#125 – What can you not handle in life?

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The key to handling life isn't to change what it is; the key is to learn to accept it.

When my son was just a few months old, I spent a lot of time walking with my friend B.C., whom I’d met in a birthing class. One day, we started talking about our babies' fears.

Our views were different, as they often were. B.C. believed that to help her daughter feel safe, she, as her mom, should remove anything that might frighten her. Her example was a teddy bear.

I saw it differently. Wouldn't it be more productive and sustainable for the baby to learn not to fear these things? My instinct was to show the teddy bear to my son until he understood there was no danger.

Today, while listening to an episode of Michael Singer’s podcast, I came to a deeper understanding of this concept. He suggested, “Instead of trying to manipulate everybody and everything (...)" [so that it doesn't bother me], “Why don’t I just get rid of the part of me inside that can’t handle reality?”

I call that growth: like the moment a baby realizes the teddy bear isn’t harmful, letting go of the part that feels fear because it no longer has a place.

The first step is becoming aware of that which you can't be with. And then, look at it with curiosity, until its power dissolves and you’re able to pass through it — or let it pass through you.

What can't you be with?

Love,

Carolina