The Challenge just ended this past Sunday and I missed the required 45 classes by four. I came down with the flu last week. What an experience! I have never had the flu before. I made the mistake of mentioning to Sara that I thought I could finish the Challenge. The hammer-head voice inside of me was yelling, “Get back in there and finish the Challenge!” I knew if I tried to finish it would be foolish: the flu symptoms would most likely reappear and it would put me in the doghouse with Sara for not listening to her motherly instructions to stay home. I listened to the voice of reason and the hammer-head voice gradually quieted down.
So, in the infamous words of Tony Soprano, “What are you gonna do?” (You have to say it with the Tony Soprano voice and facial expression to get the full effect.). Sometimes in life there is nothing you can do about the situation at hand or the cards you have been dealt. In some religious traditions this is referred to as the practice of “surrender”, an unappealing word indicating a loss of control or power. It can be a real hit in the heart or a gentle reminder of our vulnerability as human beings. I prefer the latter of the two.
Human beings are very vulnerable. If we embrace our vulnerability, it allows us to develop a deep sense of appreciation for what we have. We can realize that at any given moment our life can change dramatically, or be over, and many times it is completely out of our control. The realization of this truth can bring a profound sense of preciousness and appreciation into our lives.
It is Monday and I am about 90% back to normal. I have decided to continue writing a blog. Congratulations to those of you who completed the Challenge. Namaste
