Recently, I came across an OSHO Zen card titled “Success.” It shows a man, arms flung wide, riding the tiger of success on top of the world. It’s a beautiful card and, of course, it made me feel great in that moment. The written message described a balanced view of success and I immediately thought of sharing it with you.
To paraphrase: "When you feel successful, immerse yourself fully in the feeling of being on top of the world, milk it for every moment of happiness you can. Feel your joy fully and share it with others, because you know what's coming next: The yin of life to balance the yang, the inevitable valley beyond the peak."
The idea is that fully celebrating success lessens regrets when the high is over.
Infinity Unravelling (above) and Infinity Electric (below) - A new series I am playing with
Good stuff, right? Feeling high should be fully celebrated yet how many of us barely glance at our accomplishment as we turn to the next thing to do? The better option would be to revel in the feeling of achievement and congratulate yourself. The moment will pass soon enough.
When it does, don’t hold on. You’re wasting energy better applied to other things. This Zen card also asks: “What is wrong with the valley? What is wrong with being low?” I loved reading this part. It reminded me how I was conditioned (to always be “doing,” to always be in the process of proving myself, striving, working towards a goal) and how that process mostly pushes against the natural flow of life.
To be honest, this valley bit can make me feel uncomfortable. I still get antsy and anxious when I’m there. My gut response is to fix it fast, to soothe the unease. The Zen dudes say to accept this moment. “A peak is an excitement”, they say, “and nobody can exist continuously in an excitement.”
A beneficial aid to any form of creativity is long moments of nothingness. In the void, new ideas can surface, surprising connections can be forged. Didn’t Einstein make breakthroughs while taking long walks? Or was it shaving? Can’t remember and too lazy to check it out, but you get the point. So yay for low moments. Time for resting your body and brain, gathering your unseen forces, catching up on paperwork ;) or being with friends, and getting to that book you’ve been wanting to read. Better yet, perhaps hearing your heart whisper long forgotten dreams.
Just Having Fun 1 & 2 (above) - The theme is all about experimenting, playing and just seeing what’s possible for now.
BTW, I finished this letter once before. Last week in fact, as I emerged from a valley with what I thought to be the ending. Interestingly, here I am again in another dip. I get what’s happening. Metaphorically, I’m cleaning house. I’m creating space for the improved version of me which means I am culling through old habits, beliefs, and patterns of thinking that no longer serve me. Not being busy elsewhere helps me to focus my attention here.
Appreciate the rudderless moments, let the current move you as it will. Know that this is when good stuff happens. “Jus’ chillax”, as the locals like to say here in Hawaii. It’s all ok and totally worth it. It helps me to remember that every time I come out of a valley, I like myself more and I am happier in my world.
Gratefully,