The
Traffic Helicopter
Life is full of paradox and unexpected turns.
In our Wednesday evening meditation group we have been listening to
recordings of Erich Schiffman, a well respected yoga instructor and
author of Moving into Stillness. He presents the following
story for your consideration.
Imagine yourself
driving down a long road in wide open spaces. You can see for
many miles, but in the far distance the road curves and leaves your
vision. The road you're on is the shortest and quickest path
to your destination, but suddenly a thought pops into your mind to
turn off the main road and go the long way. That not being logical,
you decide to stay the course you're on. What you can't see,
is that there is an accident blocking the road just around the curve.
If you were to turn on your car radio, you might tune in to the traffic
helicopter above, from which the path around the turn is clearly seen.
The job of the helicopter pilot is to tell you that the detour off
the main road is actually the shortest and quickest path to your destination
now.
The thought that
popped into your head was a clue to the fact that you are already
tuned in to the helicopter pilot. If you turn the radio on,
the reception might be clearer. Then you may choose which road
to take. Do you trust only what your eyes can see? Will
you follow the guidance that comes from a broader vision?
This image is
intended to remind you to listen. Sometimes we're too busy talking
to hear. Sometimes we hear, but ignore. Sometimes we don't
like the message. Maybe we hope it's wrong. After all,
there are many thoughts bouncing around in our heads. How do
we know if the message is true? Doubt and fear undermine the
process. But the process is part of our nature. We are
designed for this type of communication. Erich suggests practicing
using this kind of guidance with small, everyday decisions, like "What
shirt should I wear?" "What shall I eat?"
It is wise
to start out small and allow yourself to grow gradually. That
is the design of life.
You might entertain yourself by counting how many
little decisions you can relinquish to inner guidance in a day, in
a week. Then notice how many are inconsequential, or do some
make a difference? There is no "control" group here,
so who knows what difference it would have made if you wore the yellow
shirt. But pay attention to unexpected coincidences. A
coincidence signals some kind of connection. Yoga is all about
The Connection.
Namaste,
Chris
Eisenschmidt
