The Beach Ball

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. – Anais Nin 

We are not static. Humans are constantly changing.

Have you experienced finding yourself restless; angry with your spouse or job? If you’ve been more than occasionally surprised by your irritability, it’s likely an indicator that something is trying to come to the surface.

What is trying to happen? What is changing that is so potentially destructive and frightening that it’s much easier to stay in old patterns than go off into a new direction? Why risk failing, or hurting people you love, even humiliation?

I like to use the metaphor of holding a big beach ball under the water. Resisting it’s bursting forth from the water is exhausting. This use of your life force can take a toll on your health, emotional well-being, energy level, and how you feel about yourself at the deepest level.

Perhaps your mate, your job, or your home isn’t feeling resonant anymore. That can be very alarming.

Fear acts as a buffer between us, and our discomfort; our perceived pain. It’s terrifying to think of upsetting the apple cart. Thoughts like, “I can handle this, its not so bad” may be true, and yet the reality of it continues to crush you a tiny bit, each day.

What might it mean if you allow yourself to consider those things you’re so afraid of?

When will come the day when the risk to remain static will be more painful than the risk it takes to let the beach ball burst forth?

The answers to this question might not be as scary as they seem. It’s likely that there are many pieces collapsed together, therefore feeling very overwhelming. By looking at the pieces individually, it’s possible to regain perspective.