Have you ever started a new project with fierce determination, only to see results fall short of your initial expectations? Maybe you hit a wall with a creative endeavor, or progress on a fitness goal feels agonizingly slow. These moments of frustration are all too familiar, and it’s easy to get discouraged. But what if there was a different perspective, one that embraced the messiness of growth and the beauty of the unknown?
This week, we delve into the wisdom of meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg, who offers a powerful message of trusting the unfolding.
“Often we can achieve an even better result when we stumble yet are willing to start over, when we don’t give up after a mistake, when something doesn’t come easily but we throw ourselves into trying, when we’re not afraid to appear less than perfectly polished.” – Sharon Salzberg
Our journey is rarely a straight line to success; stumbles and missteps are inevitable. Yet, it’s within these moments that we cultivate resilience and refine our approach.
“That is life, starting over one breath at a time.” – Sharon Salzberg
“We like things to manifest right away, and they may not. Many times, we’re just planting a seed and we don’t know exactly how it is going to come to fruition. It’s hard for us to realize that what we see in front of us might not be the end of the story.” – Sharon Salzberg
“Sometimes we need to just do the best we can, and then trust in the unfolding.” – Sharon Salzberg
The effort that you put in is the only thing that you have some control over – we never control the outcome, only our own input. Can you do your best today and then lay your head on the pillow tonight in full surrender knowing you’ll do your best again tomorrow – and just trust in the unfolding?
A few mantras to inspire trust in the unfolding.
- “I am willing to try again.” Failure is not a period, it’s a comma. Each attempt, successful or not, is a valuable learning experience. Embrace the opportunity to refine your approach and step forward with renewed determination.
- “One breath at a time.” Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath and come back to the present moment. Progress happens incrementally, so focus on giving your best effort in each moment, rather than getting lost in the vastness of the long-term goal.
- “I’ll plant the seeds and water them even if I can’t be sure what the tree will look like yet.” Let go of the need to control the outcome. Focus on the process, the commitment you bring each day, and trust that the universe will orchestrate the results in its own perfect timing.
- “I will keep doing my best, and trust in the unfolding.” Remember, the only thing truly within your control is the effort you dedicate. Release the pressure of needing to see immediate results, and instead, cultivate faith in the process.
Embrace every part of the journey with open arms. Give yourself permission to learn, grow, and stumble along the way. Celebrate the small victories, learn from the setbacks, and trust that with consistent effort and a touch of surrender, beautiful things are bound to unfold.
Wishing you a beautiful week!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Jumpstart the week!