Sometimes it happens, that season of ease, that period of time where it's all in the flow... you might be merrily tripping down a path that seems smooth and to be headed right at the destination of choice, directly towards what you are seeking. All sweet, all sukha.
We love it on the path, we find our stride, we are actively enjoying the scenery. Then, lo and behold, right there in the middle of that lovely, smooth and engaging pathway, a huge stumbling block appears. Perhaps we simply trip, perhaps we have to change course, or sometimes, it's just a straight up obstacle and we simply sit there, nonplussed and not moving.
This maybe one of those times; a time of choice and perspective. Choice in terms of how we react to the situation, the obstacles, the stumbling blocks: perspective in terms of how we choose to view what lies before us, and how we see incidents within the 'bigger picture'. When we combine a non-reactive mind, with a larger scope of perspective, along with some healthy optimism, perhaps it's not a stumbling block in our path.
We love it on the path, we find our stride, we are actively enjoying the scenery. Then, lo and behold, right there in the middle of that lovely, smooth and engaging pathway, a huge stumbling block appears. Perhaps we simply trip, perhaps we have to change course, or sometimes, it's just a straight up obstacle and we simply sit there, nonplussed and not moving.
This maybe one of those times; a time of choice and perspective. Choice in terms of how we react to the situation, the obstacles, the stumbling blocks: perspective in terms of how we choose to view what lies before us, and how we see incidents within the 'bigger picture'. When we combine a non-reactive mind, with a larger scope of perspective, along with some healthy optimism, perhaps it's not a stumbling block in our path.
Instead, is there opportunity for you to look at this impediment, this block, this obstacle, and see the moment for what it is?
Not a negation of the path you were on, but perhaps more of a course correction that we didn't know or perceive was needed?
Can you trust in events playing themselves out in a way that is not conspiring against you, but rather building something greater with you, in supportive yet subtle guidance?
What if we looked at each of these metaphoric stumbling blocks as raw material for the experience we are seeking to build, to create and to manifest?
What if rather than cursing the loss of momentum on the path, we examine the intentions and make the subtle changes needed to keep progressing?
Perhaps our short-term thinking is leading us directly towards something we believe to be of benefit, or perhaps there is something even greater or more specific to come, and we wouldn't be available to it when it presented later, if we cleave to what we think we need.
Things happen - why? - we don't know. Sometimes the things that happen don't seem to be what we want; yet I can clearly see in retrospect how little forethought and planning went into some of the greatest events of my life - how I surrendered to the moments and made the 'course-correction' and found even greater tides.
I've made some big mistakes in the past; I'm sorry for the detriment that those caused to others and myself. And, I've endeavored to learn from those mistakes. To take those heavy blocks and fashion stepping stones. To create solid foundation to move forward and to carve a path, to make my way, but also to accept that the path will meander or vary. What seems direct today may never lead me to my next lesson.
And, I truly believe that Life, or Spirit, or Faith or whathaveyou has a role for us each to play, and play it out we must. So, even when we feel really directed and on that path and fully engaged, we'll stumble and we'll fall and we'll falter and question. I say, discern, use perspective and practice non-reactivity, surrender and acceptance. Listen, the lesson is not transparent, but it's clear.
What if rather than cursing the loss of momentum on the path, we examine the intentions and make the subtle changes needed to keep progressing?
Perhaps our short-term thinking is leading us directly towards something we believe to be of benefit, or perhaps there is something even greater or more specific to come, and we wouldn't be available to it when it presented later, if we cleave to what we think we need.
Things happen - why? - we don't know. Sometimes the things that happen don't seem to be what we want; yet I can clearly see in retrospect how little forethought and planning went into some of the greatest events of my life - how I surrendered to the moments and made the 'course-correction' and found even greater tides.
I've made some big mistakes in the past; I'm sorry for the detriment that those caused to others and myself. And, I've endeavored to learn from those mistakes. To take those heavy blocks and fashion stepping stones. To create solid foundation to move forward and to carve a path, to make my way, but also to accept that the path will meander or vary. What seems direct today may never lead me to my next lesson.
And, I truly believe that Life, or Spirit, or Faith or whathaveyou has a role for us each to play, and play it out we must. So, even when we feel really directed and on that path and fully engaged, we'll stumble and we'll fall and we'll falter and question. I say, discern, use perspective and practice non-reactivity, surrender and acceptance. Listen, the lesson is not transparent, but it's clear.
Then, begin to change your relationship with the path and the stumbling blocks! Become the Grand Mason, the Lead Builder. Mine that path of experience for excellent hard strong pieces of rock and stone.
Bedrock and stepping stones. Cornerstone and Stairs. Sometimes 'rock bottom' might be your most solid foundation!
Monastery, Cloister, Cave, Prison; as it's been expressed - build it, one stone at a time, one experience in each moment, and celebrate your own construction. Honor the foundation and aspire - set your bedrock and build your cathedral. Each requires finding some stones on the path.
And, of course, give thanks and praise!!
Bedrock and stepping stones. Cornerstone and Stairs. Sometimes 'rock bottom' might be your most solid foundation!
Monastery, Cloister, Cave, Prison; as it's been expressed - build it, one stone at a time, one experience in each moment, and celebrate your own construction. Honor the foundation and aspire - set your bedrock and build your cathedral. Each requires finding some stones on the path.
And, of course, give thanks and praise!!
