Embrace the unknown

The unknown is a scary thing for so many of us. The worry and fear about what might happen in the future or the replay of the past that we perceive as painful creates tension in our bodies that sometimes presents as unconscious gripping of muscles around the neck, shoulders or hips, holding patterns with the breath, or disconnection with our bodies partially or completely.

There are many factors that might prevent us from embracing the unknown and becoming disconnected from the present moment. Things like attachment, grief, loss and trauma, the sense of “busy”ness, or the feelings of being/having/doing “not enough” get in our way. This attachment to whatever 'was' or whatever 'may be' is repeated over and over in our minds on replay.

When we keep thinking negatively about the past or the future, we attach to something that is not happening now which creates that anxious and uneasy feeling. When we are too attached to our story and life doesn’t go our way or when worry and fear cloud our perception of reality, we feel even more anxious and afraid. This cycle continues over and over creating even more anxiety and fear and we move further and further away from ‘whatever is’ right now.

Taking deep breaths, tapping your feet on the ground, conscious movement and relaxation techniques, or looking for beauty in music, nature, and art can bring us back to the now. When we are here now, we can sometimes release our fears and anxiety.

As BKS Iyengar wrote in the Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali "Non-attachment is the deliberate process of drawing away from attachment and personal affliction in which, neither binding oneself to duty nor cutting oneself off from it, one gladly helps all, near or far, friend or foe." The personal affliction part can be quite challenging when we are so attached to our own story in life. He continues with "Non attachment does not mean drawing inwards and shutting oneself off, but involves carrying out one's responsibilities without incurring obligation or inviting expectation."

In other words, release your attachment to your past experiences, do "the thing" whatever that "thing" might be for you and LET GO of the outcome for the future. Let it be.

The truth is that life sometimes goes exactly as planned and sometimes it takes us by surprise; it’s how we respond to the twist and turns on our path that create either resistance or acceptance.