My life has become much more serene since I stopped trying to push it around. I’m a natural organizer. I see the overview. I see where things fit – or could fit if they chose to. Sometimes nothing fits the way I expect and I have to let go. I have to release my expectations. I have to change my plans. I have to shape things as they come.
Reading this verse in the Tao Te Ching was a major turning point for me.
The Master allows thing to happen.
She shapes things as they come.
She steps aside
And lets the Tao do its work.
-Stephen Mitchell, tr., Tao Te Ching
What a relief it is to simply shape things as they come. That means I don’t have to make a plan. I don’t even have to consider my options. I can simply decide in the moment. What a relief.
Unfolding requires trust
You have to trust your own awareness of your needs and desires. You use that self-awareness when you respond in the moment. If you know what you want and what you like and what you need, it’s easy to make a good choice. If you are unaware of yourself, at the very least you’ll learn from your mistakes.
Unfolding teaches me to allow other people do their thing
A huge gift from learning to allow life to unfold was how un-invested I became in the choices of others. I had my boundaries. I made my choices of who to hang out with and who to avoid. Gradually I learned not to be invested in the choices other people made. I simply adjusted my own behavior.
Mindfulness helps with unfolding
Becoming aware of the subtle signs and signals that show you the opportunities that are available helps you make the right choices. When I eat mindfully, I am aware when I am full. I stop eating and my body size gradually normalizes. When I listen mindfully, I hear what is not being said and I respond in a more effective manner. The more mindful you are, the more appropriate your response.
Serenity comes when you stop striving
Absolute miracles have appeared that I could never have imagined, simply because I am watching, observing and taking time to consider whatever shows up. I make my choice in the moment. The peace I feel, the joyful manner in which I can accept and celebrate whatever shows up brings peace to my heart and contentment to my life.
What outcome can you release? How aware are you of what you really want? Are you seeing the many opportunities that are placed in your path? Let life unfold. Shape things as they come. Feel the peace of serenity that emerges.
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
How Not to Make Plans
Nature Does Not Have Deadline, Why Should We?
Are You Reading the Signs?
Patience and the Unfolding Process
Stress and the Art of Non-Attachment
The Spaces in Our Lives
Decision as a Dream Carrier
