’s four messages of alignment from his book, Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling.
I recently picked up this book and felt inspired to share it with you, with the last two of the four ways Spirit beckons us to align with us again: alignment with events, and alignment with people.
Good Thinking
I allow myself to shine, blossom fully, and show up powerfully in the present.
Good Action
Take yourself on an artist date.
This sparks creativity and fills the well of inspiration.
It can look like lunch, wandering a bookstore, or watching a matinee.
Whatever you like!
Good Question
Move up the ladder to higher vibrations by writing at the top of a blank page and see what flows from your pen (no judgment or editing!):
What is my favorite way to create? How can I lean into it more often?
Good Book
Energy Type: Masculine
After starting a podcast episode with Ryan Holiday and James Clear it reminded me of how great Atomic Habits is.
I'm the kind of person who needs to understand the 'why' behind something before doing it 😆.
When it comes to improving our habits Atomic Habits by James Clear satiated that need and left me feeling empowered.
Not only does Clear explain how habits work and why we have bad ones. But he also gives easy tips for creating new ones. Like tacking a new habit onto one that already exists.
Our lives are literally a composition of the small actions we do every day. We can automate the results we want by being intentional with our habits. If you haven't read this yet it's a must!
Sparks of Joy
Rainy days: Last week, when my family and I left Home Goods the sky started dumping buckets of rain out of nowhere. With no umbrellas in tow, we decided to run home. Partway, we stopped under the scaffolding of a building, waited for a pause, then kept running. Let’s say my nap dress and Birkenstocks were soaked to the bone. Oddly the moment felt fun. Usually, our phones tell us everything ahead of time. It was nice to live in the moment.
Detective shows: We watched Black Bird on Apple+ and it had me hooked from episode one. I love shows that delve into the psyche of crime. It's dark. But an incredible story.
New notebook: I found one that spoke to me at Home Goods. A fresh journal speaks to me on a level like nothing else.
Holiday decor: Every year my husband and I pick out one or two new Halloween decorations for our home. It's one of my favorite traditions.
Extra Goodies
Good Read: Women are in the midst of a revolutionary reckoning with our ambitions. (Elle)
Good Quote: The difference between capacity and potential from Marianne Williamson in A Return to Love:
“The difference between those people ‘living their potential’ and those who don’t, is not the amount of potential itself, but the amount of permission they give themselves to live in the present.”
Good Wear: We love a good dad hat. Especially ours in this dreamy blue. Get yours yet?
Good Cozy: Oh and can't forget our cozy crew neck sweatshirt. Perfect for that tea-sipping, quiet morning routine vibe.
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