Greetings Sacred Path Community,
Do you ever stop to consider the risks you tend to take or avoid in the process of navigating the day-to-day trajectory of your life? We humans are called on to make decisions on a daily basis that contain some element of risk. Even getting in the car and traveling a few blocks is not without some risk. There are those of us that are natural risk-takers or thrill seekers, and on the other end of the spectrum we find those of us that are considered risk-avoidant. Where do you believe you fall along this continuum?
Life seems to be predicated on a series of transactions that either maximize the potential for risking successfully or mitigate the pitfalls associated with the less than favorable consequences from a risk gone awry. How do you navigate this process? Do you find it relatively easy, inconsequential, or quite challenging to take the necessary steps to stretch out of your comfort zone? What’s at stake when you decide to take the risk to do something perhaps new or bold or daring?
I reflected on this the other day after reading the morning lesson in Daily OM, titled Risking to Take a Chance. The message contained the following information:
“If you are considering taking risks today, you may find the following exercise helpful: Give some thought to times in the past when you have taken on new challenges or responsibilities. Think about the adjustments you made to meet your new obligations. Recall how this experience helped you to grow and achieve your goals. This exercise can motivate you to push through with your risk-taking impulses.
Reflecting on the times we succeeded in taking risks can give us the confidence we need to take chances in the present. We have a wealth of blessings in our lives now that came about because we were willing to take a risk. Though we had no way of knowing how our risks would turn out, we used our knowledge and a measure of faith to move ahead into the unknown. In hindsight we can appreciate that our willingness led us to successful outcomes. Remember the good that has manifested in your life as a result of the risks you’ve taken, and you will have the confidence you need to take more chances today.”
When you reflect on attending the Fall Sacred Path Men’s Retreat, do you consider the stakes or what might be at risk by participating? For newcomers, the risk might be connected to the unknown. For others, it might have to do with some component of the retreat that carries an element of risk. Maybe it’s to open up and communicate something authentic about yourself to the other men, or perhaps it’s to take the first step onto a path you never thought you’d be able to cross. What are you willing to relinquish in order to allow change to occur? Maybe the risk has more to do with what might be activated at home or at work as a result of your taking the time away for yourself from your normal activities. Maybe there is what you risk in not going to the retreat that contains aspects of loss, disconnection, isolation and loneliness. So, there may exist risk in going as well as the potential risk of not going.
As you contemplate whether you are registering for the retreat or not, please do give careful consideration to what you risk by going or not going as the case may be. I hope that you will conclude that the risk of staying away outweighs the risk of taking the leap of faith and joining your brothers for this community event. You just may discover that what you risk can be hazardous to your misery.
Read about what we are putting together for this retreat and let Spirit move you accordingly. I know it’s going to be great, now discover it for your self.
In brotherhood,
Stephen
To read about the upcoming retreat, click HERE
To download the fill-in application, click HERE
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