A theme that has continued to come up in sessions with clients over the past few weeks is the importance of being present. I've had a big “a-ha” moment as a result; I’d like to share it with you.
As a Leo Sun and Aries Moon, fire really is my element. I like to move. I look forward to change. I’m always ready to do what’s next.
Because of a need to stay in motion, I get frustrated when life gets too still, annoyed that as much as things change, things stay the same, worried that my life has become stagnant.
So, what do I do in the midst of a slowdown? I find a distraction. I look for an opportunity and seize it. I set something in motion.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being in pursuit. Sometimes the way to get unstuck is to set something in motion. There’s always a new experience to be had.
But to be in constant pursuit often means running away from something, skillfully avoiding whatever it is (a fear, a challenge, an obstacle) that keeps us from being present.
If not done intentionally, constant pursuit is like flying without navigational tools. You eventually end up back where you started because you only know how to land there.
The thrill of being in flight dulls. Your adrenaline levels return to normal. The high has waned. Any of this sound familiar?
I’m usually OK with a brief reprieve. But then I get antsy. I may start to feel lonely. I’ll think more about what I don’t have instead of turning to gratitude, and the cycle begins again.
There have been many times I’ve sat in my therapist’s office complaining about this cycle –complaining about why so little has changed.
I realize, now, that pursuit was my way of maintaining a false sense of control; “there are things I yearn for that I don’t have, so I will pursue this to feel in control,” was my narrative.
What’s interesting, however, is that over the years, a big part of me has yearned for stillness. I have yearned for a simpler life allowing soul – not ego – to lead for once.
It’s become harder for me to be in pursuit; procrastination is now a thing. I simply don’t feel like it. If it takes a great effort, I’m not interested.
There is often an underlying reason for procrastination (or resistance, or laziness, etc.), however. And so, instead of feeling guilty for procrastinating, I’ve decided to surrender to it.
Surrendering to procrastination hasn’t been what you might think it to be. I’m not doing nothing. I’m simply where I am, not trying to be in control, and definitely doing less.
Turns out, less really is more. I’ve been able to indulge in play, recreation, meet new people, and appreciate the beauty of each unique day.
Surprisingly, I have grown more trusting that life will open up for me in a way I never could have imagined because I was too busy trying to pursue whatever was next.
Keep in mind that presence isn’t just about being where you are and embracing the moment. It’s also about *not* focusing too much on the future.
We humans tend to manipulate events for a future that often reflects the limitations of our capacity to dream. We may be satisfied with the results, but we also sell ourselves short.
Nobody likes uncertainty. We all want control. But my big “a-ha” moment has helped me to realize that being still indirectly helps us to manifest a life desired.
Detachment from an outcome is the key to manifesting an outcome, and more. A false sense of control that involves staying in pursuit, as in my case, yields little fulfillment.
So this week, I dare you to practice presence. Don’t think about what’s next, just be where you are. What’s next will be revealed with or without your doing. Know this as absolute truth.
Happy New Moon, friends! Remember to make a wish! Set an intention!
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
Because of a need to stay in motion, I get frustrated when life gets too still, annoyed that as much as things change, things stay the same, worried that my life has become stagnant.
So, what do I do in the midst of a slowdown? I find a distraction. I look for an opportunity and seize it. I set something in motion.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being in pursuit. Sometimes the way to get unstuck is to set something in motion. There’s always a new experience to be had.
But to be in constant pursuit often means running away from something, skillfully avoiding whatever it is (a fear, a challenge, an obstacle) that keeps us from being present.
If not done intentionally, constant pursuit is like flying without navigational tools. You eventually end up back where you started because you only know how to land there.
The thrill of being in flight dulls. Your adrenaline levels return to normal. The high has waned. Any of this sound familiar?
I’m usually OK with a brief reprieve. But then I get antsy. I may start to feel lonely. I’ll think more about what I don’t have instead of turning to gratitude, and the cycle begins again.
There have been many times I’ve sat in my therapist’s office complaining about this cycle –complaining about why so little has changed.
I realize, now, that pursuit was my way of maintaining a false sense of control; “there are things I yearn for that I don’t have, so I will pursue this to feel in control,” was my narrative.
What’s interesting, however, is that over the years, a big part of me has yearned for stillness. I have yearned for a simpler life allowing soul – not ego – to lead for once.
It’s become harder for me to be in pursuit; procrastination is now a thing. I simply don’t feel like it. If it takes a great effort, I’m not interested.
There is often an underlying reason for procrastination (or resistance, or laziness, etc.), however. And so, instead of feeling guilty for procrastinating, I’ve decided to surrender to it.
Surrendering to procrastination hasn’t been what you might think it to be. I’m not doing nothing. I’m simply where I am, not trying to be in control, and definitely doing less.
Turns out, less really is more. I’ve been able to indulge in play, recreation, meet new people, and appreciate the beauty of each unique day.
Surprisingly, I have grown more trusting that life will open up for me in a way I never could have imagined because I was too busy trying to pursue whatever was next.
Keep in mind that presence isn’t just about being where you are and embracing the moment. It’s also about *not* focusing too much on the future.
We humans tend to manipulate events for a future that often reflects the limitations of our capacity to dream. We may be satisfied with the results, but we also sell ourselves short.
Nobody likes uncertainty. We all want control. But my big “a-ha” moment has helped me to realize that being still indirectly helps us to manifest a life desired.
Detachment from an outcome is the key to manifesting an outcome, and more. A false sense of control that involves staying in pursuit, as in my case, yields little fulfillment.
So this week, I dare you to practice presence. Don’t think about what’s next, just be where you are. What’s next will be revealed with or without your doing. Know this as absolute truth.
Happy New Moon, friends! Remember to make a wish! Set an intention!
Check your horoscopes to see what’s in store this week ahead, and don’t forget to read for your Ascendant sign too.
