Living Lightly

Most of us expend too much energy on any given issue. It's like using an elephant gun to kill a fly. Because we live such busy lives, filled with demands from a large number of sources, it's very easy to fall into a pattern of overkill on problems. We deal with so many important issues that don't require higher levels of energy that we automatically carry over that approach to the smaller issues also. We sometimes think that if a little energy can be used to deal effectively with a situation, how much better will a lot of energy be! It's like asking the doctor to prescribe a very powerful antibiotic when you have a viral upper respiratory illness. First, the antibiotic can't kill the virus and, second, you probably don't need such a powerful intervention.

Living lightly, which includes the conscious application of just the right amount of energy to get any given job done, is becoming a lost art. Our lives have become demanding and loud. Too often it's the squeaky wheel ... not the most important wheel ... that gets the grease. Our society puts a value on noisy, flashy and busy. Other activities such as contemplation, meditation and conservation are de-emphasized. Whatever is screaming for our attention generally gets it, regardless of its level of true importance. We've become so accustomed to listening to the noise that we're losing the art of listening to the whispers of guidance that come from within and from higher Sources.

Many people go home after a long days work and automatically flip on the television. They open the newspaper and begin reading it with the TV on in the background. They feel uncomfortable in the quiet ... they have to have some noise in the background even if they aren't paying attention to the content. Some people want the noise because, if there's nobody else in the house at the time, they feel alone. As a people, we have become uncomfortable with aloneness, with solitude, with the quietness through which the voices of wisdom whisper to us.

I'm reminded of the prophet who told the story of how he received his guidance in a time of great inner turmoil. In the story he climbed a mountain and was waiting for some instruction or direction from God. During his wait a mighty wind arose and tore the rocks asunder. But, he said, his help was not in the wind. Then a tremendous earthquake occurred shaking and splitting the earth. But, he said, his help was not found in the earthquake. Then an immense and intense fire arose, devouring huge chunks of the countryside. But, he said, his help was not found in the fire. Then, having witnessed these loud and calamitous events, he heard a whisper. And his help was found in the whisper.

Living lightly entails managing our energy output by applying it correctly to the situations we face and taking the time to screen out the noise of our lives and listen for the whisper of guidance. Reacquaint yourselves with occasional periods of solitude where you can hear the hushed tones of comfort and direction that you won't find in the roar of the wind, earthquake or fire.