So, I have this seashell that I’m carrying in my pocket. It’s now a reminder that happiness continuously and consistently presents itself if you allow it. The key word here is allowing. For me Midlifers, perhaps for the first time in my life, I’m getting the hang of this whole concept of allowing and at the foundation is a better understanding of who I am.
In my Yoga practice I am regularly reminded by my teachers that we have to allow the pose to present itself. If we try to force the pose to be perfect and look like our neighbors then we risk losing our balance, falling over and possibly injury. By staying true to our own uniqueness and ability and letting our bodies melt into the correctness of the pose we allow the full effects of the yoga practice to impact us. The result is a feeling of happiness afterwards that carries on.
It’s the same thing I hear from my surfer friends. Wait for the right wave to present itself and then gently allow it to carry you.
The learning and reminder for me now as I reach into my pocket and feel my seashell is to allow happiness; to allow life to present itself like the perfect wave or yoga pose and enjoy each moment along the way.
Thanks for always sharing your comforting words of wisdom Joe. I definitely agree in how we need to remind ourselves it is ourselves that allow happiness to flow in and out of our lives. Thanks!
GREAT post, Joe — beautifully written concept of allowing happiness instead of trying to force it. There's such a delicate balance between determinedly pursuing our dreams and letting go of useless passions and goals that no longer serve us. I just read a quote the other day that said:
Thanks to both of you for the nice comments. Deb, I love the James Allen quote. It's perfect! I feel another post coming inspired by that one.
Bliss…
Joe – http://www.mymidlifemanifesto.com