Staying in Relationship with Life - Learning to Relax in the Face of Paradox

It seems to me, that a large part of living well requires cultivating the ability to stay in relationship—to be present to life—which is a little like breathing, as there are inevitably times when we are more present or less present; we inhale, we exhale.   

The point, then, is not so much strict adherence to the idea of a constant, vigilant presence, as it is not to impede the flow of natural undulations that are part of what it means to be a living presence.

To keep things flowing then, means we will need to learn to relax in the face of both our fears and joys. In essence, to the degree we accept the presence of (and are present to) them, they will each reveal their secrets to us.

There just isn't another way to stay in relationship with life, without also staying in relationship with all the paradoxes that populate one's heart and mind, without listening to what it is they have to say to us.

For, it is in this willingness to be open and receptive, that we discover a greater depth, richness and vitality entering our life.

Staying in relationship with the whole construct, however, is vital. There is no life without an increasing depth of engagement, without truly inhabiting our presence.

It all rests on a fundamental reverence and respect for life ...

... the organizing principle of love.