“How Are You?”
That’s the most loaded question in the English language. Most of us treat it like a dodge ball game. “Fine,” “Great,” “All right.” But, what if the answer is “Life sucks right now”? Too often, we don’t go there given the risk that it opens up a conversation for which we don’t have the time or energy. So, we offer a half-smile and say we’re okay.
Lately, I’ve been saying, “I’m raw and imperfect,” and that feels just right to me. It may be my answer for the rest of my life and THAT might just be perfect. Pretending that life is always great is as futile as trying to handcuff a hurricane. Our best days are only that because they’re in comparison with our worst days.
“What exists, exists so that it can be lost and become precious.”
- Lisel Mueller
In Baja, we start our MEA workshops with a visit from our shaman, Saul, who tells us his story of how he went from being an accountant, jeweler, and designer to becoming a unique human who miraculously taps into spiritual wifi. You might call this talk, “Congratulations, Saul, you’ve lost everything.” He lost his material possessions in midlife, but found his calling and that which gives meaning to his life. If you’d asked Saul, “How are you?” at his worst moment, he would have started to cry, but he couldn’t see what was coming. He just needed a little love, faith and intention. We all need that, don’t we?
Musician Jon Batiste articulates the dual nature of facing life's challenges while holding onto faith: “You have to confront the brutal facts of reality that you might not pull it off, while at the same time having completely unwavering faith. And you've got to do both at the same time.” I can relate as I’ve worried that I might not “pull off” 2024 on so many levels.
I have faith that my medical team has done all they can to prepare me for what’s going to be a radical rollercoaster of a year: the launch of a new book, the launch of our MEA Santa Fe campus, all kinds of media and speeches, and my most active private and public workshop year since we opened MEA - all with the backdrop of a world and my body in turmoil…I pray for healing for both. Just this morning, I booked a few 2024 stays at the mineral springs Ojo Caliente near Santa Fe, not far from where I’ll rub Holy Dirt on myself at El Sanctuario de Chimayo. When I’m “driving hard,” I need to “saunter soft” to balance that energy.
So, how are you? I’m raw and imperfect. What feels “just right” to you?
-Chip
P.S. I’m thrilled to be joining Denise Pope, the co-founder of Challenge Success for a free, thought-provoking fireside chat as we delve into the complex concept of success from intergenerational viewpoints. "Success Reimagined" brings together individuals of different ages and backgrounds to discuss and explore life's purpose and the evolving definition of success in our rapidly changing world.
Register here: https://challengesuccess.org/success-reimagined-registration/. Hope you can join us.
