11 Comments
User's avatar
Ken Sutterfield's avatar

I can certainly relate to this paradox of “human nature” now in my late 60’s with more quieter days. I’m no different than the cow standing in a lush green pasture, stretching across the fence to that which is restricted.

Jonathan R. Bailey's avatar

Thank you for reading, and for naming it so well, Ken! The image of the cow leaning across the fence is going to stay with me.

Penny's avatar

I'm sure you have heard this before - "Are you a human doing or a human being?" We are valued by our Heavenly Father as a "human being". This helps me settle into those time when I want but resist sabbath rest and a slowing of my life. This is a timely post for me in that, the Lord willing, next week, we will begin to walk the Camino to Santiago de Compestostela. Thank you Jonathan for your Go-lead posts.

Jonathan R. Bailey's avatar

Yes! Indeed. What a beautiful pilgrimage to begin ... may the walking itself be a slowing, and the road a teacher ... grateful you're reading along.

Ian's avatar

Hon, I'm in my early 60s and life has indeed slowed down especially with this season of healing. Solitude is hard, I think. Especially in this distracted world in which we live.

I do believe like all things it's a muscle that requires training. So at first it is a struggle. Weirdly, it's one of the 'joys' when doing weights the first few times when you haven't done them for a while. The post workout muscle pain in some way feels good because you know you worked out.

Starting is important and extending grace to yourself also. You'll fail. And it's okay. Start again. And again. Jesus is cheering us on.

Go well. 🙏

Jonathan R. Bailey's avatar

Yes ... I do believe he is cheering us on! Thanks Ian.

Korie's avatar

Recently, I’ve been very focused on illusion and delusion in my practice. Being a head-type, one of my main illusions is getting caught up in my head, believing my own thoughts rather than opening my heart to let it help me “see”.

Jonathan R. Bailey's avatar

Yeah ... I do a lot of thinking ... I need help with feeling. Thanks for reading!

Korie's avatar

Same here, I wonder what Enneagram number you are? 😂

Sarah Fusté's avatar

I can relate to you, Korie! I just enjoyed an embodiment retreat for my birthday this past weekend, and found that actually doing the things I resist is so different than thinking about doing them. =P