Life Cycles
Apr 14th, 2008 by padma
As I sit here going through a list of topics I planned on writing about, I realized that ideas I’ve had weeks ago just don’t seem to have the same power now. It is almost like a seed that has grown into a seedling, but then having not been watered or nurtured has died. Ideas are like that in many respects.
We’ve all had that thought in the middle of the night that we didn’t write down and found that by the time we’ve reached the next morning the idea is lost. There are also patterns in life that seem to follow this routine. For instance, some days (usually weeks) I feel especially motivated to meditate, read, and write about all things spiritual in content. However, after a time I find that my motivation or “muse” has dissipated and the passion has left me. When that happens, I’ll find myself heavily interested in another topic or thought process. I have found that there are a series of 2-5 topics that seem to “switch on” from time to time, each on their own cycle. One week I’ll have 5-10 pages of spiritual discussion written and the next week I will be studying robotics or training harder than normal in my running routine.
What I am getting at here, are that there seem to exist a hanful of things we thrive on or excel at. If we pay attention, we will find that these seem to move in predictable patterns and using these patterns we can get the most out of that “muse” within. At first, I thought I was just unable to focus on anything for long periods of time or maybe my scattered mind was forcing me to move to the next “thrill.” However, when I noticed that I was moving back and forth between the same activities I was able to predict and ride these waves. Some would say to push through that wall, but I have found that if I just shift with the tide that my energy will transfer rather than abruptly halt. Obviously I like to write, but there is no reason to sit and force something out on my computer because the content will seem forced. The same goes for my studies on science, read when I am motivated and empowered to and not when I barely take in what I’m reading. Some would say this is a problematic approach because it become a change addiction, but I disagree. Moving with the current allows me to keep my momentum and stay fresh without sacrificing effectiveness. By moving from peak to peak, I am staying at the top of my capabilities rather than at the mercy of spontaneous manifestation or accomplishment.
Lastly, as per my first example, don’t let brain seeds die an impoverished death. Regardless of whether they arrive in the middle of the night or when you are driving, find a way to note and nurture them to fruition. I promise I’ll do the same.
