Want to Move Forward? Rediscover the Gift of Being Still

Whether you are approaching, experiencing, or moving forward from divorce, one of the most valuable things you can do is take time now and then to sit quietly and simply be. You may want to meditate quietly. You may want to have a cup of tea or a bowl of ice cream, or you may decide to pick up a journal and record your thoughts or feelings.

Recently I had an image of myself sitting alone by a campfire on a beautiful star-filled night. Next to me was the dark heavy backpack I’d been carrying for so long. I had always kept it with me, and when it was too difficult to carry, or I became to weak to hold it, I would drag it along beside me.

I have much further to travel, and I’m exhausted. If I’m ever going to move from this place, I need to examine the contents of the backpack and decide what to leave here by the campfire and what precious things I want to continue to keep with me.

I honor my history and bless it and will not discard it in this place. But I will leave the commentary and the judgments about my history that hold me back, weigh me down, and drain me of all my energy.

We each have the power to choose what to carry with us and what to leave behind. And when we do, our history will not be a heavy burden on our shoulders. Instead it will flow around us like a brilliant cloak. It will support every new step we take like a great pair of hiking boots. It will whisper in our ear and guide us along our path.

How does this happen, this sorting out of our lives? I’m not sure, but I do know how it begins It begins when we can sit quietly and simply be.