Ease Up

I was watching the Discovery Channel a couple of days ago and there was this show on called "Man vs. Wild". During this particular episode, the host, Bear Grylls, was traversing the swamplands of the Everglades in order to show the viewer how to survive there if one ever found themselves lost. Anyway, he comes across some quicksand and proceeds to jump right into it in order to demonstrate what to do. Bear starts to struggle, and he sinks deeper in. Then he just relaxes and he is able to stay still in one position. He slowly climbs out by spreading his arms across the surface of the mud, wriggles out and "monkey crawls" to safety. He managed to get out of that slimy pit in a matter of seconds, whereas some people or animals become stuck in for days and sink deeper and deeper until they suffocate in the mud. Why am I mentioning all of this, interesting as it may be? Well, lately I realized that the more you try to fight against something, the more you struggle, usually the more sufferation it brings. Trying too hard and thinking too much will only get us stuck in our own quicksand. The way out is the way of least resistance.

If someone doesn't want you in their life, then why struggle against that person? The more you try and make it work and put up resistance, the more trouble you get. Go your separate ways, and if your paths cross again later, so be it. If something or someone gets you frustrated and mad, what's the use of getting vex and sinking deeper into anger? Frustration comes and goes; there is no use in worrying about something. If you miss an opportunity, fail at something or find yourself heartbroken, there is always another chance to succeed later on. When one door is closed, another is open. However, resistance is not reserved for negative situations. This philosophy goes with anything really, even in dignified attempts to accomplish something positive including things like teaching, volunteering, going to job interviews, proving your worth or integrity, and anything else you set out to achieve. For all of these, being self-conscious gets in the way. When we ease up, and focus on simplicity, things will come more naturally and more effectively. We have to trust our intuition and let go of our preconceptions and expectations. Yes, certainly there comes a time to fight and confront certain things, nothing is ever so black and white. Nevertheless, more often than not, easing up is the best solution for every day survival.

The next time you are struggling with fear, doubt, jealousy, anger, or temptation while trying to climb out of the slimy pit, it would be wise to remember to just "cool and settle". Don't try and bring about what we think should or should not be, just be. Be benevolent and righteous, walk through it and lead the way by example. Goodness and natural harmony has got to prevail in the end. What will be, will be... JAH Know!

JAHsh