Stretching

This Opening is asking so much. How can I do this?

Expanding

We are not elastic by nature. We live in defined physical bodies. Our minds get fixed into belief systems. We try to keep our emotions in check. There are rules, standards, “realities”, ways of doing things, demands on our time and expectations in our relationships. We get stuck in routines, confining our ability to grow. We sometimes fear change and value keeping ourselves “safe”.

To grow, we must expand, extend and enlarge ourselves. We cannot be in stasis. Action and change surround us. The world, and the balance in our lives, are dynamic as opposed to static. As tempting as staying still may be, soon enough something will come along to shake us. We can count on that. Our journey in this world is one of movement, growth and change.

Sometimes, Openings come along that ask us to stretch. They may invite us to major change. Or ask us to move forward in a big way. They may challenge us, shaking the foundation of who we think we are. They may jolt us, without our choosing, through an upheaval in our life. Openings are about movement. it’s no surprise that sometimes they require us to stretch.

Saying Yes

Usually, we recognize when an Opening is asking us to stretch, leaving us feeling uneasy as we encounter it. Resistance shows up along with all the reasons why we can’t enter the Opening and why it is a bad idea. We may find ourselves wanting to hide from the Opening – it’s too much, we can’t do what it asks of us. The Opening may seem unsafe because it challenges the way we are living our life.

When these reactions show up, best that we recognize them. Self-awareness is so important here. We must develop the ability to recognize the many faces of resistance. It is a canny player. Once we recognize resistance, we can counter it.  Confusion can set in as well. We can counter confusion by staying fully present and centered as we look at the Opening before us.

An Opening that promises to stretch us is worth careful consideration. When we say yes to such an Opening our awareness of its nature will carry us through it. Seeing it clearly, we can prepare for what is to come and identify the benefits it will bring us. A yes is a commitment to grow through the Opening and go forward on our journey. We are in movement and no longer holding back.