Nestled in the serene beauty of nature, I find myself today at this nurturing spot, reminiscing about an insightful conversation I had with a friend here a few days back. Our purpose was simple yet meaningful: to connect and discuss tools to manage stress. This is something I often do with my clients, sharing a toolkit of techniques that can help them navigate life’s challenges. My friend’s well-being matters to me, and I was glad to offer him support from my heart.

This rendezvous was more than just a professional consultation; it was a reflection of my passion. Indeed, I find myself immersed in these conversations even during my leisure time. The magnetic pull of this enchanting spot, with its babbling creek originating from the Reno mountains and merging into the Truckee River, fuels my inspiration. The Truckee River’s gentle flow here creates an ambiance that resonates with my thoughts. I find being in nature as one of my top go-tos for supporting my own wellbeing.

As we sat by the riverside, I posed questions to my friend, much like I do with my clients. These queries were aimed at unearthing his challenges, aspirations, and the areas where he felt stuck. The conversation took an intriguing turn when he revealed that his primary concern was his relationship with marijuana – a long term struggle to decide whether to continue or quit. It was this revelation that became the fulcrum of our discussion, steering us toward exploring the idea of a conscious relationship with substances.

The essence of a conscious relationship lies in understanding the balance between utilization and overindulgence. It applies not only to substances like marijuana but to various aspects of our lives. Just as we can overeat carrots to distract from our emotions, we can also overuse substances or distractions to evade confronting our inner voice. The key lies in intentionality – using tools to enhance our experiences and growth rather than to escape from life’s discomforts.

Our dialogue then meandered through the terrain of stress management. Stress, I teach, originates from our unconscious brain’s thoughts and our unconscious reaction to avoid emotions. Much like our relationship with substances, we can either let stress consume us or we can engage with it consciously. By recognizing and addressing the undercurrents that trigger stress, we can ease its grip on our lives. It’s akin to reprogramming our mind’s response to stressors.

Reflecting on the power of intentionality and conscious engagement, I couldn’t help but think about how these principles apply to different facets of life. Just as my friend was contemplating his relationship with marijuana, we can all benefit from assessing our connections with various aspects – be it substances, digital distractions, or even shopping. Embracing intentionality helps us channel our energies and empowers us to make choices aligned with our higher selves and living our own big life. (Who says to themself, “I want to spend my life checked out smoking or drinking”?)

In the midst of our musings, the conversation circled back to the healing potential of substances like marijuana. While these substances can have medicinal properties, they can also be misused as a way to evade life. This is where the line between responsible use and escapism blurs. As I looked around at the peaceful surroundings of the Truckee River, I contemplated how our relationship with substances reflects our broader relationship with ourselves – a delicate dance of finding balance, acknowledging discomfort, and embracing growth.

As I wrap up this reflection on our friendly conversation, I invite you to consider the threads of intentionality and conscious relationships that run through your life. Whether it’s the decisions you make about substances, the way you manage stress, or the time you invest in distractions, remember that your choices shape your experiences. Just as nature’s symphony plays on, find your rhythm of balance and conscious engagement, and let it guide you toward a life of purpose and well-being.

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