Where all potential energies lie

Check out that cat. Ridiculous position. Pure contentment. Only by being flexible about what could be a good sleeping location was this little beauty able to find his joy.

I consider myself a flexible person. I generally go with the flow and don’t get that excited about things many might. I let my daughter use the glue on the living room couch. If a plane is delayed I use the time to read something I wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to read. Like Tamara’s cat I can even nap in unlikely spots. If my hubby has his heart set on a restaurant that I really don’t like I can go with the flow and have a good time there anyway. You wanted to meet at 2:00 but something’s come up and you won’t make it until 4:00, that is okay, I can always find something to do.

You get the idea. I’m easy peasy, in fact some might even say I’m a pushover but honestly I’m not. I also have places that I will not budge. She can use the glue but the glitter stays on the table or in the craft room. If you can never meet me on time I will stop making plans with you. I am flexible but I’m not a push over.

January shows us the yin and yang of this distinction:

Tension and Release

by January Handl

Stretching rubber band
Stiff obstinate pole
Arching swaying bridge
Straight plank point
Bowing green and golden grasses
Rock steady in the River
Permeable membrane opportunity
Battered bone stability
Wandering wave whispers
Glacial ice flows sawing
Dancing trees singing
Steel laced buildings brutal barriers

The space between flexible and set stern rigidity
is how structure holds the essence,
or form holds flow-
we need both/ and
to ride the pendulum of our existence
is to experience the dynamic balance
of life and death.
It is in the tension, the point between
what is, what was, and what could be
where all potential energies lie.
Acceptance of this moment,
this person,
this situation
brings peace.
Desires for it to be otherwise
brings suffering.
Sway and hold
Bend and stand still
Laugh and cry
Grieve and rejoice
You are alive.

So this week, as we give our nod to flexibility, consider the places where you are far too rigid. Consider giving a little and see what happens. In the areas where you bend too much try taking a stand. Flexibility requires we become adept at both.

Flexibility – The ability to adapt and generate creative options rather than to obsess, worry and control

Being flexible and genuinely open to all the possibilities will give you power and grace. You will be able to CHOOSE, really choose, what is best for you in the moment.

What are you choosing now?

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Tamara and January are here each Monday to help set the mood for the week!

Tamara Magnitsky

Tamara Magnitsky, a child of the wild blue yonder,
has been an ardent student and advocate for poetry, photography and excellence in general.
She is the mother of a 6 year old daughter and a beloved wife.
She can be found most days.

Bio written by Cary Brosius ~Tamara’s husband  🙂

 

January Handl

January Handl is first and always a mother, has been a preschool teacher and parent educator for 25 years. She is currently the Director/head teacher at Gazebo Park School, and lives at Esalen Institute in Big Sur. She lives simply in awe of existence.

She calls her photo “hot tub bliss”  🙂