There is an old Zen saying “The way one does anything is the way one does everything”

That resonates with me. People often have a way they interact with the world at large and everything in it. We all know people that approach life with a hostility towards everyone and everything-a sharpness with the customer service rep, a harshness or haughtiness with the server. It’s as though there is an edge in which they cut through life always anticipating someone is trying to get one over on them. The attitude sort of permeates everything they do. My style could not be more different.

This is how I do everything…..

In my case I approach life with a delicacy, humanity, and tenderness; But also with immense trepidation. I’m so fearful of getting it wrong that I barely act. Everything in my life is measured and deliberate-leaving little room for freedom. What I do is governed more from fear of failure and judgement rather than from a deep authentic desire. I’m like a caged bird whose wings have been clipped. Seemingly safe in her enclosed confines-stationary on my perch-two steps this way, two steps that way, eating the same predictable pellets day in and day out. My tallons firmly gripping on to my wooden post. My instinct is to stay protected and secure, to keep roosting; But I’m beginning to long for more. I desperately want to know what else is out there. What else is outside of my complacency. I want to see, to touch, to experience. Will my wings launch, or are they still clipped? So much time has passed surely they have moulted. Have my new flight feathers taken shape? Do I have enough muscle strength to enable adequate lift and speed? Do I have the balance and agility to take off? I’m just not sure so I continue staring out wistfully. I’m so dazed I almost miss the egress that is wide open waiting. It’s as though I have learned helplessness. So I sit and I stare, and I cling, and I wonder what if?