Really learning to Share the Art of Aerial

A short read with a big thank you!

In the past few weeks, I have been able to step away from Airhedz Aerial Training, leaving the lovely Sorrell Dowling in charge of aerial fabric sessions. It is the first time in a LONG time, that I have felt comfortable doing so.

While I feel a tinge of FOMO watching from afar, there is also a deep sense of pride, respect, and gratitude. Sometimes, through need or desire, we have to step away from whatever routine we are in.

Should I simply cancel the sessions for six weeks? That seemed the only option. Then Sorrell made a gentle, light offer to faciliate for me. Could she? Could we? Could I?There were discussions, plans, paperwork. Then I just didn’t turn up one Friday… And the session went ahead, people dangled, and left happy.

Life shifted from plodding to hectic. I started a new part-time job working remotely, on my own schedule, that has filled many of the previous gaps, but there is a clearly stated ethos of care. This new-to-me approach compelled me to look more closely at other aspects of my life. What does care look like in the workplace, for ourselves and others? What is really meant by access? When is something truly urgent? Do we really have to apologise for not getting back to someone immediately? Is it okay to let a few things slip? When can we say no, not yet, not ever?

I was reminded that what we do, what I do for work, is not life-saving, is not crucial. This is not to belittle or undermine it, but to acknowledge its place in the time-demanding post-covid world. How quickly we have forgotten that it was okay to slow down, to take more time, to ensure people not projects were put first.

So, as I look a little ahead, I want to allow time for Airhedz, for my new role, for my friends and family, and also for myself. Life is fleeting. I want to enjoy it. So when someone opens their hands in a generous offer, I have discovered that it is joyous to graciously accept, and let some things go… even for a little while.

Thank you Sorrell for giving me this time.

And thank you for reading.