Just Be (Trademark Pending)

"Originally, the word power meant able to be. In time, it was contracted to mean able. We suffer the difference."

--Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening. March 2 entry

To me, “able to be” speaks to our ability to just be. To accept what is. To deal with the truth of the moment. On the other hand, “able” seems to deal in expectations. That we have to do more and more. That we aren’t enough as we are.

There is a lot of pressure to, Just Do It. Let me encourage you to, “Just Be.”

Practice allowing yourself to be. Give yourself permission to listen to your inner voice, to divine guidance, or whatever source of wisdom and peace you honor. Recognize your own value. Look in the mirror, and give yourself credit for who you are right now and who you are becoming.

And if you find yourself getting caught up in the expectations of others, or even of yourself, notice them. Simply notice them, forgive yourself, and allow yourself to return to the moment. Allow yourself to bloom in the timeframe uniquely and divinely yours.

There is a story about a butterfly coming out of a cocoon, and a well-meaning person who tried to help them out of the cocoon. The butterfly does not survive. It needs to work through the challenges of life in its own time frame. Don’t let expectations in your life push you along too fast. Yes, you will face challenges. Yes, you will feel like you have to get better faster. Allow yourself to be who you are. The growth will come.

To just be may sound like a very passive, do nothing stance. On the contrary, it is a very active stance. It is to be ever alert, ever vigilant, always listening for the wisdom that is available to every one of us. It is also being aware of, and noticing, things around us. It is actively choosing, in every moment, utilizing that great wisdom about how to move in each moment -- whether to act, speak, or even refrain from speech or action.

By listening to your inner voice, you will bloom as you are intended. Instead of working to be more able, allow yourself to become more able to be. With practice, you will become even more able to be. And it will happen in time as it should. So give yourself permission, over and over, to just be.

John Robinson

© 2016