Wed 26 Sep 2007
I found this quote after writing the last post about feeling overwhelmed by a busy fall.
Brenda Ueland in If You Want to Write says, “Know that it is good to work. Work with love and think of liking it when you do it. It is easy and interesting. It is a privilege. There is nothing hard about it but your anxious vanity and fear of failure.”
That last bit hits the nail on the head about alot of things that we find challenging huh?
I’m not sure about the “easy” part, but yeah if it’s worthwhile and interesting then it should be “easier” than other kinds of work. Like say, hauling all your own water. Or growing all your own food. Heck even cooking all your own food. The fact that we get to choose to avoid alot of the mundane work *is* an absolute privilege.
I guess my lesson in all this, boiled down is:
1. Just cause it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s bad.
2. Just cause it’s hard doesn’t mean I suck.
3. Worthwhile things are usually hard. Being challenged and stretched is hard.
4. If it’s not worthwhile, stop.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:19 am
When I get overwhelmed or feel stretched to far I try to remember to use this simple exercise by Thich Nhat Hanh
“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment,
I know this is a wonderful moment”
Peace
October 1st, 2007 at 1:35 pm
That’s too perfect - I used those first two lines as a mantra during my yoga classes last week. We inhaled we said the first line to ourselves and exhaled the second line. It helps alot. Nice to know we’re on the same wave length, thank you
October 2nd, 2007 at 2:05 pm
wow, that is a great post. I need to borrow that for my staff! They are very jaded about work and the feeling permiates the entire place. Our work is incredibly worthwhile!
October 15th, 2007 at 2:24 am
I’ve been wondering about my work. Your quote has helped me look at it differently. Namaste.