Flowing and Growing Through Life
The process of becoming
Once again, we come full circle to the summer solstice—a time to reflect on cherished memories, and to nurture hopes and dreams for this season of the year and for this season of your life.
Nature, in its seamless cycles, offers us profound lessons on transformation. The transition from one season to another, the rhythm of day turning into night, and the calming of storms all illustrate that change is not an abrupt event but a continuous process. Each element in nature plays its part in an ongoing dance of transformation. A fallen leaf decomposes and enriches the soil, which in turn nourishes new plants. Similarly, a pine cone can either nurture wildlife or give rise to a new tree. These natural processes highlight that what seems like an end is merely a step in the journey of becoming.
Personal Evolution and Self-Discovery In our own lives, we frequently encounter moments that compel us to reflect on who we are and who we are becoming. Challenges, milestones, and pivotal events serve as catalysts for introspection and growth. These experiences often prompt us to question our identity and our path.
The Concept of Un-Becoming Paul Coehlo, author of “The Alchemist” wrote, “Maybe the journey isn’t so much about becoming anything. Maybe it’s about un-becoming everything that isn’t really you, so you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.” The idea of “un-becoming” suggests shedding layers of ourselves that are not aligned with our true essence. It is about letting go of societal expectations, conditioned behaviors, and false identities that obscure our true nature. By un-becoming, we create space to rediscover our authentic selves.
Embracing True Nature Discovering or rediscovering our true nature involves deep introspection and a willingness to confront and release what no longer serves us. It requires us to tune into our inner voice and values, and to live in alignment with our authentic self. This journey of becoming involves showing up in life in a way that reflects our true nature, be it in health, relationships, or other life circumstances.
Practical Steps for Transformation
- Mindfulness and Reflection: Regular practices of mindfulness and reflection can help us stay connected with our true selves. Journaling, meditation, and spending time in nature are effective ways to cultivate awareness.
- Letting Go: Identify and release beliefs, habits, and patterns that do not resonate with your true self. This can be a gradual process, requiring patience and self-compassion.
- Embracing Change: View challenges and changes as opportunities for growth. Embrace them with an open mind and heart, trusting in the process of transformation.
- Nurturing Relationships: Surround yourself with people who support and inspire your journey of becoming. Positive relationships can provide encouragement and perspective.
- Living Authentically: Make choices that align with your values and true nature. This might involve setting boundaries, pursuing passions, or taking risks that feel right for you.
- Sound and Connection at the YOUniversity: Our bodies, like finely tuned instruments, resonate with the vibrations of life around us. By aligning ourselves with these natural frequencies, we can achieve a state of harmony and balance. Modern science and ancient wisdom both emphasize the importance of this alignment, highlighting techniques that transform energy, promote wellness, and foster deep connections. At the YOUniversity, we offer two unique experiences that merge modern science and ancient wisdom to transform energy and promote wellness: Sound “Bath” Journeys and “Joyful Rhythms” Drum Circles.
By embracing the concept of un-becoming, we open ourselves to the endless possibilities of who we can become. Just as nature transforms, so do we, continually evolving and becoming more aligned with our true selves.
BeYOUtiful!
Check out our upcoming Sound Journeys, Drum Circles, and Retreats to support you throughout each season of your life!
Offered year-round in Baywood-Los Osos, CA and various locations in San Luis Obispo County. Visitors to the beautiful central coast of CA are welcome!
Public and custom private events!
~Dee DiGioia, Founder of “Mindful Kindful YOUniversity” / Sound Healing Practitioner / Drum Circle Facilitator / Mindfulness & Life Skills Guide for Well-being through Nature Connectedness Retreats
~ Additional Inspirations ~
Everything in the universe changes energy all the time. What falls apart becomes source. It’s an exchange. There’s no judgment. There’s no positive or negative. It’s just energy transforming.
Let Nature and the elements support you.
Engage in the practice of releasing dense, heavy energy. Allow the wind to carry it away, let it drift downstream in a river, transform it through the power of fire, or compost it into the earth. In exchange, invite lighter, transformational energy to enter your being. Feel nourished and renewed by this natural process of release and renewal. ~ Dee DiGioia
“What if the task is simply to unfold, to become who you already are in your essential nature: gentle, compassionate and capable of living fully and passionately present?” ~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer
“When you go out into the woods, and you look at trees, you see all these different trees. And some of them are bent, and some of them are straight, and some of them are evergreens, and some of them are whatever. And you look at the tree and you allow it. You see why it is the way it is. You sort of understand that it didn’t get enough light, and so it turned that way. And you don’t get all emotional about it. You just allow it. You appreciate the tree.
The minute you get near humans, you lose all that. And you are constantly saying ‘You are too this, or I’m too this.’ That judgment mind comes in. And so I practice turning people into trees. Which means appreciating them just the way they are.” ~Ram Dass
“The obstacle in the path becomes the path. Never forget, within every obstacle is an opportunity to improve our condition. Each time, you’ll learn something. Each time, you’ll develop strength, wisdom, and perspective. Each time, a little more of the competition falls away. Until all that is left is you: the best version of YOU.” ~Ryan Holiday
“When all is said and done, life is the real curriculum. Life itself is the real curriculum. And how we are in relationship to this very moment is the real meditation practice.” ~Jon Kabat-Zinn