If a problem has a solution, there’s no need to worry. If a problem doesn’t have a solution, there’s no need to worry. ~The Dalai Lama
Sometimes I get caught up in my thoughts. The thoughts that often hook my attention are fretful, anxious, impatient thoughts. Maybe I’m worried about kids or grandkids, or irritated about some frustrating entanglement with bureaucracy. Maybe I’m thinking about someone who hurt my feelings, or revisiting with embarrassment or regret a mistake I made. Or I’m wanting something to be different. You know, typical stuff.
Not long ago, I was spinning out thoughts like this about something – right now I can’t even remember what it was, which tells you a lot about its importance. What I do remember is that even though I knew I was caught in hamster wheel thinking, I was still having a hard time disengaging from whatever it was.
And then, from the deep inner well of wisdom knowing, came these words: “You need not be concerned.”
Hmm, I had been saying something like this to myself already, but without effect. Maybe because I was saying the words without conviction, out of distress and judgment of myself for being so rattled by whatever it was that had disturbed my peace, out of desire to escape my discomfort.
But when Spirit took my face gently in its hands and looked me in the eyes and told me quietly, yet with the resounding ring of truth, that I need not be concerned, I listened. And believed. The hamster wheel stopped and I stepped off. Humbly. Gratefully. It’s like the message I wrote about in a previous post that I received over a number of years from the Universe:
You don’t know anything.
You don’t need to know anything.
I’ve got this.
One of my favorite sayings is: For peace of mind, resign as general manager of the universe. So true. When we see that it is not duty that ensnares us but rather fear, it changes the nature of our relationship to all the ways we think about things. We can cradle our fear with kindness and reassurance, whispering, “You need not be concerned.”
Not being concerned doesn’t mean not caring. On the contrary, when I’m not mired in my thoughts, my heart is free to open with compassion. It means that I am not wasting my energy on what is beyond my control. It means that I trust the basic goodness of the universe to operate with a perfection that may be beyond my vision or understanding. And it means that I trust my own alignment with that basic goodness to guide me unerringly in the way I should go.
Next time you find yourself on that all too familiar hamster wheel, thoughts spinning and spinning, listen beneath the fear to the wisdom within. You will recognize its voice because it will speak to you of unconditional love, and its touch of compassion will melt your fear away.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6
I love this – a great new mantra
You don’t know anything.
You don’t need to know anything.
I’ve got this.
Thanks, Esther. It’s one I need to be reminded of often!
This reminds me of one of my favorite parts of your latest book: “Your only job is to love, ” not worry but lay your concerns down.
Easier said than done, but an admirable goal.
Thanks for reminding me of that line, Bob. The last few days I have needed lots of reminders like this. No matter how many times I learn the lesson, I forget and need to learn it again.
“But when Spirit took my face gently in its hands and looked me in the eyes and told me quietly, yet with the resounding ring of truth, that I need not be concerned, I listened. And believed.”
This post spoke to my heart and mind. I’ve been a cancer survivor since 1998. I’ve had recurrences and the chemo and medication have been difficult, at times. During those tough times, I sometimes wake up in the wee morning hours and my mind wanders to places that bring me down. I am not afraid of death, but what leads up to it can be grueling. Proverbs 3:5-6 and many other verses have meant so much to me. I love the mental picture of Spirit holding my face and whispering that I don’t need to be concerned. I will cling to that. Thank you, Galen.
Pam, your comment touched me so deeply. It reminded me of this quote by CS Lewis: Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point. You have met the testing point with courage multiple times. Thank you so much for sharing some of your inspiring story.
The Bible is so full of verses that are encouraging and reassuring. Here’s another favorite, this one from Isaiah 43: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.
Galen, I read Isaiah 43. It is a beautiful passage. I’m always struck by the thought of walking through fire without being burned. As often happens, after I read it, I was reminded of the story of Daniel (Daniel 3), when he and his friends were placed in a fiery furnace because of their faith. Not a hair on their heads was burned and they didn’t even smell like smoke. What a great faith builder! Thanks for Isaiah 43!
So glad you liked it, Pam.