They say patience is the ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay. If so…, I may becoming more patient these days!
Perhaps I am better at embracing that everything happens for a reason and in it’s own time! The idea or concept of going with the flow!
Or… It could be that I am just too lazy to get worked up over some of the odd timing I seem to be experiencing these days! Oh heck… Maybe it is a little bit of all of these things!!
One thing I know for sure is that delays, ambiguities, set backs or stretched time lines just don’t seem to affect me the way they did before! When things don’t go as planned; instead of freaking out, it seems easier to reassess and adjust. And, for someone who has worn the hat of ‘controlling’ a few times.., this is a significant change!
The big realization out of all of this recent awareness is how much calmer life is when I am not trying to control or demand that it perform on my timeline! There is less stress, anxiety, confusion, frustration, anger, fear, blaming, or shaming. Not that all of these happen in every situation.., but the potential for any of them to be present is high!
So instead, imagine that rather than defaulting to one of these constricting emotions or behaviors when things aren’t going as planned; you simply accept the reality of the circumstances and adjust accordingly!?! You tap into patience. Wow… What a concept!
As I have experienced patience and going with the flow more and more, I have this recall of what it was like to when it felt like I was losing the illusion of control. And for the record I have known for a long time that control IS an illusion. I just couldn’t help/stop trying to control! At least that is how it seemed. What’s that expression? Oh yes.., “Herding cats”!
When I think about it now, I realize that part of the reason for wanting to control situations, projects or events was an attempt to minimize the unpredictable.., to minimize the drama. Yet in hindsight, it seems that anytime that something couldn’t be contained, completed or controlled to my idealized standard; I created my own internalized drama! And probably created my fair share of drama for others too!
I know there are those who have this “going with the flow” down! Those who naturally navigate life this way. Yes, they are the ones who have driven me and all the other control freaks crazy all these years! Well guess what? It may have taken a number of decades to get here… But some of us control freaks are joining your ranks!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Dear Charles
I so appreciate your blog this week! I’ve been learning to expand my capacity for acceptance of what is and witness the Divine timing of life! Your blog also reminds me of Michael Singer’s new book The Surrender Experiment.
In loving acceptance and gratitude,
Ellen
Acceptance is a word that keeps coming up for me Ellen! Thanks for bringing it into perspective regarding patience and setting down control! I appreciate your support and being in and on the journey with me!
I’m right there with you on this one, Charles. One of my teachers says, “Control is the ULTIMATE addiction.” So true.
Oh my Jere… I think your teacher is on to something! The addiction to control can be seen all around us during these years of dramatic shift and evolution! And it maybe the most difficult to recover from, as so many of us are colluding with it, because we view it as healthy and normal! What an awakening to realize it all an illusion… The side affects of an addiction!
You always give my mind and heart new things to ponder Jere! Thanks for being part of the tribe!