Paradoxical Commandments

A Plan for Life

Greetings, dear Sunny Buddies,

I am a bit poorly this week. I have the flu, would you believe?

It has been years since I have been this unwell. My homeopathist will be delighted. He says we need this type of challenge to boost our natural immune system. Only recently, he said I am waiting for you to have a fever, then you will move to your next level of wellness! Well, I certainly had a good fever. My lovely husband is looking after me so well, and I am taking care not to ride over my recovery.

So with your kind understanding, I will be a bit brief today.

Times are very challenging at the moment for us all. So much is happening in the world can take us out of balance. Sometimes I can feel concern rising within me as I consider the range and depth of these challenges. Many years ago, I came across the poem below that I really like. There is simplicity and goodness to it, and it has been helpful to me over the years. The phrase ‘Do it anyway’ is one of my mantras when I am being hesitant or fearful. I so appreciate the wisdom here.

I originally thought Mother Teresa wrote this poem. However, when I did a wee bit of research today, it turns out that this honour goes to Kent M. Keith. He called these ten phrases ‘The Paradoxical Commandments’. Kent was 19 years old and was at college when he wrote the words for a booklet called “The Silent Revolution: Dynamic Leadership in the Student Council. Apparently, Mother Teresa had a copy of the poem on the wall of a children’s home in Calcutta, and that is where the story that she wrote the work originated.

I am in awe that at 19 years old, Kent could tap into such extraordinary wisdom.

Invitation this Week

I invite you to sit with the poem and see if any of the commandments resonate with you. Then, consider what you might need to ‘do anyway’ to bring more harmony and balance to your life. I have done this a few times, and the insights and resolution have often been remarkable.

Enjoy!

As always, I would love to hear from you.

Ann