Allowing vs forcing

To achieve what we want, we need to plan if we want a high probability of achieving it. However, there’s a distinction you need to be aware of as you take steps in the direction of what you desire and that’s the distinction between allowing and forcing.

To illuminate this point, here’s some inspiration from one of my favourite Greeks, Aesop! He was the reputed creator of numerous short tales about animals and nature, all illustrating human virtues and failings.

THE NORTH WIND & THE SUN

The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which of them was the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a traveller passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.

"Let us agree," said the Sun, "that he is the stronger who can strip that Traveller of his cloak."

"Very well," growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold, howling blast against the Traveller.

With the first gust of wind the ends of the cloak whipped about the Traveller's body. But he immediately wrapped it closely around him, and the harder the wind blew, the tighter he held it to him.

The North Wind tore angrily at the cloak, but all his efforts were in vain.

Then the sun began to shine. At first his beams were gentle, and in the pleasant warmth after the bitter cold of the North Wind, the Traveller unfastened his cloak and let it hang loosely from his shoulders. The sun's rays grew warmer and warmer.

The man took off his cap and mopped his brow. At last he became so heated that he pulled off his cloak, and, to escape the blazing sunshine, threw himself down in the welcome shade of a tree by the roadside.

GENTLENESS AND KIND PERSUASION WIN WHERE FORCE AND BLUSTER FAIL.

What has the fable reinforced or highlighted for you?

If you have a situation on your mind right now, check in with yourself, are if you in allowing or forcing?

What I’ve learned from decades of coaching people towards achieving their soul’s desire is….the greater your doubt about people, situations, opportunities that the universe places on your path to help you achieve fulfilment in your life, the more you’ll be tempted to force things to happen.

Sit back, reflect and, if needed, reset.

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