Do Less

Posted by LeeAnn on November 23rd, 2009 at 06:39pm

“When in trouble, do less! Neutralize. Let the horse settle down & find itself before making new demands”
~ Evon Neindorff

Have you ever gotten into trouble and only made it worse through your reaction? I know that I have. Whether it has been what someone said to me; through my perception of someone’s action; or even with my internal conversation with myself; I have reacted and got more of what I didn’t want. I have learned that when I am stressed the worst thing I can do is more action.

If I just pause or even come to a full stop; breathe and relax – usually a new thought pops into my mind that allows me to respond rather than react. I don’t know about you; I have much more practice at reacting. It really takes conscious practice to just stop. I mean really stop and take an adult time out.

I have a sand hour glass – I think it is the three minute variety. I have been known to stop and flip the timer and just breathe as I watch the sand travel to the bottom end of the glass. There is something grounding in watching that action, it sort of reminds me that I need to ground myself before I do anything. I know that if I come from the right place of being – relaxed, soft, and come from the center of my “being-ness” my action will lead to a positive step be with a horse, with me or with another person.

Just like with a horse, where ever I leave the conversation is where I will begin the relationship the next time we come together. The conversation is the relationship. I point this out because we are moving into a traditionally stressed time of year. For whatever reason the holiday season brings with it incredible expectations; when those expectations are not met, feelings of fear, anxiety, disappointment and the like surface. The usually M.O. is to do more – which by the way is the definition of insanity – doing the same things over and over expecting different results.

I am asking you to decide right now to DO LESS. I am asking you to find a way to take a time out and breathe when you find yourself off balance, shut down or overwhelmed. You don’t have to set the perfect table. You don’t have to make the perfect meal or be the perfect hostess. Your gift to any one is your presence ~ Your grounded, focused, attentive presence. Let this holiday season be one of less demand and more authentic connection. I promise no one will remember the perfect table, nor your perfect hostess skills – what they will remember is your connection, your gift of being a loving presence and the invitation to show up authentically and real.

Let this Thanksgiving be one of less demands and more joy ~

Happy Trails

leeann_sg