Peeling Away the Layers

  [View Online]( INSPIRATION [Peeling Away the Layers]( Like a tree, our growth depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed defenses we no longer need. Trees grow up through their branches and down through their roots into the earth. They also grow wider with each passing year. As they do, they shed the bark that served to protect them but now is no longer big enough to contain them. In the same way, we create boundaries and develop defenses to protect ourselves and then, at a certain point, we outgrow them. If we don’t allow ourselves to shed our protective layer, we can’t expand to our full potential. Trees need their protective bark to enable the delicate process of growth and renewal to unfold without threat. Likewise, we need our boundaries and defenses so that the more vulnerable parts of ourselves can safely heal and unfold. But our growth also depends upon our ability to soften, loosen, and shed boundaries and defenses we no longer need. It is often the case in life that structures we put in place to help us grow eventually become constricting. Unlike a tree, we must consciously decide when it’s time to shed our bark and expand our boundaries, so we can move into our next ring of growth. Many spiritual teachers have suggested that our egos don’t disappear so much as they become large enough to hold more than just our small sense of self — the boundary of self widens to contain people and beings other than just “me.” Each time we shed a layer of defensiveness or ease up on a boundary that we no longer need, we metaphorically become bigger people. With this in mind, it is important that we take time to question our boundaries and defenses. While it is essential to set and honor the protective barriers we have put in place, it is equally important that we soften and release them when the time comes. In doing so, we create the space for our next phase of growth. ❁ Did you miss yesterday's inspiration? Click [here]( to view them all. ♥ Loved this inspiration? Share with a friend](   DailyOM Course Spotlight [Radical Boundaries]( By Emily Han Reclaim your personal power. With this empowering course, you’ll gain guided meditations, self-reflection tools, and expert strategies to help you uncover and respectfully communicate boundaries. Learning how to define and establish your personal limits through these lessons will not only support your own well-being but will also help you maintain healthier relationships in your life. [Learn More]( New Courses - [Fearless Aging With Meridian Tapping]( - [Psoas Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain]( - [Wall Workout to Reshape the Body at Any Age]( - [The Art of Manifesting Your Soulmate]( - [Sacred Sexuality: Open the Energy of Intimacy]( Recommended For You [Preventing Procrastination]( [Learn More]( [Awaken Your Chakra Energy]( [Learn More]( [Changing Perspective on Death]( [Learn More]( [A Year to Get Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise]( [Learn More]( [Breakup to Breakthrough Bundle Special 3-Course Bundle]( [Learn More]( [Attracting Genuine Abundance]( [Learn More]( Top 10 Courses 1. [The Vagus Nerve Miracle]( 2. [A Year of Writing to Uncover the Authentic Self]( 3. [Intimacy Without Responsibility]( 4. [Overcoming Body Stiffness]( 5. [Psoas Stretches to Relieve Lower Back Pain]( 6. [Next Level Fascia Miracle: The Lymphatic Secret]( 7. [The Feldenkrais Way to Heal the Body]( 8. [Shedding Your Menopausal Middle in 10 Days]( 9. [The 2-Week Fascia Miracle]( 10. [Re-Parent Your Inner Child]( Explore 350+ Courses There's something for everyone. What do you want to learn today? [Browse by Topic]( [DailyOM Logo](   [Facebook]( [Instagram]( [Pinterest]( [Twitter]( You are receiving this email because you're subscribed to DailyOM. You are registered with {EMAIL}. [Inspirations]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( [Remove me from this list]( | [Help/FAQ]( Copyright © 2023 [Everyday Health, Inc.]( All rights reserved. DailyOM is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. 114 Fifth Avenue, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10011 Subject to our [terms of service]( and [privacy policy](.