Tuesday, December 27, 2022
When we seem to want something in life, or if we have a so-called challenge, we grit our teeth, clamp down on the core, and huff and puff. That exertion is a physical reaction to a non-physical entity. An intelligent person applies a different kind of energy, a spiritual energy. The spirit is light and easy, and never has to apply force, on the physical level. It hovers, penetrates, seeps, and dissolves like a mist, or works effortlessly, like a hot knife cutting into butter. The spirit is in a constant state of allowance, the mind is that which resists.
The key is not to fight. If your body fights with force (fist pounding, teeth clenching, core tightening, shallow breathing) you’re applying the wrong kind of energy. You cannot fight the mind with physicality. Extraordinary results come from building in ease, even if the activity or situation is difficult. If it looks like a strain, you’re doing it wrong, unless you’re weightlifting or dealing with a physical problem. But even a physical ailment would heal faster if the body would let go and become at ease. “Easy does it” is usually the wisest way to build an enduring life.
Obstacles are best faced by maneuvering around them, and slipping under, over, or through them. The posture of ease is a lowliness of heart. Physical strength is built by pushing against a force, like gravity. Spiritual strength releases that brute force. Ease stands down, but perks up with attentiveness. It’s a refined skill that can say “no” if necessary, but without the application of strain. Have you exerted unnecessary strain on what you want, on what you cannot control, or on what simply needs your attention? To strengthen your spirit, build in the ease by letting go, dissolve the burden of your situation by focusing, and move stealthily through all that seems to be burdening you.