posted June 26, 2009 09:27 AM
Permission To Simply Be
The elation we feel when we have learned an
important lesson, achieved a goal, or had a
big breakthrough can sometimes be met
with a period of downtime afterward. During
this period of transition, we may feel unsure
and not know where to turn next.
Many people, during the pause between
achievements, begin to wonder what their
life is about. These feelings are common
and strike everyone from time to time.
Human beings are active creatures-we feel
best when we are working on a project or
vigorously pursuing a goal. But there is
nothing inherently wrong with spending a
day, a week, or even a month simply
existing and not having a plan.
Just Be
It won't be long before you embark upon
your next voyage of growth and discovery.
The quiet lull into we which we fall between
ideas, projects, and goals can make life
seem empty. After accomplishing one
objective, you may want to move
immediately on to the next. However,
when your next step is unclear, you may
feel frustrated, disconnected, or even a
mild depression. You may even perceive
your lack of forward momentum as an
indicator of imminent stagnation. To calm
these distressing thoughts, try to accept
that if your intent is personal growth, you
will continue to grow as an individual
whether striving for a specific objective
or not. Spending time immersed in life's
rigors and pleasures can be a cathartic
experience that gives you the time you
need to think about what you have recently
gone through and leisurely contemplate
what you wish to do next.
You may also
find that in simply being and going
through the motions of everyday life,
you reconnect with your priorities
in a very organic, unforced way.
The mindful transitional pause can take many
forms. For some, it can be a period of
reflection that helps them understand how
their life has unfolded. For others, it can be a
period of adjustment, where new values
based on recent changes are integrated into
daily life. Just because you're not headed
swiftly to a final destination doesn't mean
you should assume that you have lost
your drive. The stage between journeys can
become a wonderful period of relaxation
that prepares you for the path
that will soon be revealed to you.
"Daily OM"