blame
Rock Sculptures in Ottawa, all perfectly balanced, no cement, no glue, just rocks!
What can I say about change that hasn’t already been said? Yep, it’s inevitable–just like the sun coming up today.
My Mama used to say, “This too shall pass”, which is great when times are tough and we’re up the proverbial creek without a paddle. ( I used to always tell her to pray anyway!) Honestly though haven’t you always made it through? Right! You did or you wouldn’t be here. So why does change scare us so much? What is it about change that makes some of us sweat like pigs (have you ever actually seen a pig sweat?), quake in our boots or have nightmares of epic proportions?
I had a small challenge with change while visiting our friends James and MaryAnne in Ottawa, Canada last week. James as you may recall if you’ve perused my website is a demanding hike leader and my grappeling coach. He took a day off to lead us on a hike as only James can do! It was a gorgeous day–we were very spontaneous–stopping to see these beautiful rock sculptures along the river, visiting Andre’s first home and then finally arriving at the trailhead.
Up the EASY rope!
I had asked James to make it an easy hike because André had hurt his hip and I figured there was no reason to make it worse.
As we climbed two sets of steep stairs, sheer granite rock faces occasionally with just hand and foot holds and then pulled ourselves up a rope on another steep rock face, I became angrier and angrier. Mother Bear came out and wanted to protect her husband from any more pain or discomfort…the night before he was moaning in his sleep from the pain! When we finally reached the top of that gosh darn mountain, I knew that I had to get the anger out into the light, so I could move on and not spoil my day. I spoke my truth, hopefuly without blame or judgment–following Angeles Arrien’s wisdom. James, bless him, listened lovingly and explained that this was an easy hike. What the heck? This was an easy hike? We just pulled ourselves up a rope over a steep rock face and climbed sheer granite where there were maybe 2″ ledges to grip with our boots and 1/2-1″ handholds….EASY?
Mary Anne wisely stated that maybe we should have confirmed before leaving what an easy hike was. It turns out that the hike I would have probably rated a seven, James and the others would have rated a three. WOW, we were just slightly out of sync on this communication. Once I spoke my truth and James explained his take, my anger dissipated, all was forgiven and we continued down the mountain to a gorgeous, cool waterfall with little ponds to play in. If I hadn’t released the anger I could have seethed and stressed the rest of the day. James , rightly so, would have probably trotted my sorry butt back down the mountain and I would have missed the waterfall, splashing in the pond, and the beautiful boulder hopping hike following the creek down the other side. Not exactly the hike I had in mind, but an incredible adventure when I was willing to embrace the “change”, oh yeah and let go of the idea that I needed to protect André.
My lessons from this “change” were multi-level:
- Ask for clarification when going on a hike with the Master.
- Speak your truth without blame or judgment . –Angeles Arrien
- Anger brought into the light cannot subsist.
- The change I fear may turn out great – it was an awesome hike and afterward André actually felt better .
What “change” are you facing this week? If it seems unclear ask for clarity. If your fear rises up and becomes anger, frustration or turmoil bring it to the light. Talk about your fear and express your anger, always coming from a place of love. Brainstorm the positive possibilities that could come with this change. Allow the brainstorming to be as farfetched and crazy as you can imagine, along with rational, logical ideas. Explore the possibilities, allow yourself to imagine an incredible new adventure, full of magic, full of joy, and just maybe with a waterfall at the end!
Have a life changing week!
Many blessings, BakeR
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And speaking of change here’s a great video by Carrie Underwood that I had never heard….yes, it’s true I don’t watch television!
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