The elephant keeps walking

29 June, 2018

Life is a car crash – a complete disaster from start to finish.

Life is also the most wonderful amazing thing.

You are amazing. Remember that you were the one sperm in millions who won the swimming race – you were the one that fertilized the egg in the womb! You were born an Olympic Gold Medalist.

But boy does the crap come at you on so many days. Sometimes it feels overwhelming.

I’ve just got back from a holiday into a very busy week. I’m going through this busy week with all my emotional baggage having its own stroppy session. To be honest, I’d be happy to have another holiday – maybe 6 weeks more holiday!

But I can’t do that. I’ve got commitments.

In fact this weekend, I’m doing some public speaking up North.

In one survey, public speaking was voted the number one fear people have. Number 1.

Death was number 2!

So basically people were saying that at a funeral, they’d rather be in the coffin that having to do the eulogy!

But you know what? I’m going to go and do my public speaking and meeting people and sharing my books with people, and I’m going to try and enjoy the whole thing.

Sometimes, I feel we just have to plough on and do our best.

A wise teacher from India shared this insight:

“The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking.”

The elephant doesn’t yell at the dogs for barking. It doesn’t go to a store to get muzzles to shut the dogs up. The elephant doesn’t veer off its path to waste precious energy leaving endless Facebook comments clarifying its position, or attempt to “take the dogs down.”

It just keeps walking.

Right now, I think that’s what I’m doing.

I know at other times, I just need to get away and rest, have solitude and silence.

Life requires us to sometimes plough on like the elephant, and sometimes to stop and be still.

One thing I have learned over the years is that we have to work on our self-care. Some of us are so quick to be there for others we forget to be there for ourselves.

We are all a bit broken – everyone of us. I’ve never met anyone with all the dots on their dice. But last time I checked, broken crayons still colour.

While you plough on like the elephant, or seek stillness and calm, there are 4 things we should do to look after ourselves:

Ask for help.

Be kind to yourself.

Embrace imperfection.

Try new tactics.

I pray that any dogs barking at you get tired or distracted and stop.

I pray for fresh peace and understanding for you.

I pray for you to colour some new pictures with your broken crayons so you can bless the world with your creativity.

Peace.

 

Written by Don Egan Posted in direction, grief, healing, lifestyle, peace, silence, wellbeing