One thing that amazes me is the power of pictures.
I hope you enjoy this picture and feel a sense of wonder in being just who you are, where you are. It seems that this is what these turtles are doing at the moment. This photo was taken by my friend who is in the Florida sun!
Another thing that constantly amazes me is the power of words.
It seems, however, that their meaning and power is truly an individual matter. That brings me to today’s reflection.
A few days ago, the sun shone brilliantly and the temperature was just right for some outdoor exercise to get fit after a long winter. Keeping fit is a challenge for me. Sometimes I am successful and other times . . . well, the other day was one of those “other times.” Exercising was difficult.
I talked to myself and said, “Why don’t you just take a lazy jog and give yourself a break?” Hmm. I suddenly realized “lazy” is not a good word for me. My subconscious rebels against that word. While growing up on the farm “lazy” was almost like a four letter word. (Our dad was driven to be productive and efficient.)
So, I asked myself, “What if I take an “easy” jog instead?” That did not help either. My inner parent says, “Easy means not challenging enough. After all, you won’t grow or get stronger if things are easy.” Of course this is not entirely true but old beliefs need frequent updating and revising. I am working on it!
Then I had a wonderful “aha” moment. The inner voice asked, “What if you simply run and walk ‘with ease‘?”
That sounded freeing. Honestly, everything in my body then shifted. As I jogged up the hills I kept saying, “Jog with ease and see how that feels.” I felt whole and in the flow of the moment. I actually breathed more evenly and deeply.
“With ease” feels like letting go of resistance, of fear of not doing well enough, and of personal struggle. I had a most enjoyable time. My muscles relaxed and I ended up making my best time in a long while.
I have been wondering why “easy” and “with ease” feel so different. Are we parenting with ease? Are we living with ease? We know life is not easy. Neither is parenting. But what happens when we face each moment with ease? Doesn’t that sound more flowing and fluid? More working with life than against it? If it does, go with that flow! It is the natural way. Resistance interferes with our well-being.
What do you think? Try it as you go through your day. Breathe in and say, “Do it with ease. ” It seems to be a more peaceful and energy efficient way to go through the day.
Perhaps it is the way of Love designed for us humans as we live on a planet always striving and often in strife!