The Microwave Principle

[drallan]

Hi Everyone!

I'd like to share the following thoughts with you...


Our lives are so full of fast-paced methods to do absolutely everything these days...well, almost everything.

We have Fast-Track methods in business - usually a way to 'get to the money' quicker - but often having a detrimental affect on the people involved. We have thousands of varieties of technological break-throughs which allow us to do things faster - and I for one totally embrace technology for its ability in helping us do incredible things not even imagined as being possible only 10 years ago. We also have cars that go faster and that are works of art if you are a connoisseur of motor vehicles as I am. We also have ingredients that when added to recipes just make everything happen faster....Voila - instant cake! Who needs an oven? We have chemical processes that are made to be lightning fast through the use of catalysts...And the list goes on.

One of the most highly used instruments of speed is the Microwave Oven - meals in an instant. Cook on High for 5-6 minutes - there we have it - a meal (regardless of its quality) ready to eat. Something done in 5-6 minutes that used to take our Mothers and Grandmothers all day to prepare. The evening feast!

The 'almost everything' that I mentioned above are the processes of life that often need to take much more time than we want them to take. It takes time to heal our emotional and psychological wounds - to create change - to work on us at a level that allows literal miracles to take place. Yes, that takes time. And sometimes it takes a lot of time...the rest of our lives in some cases.

When I'm working with people who are absolutely desperate to climb out of the darkness - to get away from the 'black dog' that has been controlling their quality of life for far too long, there is only one piece of hope that I can really offer them and it takes a reality check to do so. I have to explain to them that if I could stick a band-aid on their bashed and beaten esteem and psychological selves then that would be marvelous! But I can't. Would a band-aid work on a skin cancer? ...No. Does it work as a quick-fix on emotional and esteem issues? ...No. So I explain to them that it is going to take time, patience, courage, determination, persistence, and a whole lot of other things that they feel like they just haven't got right now. But they can do it one step at a time, one day at a time…sometimes one hour at a time...slowly, but surely.

I ask them if they can envisage just a 1% improvement, and would that be better? Usually the answer is yes. So 1% improvement each day, each month, each year...eventually leading to some peace of mind and serenity can become an achievable goal for most of us. Those small steps can lead to real life-changing journeys - if people are given the tools and road maps they require. They also need encouragement - heaps of encouragement! Consistent and persistent uplifting of people who are broken in spirit and in mind will lead to miracles never thought possible.

Therefore, if you happen to have an important life issue microwaving for 5-6 minutes on High, it's time to think about slowing down a tad and remembering that it is going to take the time that it takes.

Some personal healing processes may just require that you get out of the microwave and take a soak in the sun.

Invest time in yourself…invest time in your wellbeing...invest time in your faith and spirituality, and invest time in being able to live a level and well balanced future (and that's not about money).

Take some time out for you!


Wishing you a Blessed week ahead!

Allan xx

[Jennifer5]

I like this comparison.

I struggle with this at times; I get down about something and want so desperately to get out of that depressing state that I try to speed up the process.

I've learned that ignoring the issue doesn't make it can make it feel like it went away, but when you least expect it the problem will arise again. I found that the only way to speed through it was to completely give in to the feeling, talk it out and then decide to change it.

[Alecto]

Sometimes you do need to defrost in the microwave; sometimes things are that bad.

[Pablo Rafael]

I like the thoughts of this post, Allan. Sometimes we do need to just work on things step by step. At times when a big leap won't work, a lot of smaller steps can achieve the same result over time.

On the issue of gay rights Colorado has had a go-slow policy. Though the state has an anti gay marriage amendment in the constitution and a does not have civil unions, it has enacted multiple laws in the past five years that have granted many of the rights found in marriages and civil unions. It would have been nicer if we had enacted same-sex marriage when it was on the ballot, but we are getting there step by step. Of all the Rocky Mountain states only New Mexico is more gay friendly.

Being an Episcopalian I also see the church making step by step improvements to make the church more welcoming and inclusive. It was impossible to do it all at once. The Episcopal church was one of the first to ordain women in the 1970's. Since then, step by step, denomination by denomination, women have found their righful place in ministry in most churches. But there is still work to do.

The problem I see with a slow approach, however, is that sometimes people use that tactic as an excuse for slowing down progress as much as possible. There needs to be real progress happening.

I am one who believes much in life should be slower and simpler. I live in a tiny house in the mountains. I work a part time job. I don't have much money, nor do I want it. I don't have TV. Sometimes stillness and a closeness to nature brings one closer to God.

But I am starting to ramble, so it is time to stop.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Rick336]

Originally Posted by drallan

I ask them if they can envisage just a 1% improvement, and would that be better? Usually the answer is yes. So 1% improvement each day, each month, each year...eventually leading to some peace of mind and serenity can become an achievable goal for most of us. Those small steps can lead to real life-changing journeys - if people are given the tools and road maps they require. They also need encouragement - heaps of encouragement! Consistent and persistent uplifting of people who are broken in spirit and in mind will lead to miracles never thought possible.

This 1% approach with daily increases seems very reasonable for improving someone's self-esteem. I don't see how anybody can't improve themselves just 1%. Sounds like a great idea.

Originally Posted by Pablo Rafael

I am one who believes much in life should be slower and simpler. I live in a tiny house in the mountains. I work a part time job. I don't have much money, nor do I want it. I don't have TV. Sometimes stillness and a closeness to nature brings one closer to God.

Pablo,

So many people can't find their happy place, but it sounds like you've found yours.

Reminds me of those song lyrics by Boston:

If you're climbing to the top of that company ladder
Hope it doesn't take too long
Can't you see there'll come a day when it won't matter
Come a day when you'll be gone.

I understand about indecision
I don't care about getting behind
People living in competition
All I want is to have my peace of mind.




Rick