When tackling the challenges
of life, whether they be making a career change or showing up for work
when you rather not, our human tendency is to make things more difficult
than they need to be.
No matter what religion, philosophy or culture
a person comes from, the ability to complicate and prolong suffering
and inner conflict seems like an inherent trait.
It's not. It's a human trait. In-fact, we
are masters of complexity and in many incidences quite proud of it.
The 17th century French philosopher, Rene Descartes said, "I think,
therefore I am." The majority of people today live by "I over-think,
therefore I'm confused, but boy am I smart."
The intellect is a tricky subject to decipher
for we are emotionally attached to our smarts. Mine is bigger than yours
is really blown out of proportion in this arena. Right there you have
the perfect set-up for jealously, envy, exaggeration, pride and of-course…the
fall.
Why the fall? Because facts and statistics
are gathered, for the most part, with our five senses; sight, hearing,
touch, smell and taste. This
is when it becomes difficult. When
we have worked so diligently to compile a set of facts or on a personal
note, our individual belief system, we resist and resent anything that
dares to topple it.
However, it does topple sooner or later because
it is too small-minded for the universe to support. It is too limited
to fit into the ever-changing and expansive nature of universal Reality.
Yet, we defend our personal beliefs with
vengeance. Why? Our ego, which supports our intellect is at stake. Have
you ever said with absolute conviction, "I know I'm right," only to
find out later…oops, umm, you're wrong?
In order to move beyond "difficult" we need,
first of all, to let go of our need to be right. Letting go of your
need to be right instantly transforms your world.
Then there is no more need to judge people
because you don't know what's right for them anyway. Maybe you don't
even know what's right for you, therefore, you no longer need to be
the harsh judge and critic of yourself. Perhaps all the mistakes you
ever made were ultimately part of your necessary growth.
With no more need to judge, guess what? You
will spontaneously forgive all people, including yourself.
If it is that easy, then "why are so
many people not doing it?" The
majority of people use all their energy to hold on. Wars are fought,
people are murdered and maimed from one thought, "I'm right your wrong."
Speaking to a group of teenagers, the Dalai
Lama recently said, "War is outdated." Well, so is the intellect, which
will tell you that war is necessary.
The good news is that no matter how many
people hold on to facts, statistics and old ideas, Life in the
highest sense of the word will go on. And it will patiently wait for
us to understand that it can be an easy, smooth and free-flowing ride.
Have the courage to test the waters. Let
go of your need to be right, your need to over-think things. Open up
the floodgates of trust and let the universe take you where you need
to go.
"When the solution
is simple, God is answering." Albert Einstein
copyright 2006 Susan Ann Darley
COACHING - Take conscious control of your life and live
creatively in the solution.
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