The tricky part is learning to listen and understand her language.
Here I am, the artist (uncomfortably pretending to be a businesswoman) at a power luncheon, surrounded by real businesswomen, hungrily networking and selling.
I’ve always found this town confusing. Built on a marshy bog at the inter-section of warring tribes— it’s never felt like home to me.
After many years, I’m back in Chicago. My mom needs support. My dad recently died. And I must work (for my sanity and financial comfort).
I find a seat next to a friendly-looking woman. We chat. She tells me all about her financial planning business. I love hearing other people’s stories. They get so full and animated and take the spotlight off me in an open-hearted, safe way.
The dreaded question comes, “what do you do”?
The world stops, my brain drains, my mouth opens and miraculously words pour out.
“I teach body wisdom skills, that offer real-life tools for transformation. When life feels overwhelming and is filled with stress and anxiety, my work can help, a lot.”
She leans in with interest. You see, she’s a 40-something-year-old mom, wife, and financial advisor drowning in overwhelming stress and anxiety.
We talked long into the afternoon.
That was 5 years ago. Today, we continue our work together. Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, market instabilities, family upheavals, and health issues, her life continues to evolve and transform.
Learning to slow down, pause, and deeply listen (in a present-moment body wisdom way) is the tool.
From the fluctuating financial markets to her client’s fears, and family’s desires, her gaze has shifted from worrying about possible future scenarios to experiencing the present moment.
Learning to slow down, pause, and listen (in a present-moment body wisdom way) is a great way to enjoy life!