OFG II: Drop the rope

Today, the OFG brings you an analogy which will make perfectly clear his long-held belief that when you actively push against anything, you further empower exactly that thing you are pushing against.

The concept of allowing is one which is difficult to grasp for many people, and I would have to guess that, for Americans, it may be even more difficult than for folks from other countries where the WIN WIN WIN gene is not quite so predominant.

It is a simple idea: allow what you want to happen, to happen.

It's very different than "Strive and struggle and work hard and sweat and beat the crap out of anything that stands in your way" as a means to the same end.

Here's the picture: you are in a tug-of-war with someone who is a perfect match from the standpoint of strength and determination. You are each determined to pull on that rope until the other has been dragged into the muddy pit which separates you.

You pull and gain an inch. Your opponent pulls, and you lose the inch. You realize that, more than anything, you would like to be eating one of those great snacks over there under the awning where everyone else has gathered. You really want one of those cooling beverages, too, because it is really hot and you have been working hard in this contest.

You redouble your efforts and gain two inches. As soon as you take a breath, though, your opponent recoups the loss.

Finally, it dawns on you. There is a way to be where you want to be, doing what you want to do!

You let go of your end of the rope.

We sometimes lose track of what it is we are seeking, instead focusing totally on what we have decided is the only way to get there.

It turns out, there are many ways to accomplish a goal or find something we feel is missing. Letting go of our preconceived notions about the path is a wonderful method for opening up our minds to all kinds of differences in perspective which can so enrich our lives.

What if your end result is coming your way already, and the only job you have is to make sure you allow it in? What if all that is required of you is patience, faith, and a reliance on open arms? After all, you cannot accept anything with your fists balled up and a determined look on your face.

Be more open. Be willing to consider a gentler, kinder, more-peaceful path...a path which is smoother, easier on the traveler, and guaranteed to get you where you wish to be.

Try it once and prove me right. Drop the rope.