Allow. The definition is “to let do or happen” or “make a possibility or provide opportunity” and it is a synonym for accept. Recently I have been trying to more consciously let go of my expectations and desire for control and just allow life to unfold, to be in the flow of my life.
This weekend it was my joy and privilege to head up to Wisconsin for a women’s retreat. I carpooled with 3 other women and did not drive. (A huge letting go of control for me.) Unfortunately, we did not arrive in time for the first evening’s activities. Although I was disappointed, I let that emotion go and just enjoyed actually being in the moment with the wonderful women I had driven up with.
The keynote speaker in the morning reminded us that we ARE living the life we choose. And if we are not happy, we can choose differently. Not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens in our life. There are many things that happen in life we can’t control, but how we respond to those things determines our happiness and contentment. She talked about two approaches to creating more flow and connection to spirit: creating more moments or spaces to breathe and be present, or integrating that experience seamlessly into our lives.
When I arrived in the space that I was presenting my workshop, I realized some of the activities I planned were not going to work. I modified my plan and allowed the workshop to unfold. Later that day, as we were waiting for our dinner to arrive (so we wouldn’t be late or miss the evening’s activities), I let go of my impatience and enjoyed the moment with the wonderful women at my table.
As I look back at the retreat, it did not go as I expected. However, I feel I was fully present and in the moment most of the weekend. Although it did not match my expectations, I did not waste any time in regret or wanting what was not. I stayed in the flow. As a result, even though the retreat was not what I wanted, it provided me with what I needed. I needed a real opportunity to stay in the moment, allowing things to occur the way they will, and letting go of my attachments to how I want them to be.
My hope for my wonderful soul sisters at the retreat, and everyone reading, this is that you find space to “allow” in your life.
