Free from all old stories I've been told
I walk through the valley of my own shadow
Gajumaru performed by Yaima
Most weekdays I listen to inspirational music as I get ready for work. Last week I was listening to a friend’s playlist when these words grabbed me. I have listened to this song every day this since. The chorus struck a cord deep within me.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
I am not a theologian nor a biblical scholar, but I see how my mind creates my valley of shadow. My mind thinks it can control outcomes. My mind has expectations of how things should be and it blames human me when all is not perfect. My mind battles my connection to God.
The valley of the shadow of death is within me. It is made up of stories I have told myself: I messed up, I am not valuable, I am unloveable, I am too loud/big/aggressive/etc., yet I can have all the answers and control others!
The valley is fear.
I don’t have the answers, but I am on a journey through my valley where light is penetrating deep shadows. I am not alone.
My ego hates that.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
How BEAUTIFUL to remember
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh those awful stories we tell ourselves… I’m glad that light has been penetrating those deep shadows for you. Beautiful landscape in that photo, with the light coming through those clouds.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
And may you be with the Light.
LikeLike
Thank you, Sarah.
LikeLike
I kind of know that battle as well. Maybe why I church shopped for decades but became comfortable with not following a defined religion.
Have a great day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has taken me a long time to find my spiritual practice. It does not fall within the strict guidelines of my childhood churches.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It has taken me along time to be comfortable with it. I thought I had to belong to a define religion to be spiritual. A nice lady I met at a bus stop explained in 5 minutes that the spirit is every where and is for everyone.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, and he/she has many names.
Blessings
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
This post is deep, heartfelt and really makes me think about things. Thanks so much! 🤍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLike
I’ve heard it said that we talk to ourselves perhaps more than we talk to anybody else. I guess that’s why it’s so very important to speak kindly and respectfully to ourselves. Thanks for the reminder, Sarah.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLike
My mind tells many of these same stories. I used to really truly believe some of these fearful tales, and sometimes still do. Lately, though, it’s possible to see more often that they’re just stories and most of them aren’t true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it gets easier. I think some of that comes from age and some from doing the work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gosh, we can only HOPE so! I have been doing/living the work almost 35 years now. Sometimes it’s as clear as a blue cloudless skies and sometimes I’m still terribly lost and hurting as ego’s fear and attachments play out. All those years ago I thought this was MY FAULT and if I just acted from love everything would be OK. Now it’s sometimes possible to love the one who still moves from fear, poor sweet hurting darling.
LikeLike
💖
LikeLike
Beautiful posting! Yes let’s just not to stop going🙌❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well as you know I find your blog a continual inspiration. Really, you’re quite strong – you deal with things on your own in a direct fashion.
Versus people I’ve seen who do a lot of whining, bless their hearts, or sort of latch onto others in a way that drains other people.
The other side of the fence, however, for strong people seems to be… difficulty in knowing when they *do* need to lean on others. So I do hope you have supports when things get really gnarley now and then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. I really appreciate your kind words. I do have a good support system.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear!
LikeLike
You are definitely not alone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, I have never thought of that verse in that way. So true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just came to me! Took a screenshot of it so I don’t loses the idea!
LikeLiked by 1 person