Being safe is easy, we just need to take a swift look around to see that most people find it easier to do what everyone else is doing. Short term maybe. Long term? I don’t think so. Short term gratification never supercedes long term satisfaction. However, fear is a powerful motivator and it takes courage to stand up to it and let it crumble.
When people feel afraid, they wedge themselves into a comfort zone.
When fear sets in people wonder who or what can they turn to. Spouse? Family? Children? Alcohol? Anger?
When fear takes hold, we turn to something that seems to offer safety. But, instead of finding a comfort zone this is the time we need to turn inward and seek out our own power, our sovereignty, our inner light. And find others who are doing the same.
The boat becomes a symbol of safety, security and comfort. We all have one and for sure, it plays a part in the process of life by providing a safe place to lick our wounds, recalibrate, recharge and get ready to set off again. But not when it becomes a refuge from taking responsibility for your role in life and living out the purpose you were put here for. Then it becomes a grave! What is your boat?
If you want to know what your boat is just listen to your inner voice of worry. Your boat is your comfort zone where you feel safe but it is not actually protecting you from anything. Fear is what keeps us in the comfort zone but fear of what? Fear of speaking your truth and living the best version of yourself. Fear of failure? Fear of ridicule? Fear of what others might think? Fear of not being enough. Fear of your own inner light? Your power?
Anyone can stay in a comfort zone and, sadly, most people do but what we tend to forget is that when we have the courage to believe in ourselves and step out of the comfort zone the Universe conspires in our favour and moves us forwards in ways we could never imagine. Or, as Paolo Coelho said, “And when you want something, all the Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
When you are called to leave the boat, your perceived sense of safety is threatened. It is scary and we can talk ourselves into all sorts of reasons to stay in the comfort zone. Fear versus love and we all understand the power of fear these days more than ever. But remember your boat is what is keeping you from shining your light and becoming the best version of yourself you can possibly be.
During this current period of immense transformation such as the world has never experienced before, it seems more important than ever, that as individuals, and in groups, we decide to ‘step out of our boats and walk on the water’ as it says in the bible. I find the metaphorical nature of the bible stories to be a very beautiful and accessible means of helping me understand and navigate everyday life.
Step out of your fear and into your power. Identify what you will most definitely regret if you stay in the boat. The thoughts and dreams that keep coming back to you are your callings. Are you prepared to hide from them rather than be the one who is prepared to be different? Be prepared to speak your truth, risk losing some people (that need losing) and finding others who are also prepared to speak their truth and pursue their dreams is essential at this time. We need to let go of people, places and things in order to create the space for the new to enter. And remember the power of five – that we become the average of the five people that we spend most time with. So, take a few minutes to identify just who those five are. They include those you interact with on any medium, in person or otherwise, and also maybe a teacher you are studying etc. The key thing is to be the one in the middle in terms of your aspirations. You have two to aspire to and two who aspire to you. Be honest with yourself about your five as they will literally keep you in the boat or help you to step out of it
Don’t ever be afraid to go out on a limb, to be different. It is tough, no one ever said it was going to be easy but, hanging on in there in the boat, the comfort zone, with people who do not have the courage to step into their power is a much more dangerous place to be than out dealing with the storms of life alongside those who know that standing together in their light is the way to come through those storms. Whether you are a follower or a leader doesn’t matter, what matters is that we each take responsibility for striving to be that best version of ourselves that we can be and supporting others to do the same. Be in someone else’s power of five and keep it growing and evolving. Allow your fear to transmute into love and remember that Love is Letting Go of Fear (Jampolsky 1979).
Fear paralyses our vision and as Helen Keller said, ‘having sight but no vision’ is a fate far worse than being born blind.
As we are liberated from our own fear our presence so liberates others. So, ask yourself, who are you to not shine your light and thus inspire others to do the same?
Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings).
