2010 has just started, yet already proven to be a year of change for many of us... quite a few people (including me) are facing unforseen challenges and changes.
life doesn’t stand still. within the everlasting movement of life, we realize there is barely anything we can truly hold on to. sometimes you think you’re holding on to a rock, just to realize you're clinging to driftwood...
so many things we cherish can be taken away in a second, leaving us with yet another loss to cope with. and every time we hold on to something – even it makes us feel strong – at the same time it strengthens our vulnerability.
but it is our human nature, it is part of who we are: we hold on to things. regardless of the pain it might cause when we loose it, we still clutch to so many things every day... we hold on to houses, material possessions, human beings, feelings, plans and „to do“ lists.
from this aspect, life seems to be a huge roller coaster, an endless up and down ride of gaining and loosing. the key is to find a balance, to even out some bumps - without loosing the intesity life offers... the key is to learn how to let go while not forgetting how to gain at the same time...
some people think holding on tightly is going to make things even. they don’t move out of their comfort zone. but for people who want to evolve, learn and grow, this is not an option...
other people think letting go is the ultimate key. burning down the ships on a regular basis, not letting anything become static or stable - it’s a kick to live this way, but there is no balance in this option either...
balance is the essence in this story...
i thought about this the other day: there are quite a few simple things that proove that balance is the way to go.
kitesurfing is one great example: you get out on the water and focus on this one thing only. you’re in control, concentrating and making it work – it’s a feeling of power. yet exactly this power enables you to let go, you feel free – and in this moment you experience true balance...
yoga is another great example: only when you let go of your expectations can you truly find the shape and go deeper... you experience holding on to a pose by letting go, first...
kitesurfing being a sport where you experience freedom through holding on to your focus, and yoga being a philosophy of letting go in order to gain – makes these two things a great combination! both strive for balance, yet from another angle...
with all the challenges, choices and changes this year (this life!) will offer, all i can do is strive to learn from this balance, learn to take it off the water, off the mat – into the world!
"The difficulties of life are intended to make us better, not bitter."
