The triquetra is one of the oldest Celtic symbols dating as far back as the 4th Century BC. It is related to the trinity, which in religious terms is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It has many meanings, including ones related to the life cycle of the female and the phases of the moon. My favorite interpretation though, is “mind, body, spirit (soul).” Life is a balance and a tedious one at that.
Many years ago, I went through a life changing event. During that time my underlying mantra, and what has guided my thought process for as long as I can remember, was tested to the max. It is not what happens to you in life that counts, it’s how you bounce.
Bouncing doesn’t always come naturally, particularly as adults, when we hear the negative voices in our heads – the ones that remind us of our shortcomings and make us question how the curve ball will redefine us. When thrown a curve ball, finding balance is like walking a tight rope. It is scary, challenging, and can make you wonder whether life will ever feel okay again.
My curve ball gave me the chance to think differently. I began to take stock in my dearest friends. I made a conscious effort to be more grateful and found that there was more gratitude than sorrow in my life. I took adventures I had never experienced, changed jobs not once but three times, and became a better listener to others as well as myself. I took better care of my health, becoming more conscious of what I fed my body. I began hiking more because a walk in the woods connects me to the earth. As I took stock in my mind and body, my soul naturally felt lifted. I began to think of the people and things that made me the happiest, and worked hard to take ownership of my joys, as well as my mistakes that lead to the life changing event. Through this mindful process, I more fully understood the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, and that became my new mantra.
