Rhythms of Growth
How do we navigate periods of growth in a way that feels true to our essence?
Growth and change is inevitable within this cycle of life that we move through. Something I’ve observed however, is the energy that can sometimes come with it. Growth is seen as a universally good thing- we should seek and pursue it in our relationships, career, personal life and even our yoga practice.
But in a strange way, that perspective can create a lot of noise. Suddenly concepts such as productivity, income and social recognition seem to become synonymous with successful growth.
But what if within all the noise we begin to lose sight of ourselves?
The truth is that growth doesn’t just look like one thing. It doesn’t follow a constant upward trajectory simply because our masculine world tries to manipulate it to do so. It weaves and wonders, much like ivy creeping up a stone wall. It embraces the sacred process of exploring all directions, branching out, growing up and down. In times of winter it rests and all growth pauses (maybe even dies a little), whilst at other times it flourishes with abundance.
There is a lesson in there for us (most likely more than one) - growth moves in accordance to its own sacred rhythm. It cannot be rushed or forced. In fact when we see forced blooms in nature, they are never as fruitful as natural ones.
We all have a journey that is unique to our own essence. But in the process of forcing that path to look like something it isn’t meant to be, we can lose sight of ourselves. If we can find the courage to step away from the noise, its then we can truly discover what our own rhythm of growth is.
A feminine perspective on growth
I often ponder upon what the world would look like if we lived in a matriarchy. I wonder how it might seep into every aspect of our lives filling them with a little more compassion and fluidity.
Perhaps growth wouldn’t be about how productive you could be or what you could achieve. Perhaps a sign of growth would be how deeply you know your authentic self and how rooted you are within her. To grow would be to be able to start to live a life that reflects your deepest values.
I may never get to experience a world like that and alas I may never know. But what I do know is that this feminine perspective is needed. So many of us need the gentle reminder- you aren’t failing if your growth doesn’t look like what you are told it should.
Sometimes, for those of us with the most sensitive souls, the pressure can become paralysing. Deep within us we know it doesn’t feel right, that we are being asked to grow differently.
She noticed that feminine growth moves in spirals
There is a sacred and quieter path of growth. One that doesn’t always shoot upwards towards a final goal. Instead she spirals down- deeper in with herself. Along the way it comes in waves, it ebbs and flows, moves up and down. This growth circles gently, bringing you back to old spaces with new eyes and rooting you deeper with every turn. It draws you deeper into the core essence of what makes you who you are and asks you to plant yourself there. With time, those roots sink deeper and allowing you to bloom and flourish.
The caveat is, that it may not look like what you expect it to. It may be a little quieter, a little more humble and at a glance entirely unimpressive. But what can’t be seen from the outside looking in, is that it is deeply yours and yours alone. There is a deep fulfilment that could never be found elsewhere and a sense of self trust that is unwavering.
I think that carries a certain strength that many of us have forgotten. We need more feminine souls who are brave enough to be uniquely their own, for they inspire others to do the same.
Rhythms of Growth : a theme for April on Soul Shala
It’s the above musings that inspired our new offerings on the Soul Shala this month. We’re moving together through a small, thoughtful collection of classes that invite you to explore your own rhythm of growth - at your own pace, in your own way.
There’s the Authentic Growth Workshop, a Trusting the Process meditation, and a gentle Unfolding yoga practice. Each lovingly created so hold space for you to explore your own rhythm of growth in a way that feels deeply held and feminine.