It's time. Time to let go a little. Or a lot. We have a desire to control - we choose our schedules, what to eat, where to go, and how to interact with others. We plan, save, and work hard to create the lives we want to live. Maybe it comes out of knowing that there are so many unknowns in life - wonderful people who will bring us pure joy, tragic events that will change us forever, and everything in between. But this same control creates a challenge. On a narrowly-focused path or during an over-scheduled day, we end up feeling out of control - like our lives are moving forward with someone else in the driver's seat. We can get frustrated by our circumstances, bogged down by what's socially acceptable, or by getting "stuck" in a job, relationship, or other commitment. Today I googled "antonyms of control" to see what would come up. It wasn't very encouraging. The list started with chaos and disorganization. Freedom was thrown in but followed by lawlessness, mismanagement, and neglect. We clearly have a positive association with control and a negative one with the opposite. But aren't the best adventures the ones that flow freely? Without plans or structure or timelines? Without big expectations or even big budgets? We spend so much time trying to fit everything in to this life - work, friends, family, maybe even a little time for ourselves - that we often don't have time for those moments. Our desire to control ultimately leads to feeling stuck, overworked, bored, or even disengaged. Let's fix it. Over the next month, I'm exploring the opposite of control. I'm going to take at least 5 minutes a day to see where that moment takes me. Instead of scheduling, planning, and controlling. In my two day test drive of this idea, I've had time to call a friend I haven't spoken to in months and the inspiration to get back into rock climbing (who's in?!). I'm hoping it also leads to spontaneous weekend hikes, discovering a new neighborhood restaurant while out for a walk, and simply laughing with friends as our kids eat dirt at the park (dirt builds immunity!).
I hope you'll join me in this little experiment. Just 5 take minutes once a day to let go of control. Set everything down, see what inspiration strikes, and go with it. I'd also love to see you this month! My yoga classes are starting up again next week and I have a new session of Mamas Circle beginning on Wednesday, April 5th. I hope you'll join me and spread the word about these opportunities to be in community. With love, Elizabeth
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