friction & fire
January 7, 2016 § 7 Comments
There is a place just outside my comfort zone where resistance challenges my fortitude and creates a burn. Pressure points where my spirit lights with small sparks of passion; attention and energy in action.
I used to think these fires came from something outside myself, kindling in want of chance. I’ve come to wonder if the greater truth is these fires slumber in need of air; if in naming our wants we breathe them into something greater.
When I look back to my most challenging moments, there is a physical-emotional memory to the work of joy.
I remember the tired limbs of long hours juggling multiple jobs in college and the mental exhaustion of dense course materials with a familiar memory of early motherhood. In both experiences I was inexperienced and overwhelmed, my environment and my determination creating a spark that infused dark moments with light.
It was the same passion that informed patience during complicated discoveries and difficult lessons as a parent of children with special needs or loving a spouse with the imperfect experiences of marriage. The work of loving burns through doubt with a simpler certainty.
Smaller, self-imposed challenges create this same energy. An exercise class completely outside my comfort zone, playing artistically or something as simple as a social engagement in an unfamiliar setting all demand a determined discomfort; friction of want.
As I consider living wholeheartedly, I’m thinking of the places in my day where my wants meet resistance and the invitation to struggle. The work of sparking fires in my soul.
scribblechic 
I keep hearing that when you are on the right path, obstacles are removed and things become easy. But I was taught that hard work is necessary. Both notions war in my head:). Your post brought them up . . .
Oh, Kay. I love that you take my certainty and make me think.
Perhaps we are taught to consider work an unpleasant chore; something to endure until we can rest or play. It could be the right path shifts our perspective enough that we see our tasks differently; that the work itself becomes rewarding.
Maybe it should be simpler, it is quite possible I have missed a turn here or there.
Yes, the right path does make life easier and simpler Marie….unless we haven’t dealt with our fears and the walls that we build to avoid them. Then we will just keep attracting what is needed so that we CAN go through them.
It is about learning to work smarter, not harder. And that hardness is because we avoid our fears….constantly. It is only when we face our fears that finally that monster that lives within is finally defeated…and they no longer have power over you, you are no longer putting the energy into this big horrible thing underneath, so that you no longer attract that lesson in life, hence the easier road to happiness.
And each time we avoid them, they stay. And life being the teacher that it is will (with great love), guide us to face them so that we can can truly be free by understanding those fears, see them for what they truly are, release them and be finally happy and full of the love that we have been searching for forever 🙂
Even young Kay (candidkay), has been through many of those hard parts she has shared in her blog, and it may not be fully apparent for her now, but slowly, in hindsight, she will look back and ‘see’ the journey with great wisdom, and understand just how far she has come and what life now means for her.
Beautiful post Marie, thank you for sharing, I am enjoying your style of writing very much. Like Kay, you both are speaking from that truth within, both very unique in your style but very open and honest which is the beauty of heartfelt writing. It is hard not to listen when you speak from the power of love, especially self love. And that is the answer to our journey’s…all of them. Namaste
Mark, you and Kay have gifted me a lovely example of the spark I endeavored to breathe into words. Ideas that ignite new consciousness with important questions and intimate certainties. For me, the fire I speak of is an experience of learning, reaching beyond the familiar toward a deeper recognition and personal growth.
Your heart speaks Marie. That feeling within of wanting more meaning and beauty in your life, realising where it lays and being courageous to step into it.
Enjoy the journey 🙂
Thank you, Mark, for a week of beautiful comments.
My pleasure Marie, and thank you for a very different, but beautiful expression in your posts that are very unique, as you are kind lady.
Follow her, she ‘knows’ where she is going 🙂