There is a saying: The times are urgent; let us slow down.
What does this mean?
When we feel pressured to act immediately to make some change in our lives or our world that seems urgently needed, we may not make the most practical decisions or take the most effective steps.
Instead, we may need to pause, even if this means we have to face our worried minds and their relentless production of thoughts, fears, and plans.
Perhaps the first step might be to obtain clarity on our intentions, to gain a better understanding of why we want to act and what results we hope to attain. But we can’t always think our way forward. Clarity only comes from detaching from our thoughts and becoming familiar with the natural state of our minds, which is the source of all wisdom.
If we give our minds a chance to settle, through mindfulness–watching our thoughts instead of getting caught in them–walking in nature, or journaling, our bodies will have a chance to relax, our minds will become clearer, and we can receive insight.
From this place, we can access our source of intuitive guidance, our heart’s calling. Then we can decide if we want to take action, and which action is appropriate for this time and place.
Perhaps we’ll get a message from the external world, a synchronicity might occur: Someone may mention an idea that resonates with you, or share some information that you find helpful, or the answer to a problem you’ve been dealing with may arrive. But we have to stay open and try not to dismiss these occurrences as simple coincidences.
As Cynthia Jurs, author of Summoned by The Earth: Becoming a Holy Vessel for Healing Our World, wrote:
“Synchronicity opens the door for our prayers to be realized. But it’s up to us to pay attention to the signs and omens and not to miss the response or casually dismiss it as unimportant…Staying open and out of judgment is the key that unlocks the stream of support for our deepest prayers to come true.”
From this place of greater clarity, you can take action, and then feel part of something larger, whether you call it spirit, the universe, or your higher self. You’ll feel that what you’re doing is what you’re meant to be doing. And when you enter this state of flow, unseen forces will come to your aid.
“The spirit may be compared to a crystal which takes on the color of where it rests. It is neutral, and it is our intentions that determine the true character of our actions, whatever their appearance.”
–Matthieu Ricard