Week 40: Nov 13th – 19th, 2023 // Practicing Being Present

It’s easy for me to slip into the mindset of “I’m not doing enough.”  Having lazy days or lazy moments and feeling like I’ve accomplished nothing or haven’t checked off enough of the to-do list.  It’s a vicious cycle to get into – but it’s one of the reasons why I’m grateful to have this weekly check-in to write and reflect on how my weeks unfold.  Because when it comes time for me to read back on my notes from each day, I’m able to put into perspective just how much I’ve actually done, and also allow myself to recognize that even the “small/meaningless” things I did, actually add a lot of value to my life, and are what allow me to have the energy and ability to tackle the bigger things, and invest time back into other aspects of my life.

It's part of the process of learning to slow down and be okay with not always “doing” but rather “being,” and allowing that to fuel you for the things you really want to do/accomplish.   It also allows me the time and energy to connect with the important people in my life.

I’m what you’d call an “extroverted introvert.”  I love being around people, am comfortable enough in social settings, love to connect and dive into deep and meaningful conversations, enjoy socializing – but get easily burnt out when socializing too much, or from having to keep that level of presence and energy turned on.  So, it’s important that I allow myself to have those “lazy moments.”

This week was filled with lots of moments connecting with people, especially people from back home – which felt so nice to catch up and feel that familiar love and support.  I got to have a really lovely call with my Grandparents; had an unexpected call from my sister Kennedy – which turned into a call with both sisters + our Aunty Jody whom I haven’t seen in a year; an unexpected call from a dear friend – Camilo, who is also currently travelling Australia (hoping to finally catch up in the New Year!); and one of my absolute best friends in the whole world – one of my soul friend – Jesamyn.

Living far away from so many people you care about can get complicated – you want to ensure you’re staying in touch as much as you can, remind them how much they mean to you and include them in your life; but also wanting to live as presently as you can.  It’s a fine line between staying connected through technology and keeping up with time zones vs. keeping your phone away to focus on the experiences and people in front of you.

Moments like going for walks to the Sunday Market for grocery shops, playing frisbee at the beach with your new temporary roommates, volunteering at the Vegan Market with Sea Shepherd, visiting local cafés to get work done, giving your friends lifts to the airport, watching old Disney movies, cooking dinners with friends, watching lightning storms from balconies, going for a run for the first time in months, journaling and reading, spending time on personal life admin, getting introduced to your friend’s inner circle and connecting with more like-minded people,.  All the little moments that fill up your days and make up this beautiful life.

It’s been interesting being back in an apartment.  I’ve had moments of missing being in the van and waking up in new places – but I’m also really enjoying getting to dive back into some old routines from when I was living on my own in Vancouver.  It’s also been nice getting to dive into these routines with people who share them though, and feeling that sense of accountability, motivation, and inspiration to dive into things you’ve been a bit afraid to.  

I’ve spent a lot of my energy the past couple years on being incredibly independent – developing tools that allow me to really take care of myself, as well as learning who I am as an individual, without the opinions/perspectives of others.   But with that, it’s closed me out to a lot of other things.  I’m now learning how to soften – a practice that is very new (and wildly uncomfortable + confronting in a lot of ways).  It doesn’t mean letting go of my independence, but rather allowing myself to lean on others when I need it, being open about how I’m truly feeling, and practicing similar routines alongside others.  It's bringing in that sense of community, growing with others, while supporting my own personal development.

These coming weeks are going to be a lot of the same as the above, before I head off to Woodford Dec 11thfor the Woodford Folk Festival, where I’ll be volunteering with the build team and getting to enjoy the festival!

I’ve also updated the “Healing” blog with the new post Reframing "Connections,” where I reflect on an old journal entry talking about the difference between disconnecting vs re-connecting, and how this mindset shifts the way we view our lives. 

I hope you find some value in it and until next time…

Stay passionate and curious.

Hunter💛