Begin
Perhaps I am the prince of inauspicious starts. I’m on a new journey that I’ll be sharing more widely in the months and years ahead. It’s a shift that’s been a long time coming. In some ways, I feel like I’m at the end of the beginning. In other ways, I feel like I’m still in the middle of the beginning.
Sometimes my impatience can take over and I feel like I need to rush things. Sometimes I feel like I am in such a pause that I simply need to start.
Sometimes I feel like I need permission to start. Even when I know I have permission.
A lot of this handwringing is self-inflicted. Those of us who know creative processes and communal activities and building habits know the hardest thing is often the beginning — the generation of and building of momentum.
While I’ve gotten pretty good at compelling this energy from within myself over the years, I am also really good at shooting myself in the proverbial foot. Something gets in the way and that something is usually me. An unwise decision. Foolishness. Mistakes.
When I’m unable to extend myself grace, I tend to languish in the guilt that these things bring.
But with a few steps back and a good bit of effort, I can also come to realize that it takes a kind of foolishness and mistake-making to begin anything worthwhile. Our souls and psyches know this and they bring those things along as part of the journey, I think, as ways to keep us both humble and energized, hopeful but not rushed, excited but not haughty.
In Advent, I remember the start to many worthy things begins inauspiciously, with noisy troublemakers and sometime procrastinators, impatient fathers, and unwanted inconveniences. These adversaries of self and circumstance can certainly clutter the path. Those blockages and hurdles, especially those self-imposed mean care should be taken. But begin anyway.
And never cease.
Embarking on a new journey often feels like navigating through a labyrinth of self-doubt and impatience. As I stand on the cusp of a significant shift in my life, I'm reminded of the complex dance between eagerness to start and the wisdom of patience.
Meditation
In the quiet moments of Advent, let's explore the truth of beginnings. Recognize that each new journey, no matter how inauspicious its start, holds potential for growth and transformation. The truth is, starting anything worthwhile often involves a mix of missteps and triumphs.
Begin by finding a quiet space, free from distractions. Allow yourself to settle into a comfortable position, breathing deeply and evenly. As you relax, visualize yourself standing at the threshold of a new beginning. It could be a project, a relationship, a career move – anything that resonates with you.
Reflect on the emotions that surface. Do you feel impatient, eager, or perhaps hesitant? Acknowledge these feelings without judgment. Remember, they are natural parts of the process.
Now, imagine the obstacles that lie ahead. They might be self-doubt, past mistakes, or external challenges. Visualize yourself acknowledging these hurdles and preparing to navigate them with grace and determination.
As you continue to meditate, think about the qualities you need to cultivate for this journey. Maybe it's courage, resilience, or humility. Breathe in these qualities, feeling them strengthen your resolve.
Conclude your meditation with a moment of gratitude. Be thankful for the opportunity to start anew, for the lessons you'll learn, and for the journey itself.
Examen
Reflect on a past experience where you had to start something new. How did you navigate the initial challenges? What did you learn about yourself in the process?
Consider the role of patience in your life. How can you balance the eagerness to begin with the wisdom of waiting for the right moment?
Think about a recent decision or action you regret. How can you use this experience to grow and move forward with grace and understanding?
As we journey through Advent, let's hold onto the truth that every start, no matter how small or uncertain, is a step towards growth and discovery. May we find the strength to begin with honesty, learn from our missteps, and continue forward with unwavering hope. In this season of reflection and anticipation, let us remember that the truest paths often start inauspiciously, but they lead us to places of profound growth and unexpected joy.