Seriously though, there are certainly sound and logical reasons for the rules we make and live by on a daily basis. The signs are meant to protect us and those around us, primarily, from pain. They remind us, if we haven't yet recognized it ourselves, that we may be in a precarious situation.
Sometimes, the signs may be placed too close to comfort and we allow ourselves to take an extra step or two without much courage to bring the experience to us more deeply - to see the full view, to feel more. There are times, however, when we pause and assess how much risk we are willing to take to go beyond a certain point. We take a deep breath and dare to take a step further or, when inspired, we take the proverbial leap of faith.
In that pause right before we choose to leap forward or turn away lies that big opportunity to know ourselves more.
Often enough, there are signs that may be well meaning but misplaced and following them brings no harm but neither do they help deepen our experience of life. There are those who defy signs and they are not always right but the experience allows them access to wisdom beyond what the sign says or they may arrive at that same conclusion - it was unwise to have gone beyond that point. Depending on the outcome, they are labeled either brave or hardheaded, persistent or stubborn, visionary or crazy.
There is a balance that needs to be maintained between safety and experience and recognizing whether the situation is truly a quest for deep wisdom vs. defying obvious common sense - think climbing Everest vs. prank stunts. Then again, the difference may be debatable as in the case of falling head over heels in love.
So when our internal signs are flashing, it helps to ask ourselves the question "Why not?" just so we bring full awareness that we are choosing between following or wanting to defy the rules. We can then stand on the edge, jump or recognize the value of our safety. All are important and the awareness from asking the question makes us claim the experience for ourselves.
Would you go beyond this point?
No comments:
Post a Comment