Exploring the Journey of Being Lost Well with Tiffany Curtis
Season 4 Episode 9
On this episode of Wellspringwords: The Podcast, Nkem speaks with Tiffany Curtis, a sensitive, empowered, and wise soul, about the idea of “being lost well”. Their conversation touches deeply on the power of intimacy in community, the nuance of our healing journeys as relational beings, and what it can look like for us to resource ourselves along our journeys. Scroll below for the topic timestamps.
Tiffany is a passionate individual who thrives on finding purpose in the midst of uncertainty. With a strong commitment to social change and equity, she has dedicated herself to the non-profit and higher education sectors, specifically serving the needs of youth and communities. Her work empowers individuals to embrace and understand their journey, encouraging them to find meaning even in the face of uncertainty. And with this, it comes to her explaining to us what “being lost well” means to her: “…the presence of life and death, and the delicate yet loving relationship that exists between life and death.”
Nkem ponders the profound significance of embarking on a journey (of any kind) and contemplates the essence of being lost. For Tiffany, being lost well means embracing the wandering and journeying nature of life. Tiffany reflects on the significant moments in her life that were marked by profound loss and grief, and how these experiences became pivotal points in her healing journey. She grappled with the meaning of her losses and questioned the purpose of continuing to live amidst the pain. Over time, she learned to embrace the unfamiliar sensation of not having solid ground beneath her, even though it often left her feeling disoriented. She recognized the need to make a change, to find a sense of center and stability in her life. Tiffany came to understand that it is possible to become comfortable with the uncertainty and the acknowledgment that we don't always have all the answers.
The idea of being lost carries a negative connotation because it can evoke feelings of confusion and doubt, leaving us unsure of our direction. However, Tiffany recognized that being lost can be an opportunity for exploration and growth. It's a part of the human experience to navigate what to hold onto and what to let go of, and to delve into the very essence of meaning itself. It is in these moments that she finds a sense of home, both within herself and in connection with the spirits she encounters in her life. She understands that being lost does not mean being truly lost, for it is in these exploratory experiences that she discovers her true self and finds meaning along the way.
“To choose a path of spirit is to commit to being lost.”
Nkem expresses that even though humans may feel lost, their spirits remain connected. The concept of having both feet firmly grounded and being discovered holds a significant meaning. And while occasionally it becomes challenging to articulate this feeling, it sparks a sense of curiosity that drives us on a journey, which requires courage and resilience.
Tiffany brings up how during a challenging period, she received an assignment to focus on her feet and truly notice them. As she sat in her chair, she directed her attention to her feet, acknowledging their presence on the solid ground of the Earth. She came to realize her own existence and the significance of being rooted in the present moment. Whenever she feels tension, she returns to this practice. The emotional and spiritual touch she experienced with this practice served as a reminder of the power of touch itself, its importance for our well-being, and the necessity of understanding it for ourselves. In moments when Tiffany yearned to be held, she would recognize the guiding hand or the comforting embrace of someone else, allowing herself to unravel and embrace vulnerability. This journey led her to comprehend the significance of touch and acknowledges her own presence, which speaks volumes about her growth and self-awareness.
Nkem emphasizes the importance of boundary setting, recognizing that after establishing healthy boundaries, a new chapter begins. It involves gaining a deep understanding of oneself, acknowledging personal worth, and discerning what needs to be released from what is no longer serving a purpose. By valuing oneself and setting boundaries, a beautiful life awaits, and reconciliation becomes possible. The question arises: How can one find the right path and assess their own capacity? The key lies in prioritizing self-reflection and self-checks before committing and confidently stating, "Yes, I can do that."
“Resourcing is a ongoing experience of allowing ourselves to surrender.”
The two move on to explore the concept of resourcing. Tiffany noted that as she embarked on her spiritual journey, she discovered a plethora of beautiful resources available to support her. While Christianity had been a significant part of her identity, she found herself unexpectedly drawn to other avenues. This realization highlighted that she was being guided toward the resources that would aid her growth and serve as a reminder that she deserves an abundant and pleasurable life in all its aspects. During her conversations with God, she expressed her inability to hold on, but she felt a firm grip holding onto her, recognizing this as another form of resourcing. It involved the plea for help and surrendering to the response. When faced with situations where her usual sources of support no longer sufficed, she ventured into trying new methods and exploring different paths. She acknowledges that resourcing can take various forms and that the key lies in understanding one's needs, even if they are initially unclear. It is through this process of exploration and discovery that she finds what she truly requires. Nkem adds to her thoughts by delving into the realm of God and spirituality, emphasizing that divine energy and the spirit of God manifest in various forms. She highlights the danger of commodifying spirituality, as it can lead to the misconception that religion should adhere to rigid guidelines. However, during the journey of feeling lost and finding one's way, there are multiple instances where it becomes crucial to discern what that divine voice or essence feels like to each individual. It is through understanding our personal connection and how the world resonates with us through God that we can navigate our spiritual paths authentically.
Both Nkem and Tiffany wrap up their conversation by pondering the indescribable sensation of being immersed in practice and feeling connected to the spirit and the divine. Tiffany equates it to striking the perfect chord, where perfection transcends conventional expectations. She experiences the profoundness of receiving messages that often require another medium to amplify their impact. By tuning into the spiritual resonance, the divine, and the godly aspects, she finds that this connection has been instrumental in her ability to truly live and thrive.
We hope this conversation is resourcing for you. Enjoy! Let us know if this conversation brought anything to mind or heart for you in a podcast review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser, on Instagram, or via email at bewell@wellspringwords.love. Be well!
Topic timestamps
0:10 - Introduction
3:41 - What is being lost well?
8:16 - What would it mean to be “found”?
9:20 - Following a spiritual path is not for the faint of heart
16:11 - Sometimes, all you need is to be seen and touched
22:27 - Healing in community
32:27 - Capacity work vs boundary work
39:13 - Seeing yourself as a reflection of your community
45:36 - Being a human is tricky business
47:59 - What is resourcing? And how can we resource ourselves?
55:01 - The importance of personal resonance
56:00 - Honoring the internal fire of personal willingness
59:06 - How we perceive inner resonance, Spirit, God, or Divine energy
1:05:12 - Stay connected and dive into more!
References and resources mentioned in this episode
Find Tiffany here:
Find Nkem here:
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