Redefining Our Line
Do we feel “right at
home?” To be where we are and remain here, is to live around the
line of least resistance, or so we might believe. But is our place
at this line really easy?
It's familiar, yes. On many levels, even
comforting, because it's what we know. But is it easy when you
consider all we sacrifice in its maintenance?
Our identity, our
social interactions and our inter-personal relationships all lean
heavily against us wandering too far from the line we've called home.
And when we decide to change, moving away from this place can be
scary.
We gradually realize the potential effects of this liberation
from what is known, transforms much more than what's on the surface;
our bodies and wardrobes.
Is it easy at this line or have we simply
become accustomed to adapting as needed to accommodate and preserve
our place?
When we regain, is it in part a subconscious retreat to
familiar surroundings?
In my opinion, the heart of the matter lies in
what we choose to find and maintain a semblance of comfort and peace.
And what we choose often lies to us in its promise. Excess food, or
excess anything, might keep us “safe,” but it doesn't make
anything easy and it doesn't fix anything.
To choose change is brave,
requiring large amounts of faith and commitment. Change isn't hard
simply because it's different, it's just not familiar. The only way
it becomes familiar is through practice.
We redefine our line.
And
along the way we find ourselves transforming in ways we didn't
expect. The line of least resistance isn't easy to maintain. It is
familiar and that provides an illusion of ease.
Perhaps it isn't the
line of least resistance—maybe it's the line of familiarity.
And
if we can embrace the changes we desire long enough to become
familiar and understanding, then perhaps we can change the base line
we call home.
Peace and strength,
Sean
