Nonlinear Living

it's a thing

Hello from the other side—just kidding, but I really do feel in the midst of a shift.

It’s partially inspired by the move, springtime and a mounting feeling of creative expressions rising just below the surface of my being. I’m considering how to deliver these forces forth in the best way. In the past, I’ve just done whatever my whims have willed. Now I’m older, sort of wiser and more exhausted by frivolous energy outputs. This has led me to be more thoughtful with my steps, looking to chart a course before hoisting my sails to catch the wild wind. 

In times of recalibration, we must first imagine the shape of our course. From an early age we are provided with images of levels that we climb up to reach the pinnacle of success. We complete one level of school and reach another. We graduate and go to the next school. We ascend the stairway, one day we reach...whatever our highest goal is? 

Today I came across a staircase in physical form. I was on a walk with Joey and decided to do a couple flights to get some cardio. Midway through one of the flights, it hit me how inadequate the staircase symbol is for real life. If anything, we are living in a realm more similar to the board game Chutes and Ladders. But even Chutes and Ladders comes up short, as it reinforces the concept that we can only be on one of two trajectories: up or down.

There’s more than one way to move. Things can occur quickly. Maybe some of the chutes are anti-gravity and we float up their smooth inclines. Sometimes we do flights of the same stairs multiple times because we need to get stronger.

Nothing is linear. 

Along the way, we must look for perspective. Take in the view from your current point of elevation. Even when you’re in the midst of an ascension period. Those are the most important places to take stock. Gather appreciation for how far you’ve come. If you’re looking to make a shift, be ready to be your own best cheerleader. There will inevitably be places where improvement or growth is needed, otherwise it’s not a true shift! In these moments, move with compassion. Create room for joy in the equation. If you can’t, it’s not the right move for right now. 

When confronted with a chute, check on the mental narrative. Did your mind whip out a shovel and start digging a hole that nobody asked for? It’s understandable to feel inertia when shifts occur, but keep tabs on the mind—is it enforcing limiting beliefs? Have those beliefs grown so close that you perceive them as truths? Pull yourself out of that cycle by identifying what the fear actually is. The mind may resist change because it’s being asked to adapt, even when the adaptation is a new form of greatness. 

This self-doubt happens to us all. I’ve experienced the doubt reflex enough times now that once I get past the initial phase of inertia, I recognize it as an indicator that growth is occurring. It’s like a haggard troll under the bridge (because in this board game of life there are definitely bridges). When the troll starts grumbling, I nod and say oh there’s Doubty, it must be time to cross a bridge. 

Wherever you are in your Nonlinear-Bridge-and-Tunnel-Anti-Gravity-Chutes-and-Ladders-Secret-Garden Game
take a moment and take stock of all you’ve come through. 

I’ll remind you, because someone was kind enough to remind me today: everything is always working out for you.

That’s all for now, see you on Friday with a Meditation Prompt for paying subscribers.
This week, we’ll find perspective and activate appreciation together.
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Moments for Now Dispatch drops on Sunday. If you’d like to submit a photo or short written piece of your moment, email: momentsfornow@gmail.com -- everything is shared anonymously. 

xx,
James