Do you ever struggle to get up in the morning? Some days, I can bounce out of bed, full of the joys of life. But other days just seem much more difficult. And I dare say that feeling doesn’t just coincide with the morning alarm clock. It might be doing the shopping, going to work, the journey home after a break away, exercise, the difficult conversation you know you need to have with someone. For me, it’s those last two that always seem so insurmountable, but we’re all different.
There’s often a physical aspect to these challenges, but that’s not the hardest part. The most troublesome obstacle is usually the resistance that exists in our minds. When I lived in Canberra, my wife and I used to cycle to work. At first, the temptation just to hop in the car was strong. But after a few months (or maybe it was years) of telling myself all the benefits of doing so (losing weight, saving money), I got to the point of quite enjoying that 40 minutes on my bicycle: arriving at school in time for a hot shower and a hearty breakfast, energised and ready to teach.
Until September, that is. For cyclists, September isn’t the beginning of spring: it’s Magpie season. For about six weeks you can guarantee that, at certain points on the daily ride (you learn exactly where they are, too) you’re going to hear a distant cry, the woosh of wings, and possibly several firm strikes on the back of your helmet. I learned a few truths from that annual experience. There aren’t many things that could tempt me back into my car like magpie season can. But I also learned that the anticipation is often worse than the thing itself.
As we move through the experiences of life, there will always be things which test our resolve. This is common to all people, of every culture and religion. It’s no wonder that all faiths speak to our need to master the mind. Self discipline isn’t about the physical exertion, it’s about the decision to start. Once we have learned that, it really is remarkable what we are capable of.
Of course, we won’t always be kicking goals, striving for personal bests, or running at capacity. Very few machines are capable of running constantly without breaking down. We do need to rest. But another thing I learned: the mental weight of anticipation often corrupts the rest we tell ourselves we need. Some things are easier (and better) faced sooner, rather than later.
So, what are you facing today? Perhaps, dreading today?
David Moffit, Reverend
Swedenborg Community, Victoria
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