Oh Joy Begin

Sometimes I get nervous at the edge of the unknown.

Facilitating new content.
Presenting to a new audience.
Writing new copy. 

I get all up in my head about how to be, what to do, where to start. 

Sometimes, especially lately, I just try to feel and allow the discomfort without trying to push it away.
Not always easy, especially on a deadline, but shockingly effective at opening up a more inspiring space.

And sometimes, right before starting my online workshops, I look to music and movement.
I put on a specific song that helps me get out of my head and into my body,
where I can be less analytical and more present.
And when I can get there, the worry slips away and things can just work out however they're going to. 

That's what happened this morning.

Towards the end of my run, as I was stressing about the ideas for this post,
that song came on without my choosing it.
It starts out with my favorite line,
calling in what often feels like a superpower when we can connect to it:

Oh joy begin,

And then it continues with two lines that help me feel less alone.
Two lines that remind me that despite all the differences we see, feel, and experience in the world today,
our roots are similar:

Let's not forget these early days
Remember we begin the same 

With the next line, I'm reminded about how easy it is to get lost in our suffering…
and that I’m not the only one who does:

We lose our way in fear and pain 

But when we can be with it, instead of shying away from it -
my extrapolation reinforced by powerful Zen teachings and Parts Work principles -
we can touch into joy again:

Oh joy begin

Sometimes the hardest thing is to get started.
To overcome that sense of doubt, or a brain full of possibilities.
I love how this song reminds me what to do, and what is possible:

My daughter Kaya, living into her sense of freedom and vitality.

First, just one step. 
One word. And then, 
with laughter sing

One step. One word. And then, with time,
and sometimes a little extra patience and persistence,
the flow begins. 

And with it, laughter, and a deep desire to sing to the rooftops
because there's freedom in sensing this vitality of life.

Oh life begin.
First, just one step.