Once in a great while, there is a piece of reading that is so perfect, it needs to be shared in its entirety. This excerpt from Center for Action and Contemplation (www.cac.org) invites us to look at the circumstances of our lives and….
Imagine Something Better
Author Sarah Bessey names the need to be “for” something good, not merely “against” what is wrong:
“Imagining and contending for what you hope for in this world is one of the hardest and kindest paths I’ve discovered out here. In the midst of all this, don’t forget to imagine something better. Don’t forget to dream of what could be possible. And don’t forget to live into those hopes with faithfulness. Move in that direction, especially when all you know is “not this.”
If it helps, sometimes I’ve thought of this as the rhythm of turning away and then turning toward, almost like a beautiful dance…. We turn away from those things we’re against and toward the hopeful future we imagine. In a purposeful movement, we turn away from the practices or beliefs or habits that consume us, threaten us, reduce us, and distract us. And then we turn toward what brings flourishing, goodness, and truth to us. Turn away, yes, and turn toward…. What we turn toward should reorient us to the world in a posture of love, joy, and service.
It can be a simple rhythm to begin with. Turning away from spaces in social media that have become toxic for you and turning toward inviting a lonely neighbor over for tea. Turning away from voices that bring shame and guilt to you or others and turning toward voices that preach freedom and wholeness and love. Or turning away from shrinking back and shutting up to keep the peace; turning toward owning your voice, your body, your experiences with boldness. Turning away from gossip and petty nitpicking; turning toward language of blessing….
Begin with Against, and keep going until you find your For. It’s an act of defiant faith. It will give you something to lean into. It will give you a path to follow.”
(Copyright © 2024 by CAC. Used by permission of CAC. All rights reserved worldwide)
What we embrace and what we push away is a delicate balance, a rhythmic sway between acceptance and rejection that shapes our days and defines our lives. In this dance, every action we take speaks volumes about what truly matters to us.
From the moment we open our eyes, we are confronted with decisions—some conscious, others instinctive—that influence the course of our day. We choose to embrace positivity or dwell in negativity. We decide to accept the challenges ahead or shy away from them in fear. Each decision, however small, reflects our values, priorities, and innermost desires.
It is through this daily dance that we come to understand ourselves better. What we reject often reveals our fears, insecurities, and limitations. These are the parts of ourselves that we may not yet fully accept or understand. Conversely, what we accept demonstrates our strengths, passions, and the values that guide our actions. This interplay between acceptance and rejection shows us where growth is needed and where our true aspirations lie.
The breath becomes the perfect tool then to keep us grounded in the present moment and aligned with hope and clarity. The simple act of breathing consciously brings us back to ourselves, allowing us to release tension, calm our minds, and reconnect with our intentions. Inhale, exhale is a circular action that points to every ending becoming a new beginning.
When we breathe deeply, we invite acceptance into our hearts. We acknowledge the reality of our emotions and experiences without judgment or resistance. This acceptance does not imply complacency but rather empowers us to respond thoughtfully and compassionately to whatever life brings our way. In moments of confusion or doubt, a few mindful breaths can clear the fog from our minds, helping us discern the path forward. It allows us to see beyond immediate reactions and tap into the wisdom of our hearts.
Every step and every breath are integral to our personal evolution.
Ultimately, the daily dance of acceptance and rejection is a journey of the heart. It is about learning to embrace our vulnerabilities, celebrate our strengths, and cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Every action we take—guided by the breath and rooted in intention—becomes a testament to what is important in our lives.
