What's Stopping You?
The Obstacle IS the Path
About every two weeks I’ll be gifted by some ethereal mantra that comes out of nowhere that takes root in my mind and guides me relentlessly. Then, after about a fortnight, it disappears. If I don’t write it down, I’ll forget it entirely. I was trying desperately to remember the last mantra I had, and I simply cannot. It is completely gone. As quickly as it struck me, it packed up and left. Never to be heard from again. Rude…
This current mantra I’m chewing on is almost at it’s two week expiration date and I feel it wriggling, spreading its wings and clawing it’s way up and out of the depths of my convictions. Because, for the duration that it takes hold of me, I can truly think of nothing else. The words guide me, offering me momentum through each day, are are like little buddies that remind me, hey I’ve got you, you’re not alone, you got this.
This latest mantra is: What is stopping you?
What is stopping me?
There’s a stoic philosophy that states ‘the obstacle is the path.’ That, whatever you’re struggling with is supposed to be there? That whatever you’re struggling with is guiding you, and to let it shape you, with curiosity, instead of avoiding or resisting. That seems to be the take away.
Perhaps others can relate to this, but often times in my life, I’ll gain momentum in some area that elevates me in some way: my job by gaining financial traction, my hobbies by gaining joy traction, my creativity by gaining soul traction. Then, for some reason, I’ll abandon them, just like these little mantras abandon me. I’ll call out of work for no reason. I’ll turn my back on my hobbies for no reason. I’ll drop my creative routine for no reason.
Actually, there is a reason. In the dark corners of my mind, I hear an antagonistic whisper. You don’t need it anymore. See? You’ve done it. You’re fine. Look at how good you’re doing. Ease up. Rest. You’re SO tired. RESSST.
Um. Ok I did not realize Gollum was my inner demon…
I could go down an ENTIRELY nerd-ariffic rabbit hole about Lord of the Rings allegories…but I’ll spare you. THIS TIME.
Anyways. This mantra has been such a balm for me these past two weeks.
What’s stopping you?
What’s stopping me from basically showing up. To my life, to my work, to my joys, my hobbies, my craft, my commitments?
These two weeks, I have not called out of my life. Radical, I know. Repetition and consistency and routine are the glue that holds my whole nervous system together, and these past two weeks with this divinely inspired mantra, I’ve just…done it.
Phew.
Like I said earlier though, I can feel this mantra fluttering, ready to depart. Just like my own constitution, I get flighty and restless and need to spread my wings to encounter some new mindset.
Perhaps as I release my grip on this mantra, I can remember it’s teachings and stay curious about not only the emptiness it will leave behind, but also what new thought will take hold of my attention when it sees fit.
Keep the teaching tucked away, so that I continue showing up to my life, steadily, consistently, but staying open to the next dear mantra gift.
How about you? What is stopping you? Is it Gollum? Seductively calling you closer and closer only to steel the precious away from you, to keep it for itself? Is it a too-long to-do list of ‘adulting’ that is bogging you down? What is your obstacle and what is your path? Can you step back, just a hair, and gain a little perspective? Is there maybe even a teeny tiny little foot path around that big boulder in your way?
Take a look. You might find a whole new way to approach it.
Or you could just slip on that infamous ring, disappear completely, and run off to your little cottage tucked into the side of a hill.
Thanks for reading <3