Grounding. Getting out of my head. I need to get really clear about what is mine and what is not because if it is mine, I can create change. If it is not mine, I do not, and at that point, I may need to be with my emotions or how I feel that it is hurting, but I cannot do anything about making it different.
. . . surrendering to that powerlessness,
which for me,
opens the door to solutions.
It lets me know
what I really have to work with,
and frees me
from helplessly fighting against the current.
It’s all about getting out of my own way,
pulling my clinging fingers
off the edge,
taking a deep breath,
and releasing myself from the fear.
It’s very hard to do
because my ego,
my false self,
wants to be the important one,
the tyrant,
the controller of my world . . .
poor thing.
She doesn’t realize
that letting go
is where the true power lies . . .
being flexible instead of rigid,
open instead of closed.
I remind myself
that no matter what happens
all will be well
and as it should be.
“Surrendering to that powerlessness which for me opens the door to solutions.”
“It’s all about getting out of my own way.”
“Pulling my clinging fingers off the edge, taking a breath, and releasing myself from fear.”
Sparrow, thank you so much for this!
The imagery from the third quote is so powerful!
“………….no matter what happens all will be well and as it should be.” I need to remind the monkey in my mind of this when he comes out of his room full of chatter. Thank you, Sparrow.
Sparrow, having a strong desire for autonomy, I know the song and dance. Trying to do things our way is tempting. It can feel heavy. Our way isn’t always the right way.
Very lately, I have appreciated being able to employ that saying that I learned right here! —–> “Let go… or get dragged!”
Thank you to those of you who shared and commented on it, because it has really helped me! It puts in a pause or a “stop” for me. Feeling powerless can provoke anger, fear, resentment, sorrow, combativeness, hyper-criticism, protective self-righteousness…. all manner of reactions, and I do not “enjoy” the experience of feeling any of them or being a vessel for them! “Let go or get dragged” reminds me that I can ask myself, “Do you want to get dragged further down by this negative emotion that is burning your precious energy and fouling this precious time?…… or can you do your best to stop, pivot, and move to some other reaction?” It is really personally relevant for me right now, and I am so lucky to be part of this open collective of people interested in promoting this kind of growth! thank you!
So – yes – it is that “stop”, “How does this feel?” and can I “make a better choice” about my feelings and reactions and behaviors-? I still want to be aware and take action for matters important to me – and I do feel “powerless” against many situations, but still, I can monitor my thinking and question my reactions and then pick and choose responses for what I hope will be of benefit, and at a minimum, at least not harmful to myself or others or wasteful. What a relief, and hopefully, even an exciting opportunity. I want whatever precious energy and time that I have now to be going toward a positive – the leap of faith is that I will know what that is from a source not limited to just my internal machinations. That’s where opening to Guidance becomes attractive. How much better is that than the “piffing and moaning” or the “scratching and clawing” or being pugnacious or whiney or aggressive or any of the other behaviors that I prefer to let go of??? and truly – there is a selfishness to it — it would be so much better for me, but isn’t it also kinder and more encouraging for those around me, and perhaps with the conserved energy…. I can take small -or even big!- steps to address other good work worth doing! One can hope! thank you, Grateful community for helping me process and express this. And now for the implementation/practice, yes?🙏. good day to you all, in whatever way that arrives…
I draw two circles. In the inner circle, I list what’s in my control. In the outer, I list what’s out of my control. If that doesn’t settle me, I use Kristen Neff’s self-compassion practices (https://self-compassion.org). After that, I’ve usually got my courage back.
Gratefulness…if I can just stop and remind myself of all I have to be grateful for, I find myself able to proceed. I may only be able to trudge but I do the best I can. Many times I reach out and check on someone else and listen to their concerns. Many times I find myself saying what I need to hear.
As a Buddhist Christian, I have meditation and trusting god. Meditation clears my mind. Prayor and trusting god gives me direction and clarrity for my life and circumstances.
When I feel powerless I turn to my spiritual practices, prayer, meditation, reading spiritual writings. I will also do some yoga, get moving, maybe a walk, weather permitting.
Getting busy helps too. Keep moving forward, step by step.
Happy Monday to All…🙏🏻❤️
Thinking of my responses to two questions: 1) “What can I do today (or this week) to play my part in helping solve world problems?” This question helps keep me “on the playing field” and not withdraw from pitching in on solving world problems. But it also helps me remember that I can’t save the world alone, all I can do is pitch in and play a part on the team of those who care. 2) “What is within my control today, and how can I make the most of that?” This helps remind me to do things like aiming for enough sleep, exercise, and spiritual practice in my life so that I can hopefully be a source of love and mindfulness to others. (I recognize that it is not always within our control to get enough sleep, exercise, and spiritual practice in our lives, but right now in my life that does feel within my control, so I want to take advantage of that opportunity)
I love the way think in terms of- What can I do for the world.
My first reaction to all the turmoil and chaos going on is a desire to hide away.
Thanks, Elizabeth for inspiring me to face what is happening
and to find my own way to make a difference.
Elizabeth, the last part of your answer resignates with me. I’m currently in an easy stretch of my life. This is a time where it’s easier to take our spiritual practices and self-care more seriously.
I have to get out of my head when I feel powerless… prayer, meditation, picking up a spiritual book. Depending on the situation, I might talk to my husband, call my mom or one of my siblings. And it’s always good to remind myself that I have gotten through all kinds of situations and that this too shall pass.
I recently was introduced to this quote by Pope John tge XXIII
Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams.
Think not about your frustrations but your unfulfilled potential.
Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you to do.
When I can take a breath, calm down, and not take the situation personally, I can see more options.
This is not easy, as the self pity kicks in almost immediately. Surprisingly, there always seems to be a third way.
As with many others, I am feeling quite powerless these days. Watching, as what’s left of our democracy is trampled into the ground.
My choices in this situation, seem limited to trying maintain some form of optimism(?) or at least some sense of collective grief.
It feels necessary, but selfish, to work on my own wellbeing.
I think it is smart to “put on your own oxygen mask first”, so that you are better prepared and able to be of help to others when they need theirs. In my opinion, it is a respectful way of taking responsibility for what can truly matter and relieves others as well.
Good question for me, as I have been feeling rather overwhelmed lately.
Overwhelm feels like powerlessness.
Walking first thing in the morning (after caffeine of course) helps to clear my head.
Sitting in a space without clutter also helps.
Putting pen to paper helps me to set priorities.
Being grateful brings joy, and the strength to move forward.
Blessings to all
I’m feeling especially grateful for this community this morning.
Thank you to all for being here and being who you are.
I haven’t seen Pilgrim lately,
so if you are reading this Pilgrim,
I miss you and am sending love to you.
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
Grounding. Getting out of my head. I need to get really clear about what is mine and what is not because if it is mine, I can create change. If it is not mine, I do not, and at that point, I may need to be with my emotions or how I feel that it is hurting, but I cannot do anything about making it different.
Support groups mainly and maybe Therapy. I have also used self help books.
. . . surrendering to that powerlessness,
which for me,
opens the door to solutions.
It lets me know
what I really have to work with,
and frees me
from helplessly fighting against the current.
It’s all about getting out of my own way,
pulling my clinging fingers
off the edge,
taking a deep breath,
and releasing myself from the fear.
It’s very hard to do
because my ego,
my false self,
wants to be the important one,
the tyrant,
the controller of my world . . .
poor thing.
She doesn’t realize
that letting go
is where the true power lies . . .
being flexible instead of rigid,
open instead of closed.
I remind myself
that no matter what happens
all will be well
and as it should be.
Wisdom, beautifully stated. Thank you, Sparrow.
I gain so much wisdom here,
dear Mary,
in this space
from all who come here…
people like you. ♥️
“Surrendering to that powerlessness which for me opens the door to solutions.”
“It’s all about getting out of my own way.”
“Pulling my clinging fingers off the edge, taking a breath, and releasing myself from fear.”
Sparrow, thank you so much for this!
The imagery from the third quote is so powerful!
It can be really hard
to let go,
dear Mary,
can’t it? ♥️
Yes!
You expressed it all so well!
“………….no matter what happens all will be well and as it should be.” I need to remind the monkey in my mind of this when he comes out of his room full of chatter. Thank you, Sparrow.
One of my favorite quotes,
dear Joseph,
this from Julian of Norwich.
“ All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.” ♥️
Sparrow, having a strong desire for autonomy, I know the song and dance. Trying to do things our way is tempting. It can feel heavy. Our way isn’t always the right way.
You are right,
dear Loc. ♥️
Very lately, I have appreciated being able to employ that saying that I learned right here! —–> “Let go… or get dragged!”
Thank you to those of you who shared and commented on it, because it has really helped me! It puts in a pause or a “stop” for me. Feeling powerless can provoke anger, fear, resentment, sorrow, combativeness, hyper-criticism, protective self-righteousness…. all manner of reactions, and I do not “enjoy” the experience of feeling any of them or being a vessel for them! “Let go or get dragged” reminds me that I can ask myself, “Do you want to get dragged further down by this negative emotion that is burning your precious energy and fouling this precious time?…… or can you do your best to stop, pivot, and move to some other reaction?” It is really personally relevant for me right now, and I am so lucky to be part of this open collective of people interested in promoting this kind of growth! thank you!
So – yes – it is that “stop”, “How does this feel?” and can I “make a better choice” about my feelings and reactions and behaviors-? I still want to be aware and take action for matters important to me – and I do feel “powerless” against many situations, but still, I can monitor my thinking and question my reactions and then pick and choose responses for what I hope will be of benefit, and at a minimum, at least not harmful to myself or others or wasteful. What a relief, and hopefully, even an exciting opportunity. I want whatever precious energy and time that I have now to be going toward a positive – the leap of faith is that I will know what that is from a source not limited to just my internal machinations. That’s where opening to Guidance becomes attractive. How much better is that than the “piffing and moaning” or the “scratching and clawing” or being pugnacious or whiney or aggressive or any of the other behaviors that I prefer to let go of??? and truly – there is a selfishness to it — it would be so much better for me, but isn’t it also kinder and more encouraging for those around me, and perhaps with the conserved energy…. I can take small -or even big!- steps to address other good work worth doing! One can hope! thank you, Grateful community for helping me process and express this. And now for the implementation/practice, yes?🙏. good day to you all, in whatever way that arrives…
Beautifully thought through and expressed.
Sitting by myself in silence in nature. Thinking, writing, reflecting.
I draw two circles. In the inner circle, I list what’s in my control. In the outer, I list what’s out of my control. If that doesn’t settle me, I use Kristen Neff’s self-compassion practices (https://self-compassion.org). After that, I’ve usually got my courage back.
I had never thought of using a Venn diagram in this way, Drea. Thank you so much.❤️
You’re welcome Mary. I think it was from a self-help book way back when … either way, it’s nice to see those things written down, quite humbling.
Thank you,
dear Drea,
for the link to this resource. ♥️
Sparrow, you’re very welcome.
Gratefulness…if I can just stop and remind myself of all I have to be grateful for, I find myself able to proceed. I may only be able to trudge but I do the best I can. Many times I reach out and check on someone else and listen to their concerns. Many times I find myself saying what I need to hear.
Saying to another what you need to hear … ah, I relate to this. It’s amazing how that happens.
As a Buddhist Christian, I have meditation and trusting god. Meditation clears my mind. Prayor and trusting god gives me direction and clarrity for my life and circumstances.
When I feel powerless I turn to my spiritual practices, prayer, meditation, reading spiritual writings. I will also do some yoga, get moving, maybe a walk, weather permitting.
Getting busy helps too. Keep moving forward, step by step.
Happy Monday to All…🙏🏻❤️
Thinking of my responses to two questions: 1) “What can I do today (or this week) to play my part in helping solve world problems?” This question helps keep me “on the playing field” and not withdraw from pitching in on solving world problems. But it also helps me remember that I can’t save the world alone, all I can do is pitch in and play a part on the team of those who care. 2) “What is within my control today, and how can I make the most of that?” This helps remind me to do things like aiming for enough sleep, exercise, and spiritual practice in my life so that I can hopefully be a source of love and mindfulness to others. (I recognize that it is not always within our control to get enough sleep, exercise, and spiritual practice in our lives, but right now in my life that does feel within my control, so I want to take advantage of that opportunity)
I love the way think in terms of- What can I do for the world.
My first reaction to all the turmoil and chaos going on is a desire to hide away.
Thanks, Elizabeth for inspiring me to face what is happening
and to find my own way to make a difference.
Elizabeth, the last part of your answer resignates with me. I’m currently in an easy stretch of my life. This is a time where it’s easier to take our spiritual practices and self-care more seriously.
I have to get out of my head when I feel powerless… prayer, meditation, picking up a spiritual book. Depending on the situation, I might talk to my husband, call my mom or one of my siblings. And it’s always good to remind myself that I have gotten through all kinds of situations and that this too shall pass.
Sunnypatti, that ego. It’s tempting to think that we have all the answers. We often forget that we’ve overcome similar challenges before.
I’m currently feeling a bit powerless and would love to read everyone’s responses to this question, in hopes of getting inspiration. Thank you. 💗
I recently was introduced to this quote by Pope John tge XXIII
Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams.
Think not about your frustrations but your unfulfilled potential.
Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but what is still possible for you to do.
Thank you for this. It really resonates with me today. 🙏
When I can take a breath, calm down, and not take the situation personally, I can see more options.
This is not easy, as the self pity kicks in almost immediately. Surprisingly, there always seems to be a third way.
As with many others, I am feeling quite powerless these days. Watching, as what’s left of our democracy is trampled into the ground.
My choices in this situation, seem limited to trying maintain some form of optimism(?) or at least some sense of collective grief.
It feels necessary, but selfish, to work on my own wellbeing.
I think it is smart to “put on your own oxygen mask first”, so that you are better prepared and able to be of help to others when they need theirs. In my opinion, it is a respectful way of taking responsibility for what can truly matter and relieves others as well.
Carol Ann, I agree. Pouring from an empty cup is the last thing we need.
It IS necessary,
dear Charlie,
and NOT selfish,
to work on your own wellbeing…
YOU are all you have
to give to the world. ♥
And you have lots to give Charlie!
Sparrow, my 6th grade best bro in Sean, has a saying “You get what you give.”
Good question for me, as I have been feeling rather overwhelmed lately.
Overwhelm feels like powerlessness.
Walking first thing in the morning (after caffeine of course) helps to clear my head.
Sitting in a space without clutter also helps.
Putting pen to paper helps me to set priorities.
Being grateful brings joy, and the strength to move forward.
Blessings to all
I’m feeling especially grateful for this community this morning.
Thank you to all for being here and being who you are.
I haven’t seen Pilgrim lately,
so if you are reading this Pilgrim,
I miss you and am sending love to you.