Effort + Ease

My daily mantra this morning said, “analysis causes paralysis”. As humans, we look for ways to over complicate, instead of simplify. We fall down the rabbit hole of what if, what’s next, what haven’t I accomplished, in order to over-complicate and dramatize our life.
Think back to a fond memory. What makes it so perfect and wonderful? Its likely a great memory because you spent the entire moment being 100% present. You can remember sights, smells, and sounds — perhaps what you ate, read or what you were wearing. These memories are perfection because they are are the balance between effort and ease, and are in a constant symbiotic relationship of ebb and flow. In yoga, we call this “stira and sukha” — literally translating to the balance between effort and ease. These effortless and easy moments are those that are so organic, so natural, so true that our mind simply understands them as they are. It doesn’t try to analyze, to overthink, or to overdo. Instead, its completely clear in how the situation actually was.
I am embarking on a new professional adventure tomorrow, and the past few days have been filled with excitement, a bit of anxiety, and a lot of unknown. My goal is to be present this week in everything that I do, so that I can learn, observe, and be honest with my head, soul, and heart. I trust that this will lead to the ultimate balance between effort and ease, and know that the journey ahead is one that I can pave myself.
How do you find effort and ease throughout your day? Do you find yourself overcomplicating even the simplest of actions (or emails)? Can you remain present in the now, and catch yourself when you begin to wonder, worry, and stress?
