One never enjoys life while holding the door closed against reality. When we find ourselves anxious or angry or fearful, the object of these negative emotions needs to be faced. Otherwise, it will dominate our thoughts and absorb our energies. Then life becomes a sustained effort at avoiding real issues.
(Michael Casey, Toward God: The Ancient Wisdom of Western Prayer
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Just came across this quote, read it multiple times, and then realized I needed to type it – in great big letters – and hit “publish.” For my own sake. Hope it says something to/for you, as well.
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
That sustained effort is completely exhausting! Been there, done that. No more!
Thanks for the quote – going to put that on our bathroom wall!
Shawna Cevraini´s last [type] ..Nearsighted
I’ve heard of the kitchen fridge, but not the bathroom wall! Love this, Shawna! And I’m glad it speaks to you, as well.
Thanks, Ronna! This quote is one I needed to see this morning.
Nicki´s last [type] ..Nerves
Mmmm. I’m glad, Nicki. And SO with ya!
This is my life summed up. The big question, where to begin to change it and how?
Kim: I have often asked a similar question. Just yesterday a friend said to me, “Move your feet, Ronna. Just step forward.” Simple words. Seemingly complex action. Yet I’m stunned by how often I can just remain in place, stuck, immobile. The contrast between that and ANY movement makes more difference than I can ever imagine before I just do it…And more times than not, I have to stop “imagining” and just “do!”
Glad you’re here.
Wow, that is powerful. There are a lot of things I don’t like to face, but you are right. Nothing is ever as bad as I fear it will be once I bring it out into the light.
Excellent quote, thanks for sharing. Are you familiar with Byron Katie’s work at all?
You’re welcome, of course. And I’ve heard of Byron Katie, but not much more. Just checked out the website. Do you have thoughts/experience of her?
Byron Katie is amazing. She radiates light and peace – any of her books are fantastic. She also has a lot of videos on her site: http://www.thework.com/index.php
I’ll look into her more closely. Thanks Rachel.
A perfect quote to keep nearby at all times, for those moments. I also keep seeing a great one, ‘over-analysis leads to paralysis.’ I am keeping these close to remind myself where NOT to go!
I hear ya! We’re all too familiar with these spaces, aren’t we? But once we’ve breathed the air in more expansive ones, we DO NOT want to return!!! You’re SO not alone, Sera.
I really like that quote Sera-writing that one down for sure. I am guilty of over analysis so often.
Kim I think it’s via @WEPromote on twitter that I’ve seen that a few times. It is so relevant for me, as I’ve found myself too close to a state of paralysis since finishing college in ’08 and not having much luck in the economy since then….
Love that you and Kim are having conversation with one another, Sera! Conversation makes all the difference. I’m CONVINCED of it! All good!
It’s an easy place for us to go, Kim, this over-analyzing. Somehow it feels safer…or like the only safe place we can go. I get it. When we finally realize (not all at once, but in fits and starts) that what goes on in our heads is only in our heads and that there are steps we can take in the here and now, the everyday, with words spoken, emotions revealed, truth told, then our figuring and analyzing slows and our action picks up. Painful. Scary. Sometimes 180 degrees from what we thought/hoped; but movement nonetheless, that takes us on a journey we could have never imagined while we stayed in our heads…I’m hopeful on your behalf…
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