What you don't see and do need

A fox and a prince.
A friendship that develops slowly.

The fox teaches him a lesson we sometimes forget:
“What is essential is invisible to the eye.” *

*From: "The Little Prince (Le Petit Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It's about love and connection. About friendship.
Often we think of friendship with others.
But it can and may be closer to home.

Perhaps it is about yourself.

The parts you see yourself and others first are often literally visible.
The role we have as wife/husband, the job on your resume or as the parent of your children, the expression on your face, that which you say.

However, you are more than that.
There are parts that no one sees. Maybe even you yourself don't see them yet.
The fatigue that you put aside for a moment.
The thoughts you don't say out loud.
The desire you have. A need that is present. Self-compassion begins here. In acknowledging what can't be seen.
What is not on your resume.
What you don't post on FB or IG or share with colleague.
But that which is already there and allowed to be there.
Receiving it with gentleness, patience and kindness.
Giving yourself what you would grant a friend.
Realizing that you are not alone.

Being able to start seeing these things for yourself often starts with mindfulness.
It's something you learn to recognize, maybe start seeing or feeling for the first time.
Slowly, quietly, with attention.
Not for the outside world.
It becomes visible to you. To see what you need.
And that's enough to start with.

Getting more insight, helps you stay true to yourself, even when life is difficult for a while.

Because this is not always easy, I find it important to offer mindfulness trainings in Leiden and Haarlem. And for parents, the Mindful Parenting training. To offer support if you like. Feel free to take a look at the website Mindfulness courses | Natural Harmonious Life