Flexibility means adjusting readily to change. I express flexibility when I respond to new ideas and directions with openness instead of resistance. The opposite is rigidity.§
Comparing the actions of one who is flexible to one who is rigid§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Flexibility§ |
Rigidity§ |
When bad weather is predicted and tomorrow’s task must be done today, you…§ |
readily adjust, bypassing objections and getting straight to the unexpected tasks.§ |
mumble complaints about how this is going to ruin your plans and try to figure ways around the need.§ |
For years the family has gone to one vacation spot and when they all ask for variety this year, you…§ |
respond in a positive spirit that supports their call for new experiences.§ |
stand firm that what has worked in the past will work again and opt for the tried and true.§ |
When your ayurvedic doctor tells you to change your diet, you…§ |
make the changes immediately in order to achieve better health.§ |
Struggle with the power of your eating habits and implement only the easiest of her suggestions.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Be like the river water. Water flows freely anywhere, easily finding its way around rocks and trees. Be pliable in your life, moving in rhythm with life. Let go of everything that blocks the river of life’s energy.”§
“The seeker on the path has to be soft, pliable, easy to get along with, as well as firm-minded.”§
“They [candidates for monastic life] are examined for the qualities of true sannyasa, tested often as to their flexibility, their ability to instantly renounce attachment to position and job security without residual resentments, the fluidness to release awareness and move transparently from one area to the next as needs arise.”§
ASSIGNMENT: During these two weeks, when there is a need to rethink how to accomplish a task, be sufficiently detached from the original plan that you do not get upset by potential changes.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF FLEXIBILITY: 
§
