Flap Your Wings...and let it go!

Ok, so I'm currently reading Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose." One section really gave me an AHA moment and I thought to share it on here as it may do the same for others. And honestly, the book is worth every penny so pick up a copy...but this is just a preview as to why.

************************************************************************************

The Duck with a Human Mind:

"In The Power of Now, I mentioned my observation that after two ducks get into a fight, which never lasts long, they will separate and float off in opposite directions. Then each duck will flap its wings, vigorously a few times, thus releasing the surplus energy that built up during the fight. After they flap their wings, they float on peacefully, as if nothing had ever happened.

If the duck had a human mind, it would keep the fight alive by thinking, by story-making. This would probably be the duck's story: 'I don't believe what he just did. He came to within five inches of me. He thinks he owns this pond. He has no consideration for my private space. I'll never trust him again. Next time he'll try something else just to annoy me. I'm sure he's plotting something already. But I'm not going to stand for this. I'll teach him a lesson he won't forget.' And on and on the mind spins its tales, still thinking and talking about it days, months, or years later. As far as the body is concerned, the fight is still continuing, and the energy it generates in response to all those thoughts is emotion, which in turn generates more thinking. This becomes the emotional thinking of the ego. You can see how problematic the duck's life would become if it had a human mind. But this is how most humans live all the time. No situation or event is ever really finished. The mind and the mind-made "me and my story" keep it going.

We are a species that has lost its way. Everything natural, ever flower or tree, and every animal have important lessons to teach us if we would only stop, look, and listen. Our duck's lesson is this: Flap your wings--which translates as "let go of the story"--and return to the only place of power: the present moment."

*************************************************************************************

Wow, I couldn't have said it better myself. If that didn't cause a few laughs and AHA moments, I don't know what will. I know this is something hard to remember when I'm in the midst of emotion such as anger in a fight. However, I think the more I remember and try to put into practice "flapping my wings," the easier it will become. Just in rereading it now, I can recall stories I've made up in my head that have kept certain arguments alive...no more. I will work to rid myself of the ridiculous need to hold on to "my story."

18-1

Hah, to any Patriots fans out there...at least it was a great game. Though I'm not a regular follower of football, tonight was probably the most exciting Super Bowl I've ever witnessed...and yes, I was rooting for the Giants. That had more to do with seeing a record of 18-1, and the 1 accounting for the worst possible game to lose...the Championship. Wow, what a game!

Anyway, enough about that...had an amazing weekend. Yep, gave Steve my number. Was having a fantastic conversation when I thought in my head, "this is the opportune moment!" So, I took a leap and happy to know that leap didn't have him avoid my tub the rest of the night! Quite the contrary. I guess I'll actually see when I hear from him how this crush turns out...but I'm excited to have taken the chance. The more I get to know him, the more I like him. And that definitely doesn't happen for me everyday. Usually the opposite effect occurs, me running in a different direction just to get away. For now, I'm fascinated, intrigued, and look forward to work just for a glimpse of this handsome man. Haha.

Another fantastic story...met a man this weekend who works on The Best Damn Sports Show who gave me his contact info so that he can get me into some spots to get my SAG card when I move to LA...and more importantly, his motive was not to get into my pants. I had a great time talking to people that were not the regular Scottsdale Devil's Martini crowd...I love getting to know new people and hearing their stories. Just wish I was better at keeping in touch with everyone dear to my heart.

Ok, I'm exhausted after a very long week...must go to bed. I'm still in disbelief that the Giants won...woohoo!!