Try Less. Trust More.

Try Less. Trust More.

What would it feel like to try a little less and trust a bit more?  That is the essence of what I call The Great Allowing.  I spent the first half of my life living by the motto “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” which for me translated to “try harder to get anywhere in life.”  I’m learning that so many other options arise if I open up to them and trust – if I learn to allow as much as I’ve learned to try.

The practice of allowing isn’t about sitting around and waiting for something to happen.  It’s about setting an intention, opening up to the possibilities, and trusting that unforeseen opportunities will present themselves.  It’s about acknowledging that, in any given situation, we usually have a choice between taking control or slowing down – a choice between forcing something to happen or being receptive and trusting that action might not be the only option.  If we provide the space to allow and be surprised, we just might be surprised. 

The Great Allowing requires us to slow down and respond instead of react; it means consciously choosing to recognize our patterned ways.  Of course, there are going to be times when we have to take action, but that doesn’t have to be our default. For many of us, this shift may feel uncomfortable, because our identities are based on “doing.” And if this has been our habitual way of being, we may be seen and valued by those around us for the effort we put forth and how much we accomplish.  But when we always move through the world in that mode, we miss opportunities, solutions and gifts that may present themselves if we just slow down, remain open, allow and trust.

So, what can the practice of The Great Allowing look like? 

•      It could be as simple as pausing a couple of times throughout the day to allow your mind wander/wonder.

•      It might mean allowing your curiosity to guide you instead of being set on a specific outcome dictated by your mind, your brain or old patterns.

•      It could mean intentionally moving out of a habitual behavior or pattern and trying something different.

•      It might simply mean slowing down!

Below are some practical examples of allowing:

•      If you have a practice of walking every day and you usually walk the same route or on the same trail attempting to cover a specific distance or “get your steps in,” try just wandering and allow your curiosity to guide you.

•      If you are a person who is quick to bring your voice into the room (ie - offer your opinion, offer a solution to a problem, or share your experience) try sitting back and allowing another voice to come forward.

•      Intentionally seek out something that you know nothing about but which piques your curiosity, and engage with it…. Allow yourself to have fun.