BEING DELIBERATE

Dictionary:

• Being: The state or fact of existing or living; fundamental nature; one who lives or exists
• Deliberate: Carefully thought out and formed; done on purpose; unhurried and methodical

Carrying this forward we can think of BEING as you; the embodiment of you on earth; your being on earth, and DELIBERATE in these terms: If liberate would mean 'to set free' then deliberate would mean the opposite; 'to grasp hold.' When we put these words together as in 'being deliberate' it is interesting to look at yourself to determine, "How do I live my life?; Am I a free spirit who chooses to drift along wherever the wind, or life circumstances would take me, OR do I choose to be more deliberate in my living?"

In examining my own life I have known times when I considered living as a free spirit to be very appealing. "Oh, what a wonderful concept I thought; to be free, living the dream!" However as I examine this closer to see where this free floating has taken me I have to reconsider my evaluation of this freedom concept.

For example: Having allowed myself to drift along to wherever life takes me, just as a ship without a keel will eventually become stranded and possibly destroyed upon the rocky shore, I see how this free floating approach landed me in some very uncomfortable situations. Then as I look even closer I can see how I allowed myself to become entwined in the emotional reaction to these uncomfortable situations. The unchecked emotions were the rock my ship was stranded upon and my life, my health was being threatened unless I took deliberate action to disentangle from them. I could see that this was my being, my ship and I can choose to let it drift into dangerous waters, or take the controls and choose my path deliberately.

With this new understanding, I recognise how being deliberate in the choices I make can be nothing but beneficial to me. Sure, it requires a little more effort to stay alert in order to steer the ship, but at the same time will lead to a much more enjoyable journey.

Living deliberately means honoring myself and the opportunity I've been given to live in a very conscious way, awake in every moment. In this way I will avoid getting caught in the rocks of emotional discontent that could eventually destroy my being.

Being deliberate can take a bit of effort at first until we learn to sail with an even keel. Then with practice overtime we can relax and enjoy the journey. "Steady as she goes!"

Aye, aye... tis a glorious feeling to be at the helm....