“Stop swimming so hard and climb in the boat.” —- Rumi
This quote reflects our response to what we perceive as suffering and pain. Unless and until we discern exactly what the difference between suffering and pain is, we are caught in the back and forth of of this reality. Putting it a little more succinctly through a Science of Mind quote … “While we experience pain in our bodies, we suffer in our minds.” Recognizing exactly what is going on here takes for some, and interminable amount of time counted in years even decades. Through experiences that we perceive as suffering may release profound treasures of wisdom, understanding, compassion, grace, revelation and growth through surrender of the conscious ego. Remember the visualization of the tiny mouse running aimlessly in an intricate maze of unending twists, turns, switchbacks, circles and curves that never end? Ask yourself if you are presently locked in such confusion or reversals. Are you that mouse, and if the answer is yes what will it take to release you from this self-imposed prison?
You might have heard this before, however, it still remains . . . the first step is to recognize that the circumstance or problem exists. Once that takes place you have several choices contingent upon how you have learned to problem solve. Each of us has the ability to reach within, and get in touch with our own consciousness thereby releasing what we believe is an experience that is bringing the on-going suffering. Science of Mind suggests, “… ask the experience to tell you what it has to say, to deliver you its message now in plain speaking, rather than through your pain centers.” Take a leap, what have you got to lose?
By taking an immense risk very often has incredible rewards. Fear can and will derail your advancement, achievement and success. Step in front of your fear with a conscious choice of will and make a difference in your life, even if it is only a slight change . . . it counts. Once you open the door there is no turning back. For that matter, why would you want to even entertain that idea? As the opening quote suggests, by swimming so very hard when you have the opportunity to get into the boat is counter-intuitive. Oliver Wendell Holmes had another thought, “Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it time runs out.” There’s still time if you’re reading this . . . get in the boat! JLR