Going Deep
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Typewritten note left on the typewriter at Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Author unknown.
Life is defined as the presence of energy in its many intricate and brilliantly complex forms. I am just a traveler here, carving out and exploring the many beautiful ways in which to live my life to its fullest.
The idea of going “deep” has always appealed to me. There is a sincere sense of satisfaction when I feel I can fully wrap my arms around something, whether it be a skill or finishing a project. I came upon David Cain’s article “Go Deeper, Not Wider” a few weeks ago and felt instantly aligned. The guiding principle behind this philosophy is to examine what resources and materials we already have in our possession, and then take one year to go deep: A Depth Year. Brilliant.
Perhaps there’s a collection of books you’ve been wanting to finally fully immerse yourself, or a home project that has been calling to you. A musical instrument has been collecting dust in the corner of your living room, inviting you to finally pick it up “when you have time.” Perhaps there is a box in your attic of art supplies that you’ve held aside “for a rainy day.” Maybe you have a yearning to learn a language that has nothing to do with advancing your career. What Cain (and many others…this isn’t a new idea) invites us to explore is, why wait? Dedicate yourself to a Depth Year and celebrate your intention with those close to you to mark the significance. Buy less stuff. Go deep instead.
Last summer, an unexpected shift in our family propelled me into spending a lion’s share of time sorting and getting rid of “stuff” from two family houses – one that was occupied for 44 years and the other for five. Decisions needed to be made quickly and in two months, the move out of these two homes was complete. It was a delight to drastically (and quickly) pare down to save only the essential material possessions we truly wanted to surround ourselves with so that we could focus and begin to heal. The option to buy more “stuff” is completely off the table and this absolutely delights me.
Reading Cain’s article is such a wonderful example of where I am personally moving in my life. For me, less possessions and depth mean freedom. I know I can skim across the surface with the best of ’em, yet that feels empty for how I feel most aligned as I move across the planet. For this soul, she wants to come back to center and focus.
So, if I celebrate a Depth Year for myself, what are my intentions? I am dedicating my time once again to deepening my practice of Energy Medicine and formulating how I can apply the techniques and teachings more directly in my local community. Yes, I know my work has been focused on this subject matter for a very long time, yet I’m going deeper this year. There is great joy recognizing that applying these foundational principles to this gentle art will most likely continue past a Depth Year too…. more like a lifetime of living out my passion in fact… a Depth Lifetime. Yes. I like that, and Know I already have all the materials I will ever need to go deep.
No purchase necessary.
This makes me very happy.
Commitment…
I am committing to celebrating a Depth Year of increasing my understanding of Energy Medicine and how I can apply this practice in meaningful ways within my community.
Today…
Self-Care today means celebration. My baby girl turns 17 this week and it brings me such joy to celebrate her!
My invitation to you…
I invite you to examine what a Depth Year would look like for you. What do you already have within that calls you to go deep? Make a commitment. Write it down. Invite others to celebrate this commitment with you.
Until next time I offer these words of wisdom for better or for worse. Please take them with a grain of salt for we each live our own individual truths. Our mission while we are here is to understand, accept, and celebrate that one very simple, but incredibly significant fact. For all this, I am grateful.