There is a soft comfort that comes with the in between time. It is a time of change and transition. We are moving from one place to another. Do we give over to anxiety and fear or do we just rest and wait? We probably do a little of both!
Regardless of your picture of a higher power, there is something out there that will let you know that you are not alone. There is a spiritual force which will keep you safe from harm. Let that force support you and keep you warm.
Rest, rest, rest.
What do we do when a mistake has been made? Do we talk about our intentions? Do we apologize? Do we say “I’m sorry”?
It is important how we talk about our mistakes. It is important that we frame our conversation in a way that the wronged person has every chance to be heard. One of the things that is most difficult to say is “I made a mistake”. It is hard to be accountable. The quest for accountability, however, is freeing for both parties.
Several years ago I frequented a Japanese inspired spa. There was a large communal hot tub and a cold plunge. I remember well taking the plunge. The cold water would quite literally leave you breathless. The spa was in the mountains, so the air would be cold when you would come out of the plunge. The exit usually meant either grabbing for a robe or getting right back into the hot water.
What motivates us to take the plunge? Is there something beguiling about the icy water? Do we think that it might not be as cold as we know it to be? Are we seduced?
There are times as I go about my day when the call to prayer and silence is so profound it seems like a seduction. I know that I will give in to the call even when sometimes I would rather not. During those times of strong calling I feel as if I am taking the cold plunge. Is it entirely of my free will? The immersion is so complete that I have to wonder who is doing the calling.
I know I have written before about letting go. Specifically I want to write about letting go of expectations. Let’s talk about people caring or not caring. I know if I make the statement, “People don’t care”, there will be an uproar. But, they really don’t. Let me explain. When I say that people don’t care I think I really mean that I cannot expect people to care. This is a neutral position. This is truly letting go of expectations. People either care or they don’t and there is much gray area in between those two poles. In fact, I doubt there is anyone alive who doesn’t care about something. We all care about something.
“People don’t care” really just means that they don’t care about what I need for them to care about. They don’t fulfill my expectations of them. This is the letting go. There is great freedom in letting go of expectations.
“But I have to expect certain things of certain people.” Do you? Do you really?
My Labyrinth Journey 