I wrote about learning to ask for help in a post on June 28. It’s a skill I would like to develop. So, of course, the Universe gave me an opportunity to do just that: I won a free coaching package in a raffle. My first response was, “I don’t need that! Why would I need anyone’s help?” I faced my discomfort and signed up.

I signed up to address behavior habits. Unlike something external, which happens to me, behavior is internally generated. If I can develop habits that aren’t helpful, then I am also capable of developing habits that are. The process involves looking at an obstacle in my life, defining what behaviors affect that, and then creating a framework for addressing it. A good coach is someone I can safely bounce ideas off of. My sessions are weeks apart and last only 45 minutes. The observation, change, and growth occurs outside of those visits. It’s up to me.

After some processing, I gave a name to my concern: Repeatedly Running On a Deficit. I think this could apply to almost any American. We are a caffeinated go-go culture. We are spinning our wheels every minute of the day and then expecting to also have a deep spiritual life. It doesn’t work that way. Spiritual practice develops in an environment of peace, quiet, and inner reflection. We’re like a wheel, spinning. If we stay to the outer edge we will feel like we are out of control. But the center, if we can live there, is nearly motionless.

A mandala is a wheel. It is an arrangement of geometric patterns that can be used for spiritual practice. The patterns lead the practitioner’s focus from the edge of the circle to the center. We are each creating a mandala with our own lives. We are creating it every day, based on the activities where we choose to focus our attention. Am I creating a life of inner peace and reflection? Or am I too busy spinning the wheel to tend that center?

Developing a new mandala involves looking at the bigger picture. It is not committing to a goal of, say, doing yoga three times a week or practicing meditation every morning. Those are good goals. And they could be part of the bigger picture. But isolated activities are not going to transform the overall energy of my life.

In my case, I have been challenged by low Life Force energy since cancer treatment ten years ago. I’ve coped with that. I’ve carried on in my life. But in my passion for living I have actively ignored my increased need for rest. I have been creating a mandala of energy deficit.

I hope to regain some Life Force by building space and rest into the gaps between my activities. I started by committing to doing Nothing. For 20 minutes several times a day I sit––not noodling on my phone, not reading a book, not meditating. I’m Doing Nothing. Every time I get in my car, before starting the car and moving on, I sit quietly for five minutes. Doing Nothing. After sitting for several hours at my desk, I take a brisk walk and then Do Nothing. Between every activity, I am practicing cultivation of the center by choosing No Activity. I am recreating my mandala.

 

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There are many quality coaches. I’m collaborating with Hartley at:
https://www.renewellresources.com