Fog

It was a foggy morning on the lake today, which got me thinking about how we manage when we can't see our way. Often in our lives, things will be clouded, or misty, or unclear. We are taught (especially in this North American culture) to "take the bull by the horns" and "create our own destiny." Whether you know what you're doing or not, get out there and get busy! In other words: don't just sit there, do something!

As with most things, there are times when this advice is wonderful - when the path is clear, for example, but we are feeling fearful or unmotivated. But what if the way is clouded? What if we can't be sure where we're going?

In those cases, I suggest, we exercise calm and patience. What would it be like to just sit with the not-knowing? To take this opportunity to listen to the "small, still voice inside" which guides us, but which is often drowned out by the noise of our every day lives? To trust that the fog will lift, and we will be ready for the path when it appears?

This morning, I sent my kids down the driveway to meet the bus. The path is well-trodden, and they know where they're going; it was safe to send them off into the fog, since this is a part of our daily routine. And then I spent some time doing yoga and meditating while the fog lifted. And - of course - it did lift, revealing a blue sky and a calm lake and bringing new energy as the day unfolded.

If you find yourself at a foggy time in your life, I would encourage you to experiment with stillness. With patience. Stick to what you know; keep structure and routine in your life; stay on the well-trodden paths while you wait for the fog to lift. Trust that when it does, the way will become clear.