Father’s Day is on Sunday June 16th. As I perused the interweb for inspirational quotes related to fathers and fathering, I came upon this one:
My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
– Clarence B. Kelland
For me, this is very resonant and synchronizes with my recent integration of a paradigm shift I’ve been desiring of for years. I’ve always struggled with being authentic and wholly honest, chronically worried that I’d be doing so at the expense of others’ feelings. This is an obvious case of me taking responsibility for others, something that I’m not required nor expected to do. At 35, I’m finally starting to recognize and feel the effects of the fact that freedom and personal integrity are the rewards that come with being transparent. I’ll tell you why this is all the more fitting: my dad has always been a beacon for me when it comes to honesty and personal integrity. It’s about time that I start emulating this incredibly attractive quality in him.
When I was a kid, 1 of the rules I was asked to abide by was not to wear makeup until I was 16. Whether or not I think this was a “good” rule is beside the point. That was the rule. I was close with the kids next door and Terra, my pseudo older sister, taught me everything I knew about shaving, tampons, makeup, hair and clothes. Once, when I was much younger than 16, Terra gave me some makeup. I promptly snuck it home and hid it in my top drawer. My dad must’ve known I was being sneaky because he inquired about what I’d stashed away in my top drawer. I told him it was “some Strawberry Shortcake stuff”. He didn’t buy it. Ashamed and guilty, I eventually made a teary confession and revealed the makeup. My dad wasn’t mad because of the makeup, he was mad because I lied to him.
Over the years, I’ve consistently observed my dad being honest and maintaining his values, often at the expense of not being overly popular with those around him. This has been a difficult and challenging thing for me to integrate in my life. In the past, I so often went out of my way to avoid the seeming “conflicts” that being forthcoming could potentially create. Years later, I’m realizing that NOT being forthcoming is actually what’s creating conflicts. I am eternally grateful for my dad’s example of uprightness, integrity, strength and honor. Thank you dad.
Some people have travelled a hard road with their fathers in this life, and it can be helpful to look to a more spiritual father figure for healing. For example, in the Navajo tradition, Father Sky is sacred, offering blessings of air, wind, thunder, lightening and rain, nourishing all the vegetation that Mother Earth cradles. God our Heavenly Father is another great example, if that resonates for you.
If you need support with having moved through difficult times with your father, know that flower essences are incredibly healing in that capacity. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about how flower essences can help you.
This Father’s Day, we’d like to thank all fathers, father figures and spiritual Fathers for their presence and influence in our lives, without which, we would not be who we are right now.
At WoW, we’re offering Father’s Day specials through the whole month of June:
– Book any 2 treatments for that special father in your life and receive 25% OFF OR a FREE sauna.
– Book a Blissful Feet for Two and receive a FREE sauna.
Call us to book a special gift for that special dad in your life.
Roberta Shepherd for Wellness on Whyte