“That is world peace. Only do it. Only do it.” Zen Master Seung Sahn
Some weeks ago I received a call from Rita. She is an old friend who, for many years, refused to date or go out with anybody. I understood her heartbreak. Her first marriage has been a nightmare. It was a relationship based on manipulations, emotional abuse, and tremendous shame and guilt.
The loneliness of Challenges
I felt bad for Rita because I know deep down in her heart she longed for a relationship, for trust and a family. But it was a tremendous challenge for her to even go out with the intentionality of meeting someone. She told me she would get so nervous, just thinking about it, she would feel paralyzed. “Thinking” was definitely her challenge. I remembered Zen Master Seung Sahn teaching’s on “just do it.” When you realize that our “challenge” is created by our minds or our hearts, then it is easy to see where the healing starts. If we make a problem, then there is a problem. If we don’t make anything, then you are free to act, to just do it.
My friend Rita, a few weeks ago, was able to date again. She was able to remove the hindrance so her heart and mind were free. Then she just did it. Try this:
• Take a few minutes to release any tensions and come back to your center.
• As you are breathing in, ask yourself, “What is the challenge, this resistance I am sensing right now?” Now invite the challenge, let it be next to you, and talk to you like an old friend.
• After listening and seeing clear what is the hindrance, breathe out all the tension and communicate your gratitude for the new insight.
• When you are ready, open your eyes. Write down your new insights about the nature of your challenge and the steps you will take to remove the obstacles toward transformation.
Peace,
Juan