I live my life in growing orbits
which move out over the things of the world.
Perhaps I can never achieve the last,
but that will be my attempt.
I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don’t know if I am a falcon, or a storm,
or a great song.
—Rainier Maria Rilke, translated by Robert Bly
These growing orbits or widening circles can represent each day, minute, and second that we choose to keep participating in our own evolution. The more we commit to practice and self betterment, the wider we can expand into our daily lives.
It is ok to be uncertain. The purpose of leading life this way is not to one day have it all figured out, or to maintain a practice that produces earth shattering “aha!” moments every single time we step onto the mat. The purpose instead is to keep steadily moving and adapting, and by doing so continue evolving for as long as we can. This shifts our focus away from any potential glamorous and fleeting product, and more towards the process of sustained effort and intention. As we forge a deep relationship with effective movement through and beyond each triumph and trial, we remember that this dance is far more about the swirling journey than any determined destination.
If we stay open to the inevitable nuances and paradoxes that roll our way, we will begin to notice that a lack of total certainty actually leaves more room for growth: if we do not rely on a fixed outcome, we are suddenly able to see the infinite possibilities of experience that stretch ahead. We contain absolute multitudes, and we enhance that potential when we allow every option to flow through at its own pace. What does it feel like to consider yourself a falcon, a storm, and a great song all at once? Can you set aside all the learned limitations and embrace the vast space of opportunity that looms ahead?
Blog post written by Emily Haaksma
Photograph provided by Ryan Tibbs
