Doing and Not Doing as We Move Forward

In an action oriented society, we are often compelled to DO, DO, DO.  We set goals, make to-do lists and create objectives for just about everything. (In metaphysical circles we set "intentions.") Most of us are in perpetual motion toward our future as we climb, achieve, accomplish, step forward and create the life we want. Our walls are lined with diplomas, awards and credentials validating our ability to do that which we have set out to do. And, to keep the motivation and momentum going, we have vision boards, manifesting groups, motivational CDs, how-to books and classes to support our intended successes.

Can you feel the anxiety creeping in as you were reading that first paragraph? (Or do you feel the excitement of an adrenaline rush?)

For a moment, stop and take a deep breath in and then release it with a great big sigh! Ah.... that's better.

Let's begin by looking at the basics of who you are and why you are here so we can put this energy of DO, DO, DO into perspective.

You are human-spiritual being who came to planet Earth to experience life. Sure, we all came for different reasons, but essentially we all came to experience life on Earth. As a human being, you are hard-wired for growth, you didn't need to "intend" or set a goal to physically grow up; it simply happened. And, of course, nourishment and support of your human body were required to consider this growing up a success. As a spiritual being, you are infinite and ever-expanding. Again, the "forward" momentum seems to be hard-wired. Thus, in both these realms, it makes sense that this desire to grow and achieve is completely natural and in alignment with who you are.

However, there is an underlying energy which we often forget. In our humanity, we are also mortal beings; our physical growth eventually stops, even appears to move backward, then we die. So, although it is natural to move forward, moving forward eventually leads to our human death. Spiritually, however, the infinite essence of ourselves is somewhat of a paradox. In reality there is no time or space, so the movement of "forward" or "expanding" (which imply a direction moving across time and/or space) doesn't actually exist either!

We have spent most of our lives dealing with our human selves, and as we become more conscious and connected to our spiritual selves, we are experiencing the discomfort of this paradox. Here we may find confusion reigning over both the body and the spirit. The awareness of our spiritual expansion fuels our inner drive to "move forward" and do that which our souls came to do. Unfortunately, frustration can couple with the confusion if we have no idea what that is. To make matters even more challenging, as the energy expands within us, our physical bodies are feeling so tired that we can't seem to get off our tails to do anything anyway!

Understanding what is happening is helpful, but doing - and even not doing - some basic things can make the journey into this next phase of awareness easier to "accomplish."

1. First recognize that you ARE DOING so much right now! Like a baby who is growing, you are utilizing a ton of energy as your consciousness expands. You likely need extra sleep, good food and lots of body nurturing to support your quantum growth spurt.
2. Pay attention to what you are FEELING. Noticing your feelings is critical for self awareness. Honoring your feelings is gentle and self loving and helps you find grace. Additionally, recognizing that you have several - even contradictory - feelings at once is perfectly normal.
3. Listen to your HEART and, if possible, let it direct you as you set goals and intentions. Tune in to your heart's truest desires by asking yourself what they are; in time these will be revealed to you.
4. Go ahead and make your to do lists, AND make room for NOT doing! With every expansion there is a contraction, with every inhalation there is an exhalation. Tune into the natural rhythms of life and allow yourself to flow with them.
5. Trust that you are exactly where you need to be right now. The more you focus on the here and now, rather than the ever-distant future, the more you discover your essence and your "purpose." Remember, you cannot DO anything in the future. You cannot make a difference THEN. You can, however, learn to be fully present now and by doing so, your true self emerges. This, believe it or not, is what we are here to do!  In other words, when you are present, YOU ARE THE GIFT to the world!

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