Wisdom

DUCK!!!!

It is amazing how many people believe they must have an appropriate response to any and every thing that goes on. They seem to measure their personal growth and spiritual acumen by the number of adverse conditions they are able to live with and move through. For some, it is a measure of their faith and trust in good and God. There is a belief that if they can love through and forgive through most dastardly deeds they will somehow be rewarded with peace and enlightenment. While this may be one path, there is a short cut- Duck!

I’ve learned to duck behind God when the crazy starts flying. There are some experiences I no longer choose to have. I accept that some people will not like me. They will not agree with me and they do not choose to see me as an enlightened being. Perhaps we have karma that must be worked out. However, I reserve my right to choose how I will participate. I choose to duck! Some people want to fight, argue, and be upset. I no longer consider it a necessity to stand with them in the midst of “conflama” (conflict laced with drama).

When family and friends know you have a spiritual outlook, they want to include you in their problem solving. We train people to come to us by always knowing what to say and what to do. Just because we can handle it, doesn’t mean we must handle it or that it is in our or their best interest to do so. Instead, we can choose to duck.

I know God is in charge! This means, I can keep my mouth shut. I need not offer affirmations or prayers. I no longer assume it is my responsibility to inspire or enlighten people who fight me. Rather, I bow out gracefully, knowing that there is a higher Mind, much more capable of working on the situation. Don’t be ashamed to duck- there are instances when it is the wisest choice to make.

Iyanla Vanzant
Science of the Mind
July 2007, vol.80 No.7