When we find ourselves in the midst of turbulent life circumstances, it can be especially hard to stay present. In the midst of such uneasiness we often hide in doing (i.e. keeping busy) because the anxiety, pain and frustration of being still is too uncomfortable. The idea of letting the reality of what seems so painful completely wash over us is just too much to bear. Sometimes, the truth is, there is actually nothing to do and nowhere we can actually go to escape. We find ourselves in a tough, uncomfortable spot and we would like to get out of it as quickly as possible.
It is in many ways the natural human response. Our need to take action, make a plan, force outcomes and avoid suffering is what drives us to respond this way. By referring to this as the natural human response, I don’t mean it is the only or best course of action. I simply mean that to our conditioned self it seems to be the only path available to handle life’s challenges.
Thankfully, there is another way. Actually, it is the only way that truly works. Any success we have experienced with the first approach is not due to our control. Ironically, when we admit we have no control over how life is showing up, we begin the process of allowing and surrendering to life on its terms. This is not a weak position of giving up. It is actually the highest position we can take in life, which is, the position of interacting with reality based on truth.
Whatever is showing up for you right now in this moment is reality. You cannot change the past or this moment in front of you. There may be an action to take, but that step or choice will be misguided if we take it based on the desire to get away from the painful experience as soon as possible. Inspired action comes from the choice and the ability to allow the experience all the way in; to let it touch us completely, to feel it and even welcome it for what it has to offer us.
Only then can we hear, feel or know that the action we take comes from guidance beyond the ego. When we begin to trust the unfolding of life, we begin to use whatever is showing up as a means to let go of the only thing ever standing in our way; the way we think life should be.
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