Being a Log
Some of us are doers, empowering ourselves through action. We need to practice simply being-existing, feeling, observing-without the relentless need to act or respond.
This reflection crystallized on New Year's Day at the Boca Barra in El Paredón, where the river and the sea meet. The tide there doesn't pull with the overwhelming force of the ocean but with the gentle power of sweet water. I let myself be pulled, feeling the water's coolness as it moved through my fingers-the fluidity, the subtle resistance, the steady flow. I stayed with the sensation, letting myself simply be.
Rather than acting upon the moment, I let the moment act upon me.
I imagined myself as a log, floating, carried, shaped by the tide's gentle insistence. I thought of a stone smoothed over thousands of years, its form shaped not by effort but by surrender. Engaging with the present moment in this way, through the simple act of sensing, brought me fully into the now.
Research supports the power of sensory engagement in mindfulness practices. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety by encouraging present-moment awareness through sensations like touch, sound, and sight. Polyvagal Theory also highlights how sensory experiences-such as feeling water on the skin-activate the parasympathetic nervous system, fostering relaxation and a sense of safety.
In that stillness, I found peace. There was no urgency to act, no need to move or change anything. I was simply there, feeling the world and being shaped by it. To me, this is the essence of mindfulness: allowing ourselves to experience the richness of the moment.
As Niels and I floated in this spot—my favorite place in El Paredón-I told him about the log. Then I asked, "Do you think I'm crazy?"
Are you interested in working on your personal development? Are you looking for a life coach or a life consultant? Are you feeling stagnant? Do you want to jumpstart change?
My transformational approach is a process where awareness, alignment, and action work together as catalysts to create momentum for change.
*Awareness is knowing what you genuinely want and need.
*Alignment is the symmetry between our values and our actions. It means our inner and outer worlds match.
*Action is when you are conscious that what you say, do and think are in harmony with your values.
Together we build an understanding of what you want to accomplish, and delve deeply into building awareness around any thoughts and assumptions that you may already have. To truly transform your life, I will empower you to rethink what’s possible for you.
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Learn more about my approach to life consulting and relationship coaching here or get in touch for your free 30-minute consultation here! Don’t forget to follow along @LilyManne on social for more regular updates!
