Nothing Stays the Same

Three weeks ago I began to write this post. As I came back to it, I realized that nothing stays the same. When we address what is going on inside of us, we can shift our experience of the world.

green dragonfly on tree branch

The dragonfly is a symbol of transformation and change. Photo by Ryan Delfin on Pexels.com

All around me people seem to be getting back into their social lives. Next door is having a birthday party. It started with kiddies enjoying themselves in the pool, then more family members and friends joining in with karaoke.

I feel apart. I can’t imagine having that much fun these days. Friends are moving away. Family is across the ocean. My community of likeminded souls in Kripalu is closed for the rest of the year. I am home in a lovely place with a man who is struggling right now. Lets face it, the cancer diagnosis and treatment over 4 years has taken its toll.

The vibrancy and appreciation of life has diminished. There is gratitude for being here … Yet the celebration has died.

We lost our middle dog Dilys, two weeks ago. She was such a bright spirit and cheeky wee dog. She made me smile, and still does with all those memories. The older dog Meghan isn’t doing well and has to take a lot of meds and special food to prevent kidney failure. Teddy, the young boy is enjoying the attention and becoming quite the man about the house. There is calm.

I tell myself “My external world has shrunk. I must ignite my inner world if I am to get through this.”

This was a notice to deep within. It’s time to acknowledge and accept fully what is happening right now. It’s time to ask myself what I can do to become excited and inspired once again! Can I relax enough to allow the opening of my heart instead of the evaluating and somewhat judging mind?

As part of my ongoing Retreat approach to this time, I had enrolled in two online experiences for July. The first was a 6 week writing experience and sharing with Roger Housden and a group of fellows on their own path to explore their inner world and awakening through writing.

The second, was a one day retreat with Jonathan Foust on self inquiry as part of the spiritual path.

Well folks, I am happy to report that both have ignited something that is ready to be expressed and to be celebrated. I am writing again, reaching out to others, and finding laughter and joy in my days. In the highs and lows of life, I have rediscovered contentment.

May we all find our way to live from our heart and our Middle Ground.

Namaste

 

64 thoughts on “Nothing Stays the Same”

  2. AmyRose🌹 says:

    Val, I have been feeling as you are. My world has shrunk, my excitement for life has waned, and I’m not sure right now how to exist in a world that I don’t recognize. I as well as you am not in the mood for celebration. Too much horror has been witnessed and first you I suspect require healing before the joy and zest for life return. BIG (((HUGS)))!!! xo

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    • Val Boyko says:

      Thank you Amy. My zest has returned. I couldn’t make it happen, but I was able to let it happen by really taking time to look inward and open my heart to everything that’s going on. It’s a painful time for the world. Take good care 💕

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  6. Louise Gallagher says:

    OH Val! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    I too have been feeling this angst you describe so poignantly. And then… I read this post and in particular, this line, “My external world has shrunk. I must ignite my inner world if I am to get through this.”

    so powerful and beautiful and inspiring.

    Thank you.

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  7. Vicki says:

    So glad to hear you are feeling more positive and finding more joy in your day, Val.

    No matter how much we try to keep positive in these difficult times, it’s inevitable that some issues are going to try and pull us down.

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  11. Dilip says:

    My deepest condolences for your losses Val 😔. Igniting the inner world is the best retreat in which one can invoke peace. It is our inner being which remains unaffected to a large extent from the uncertainty and volatility happening around.
    Wish you peace and happiness. 🧘‍♂️

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  13. Tisha Baldwin Howe says:

    Val, once again you have spoken my heart. You echoed what so many of us our feeling. You are always there for everyone else. I am so grateful that you caretaking care of yourself. Miss you.

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  14. Chatter Master says:

    I can relate on some levels Val. I’m sorry to hear of the difficulties of life. I am understanding of that needed ignition. I am grateful for the small sparks I find. I don’t look for or expect large ones. And the small ones sure do light things up. 🙂 Best wishes to you both.

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  20. ljpaul5b3g says:

    Some days I think about a quote about change. It is neither good nor bad just change. Sometimes I can look at all the things that I have moved through and see the positive outcome. I know that I would not be who I am today without all the struggles to help mold me. And I love who I am. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope that your days bring joy.

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  21. ljpaul5b3g says:

    I should have added, Thank you for sharing your experiences, reading about your journey is inspiring me to look for the positive things in my life and the blessings that come from them. Reading back I saw that I forgot to add that part.

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  22. D. Wallace Peach says:

    I have this vision of you, Val, as a wise woman who goes with the flow and is in a state of serenity at all times. Of course, I know that’s silly and your life isn’t without struggles. But you do inspire. Your commitment to growth and compassion always has something to offer me, a new way of viewing challenges, and in this post, a reminder that each of us has the ability to take the active steps to facilitate change. I’m so glad you feel renewed energy and focus. And thank you for sharing your journey. ❤

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    • Val Boyko says:

      Thank you Diana for your kind words and insights. This is one of the insights I have been having recently. People see the grounded calm guide and think that I don’t struggle. Yet I do have struggles… and am still learning how to be with them. Thank you for being here Diana 💕

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  23. Olga says:

    Happy to hear that life didn’t break you and you have found your way. My condolences also on the loss of a beloved pet. Sorry to hear about your hubby’s difficult journey. He’s blessed to have you by his side. The journey of inner reflection through writing has been my friend also, to find some peace when things are seemingly falling apart around me. Thank-you for sharing your story, Val.

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  24. Carrie Cannady says:

    Val, I send you love and blessings as your world reopens from within. I can hardly wait to see what you bring forth. My heartfelt condolences for your middle companion (dog). It’s hard to lose these unconditionally loving little ones. And in these times, it feels devastating. Thank you for sharing your journey in these times. We can all find something for ourselves in the sharing of your vulnerability. Sending blessings for your husband and your other dogs. 💜🙏🏻

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  25. Ann Coleman says:

    You certainly have been through, and are still going through, a rough time. It’s no wonder you were feeling down. I’m glad that you have found the inner strength to reach out again, through writing and whatever else helps you. Take care, Val!

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  26. Ali Grimshaw says:

    Val,
    Your story is inspiring. I am so glad that you reached out for what you needed to keep your light burning brightly.
    As a social dancer I have learned to connect with others in different ways. Who knows when I will be able to rejoin my dance communities. After grieving this a bit. I decided to work with what I had. During the start of quarantine I began to create online writing groups. This has been a gift in so many ways, including creating community beyond geographic boundaries. Instead of traveling I am writing with people all over the world. Who knew?
    Thank you for your ongoing wisdom. Please keep on sharing.
    Wishing you wellness,
    Ali

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  27. Michele Anderson says:

    Perfect title Val. One of the hardest lessons in life for me to learn has been: “Nothing Stays the Same.” Beings of all kinds move on and each day can change direction in an instant. This can be good if things are not going well at present, but not so good if you like the way things are. Learning to go with the flow and not having expectations in my life has helped me tremendously. Thank you for such a beautiful post.

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  30. Sue Dreamwalker says:

    Dearest Val, who is always and has always been there for others, my heart goes out to you and healing thoughts to the man in your life my friend… So sorry to hear of Dilys, our pets are a huge part of our family..
    I have no such worries and problems like you to contend with but the collective right now is bringing up so much for so many on so many different levels… Sometimes it is overwhelming..
    And why for a time I have retreated back into natures balm to regain my balance… A post waiting to be shared perhaps of those feelings.. And insights of what I have also learnt about myself these past few weeks Val..
    Writing our thoughts, emotions, and sharing with others is therapy in itself and in doing so we often find similar stories of others who are reaching out with their words…

    I am pleased your focus and attention is being directed into new learning skills, and that you are finally finding new strength and enthusiasm in life dear Val..

    May you find that internal peace within again dearest Val, we are all of us being affected right now in so many deep ways, and those of us who are sensitive I am certain are feeling it very deep right now..

    Lots of love my friend… Sending Hugs your way… Love Sue ❤ 💚🙏🌈💖

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