When the past comes knocking...
I'm writing this as I prepare to travel to Boston.
Something from a previous chapter of my life has resurfaced, and it's something I need to give my time and attention to right now. I can't share much about the circumstances, but I can share a little about what this experience has been bringing up for me.
It's interesting how something happening in the present can bring up feelings from a much earlier time in our lives.
Even when we've done so much work on ourselves.
Even when we've grown, changed, and learned new ways of navigating difficult experiences.
Those old fears, familiar thoughts, and emotional reactions can still find their way back.
And I've been experiencing some of that lately.
I've noticed how easily my mind wants to anticipate what might happen, prepare for every possibility, and somehow find a way to feel in control of an uncertain situation.
I've also been noticing what happens in my body when those thoughts come up.
And I've been reminded, once again, why the work of P.A.U.S.E. matters so much to me.
Sunset over the valley
Sometimes our reactions have a much longer history.
Over the past few weeks, I've been fortunate to have people supporting me through some of these emotions and experiences.
Through conversations, reflection, and several guided visualizations, I've been able to recognize some familiar patterns and explore what might be underneath them.
One of the things that has stood out to me is how easily we can slip back into old ways of thinking and responding, even when we know better.
And perhaps that's where the practice really begins.
Not in expecting ourselves to never be triggered again, but in recognizing what's happening and choosing how we want to meet ourselves in those moments.
I've been reminded that I can acknowledge the feelings coming up without letting them determine what happens next.
And that I don't have to navigate those feelings alone.
I've been incredibly grateful for the people who have listened, held space, and helped me find my footing when my mind wants to run ahead.
It's reminded me how important it is to have people we can lean on, especially when life feels uncertain.
And that's part of why The Village means so much to me.
Family time making cutouts at MakerFair. Ask me if you want to know more about it!
The Village is back! 💖
On Saturday, October 24, at 8 AM PT, we'll gather for our first session of Season 2 of The Village.
Last season, we spent several gatherings exploring the different elements of my P.A.U.S.E. framework. This time, we're bringing everything together.
We'll explore how to recognize a triggering thought, notice what happens in our bodies, understand the emotions and experiences connected to it, and begin offering ourselves the compassion and support we may have needed long ago.
I'll also guide you through a visualization inspired by the practices that have been supporting me recently.
My hope is that you'll leave with a deeper understanding of your own reactions and a practice you can return to when familiar emotions or patterns arise.
As always, The Village is free, virtual, and open to all women.
Whether you've been with us since the beginning or this will be your first gathering, you're welcome.
You don't need to know anything about P.A.U.S.E. beforehand.
Just bring yourself. 💖
As I head into this next week, I'm hoping to return with a little more peace, clarity, and trust in myself.
I don't know exactly how everything will unfold.
But I'm learning that I don't need to know what happens next to begin offering myself the support I need today.
And perhaps that's one of the most meaningful things we can learn to do for ourselves.
Connection begins within. 💖
With love,
Priyanka