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Hearts Ready and Set to Go
Candace A. Croft, Ph.D. Sixty yards is a long haul on short legs. Sure, any preschooler on a joyous scramble could cover more ground at recess, but that was different from the mad-dash, straight-line sprint of the play day race. Called to the starting line, the wee ones huddled together in coalesced excitement. Teachers separated the herd into individual lanes to await the signal of, “Ready, set, GO!” Having not yet learned to mask self, the runners’ unguarded thoughts flashed transparently across their faces. This is what I witnessed: Lane 1: Runner absent, a second call went out, then a third. Working on a daisy chain of clover under a distant tree, she never made it into the race. Lane 2: I could tell the contemplative racer was grateful for the sun and the fluffy white clouds that dotted the blue sky. She enjoyed the smell of freshly cut grass and how it felt cool and thick under her hands. I watched as she imagined running down the track, crossing the finish line, and celebrating victory. She was still contemplating it when the pack took off. Lane 3: A puppy wagging with unrestrained energy, racer number three was in the blocks, eager and ready to go. Out of the blocks early—again—she was promptly disqualified. Disappointment clouded her face and tears streamed down her cheeks. Lane 4: Distracted, the runner looked around at the crowd while picking her nose, tugging momentarily at the elastic band of her shorts that cut into her stomach, and stepping on the top of one shoe where the laces were too tight. She heard the laughs and conversations of others and wondered if they were directed at her. Spying her family, she lifted her hand with a delighted wave. Caught unaware, she was late off the mark and awkwardly chopped her way down the lane with arms flailing, often overstepping her bounds. Lane 5: All determination, the runner had trained daily for weeks practicing sprints, eating nutritiously, and getting plenty of recharging sleep. She arrived at the start with fifteen minutes to spare, just in case. Solidly set, she shot out of the blocks with perfect timing and, with deliberate steps, assured she would not trip or step outside the lines. She might not win, place, or show, but she would not be disqualified either. Lane 6: When the starter shouted, “GO!,” the racer slipped off the block and, stumbling forward before gaining her footing, put the incident behind her and kept moving forward. Had there been a little more ground to cover, she might have won. As it was, she came in third. Lane 7: The runner was not perfect or even masterful in her execution, but was prepared and mindful of her direction. She took first place. Lane 8: Even before the race began, the girl knew she would not win. She never did. And, while she may lose, she refused to be a loser. As she progressed down the path, she twirled, ran backwards, and leapt sideways. Judging by the laughs, she came in first as court jester. Lane 9: This runner, too, had trained. Neck and neck with the girl in lane seven, she took second place. It was not her day, but she had done her best and that was okay. Nothing more was asked or expected. Any strong showing in life requires that the player—whether musician, actor, physician, lawyer, welder, student, or clerk—coordinate bodymindspirit to get ready, set, and go. Which of the ten runners are you most like? As you go along your daily way, ask:
Life events require each participant to be prepared, not only physically, but mentally and spiritually as well. If you are off weaving with the faeries, second-guessing the call, or picking your nose when the event is announced, you will not be ready.
Just as your body has a metabolic set point to effectively utilize physical energy, your spiritual, thoughtful, and emotional energy must be properly set if you are to give your personal best. If your mind wanders or body moves with the ungraceful stiffness of the Tin Man, if you worry about everything that could go wrong instead of right, are oblivious that an event is imminent, or feel uncomfortably self-conscious or out of control emotionally or physically, your energy is not set. Forget what is behind you. Stay clear of the sidelines. Breathe, ground, center, and focus. Even if you are uncertain of the event’s purpose or your role in it, when set with intent, the energy from divine Self will guide you along the path, lifting you over any hurdles that may arise.
If you never get out of your head and into your body, fail to trust your spirit and give it free expression, or let every stumble define the race, you will be all preparation and no go. You did not come to the field to sit in silence and imagine what might be, but to take action to make your visions reality. Once prepared and set, shift gears and activate the energy that will propel you forward. Outlines the steps that will take you from start to finish and GO! The directive applies to any life task from driving safely, speaking persuasively in a meeting, or having a friendly conversation to answering the phone, vacuuming the floor, or mowing the lawn. When you get ready, set, and GO!, it will not matter whether you win, place, or don’t show. You will likely feel satisfied with life because, when performing your best, you progress and— KEEP YOUR HEARTLIGHT SHINING
Candace Croft holds a doctorate in Health & Human Development, is a certified Family Life Educator and an aromatherapist. A professor and, most recently, an academic Dean, she specializes in lifespan development, transpersonal psychology, and integrative health. She has authored numerous articles and been involved with energy work for over a decade. Candace lives in southwestern Wisconsin and is available to give presentations or to consult with your organization. Her books and aromatherapy products may be found at her website, www.HeartLightShining.com .
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