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Hi Reader, The poet Robert Frost said ‘the best way out is always through’ in his 1915 poem, A Servant to Servants. This is often quoted as ‘the only way out is through.’ I am unsure if he actually said the second version, but it is a more succinct way of sharing an important truth. And is attributed to Frost. Human beings are capable of incredible mental strength. But we have all at times fostered a reluctance to face the truth of our situation head on. Instead, we sometimes use our energy to avoid the truth, and try to endure the consequences. There are many reasons why we do this. As I commented in a previous article, at the appropriate time in your development, a truth may become apparent. The key point of that being the appropriate time. We can only accept or understand some truths when we are ready, and sufficiently prepared - even when we have already made a decision as to how we feel about something. Nevertheless, it is crucial that we continue to explore the decisions we make, and pursue the truth without preconception. There is a caution to leaving a truth unconsidered. Thought is cumulative. Fragments of truths and misinformation, when left unchallenged, take on a life of their own. Rumour, assumptions, denial, bias, doubt, and unexplored thought can grow into untruths that we learn to accept. This can present a great danger, when we take action based on misinformation. A few weeks ago I gave guidance on a technique for promoting alignment of thought to resolve problems and better inform your actions. It's a way to explore your thoughts, and seek out any uncomfortable truths, so that you may better understand and remedy them. By uncomfortable truths I mean aspects of our lives where we meet the greatest resistance when considering them. Something we have done or experienced that we don't fully understand - and as such it causes us discomfort. When used as a daily practice, this technique can help you avoid considerable anguish - and allow you to remain true to yourself. Only the truth will set you free. I was given this to share. “Pursue the truth with patience and always maintain an open mind.” I am going to end this article with a truth shared by a dear friend. It is a truth that I have given much consideration to over a period of years. But the time has been needed to enable me to accept it. I find it to be bitter-sweet, but undeniably true. “In order to be who you are, you must be willing to let go of who you think you are.” Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough |
Hi Reader, As we develop and age, much of our behaviour becomes habitual. The statistics for just how much vary greatly, but at least half of our actions seem to be driven by habit. And the implications of habitual behaviour are greater than you may imagine. As such, it is important to make a conscious effort to foster good habits. A bad habit that seems trivial now could be devastating should your circumstances change. When placed under extreme stress, there is a tendency to rely on...
Hi Reader, I give a lot of thought to the first article of the year. Not everybody enjoys the festive season. It has been described as a magnifying glass, amplifying our feelings. Some find the experience euphoric. For others it brings melancholy. But the new year offers an opportunity for change. And I want to encourage you to embrace it. None of us are on our own. No matter what your beliefs, know that there is something greater than you at work. Given the complexity of life and the...
Hi Reader, Sometime ago a friend suggested I read Confucius to help me find the answers I was seeking. I haven’t found it an easy read, some points require consideration, but that’s as it should be. And on some points I disagree. But that is also perhaps ok. Shouldn't we always make our own evaluation? We have been gifted with free will. As long as we beg to differ with respect, no harm is done. But I clearly remember the first statement that struck a chord with me. 'To attack a task from the...