Pausing the Whirl

I have a gift for distilling complications. When I work with clients I help them find what’s at the essence of a challenging situation and then an actionable way forward easily reveals itself.

There is nothing dramatic about the work of “waking up”. One day you notice your life has changed for the better.

Looking back you realize it was a series of single steps that helped you move forward.

I remember a time in my 30’s that was particularly challenging. Movement was my medicine. I lived on the west coast and I spent a lot of time hiking. As I got physically strong my emotions strengthened too.

One day I powered my way to the top of a mountain. I wasn’t thinking about where I was going, I was just moving as quickly as I could, enjoying my strength and determination.

When I stopped to take in the view I had a moment of panic. Looking down the mountain in the direction from where I came, I couldn’t make out the trail.

In that moment, I didn’t think I could find my way back.

I took several deep breaths and started giving myself a gentle talking to. If you enter into a tense situation quietly it’s more likely to loosen up so you can find a clearer perspective.

As I let go of the whirl of panic, I calmed down and I noticed the ground was still under my feet. I realized that I just had to take one step at a time in the direction I wanted to go and I’d find my way.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by life. But if you learn to notice the ground under your feet, you can begin to rely on the ease of taking one step forward at a time.

Is there somewhere you’d like to go? A change you’d like to make in your life? A dream you’d like to realize?

Take a pause from the whirl of life, find solid ground and feel your way forward one step at a time.