So I would say that the most important quality that I have when pursuing a goal is patience to be aware of what the goal needs to be moment to moment for it to live alongside me as I grow and change. Am I saying that the goal is never the same moment to moment. I would say that it is an harmony between change and stillness, which can be pursuing a career as a physical therapist for example. What do I mean by this? On the one hand I have something very clear that needs to be accomplished in order to meet this goal, reading books and studying information about performing the job functions of a physical therapist. This is my stillness or concentration. On the other hand, I have the hurdle of finding a way to retain the concentration on subjects that I do not necessarily have an interest in like the technical terms for muscles, joints, examination processes, injuries, etc. This is my change or shifting nature, which blocks concentration.
Managing between the two states is a constant activity starting with a sensation, then a feeling, then a thought, meaning, and story, if I follow the line that my mind usually wants to take me down. Realizing when this is helpful and when it is not is part of the key to remaining over that point of concentration that leads to my goal. So the trick is to practice mindfulness here. I simply notice what is happening. Am I becoming frustrated with the circumstances of the situation? It is likely that I will naturally want to follow a story that justifies that frustration, trying to ease the suffering that I am going through at the moment. A good example of this suffering is when I am faced with learning a difficult concept for my mind to grasp. The old ways of thinking do not seem to be helping me here. My mind tells me, “This is difficult, why not just stay with what is familiar, and easy to get, bringing you to a goal quicker, and letting you rest in comfort.” What my mind does not want me to know is that if I rely on the same old thing, I will also inevitably have the same old suffering as well. It can be a viscous circle of hope, pleasure, pain, and regret if I am not careful.
However, once I have taken a step back and noticed this happening, I can allow it to reveal its true nature to me. Behind every want for immediate gratification there is a deeper need that is crying out to be heard. I wait, listen, and if I am patient enough, I hear that need. And then when I know what is really happening, fear of the unknown, of not knowing, of not being good enough in this example, I see that which is really blocking my progress, and I simply tell myself that I understand, and that I will be there with my little I or ego during this time of uncertainty. Though I reassure my ego that without trying to pursue what is in our heart that we will never move past this suffering filled with regret. Basically I wait until the child within reveals itself, and I speak to him like a loving guardian that only wants the best for him. This can be a stubborn child, but with patience and perseverance, moment by moment I draw ever nearer to my goal with mindful kindness as my practice. Eventually, when the child has let loose his grip on fear of the unfamiliar, the once difficult to comprehend knowledge becomes integrated into who I am in a very natural way that leads to deeper understanding of how it can best be used in many different circumstances in real life. The distance between me and my goal gets a little less each time that I practice.
Whenever I begin to worry that I will not arrive at the place where my goal is, I sing a little sound to myself. Many times it is the chorus of “Everyday” by Buddy Holly. “Everyday its a little closer, going faster than a roller coaster, love like yours will surely come my way, ah hey, ah hey, hey hey.”
Health, Happiness, and a balance on the place of your goal my friends!
Have a magical week!
Aaron :-)