When Openings Disappear

Haven’t seen an Opening in a long, long time.

Becalmed

Sometimes, life can be quiet and slow without much movement. It’s okay for a while, if we need a rest. However, when Openings disappear for too long it can be concerning. Openings keep our lives and journeys moving. They add color, challenge and adventure to our lives. We are not meant to live a monochrome existence. We are meant to live in technicolor. Openings help us do so.

In all types of lives, Openings appear. The nature of Openings varies with each unique journey. If Openings disappear for too long, however, life begins to lose its meaning. Without them, we are looking at the same four walls forever. Openings are doorways to new experiences, learning and growth. We want that in our lives.

Do we really aspire to live lives that are becalmed?  It keeps us motionless. There is no “wind” in our lives. Not much happens. We may feel safe but may also get very bored! Or do we want lively lives that include Openings? We all have potential. We all have dreams. We want community, love, joy and fulfillment and vital lives.

Is There a Reason?

Openings flow naturally into our lives. They have many ways to enter – insights, dramatic changes, people we meet, expansions or contractions in our lives and new opportunities. Openings are present in the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. If Openings disappear, most likely there is a reason.

Knowing there is a reason, is a first step. Then, it is up to us to find the reason that relates to our lives. Here are some ideas on why Openings disappear:

• We are blocking motion in our lives. Perhaps from fear or previous experiences that shook us. We want to avoid Openings because we may experience the same thing again.
• We are stuck in a mindset or belief system that does not allow us to grow. Perhaps we think we cannot be what we dream of. Perhaps we think our dreams are not practical or achievable.
• An outside force (person, relationship, situation, need) is holding us back.
• We do not want to lose control of our lives. The unknown is formidable, and we are not sure we can handle it.
• We want to stay “safe” and if that means not growing, that’s okay with us.
• We are disconnected from our journey. We have not looked deeply at our lives and what we want.
• Life does not inspire us and we are not looking for inspiration.

Finding reasons can help us remove the obstacles we have to Openings. As we reopen our hearts and minds to the possibilities of Openings, we may find they come back again.