A Memory
When I was a little girl I had this pale-blue, long nightgown. It was thin and smooth on the inside, cool to the touch, and strangely synthetic feeling on the outside, almost terry cloth with a nubby texture, but too light and plasticky somehow to be truly akin to cotton. I am fairly certain Holly Hobby was posed in profile in her patchwork bonnet and apron smock, large form on the front.
It was the kind of nightgown that was certain to cling like a magnet to my legs and entire torso if the air was charged at all with electricity, real or imagined, the weather-inspired type or the run-and-hide-in-a-closet-far-from-your-father type. Both charges teaching you to brace for a storm.
Blue Sparks
On some such charge-laden nights, that nightgown became a starry-night planetarium of peace. My shallow, quiet breaths warmed the safe space beneath the covers of my bed and, cocooned in the dense air, I’d pull my arms into the body of the gown, curl my legs up tight, making my body as small and compact and invisible as possible.
And then, as whatever thunder rumbled or roared outside of my cocoon, I would watch the lightshow. Each tiny movement drawing the fabric tighter against my skin, creating more static resulting in blue sparks. Sparks, single and solitary like a firefly, or crackling collectively like microscopic fireworks. Tiny blue sparks of lightning within my own bubble of isolated safety from the storm brewing outside.
Creating Resilience
As an adult, I often still crave silence and safety from the storms and so I value the lesson my child-self offers me through this random memory of detachment. We have the power to create our own stillness or spark, our own quiet cocoon or galactic lightshow, if we only listen to our inner voice for what we need in our moments of static. In doing so, we are able to survive and thrive through any weather outside.
A good half of the art of living is resilience.
~Alain de Botton
Prompts for Coaching or Teaching
What do you crave during moments of static?
How do you provide yourself with what you need?
Would proactive provision, giving yourself what you need before you are in that state of static (fear, sadness, etc.), help you build resilience?
What Sparks You?
I would love to know if you have a memory that sparks resilience in you. Or perhaps a current practice or approach that helps you build resilience against your own storms today. Please share if you are inspired to do so.
Be well,
Nicole
I love this, Nicole. Those nightgowns were very statically charged!