Trust

Seems that I've been talking a lot about trust and faith to the people in my circle lately - and of course whenever others are talking about something... I remember how closely life resembles a mirror.  I take a look too.

One friend was concerned about opening herself up to a new relationship after several years' hiatus and a painful breakup.  As she shared her worries -  What if he breaks her heart, could she endure it if it didn't work out, what if she was meant to be alone after all? I felt deeply for her - hidden just below these thoughts were truly primal fears that so many of us share. 

Several minutes into the chat, we had a good chuckle:  The truth was, though they'd spent a little time getting to know each other, the man hadn't even asked her on a first date yet.  Isn't it typical of the mind:  to have us married off, divorced and devastated before we've even had dinner and a movie!

Our natural defense system is amazing - it will set off alarms at the first sign of danger. Like the best military tacticians, our hearts and minds join forces to protect and defend at all costs.  And those costs are mighty:  it might mean living a life that is comfortable, but not quite vibrant... that is safe, but not out on the edge of adventure and love and creativity.  And, as we all know, no one gets through life unscathed by surprise attacks anyway.

I just read a marvelous passage from the book, The Alchemist... In the scene, our protagonist has traveled across the desert with a large caravan and at last arrives at the oasis.  Upon greeting the new visitors, oasis leaders request that everyone hand over any weapons as part of their policy of peace.  Our shepherd is taken aback when his travel mate removes a revolver.  "Why do you carry a gun?" the boy asks his friend.  "It makes me feel safer around people," he replied.

I love this passage - how many times do we insist that what we are doing is protecting ourselves from "danger" when in reality we are simply proving that we do not trust in our own innate safety... in our own ability to thrive in this life.  We are, in fact, lugging around ammo that is unneccessary at best and dangerous to self and others at worst.

Our weapons vary greatly - we vote a certain way to protect our interests, we keep certain people close and others at a distance to protect our hearts, we shut down our emotions or burst out in anger during heated discussions to protect our way of thinking.  We say no, when we'd rather say yes.  We take the safe job rather than the one that makes our hearts sing.  We stay in a place or a relationship beyond its benefit.  And yet these merely give the appearance of protection from "harm."

The reality is that our best weapon is faith in Life (or God or Karma or the Universe) itself... Faith that we can handle anything that is presented to us - a break up, a move, a set back, a new job, an illness.  All are lessons.  All allow us to grow and to more surely feel Life itself saying YES on our behalf!

So when you hear the alarm bell - or you've divorced an idea before you've even let it tickle the spot in your mind that says... maybe the sky won't fall - maybe it will be absolutely glorious!*  You may want to give Trust an extra spin.  And dream big...  and love deep.

Keep it real people, the drama is only make believe!

Love,
Brandy

* I am certain I pilfered this little line... just not sure if it was from the tiny paper tags on my teas or from a book - but thanks to the author regardless!