Day 47: Commitment

From ― W.H. Murray, The Scottish Himalayan Expedition:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:

‘Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.’”

It’s curious how hard I am finding these days – it’s especially unsettling after receiving such good news that I can begin to move again on my walker. Learning to walk again is demanding work. There’s a sullen escapist part of me who wants to be cared for without the effort of having to face the ‘real physical world’. It’s downright annoying to my ego to be so inefficient. HA!

To be forced to frame every move with mindful attention feels frightfully restricting after seven decades of unusual bodily freedom. This bout with two broken legs has certainly catapulted me into aging. I feel 90 years old hobbling on a walker! A wheelchair was much more fun. I’m not looking for sympathy here, but for understanding. An understanding of this recalcitrant part of myself who doesn’t want to be limited by reality. Do you know that part of yourself?

It’s a universal struggle for those of us who have been blessed with health and immense privilege in every form. For much of our lives we haven’t had to commit to the tough physical and emotional realities of life that demand more of us than we think we have. So, we spend much of our lives escaping reality, coasting in comfort, seeking pleasure and personal gain.

Through this experience, I’m aware I have much more to learn about commitment.

Check out this amazing photograph by Wilson Chen, which calls to my thoughts.

This shape-shifting osprey speaks to me of the fierce soulful capacity we have been given to dive deep and catch what waits for us below the surface of our lives.

Each new step of dedicated commitment is a step not just of bodily movement, but into a bold dream of stirring up the power of Providence to show up in everyday communal ways and places yet unseen.

We as humans sure need more wisdom than we yet know for these troubling times.

---

A CHALLENGE:

Let’s take Goethe’s words to heart as both a personal and communal inspiration:

‘Whatever you/I/We can do, or dream you/I/We can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.’

What fresh step of commitment is calling you today?

How many times and ways are you willing to shapeshift in order to dive into the deepest places of your calling to be a soulful change-agent on behalf of this planet?\

Next: Day 49

Back: Day 42