"Immediately after you stand on the peak of a mountain you step forward and begin to climb a higher mountain which is down below" Kobun Chino

I am reading an insightful book entitled "The Answer To How Is Yes" by Peter Block. The title itself speaks volumes. The author says we should identify and commit to acting on what matters before we immediately start on the trail with the 'how' questions.

When I looked at the initially daunting peak of Machu Picchu, I was on the top of it before I figured out how to get there. I saw it one day and climbed it the next – sure, I had to find a guide, agree on a time, fit my water supplies, first aid kit, snacks and camera into a small backpack, etc. etc. However, I had already said "Yes" — Had I started with how long will it take, do I have the energy, how many others make it to the top, how do I do this alone without my sisters or friends, I would not have made a move! "How" can immobilize you if asked too soon – the answer to how is most often yes!

What mattered was that I really wanted to experience the "heart chakra of the earth."

'Be there' from right where you are!

Step forward!
mozella

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi
Motivational StoryTeller™

I sometimes wonder at my own internal questions… amazed that after all these years (!) I periodically ask such basic, fundamental questions about my direction. Do we ever stop questioning the truth and 'rightness' of our paths? At what point do we say, okay, this is it…my path…I'm good right here!

How many of you out there, like me, still ponder? Just sit with these questions for a minute…and, while you're at it, throw in "who am I" and "what am I here for".

One of many reasons I embrace the great outdoors is simply because it feels good: clears my head, opens my heart and fills my body with energy and enthusiasm. I believe each season influences our lives in unique and very specific ways.

Sure, some people disconnect from nature or even shun the thought of experiencing 'what's out there'. Your path is your path, indoors, outdoors, internally, externally…we certainly have many choices.

Wherever your paths lead…do remember to take your questions with you.

Marching toward spring…Yes?
Mozella

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi
Motivational StoryTeller™

At one point or another in all our lives, the very thing someone told us not to do, we have done. And what they tell us we don't have the ability to do, we just must. There is something about warnings, rules and parameters that thankfully do not always work.

We read alarming statistics about the volume of negative and damaging messages to which children are exposed. Parents and teachers are often the most guilty…the results of manipulating or shaking a child's ego or confidence can be devastating. No, can't, be careful this or that might happen – mind the gap, you might fall in it. If trying does not pose any negative side effects, you can often trust someone close to you to come up with some anyway.

What do you do? You push ahead – without their permission! Sidetracking a little, it reminds me of my nephew, Jamal's innocent (?) childhood retort to an adult friend of mine who was trying to correct him. He responded to her "You're not the boss of me!" Hmmmm….a useful 'adult position' to keep in mind.

What if you fall? Well, brush yourself off and get up, cry if you need to, change or adjust your course: just keep moving.

Being too careful will never get you out the door and on the path (and certainly not up a mountain!) Now, I am not suggesting we should throw caution to the wind…then again…

Gap, what gap?
Mozella

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi,
Motivational Storyteller™

As more and more news unfolds now and in events yet to come, we realize the vital need to enter an inner place where we retreat and be still. Immersed by what is happening all around us; what we hear and see is sometimes very painful. Many stare at images of despair not knowing what to do about any of it.

In a book I am reading, the author speaks of 'responding' rather than 'reacting'. Within the above context, what does that distinction mean to you and how might it help?

Looking inward is not an act of disregard for the plight of others; rather, it is an act of connection. Seek wisdom, courage, calm and strength that can only come from within. And so, from there, we send love, compassion, service and other resources to the hurt.

Begin internally: quiet your thoughts and seek stillness first…then know…then act.

As within, so without,
mozella

Mozella Perry Ademiluyi ,
Motivational Storyteller™