It’s Time To Be Gentle: Teachings From the Jungle

I recently spent some time in Maui and had the privilege of hiking through a jungled mountain. The teachings were immense and deep.

As I was hiking up this mountain in my Inkkas Sandals (because that’s how I love to hike if not barefoot!) it started getting very muddy and wet the higher I went into the mist. I was slipping and sliding but was able to stay upright and as I looked at next climb ahead of me, how steep it was and muddy and was trying to calculate my steps to stay as safe as possible the Jungle spoke to me.

It told me that in the natural world there is the perfect amount of resistance as it highlighted a new plant growing from the ground. It showed me that there is the perfect amount of force as it showed me the water from the waterfall hitting the ground and pool of water below. It showed me there is the perfect amount of friction naturally created in the World as I feel into my heart beating or my eyelids opening and closing.

I don’t need to add any more.

When I add more resistance, force or friction, it is more than is needed, which is why I feel it so intensely. when my muscles hurt, or my heart is heavy or I can’t catch my breathe. All of these things will happen naturally as I move through Life. Hiking, Paddle Boarding, falling in Love, losing someone I love, death, birth, Life…all of these naturally create resistance, friction and force that serves. I don’t have to add to it.

When I hike, yes that is adding to the naturally occuring resistance, friction and force in Life but I also come across very noticable moments where I know it is time to stop…and I don’t. You know what I’m talking about and if you say you don’t, then I think a practice in presence is needed! Haha! The jungle gave me permission I didn’t know I needed.

Permission to be gentle. Permission to not add to the distress that naturally occurs in Life and instead stop pushing when my Joy begins to diminish. Stop and savor the Joy. Slow down and breathe in the Bliss. Experience this epic Life I have created instead of just non stop creating.

I was being initiated into Island Time. I was experiencing what is called “‘aina”. The literal translation is Land but the essence of the word is “that which feeds”.

I was being fed Medicine I didn’t know I needed.

Now my work, or practice I should say, is to bring the Island Time back here to my day to day. When there are so many different requests for my attention, time, energy and money. To practice spending time experiencing what I create just as much if not more than the time I spend creating. To learn how to surrender and embody the trust I have that I am provided for and supported always and in all ways.

I will end this story the way I end and begin each round of my moon and sun salutations.

Thank you for this Life
Thank you for this Death
Thank you for allowing me to die
So I may Live
Let’s begin again.

Aloha Sacred Wild Ones,
Jenn