Patience or Procrastination?

I am very good at making sure that I am absolutely prepared. I have the supplies I could need, my ducks are all in a row, I do not want to rush into starting a project until everything is ready. It is important for everything to be orderly and neat from the beginning. I think I will do better work if I get a good night’s sleep and begin in the morning.

There is almost always a valid reason to wait.

This is especially true for contemplatives. Each step of the journey is important. We revel in each part of the process. There is not need to hurry.

We value mindful detachment and acceptance of who we are. We also value becoming more deeply ourselves, which takes hard work.

It can be a challenge to learn the difference between patience and procrastination.

One of the things I am working on this year is learning more about that difference, and finding the balance in my own life. While I want to learn, I am often not eager to put in the work. It would be easier if the balance just came to me. Maybe I am being impatient, and should wait a little longer. Maybe next year would be better timing.

I have put this off long enough.

I have joined an online community of people who are fasting for 21 days to begin this year. I am fasting from procrastination.

Fasting is the ancient spiritual practice of abstaining from something, often food or drink. Fasting teaches me about the role that whatever I give up has in my life.

Why wait? This is as good a time as any.

What would you like to learn more about this year?

How are you holding yourself back?

[Image by SuperFantastic]