In Defense of Ease
Myth: I need to summon strength and courage to make my dreams come true.
Why a myth? It sounds reasonable. But recently I had a shift in thought that made that whole notion seem ridiculous. If your dream is born of what you love, why paint it as a giant monster that you must prepare to battle?
No, it is a patch of sunshine, a playground. Do we need strength, sacrifice and determination to hug our loved ones, dance in the ocean, sing at the top of our lungs in the car?
If the quality of our dreams includes joy and fulfillment why not run towards them in delight? The belief that achieving our dreams will require some huge feat of spirit may, in fact, be a self-made obstacle.
Instead of the idea that we have to work really, really hard to get what we want, how about the idea that life will be easier if we stand in a place that we love? The premise here is that easy is a good thing.
This requires another shift of sorts. Our culture places a lot of value on struggle. If something comes easily it can feel less worthy. Why is this?
If we want to get really bold in this thinking, it stretches beyond our personal quest for happiness. We hold these beliefs about the potential for good in the World. It seems really hard, almost impossible, that warring nations can come to peaceful resolutions, economies can recover, the hungry can be fed.
We approach these tasks heavily. And they are heavy! I don’t mean to make them light. But we are daunted before we even begin. If we could lift the haze of “Can’t Be Done” or “Long Haul” or “Too Complicated” we may arrive at a place where creative solutions can be entertained and hopeful ideas can be discussed rather than dismissed.
Working happily and hopefully can be as productive as working hard. Dare I say, even more productive. Focusing on the qualities of the life you desire will illuminate an easier pathway. I hope you take that path. You have everything you need to move in the direction of your heart and to enjoy the journey.
Why trudge when you can skip?
6 Responses to “In Defense of Ease”
“… a patch of sunshine, a playground…” Can’t even describe how these few words made me so happy when I read them, especially on this snowy day!
I agree with you wholeheartedly, struggle is overrated AND not necessary. We need to remind ourselves of this OFTEN! If we could only align ourselves with the child that still resides in all of us, we’d be much happier, and the world would be a much better place.
Agreed Lisa. I also think we need to open our hearts to the idea that joy, purity and playfulness are not just childhood notions. They can exist and even begin in adulthood! Thanks for your wonderful comment 🙂
Thanks, Lisa. Thoughtful and inspiring.
Hi Richard! I am so glad you stopped by and that you found these ideas thought-provoking. Wishing you joy!
A great reminder and wonderful directions for finding the “skipping” paths of life. Thank you!
I know a few people that could benefit from this paradigm shift.
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