After having a day of unfortunate events, I hoped for some good news, or at least to get home and have a book I had ordered by my door. I had checked the tracking number and knew that it was going to be delivered that day, but I couldn’t stay home to wait for it. Late in the evening, when I got home and checked my mailbox, I saw the box with the book stuck in it, in a diagonal position. I had a split second of happiness and excitement for the book’s arrival, and relief for not having to go to the Post Office the next day; only to realize that the box was stuck. I removed the rest of the mail that was easy to reach. Then, I tried to remove the box by folding the edges on both ends, and nothing. I took off my coat, so that my arm would fit inside the mailbox and reach the end of the package, and I started pushing it. It didn’t work either. I kept trying to use strength for a while, without success. I tried to use the string that helps open boxes, but it was facing down, and I couldn’t move it too far. The thought of going upstairs to pick up scissors crossed my mind, but I didn’t really feel like it.
After realizing that my many attempts were not working, no matter how hard I tried, I stopped. I took a moment to ground myself, to close my eyes, open my arms and point my hands towards the mailbox, (I’m pretty sure no one saw me) and ask for guidance, and ask to receive extra strength in order to make this happen. With renewed faith and strength I tried again unsuccessfully to use force. Finally, I trusted, and received inspiration to try to open the box from the side, without the string. And voilà. The box opened with ease, and I removed the book. For a moment I thought of leaving the empty box there, for the postman to deal with it the next day. But I was too inspired and strong by then, and I was able to, with a bit of effort, fold the now empty box, and take it out of the mailbox.
Could I have saved myself some time and energy by taking an awareness moment right away? Yes, I could have. Why didn’t I? Because I was probably ruminating on those unfortunate events of the day, and because I was likely stuck in the struggle energy. I have since forgiven myself for taking a while to find a solution, and I am just happy I eventually came up with one. I am also proud of myself for not having to go get scissors or to do plan B: Stand by the mailbox the next day, waiting for the postman to eventually show up, and open the whole mailbox, so that we could together remove it.
Removing that stuck box/book reminded me that I do (and I have noticed my clients doing the same as well) hold on to certain struggles, and my attempts to either angrily or forcefully let them go always fail. It made me think that I need to open those boxes/struggles, the same way I opened the stuck shipping package, and here are the conscious steps to do so:
- Face the stuckness, the box, the problem, the resistance, or the fear.
- Name it, state it, feel it, be present with it.
- Stop fighting it, avoiding it, judging it, or struggling to remove it.
- Let go of all the distractions for just a few moments.
- Breathe.
- Forgive yourself for not taking these steps sooner.
- Get grounded by feeling the feet touching the ground.
- Turn both palms up and ask for strength, guidance, inspiration to make it happen.
- Release any attachments to the outcome.
- Trust yourself and the inspiration you receive.
- Know that whatever happens or doesn’t, there will always be an alternative solution.
- Act on it from an inspired place.
- Watch it all unfold with ease.
- Be grateful.
- Enjoy the moment, and notice how it affects everything.
If all else fails, do it again, ask for help, or go upstairs to get the scissors.
Namaste,
Elisa
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