Often, when we look at something we want to do, we stop because we aren’t an expert at it already. Our culture is focused on being the best immediately. We laugh at people who “fail” at something, even if they were just beginners or if doing so actually benefited them.
We miss out on so much.
As a society and a culture, we are so focused on looking good, it seems we are slowly ceasing to care whether or not we actually are being good or doing good. How often do you hear stories of someone sacrificing their ethics or their personal integrity to maintain appearances?
The instant gratification mindset that we seem to be stuck in does not serve us individually nor does it serve the greater good. I remember I bought a bamboo flute at Portland’s Saturday Market some years ago. I loved the sound that they made and have always liked flute instrumentals. I wanted to play it and enjoy my own music. I figured there would be a learning curve, and I expected that it would take a while to learn. What did not occur to me is that the process of learning also entailed making almost unbearable noise. I never learned to play it properly because I could not put up with making the noise.
The same is true for us when we are starting anything worthwhile. When we start, it will be hard, and there will be some painful noise. You will probably feel the flutters of uncertainty in your stomach and you will think of stopping. Eventually, you will be faced with the choice: Forge ahead, or fall back ?
Remember that nobody starts out an expert. Nobody. Let’s use my wife’s favorite second favorite person: Michael Jordan. People see his talent and ability. They see how he makes things that most of us physically cannot do seem easy or even effortless. What we don’t see is the hours, days, weeks, and years of work and dedication to make it possible. Was it drudgery? For MJ, I don’t think so. But for the moment even that is irrelevant. Jordan wasn’t born with a basketball in his hands; he had to work at it.
My point is this: When you are meditating and you are frustrated because you are having difficulty finding that inner stillness, don’t give up. When you are starting to work with your guides and you are thinking that you’re just acting like a loony, don’t give up. When you are facing someone who is out to ruin your day and you are focused on being an example of compassion, don’t give up. Giving up in those situations is always defeat. If you look within and you know your truth, don’t let anything stop you. To do so is to turn your back on the divine spark within you. Find your truth. Find your courage, and press on.
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