By CHRISTINE HASSLER
In light of all the negative news and challenges so many have been facing lately, I think we could all use more uplifting stories and experiences in our lives. So instead of answering a question this week, I wanted to share a profound swinging experience I recently had (no, not that kind of swinging, this is a PG story!). It happened in the middle of a one-day workshop I attended. On our lunch break, I ventured outside and noticed a rather rickety wooden swing attached by ropes to a study tree branch that seemed to be calling my name. So I answered. As I sat down, I recalled how much I loved to swing as a child – getting as much height as I could muster and then jumping off into my dad’s arms. How fearless and trusting I was then! I thought to myself, can I take the leaps of faith that felt liberating as a child but now as an adult often come with the added weight of self-doubt? How can we be fearless and trusting during these times of uncertainty?
These thoughts were swirling around in my head as I began pumping my legs, driven by a desire to get the high I remembered achieving as a girl. I swung my legs harder and faster adding effort from my upper body to pick up more momentum. I felt like I just had to get higher and go faster but the exertion it was requiring became exhausting rather than exhilarating. I realized how hard I was pushing myself and missed the comforting feeling of being pushed by my dad. And then all of a sudden, I heard my inner wisdom say to me, “Just surrender and allow yourself to be gently pushed. Trust.”