A Little Something on Being.

“Remind yourself, in whatever way is personally meaningful, that it is not in your best interest to reinforce thoughts and feelings of unworthiness. Even if you’ve already taken the bait and feel the familiar pull of self-denigration, marshal your intelligence, courage, and humor in order to turn the tide. Ask yourself: Do I want to strengthen what I’m feeling now? Do I want to cut myself off from my basic goodness? Remind yourself that your fundamental nature is unconditionally open and free.” ~ Pema Chödrön

I was inspired by a quote from Pema Chödrön this morning – a reminder, that in whatever capacity of our being, our truest nature is to be free.

So much so, that we inherently yearn for it – this vast, open space of feeling completely relieved. We crave the simplicity of an unencumbered life, disentangled from the same old habits which are keeping us from our freedom.

And though, mindful of our longings – still we succumb to these patterns of emotional reactivity, metaphorically ‘raising our voice’, when our simple wish is to understand.

So, how do we stay centered in those moments when our ‘being human’ threatens to pull us away? Certainly, there’s no avoiding this volatility of life. And yet, we cautiously ‘hug the banks’ of a river that is continuously changing. Perhaps, too fearful that we might be swept away.

We watch as the waters shift…forcing new path where the ground crumbles in. We may feel apprehensive and uncertain; perhaps, unwilling to watch as new patterns emerge…terrified to let go of all that we’ve ever known.

But, isn’t it in these moments of stretching past our limits that we finally discover a little something worthwhile?

As Ani Pema says, “It’s as if we are always at a crossroad, continuously choosing which way to go. Moment by moment we can choose to go toward further clarity and happiness or toward confusion and pain.”

In the end, my dearest darlings, it’s all about which paths we choose to keep. One takes us nearer to happiness, and the other…pulls us away.

And, we alone must ultimately walk that path.

About

Tara Lemieux is a mindful wanderer, and faithful stargazer. Although she often appears to be listening with great care, rest assured she is most certainly‘forever lost in thought. She is an ardent explorer and lover of finding things previously undiscovered or at the very least mostly not-uncovered.

You may also like