26. The Warrior

 “Do you prefer to grow up and relate to life directly, or do you choose to live and die in fear?” (Eckhart Tolle)

When I read these words, I took it on as a personal challenge:

“Do I prefer to grow up and relate to life directly, or do I choose to live and die in fear?”

Well, when you put it like that…

Yes. I was ready and willing to take on life directly. I was ready to grow up.

For several years I had used a personal mantra – 

“Open arms, open heart”

Now I saw that I needed to add “Open Eyes” -clear sight.

 Yoga’s Warrior pose took on new meaning to me.  Just try keeping your balance with your eyes closed…

Open eyes, open arms, open hands and open heart – all with balance and strength.  

“I’m ready life. Bring it on!” YIKES! This kind of vulnerability is scary. 

Then there was this wonderful reframing of fear:

“The warrior knows that we can never know what happens next. This not knowing is part of the adventure. “

Can FOTU (fear of the unknown) really be transformed into an adventure? 

Yes it can.  What is required is the ceasing of resistance. The warrior takes a strong and balanced stance allowing her to ride the waves, like on a surf board. Acceptance and even exhilaration is possible.

“Oh is that all?” I hear you say. Well I am no surfer! Ok, let’s call this an aspirational idea; an about-face from fear to adventure. 

I admit that sometimes just imagining having the courage to live this way gives me palpitations. But efforts in this direction do pay off. The more you think about opening your eyes and your heart, the more it will happen. And then you will begin to see and feel the benefits which will give you the courage to keep going. 

So strike a Warrior pose and repeat after me:

“Open eyes, open arms, open heart.”