pace the edge
It’s been over a year and a half since I posted anything other than poems.. I’ve been nonchalantly devaluing the time I put into these “self-help” style pieces because I’d realized I have some stubborn conflicting beliefs that really affect my motivation to write them. The main conflict is with the belief that people have to learn for themselves and find inspiration on their own; and if they’re anything like me, they probably prefer it. It was that kind of head talk that sort of gave me permission to shy away from putting time into these pieces — but every time I check back in, and here I am again, I re-realize that putting these pieces together helps me further attune to the points that I’m making an effort to get across to others — and that in itself is a win! Like, that is the point; to attune yourself to “you” and what your better self stands for. What the more refined “you” sees and feels. So that the old you, the “lesser”, more distracted, and easily frustrated you lets your better self keeps two hands on the wheel. That is growth. That is refinement. That is integration. And that’s the spirit of this whole WorldMood vision. That’s been the point from the jump, and it’s within that same mood that I will share this one too.
If you’re feeling a thick uncertainty as to what it is you’re about, and what you’re really living for, or if perhaps you feel as if you’ve drifted from it, try this to help you tap (back) in:
Find the cliff nearest you, walk to the furthest edge and sit down so your feet are left dangling off its side. Then just do your best to remain still, and witness what you feel. Watch carefully, you’ll see everything inside of you & yours speeds up to some degree. It’s your body’s natural response to perceiving the hazard of falling off the edge. Your senses dilate. You are literally taking more in. With closed eyes, pay this your attention. Feel the differences in movement within (& between) your body & mind. Now as a witness to this, concentrate on these movements & feelings with the intention of remaining still.
Then when the time is right, and you feel calm and relaxed about the edge, come back to your feet and pace the edge while thinking out loud about all the things that truly move you.
Record what sticks out, and make an effort to find ways to remind yourself of those things, and frequently. This will feed your awareness of the opportunities to act on those interests.
Give yourself that advantage.
—
And a message for the skeptics:
If we’re doubting our ability to make any real difference (as if renouncing any more effort would be better for you and the world you live in), we’re doubting our nature.
In the same way your body responds to the cliff, you and your spirit will be “activated” with the right stimulus. We just need to find the right challenge that our context and mindset resonate with. Find those connections, pathways, roles, and qualities that feed the best sides of us, and honor them by creating more space for them. Grooming our lives with them.
This is the way.
Best wishes,
— T