Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~Isaiah 43:18
I love this verse because God seems so excited about doing these new things. It reminds me of a child delighted with herself for some feat on the playground and shouting, “Look at me!”
I am not doing anything so amazing or noteworthy as making rivers in the desert or climbing to the top of the play structure, but I am excited about trying some new things. There is the new website, of course, and stepping into a wider social media presence. I’m working on publishing a book after a nine year hiatus since the last one. I’m going to start sharing some writings that I’ve kept private up till now, writings using a non-dominant hand writing method that accesses a mysterious source not available (at least to me) through ordinary writing methods. And I’m going to experiment with videos, beginning with some breathing techniques we’ve been practicing in the No Way Café contemplation group.
While I’m not suggesting that any of these new things are amazing in themselves, what I am amazed by is my willingness to venture forth. After some years of cruising along with what I already know how to do and am comfortable with, where has this burst of boldness come from? What motivates any of us to sail into uncharted waters where “there be dragons”?
I can’t explain it. All I know is that at the beginning of this year, I felt a stirring, like something moving, stretching, wanting to manifest. At the time I had no idea what it was. But I knew enough to trust what was happening without having to know the outcome or destination. This meant breathing into and softening resistance to things that made me nervous or self-conscious. And waiting, waiting for each step to be revealed.
There is a rhythm and powerful synergy to life when we listen to its song and align ourselves with its vibration, when we surrender our need to know, our urge to control, our desire for outcome. I could not have predicted this surge of “producing” any more than I could have predicted the “quieting” into a fallow time several years ago. I’m just grateful for it all.
I’m reminded of a friend who is fond of saying, “Let’s see what happens.” That is my mantra these days. My shout from the playground isn’t so much “Look at me” but rather “Look at life.” What is life showing you today? Where is it leading you? Can you let go of knowing and let the current carry you? What marvels will you behold?
Since I began with a Bible verse, I’ll end with another. The energy of Dao is often represented by water, but in this case, wind works just as well.
The wind blows where it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. ~John 3:8
I love that you are being led into new directions and possibilities, Galen. How exciting beyond measure! No matter how “old” we get, we must continue to dream and be willing to go where we feel the Spirit moving us.
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Blessings!
“Willing to go where we feel the Spirit moving us” — that is a great description of trusting our inner guidance. Thanks, Martha.
I am thrilled with the look of your new blog, and I’m glad you are feeling so moved to change things up. I get that way sometimes, but it hasn’t happened in a long time. Maybe your industriousness will rub off on me. 🙂
Thanks, DJan. I’m so glad you like it. I think we all have our own timing. I was content during my quiet, being time. And now I’m riding the wave of this energetic, doing time. It’s all good. Thanks for commenting.
Isn’t life interesting!? When you shared about the ways in which you are venturing in different directions, I could sense your excitement. Sometimes it feels like we’re just treading water, and then opportunities come, doors open, and we see new things taking shape and lifting us to places unfamiliar. I’m happy for you, Galen, and look forward to hearing more!
“Lifting us to places unfamiliar” — yep, that is just what has been happening, Pam. Thanks for your words of support and encouragement.
Your thoughts often motivate me to stretch and grow, but this post in particular. Just putting together a new blog is quite a feat. Expanding your social media footprint, thinking about videos, and of course, the book project is so stimulating to think about. Thank you for your energizing ideas.
You are way ahead of me on producing across a range of media. You are always ahead of the curve, Bob! I tried some test videos — definitely not ready for prime time — ha.
Great post! I too, have been moved to try new things and look for new opportunities this year. I have one blog post of 101 New Things in which I am trying to do a lot of new things that I’ve never done before or been to before. It has been fun just looking for new things to try. The fun of looking for new things is like planning a vacation. You get enjoyment before the actual event with the planning and anticipation. I have completed 48 of the 101 so I have a lot of new things to look forward to!