I have always carried stress in my shoulders. It’s there now. There is a feeling of restlessness. I find my mind wandering to unknown places in the universe. Feel I’m not listening to the inner voice within me but the chatter of my ego and the noise of the world around me. Maybe if I share myself more on this blog, hear what you have experienced, take more action, the stress will lessen.
Now in my retirement there is a life to live full of excitement and adventures, images to receive, words to write in my journals, blog posts to write, places to visit, people to meet and a chance to discover more creativity within me. I find this exciting. However, this requires me to take action and not just dream of them. In the past I have only dreamed. There are no excuses. As I’ve heard, “Dreams without action are only fantasy.” I hope and pray I live the rest of my life with excitement, without fear of failure or success, looking for awe and wonder all around me.
10 Comments
Tom Dills
I think that a lot of what we feel as stress may actually be conflict between the noise of the world and our need to be able to not just hear that inner voice but to listen to it. I love the idea of being able to make decisions about what is important or what to do by listening to that inner voice and letting it guide us. I think by sharing your thoughts on this blog you will get some interesting responses from some thoughtful people. I look forward to reading what you write and what the responses are.
Monte Stevens
Thanks for your input as you did bring to mind the reality of listening and not just hearing. Just writing my thoughts or questions can help as much as anything. I find it helpful when I read something I’ve written a day or two later. I feel I have some wise people following this blog who will share with me their experience and views. Thank you!
Earl
A disclaimer: My advice is worth about as much as it cost…nothing! 🙂 But I’ll share it anyway.
It’s good to listen to one’s “inner voice” but I’ve also discovered that it isn’t always truthful or doesn’t always tell me what is best for me. My inner voice will usually recommend something which feels safe but as a strong introvert that’s not always what I need. Sometimes what I really need is to get outside the box, to push my comfort zone. There are very few times when I’ve done this that I’ve regretted it…and I’m not talking about something huge…simple things can be rewarding as well. Sometimes I try to see myself from two different views — who I feel I am and who I’d like to be. Often they are pretty much one in the same person but sometimes there are differences. It’s those differences I try to act upon. Don’t be afraid to take the leap. Sometimes you learn more from failures than successes. One last thing. Life is too short to allow negativity to bring you down. Eliminate things that “drain your battery”…be it actions, things or people. There you have it…you got what you pay for! Good post!
Monte Stevens
I’ll gladly pay the price for your advice Brooks! There is a story about the grandfather telling his grandson of the two wolves within each of us. One is a bad wolf and one is a good wolf. How we live our lives is dependent on which wolf we listen to and feed. The voice I hope to avoid is the ego which is focused on its self and basically my mind. The inner voice I hope to heed is closer to my heart and soul, my real essence.
I’m in agreement with getting out of our comfort zones. I have always found growth when going there. Knowing when the discomfort, the gut feeling, is a warning is where we need discernment. That in itself is our lessons. I will try and write more on this in a post as it is a task to try and express in words what we feel and think. Thanks, again, Brooks!
The check is in the mail! 🙂
Earl
It’s just one wolf…it sometimes plays good wolf/bad wolf on TV…but it’s still a wolf. 🙂
Cedric Canard
And here I was thinking you were one of the most chill guys I knew; along with our old mate Paul L. of course 🙂
I think I was fooled by your photography and your posts which definitely give off that vibe. Specially those still-life shots and shadows shots.
Anyway, I’d written a long, Plop-like comment and was about to hit “post comment” when I realised it contained no practical advice like what Tom and Brooks have given you. So instead, here is something that may or may not be useful (Brooks disclaimer applies here too).
What I would add is keep writing your journals. Writing has an amazing way of honing your awareness which in turn can reveal a lot about yourself. Also, don’t be harsh on yourself. Don’t judge what you do or don’t do. Once done, it’s done, nothing more than a memory. With thoughts, just let them come and let them go. Don’t try to figure out whether it’s ego, inner voice, external noise or whatever. See each thought as a wave, watch it crash on the shore of your consciousness and retreat back out to sea. Don’t chase it, don’t get attached to it. Eventually, the waves will stop and in the ensuing silence, you may find everything looking far clearer.
That’s about it. Actually, no. I almost forgot to add: keep taking photos, keep posting and keep hanging out at coffee shops.
Tom Dills
This is good stuff, and sage advice for all of us…thanks Cedric! By the way, I’m looking forward to someday seeing your own photos and posts. 😉
Cedric Canard
It’s been over three years since I’ve made a photo and almost as long since I’ve posted anything worth reading so I hope you’re not holding your breath Tom 😉
Still, you never know 🙂
Monte Stevens
Your comment is the one I most anticipated and you have not disappointed me. I’m trying to live my life as all of you have suggested. Plus, all of you have written in a very Zen like way focused on encouragement to keep me walking this journey of life. My practice of meditation and contemplation have helped me to not chase or attach to thoughts. The practicality of living a 12 Step program has also helped me. I call this my spiritual journey and you all are a part of it.
And, yes, I will keep taking photos, posting thoughts and ideas and hanging out at coffee shops. Sitting in one now! 🙂
Monte Stevens
Now waiting for the Paul L. guru?