That the birds of worry and care fly over your head, this you cannot change, but that they build nests in your hair, this you can prevent.
– Chinese Proverb
So, what’s building a nest in your hair today? There are plenty of birds flying for sure. How do we allow them to simply go on their way? The beginning of just saying no to those worry nests is deciding that you really don’t want them in your hair. That’s a little harder than it sounds! The survival portion of the human brain is wired to narrow our focus so we can deal effectively with immediate danger. That’s OK when the need is to not step into the path of a speeding bus. However, without conscious intention to take a different approach, we tend to also apply that survival method to long term difficulties. Then look out– the nest building has begun!
The approach that keeps us safe in an immediate challenge actually diminishes our effectiveness in an on-going situation. There we need to broaden our focus not narrow it. That may feel risky and counterintuitive at first, yet with practice it becomes natural and opens us to real solutions and more satisfying living. When we notice the worry birds overhead we can stop, take a breath, and ask God for guidance. We can turn our minds to a constructive thought like, “God is here. I am loved. I am guided.” We can breathe consciously again, look around and notice something beautiful right where we are. Then we can go forward to either completely let go of those birds or to take a step toward crafting a constructive solution. The key is our willingness to know we are not alone–that God is with us and that we do have the spiritual power within ourselves to create good. No matter what cares the birds try to bring our way, we are always free to take the “no nests” approach.
In the Love and Light of the Christ,
Rev. Anna
