I used to think that when I was out of integrity I was not walking my own talk and my thoughts were not in alignment with my beliefs and values.
That when my thinking and actions weren’t aligned, I was letting myself down in some away, and not honoring my best self.
And then I woke up recently and experienced it differently… 
The signs of being out of integrity were the same. For me, its an icky uncomfortable feeling in my gut. I’ve come to recognize this as my unconscious letting me know that something isn’t right. There is something to discover within.
When this feeling happens I ask myself two questions and then tune in for an answer.
1. Am I feeling fearful? ….I didn’t defect any fear. There were no anxious thoughts or worries.
2. Am I out of integrity?…. and I couldn’t see anything “wrong”. I wasn’t letting myself down by being out of alignment with my thoughts and actions. Usually there’s something that comes up – like avoiding exercise, over eating, trying to get out of a commitment I regretted having made, or feeling bad because I was snippy with someone when I was focused elsewhere. This time it made no sense whatsoever. But there was no “bad” deed or self denial to be dug up and exposed.
So what was going on?
I decided to set aside time to be with myself for mindful yoga and meditation. I moved gently and then simply sat. Being fully present and open to see what would show up.
As I did, I felt a gentle wave of warm loving energy and a softening around my heart. A small voice without words seemed to say “Ah here you are. I’ve missed you.”
The well intentioned judge left the building and was replaced by pure loving kindness. I gave it space to be and to grow. It moved through my very being. Enfolding me and nurturing my spirit.
Then I saw that this is what had been missing. I had been sick with vertigo and not practicing yoga or meditation.
I had spent my time sleeping and healing. But I had not come home to myself in this way…. finding my Middle Ground.
My realization is this:
Before I would judge myself as in some way as being “wrong”, and then I would make it “right” by changing how I was behaving or thinking. My judge is well intentioned, but sees things as right or wrong and can be very critical.
When we let go of the judge, a loving connection with ourselves can seed itself and grow. Harmony is found again and everything is aligned once more with life and the world.
Now I know that when I am out of integrity then I am not being kind to myself.
It’s not about changing my thinking and actions, its about opening my heart and connecting to my Self.
Aaaahhh … now this feels awesome 🙂
Namaste
So fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
Peace, always.
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Thank you Allison for stopping by. I’m touched that this resonates with you. Val x
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Wow! How powerful!
I was talking to a friend today who was feeling very snowed in and overwhelmed, and I told her that I’ve had to teach myself to stop, physically and mentally, when I have those feelings and take stock. Stop and just stand there, just be IN the moment and breathe. This post is a good reminder that we all can use quiet moments in the day to let love and joy enter and connect with ourselves.
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You go girl!
Or should that be
You pause girl!!
Thank you for sharing.
Val x
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How insightful Val! I love how self-aware you are. ❤
Diana xo
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Thank you Diana for your kind words. 🙂
Its so wonderful to have you in this blogging community.
Val x
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Really a great post Val, I will try to do the same next time I have this feeling. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thank you Irene. Listening to that inner voice takes a loving ear and practice. You are already more than half way there 🙂
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Thanks Val. I do my best to live in peace and listen to the inner voice. I like to be inspired and learn new.
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Beautiful post, Val. Glad you found your way back to the middle ground.
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Thank you Nancy 🙂 … and it was just where I left it. So easy to forget and misplace the most important things in life sometimes.
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A great post Val. I warm to Your last paragraph…”It’s not about…” 🙂
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Thank you Don. I’m so glad you can relate to this too!
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This resonates very strongly, Val. I’ve always felt a need to keep thoughts and actions aligned ~ writing or walking in soothing places is my way!
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Thank you for your insight Jean.
Yes – thought and actions and connecting to our inner self.
Val x
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My husband and I were just talking about judging ourselves. We tend to overlook ourselves much too often in applying compassion. I love that you have resonated our discussion here. (PS I get vertigo too….it’s another learning experience!)
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Thanks for sharing here! love synchronicity at work 🙂
This was my first vertigo experience with a sinus infection …. it was indeed a learning experience. A big thing was when I realized how fast I usually moved!
Val x
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This post really made me think about those feelings I have sometimes that I could have done things better than I did. (The judge). Your method of self-compassion and self-acceptance is enlightening.
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Thank you Elizabeth. When we judge past actions it can become a ball and chain to the past, and prevent us from being fully in the present. Becoming a compassionate observer lets us open our heart to self kindness and accepting our flaws and own humanity.
Val x
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