And this post gets at something that I think is at the center of all of our lives. What I see in my own life, and hear from many of the people I work with is that some very simple things get in the way of doing what we know will make us happy…things like:
1. It requires leaving our comfort zones
2. It requires feeling vulnerable, risking “failure”
3. It makes us more accountable for the reality of our life experience, because we can’t stay in the safe “somedays” and “when blah blah then I will feel blah blah”
4. The world doesn’t always jump up and applaud us with a standing ovation for following our own unique paths.

And yet…what is there to do except get clear about what we want, be rigorously honest about how we defer and delay and block getting it…and courageously walk forward…even if fears and resistance is whispering in our ears?

Thanks for your voice and your contribution.
Warmly,
Tara

your teachers words are both wise and kind. I think it’s a good question to ask what you’re hoping to get and how to give it to yourself another way. You’re probably familiar with the term “secondary gain.” All through my head injury and whenever I’m sick, I ask myself if I’m receiving anything positive from the situation. Then I say, “I promise you can get well and I will still let you rest” or whatever it is that I need.)

Other times, I think giving attention to motivations of habitual patterns is futile. Likely it depends on the person and the pattern. Sometimes it’s wisdom to avoid bringing additional story / self /baggage into the picture. In that case, moving forward in the direction of awareness may serve better.

What do you think?

I know what you mean about feeling always in a rush for what’s next. While examining my distractions, I found most of them centered around my computer (possibly because I don’t have tv.) I think one of the seductions is that I can surf, click, rush, giving me the highly mistaken sense that I’m accomplishing something while what I truly value gets ignored in the whirrr.

“Here’s to kind thoughts and thoughtful choices!” Oh my, yes!

I have a feeling if we can just put the self-flagellation on hold long enough to invite awareness of our actions and their consequences, we’ll see many of our habits dissolve faster than years or months. At least, that is my hope!