"Excuses" September 2005

I often come across people who, for some reason, feel that the commitment to health - what is being asked of them - is just too much. I've heard all the excuses in the world -

•  It's just too hard

•  I've got the mortgage to think about

•  I've been in this field for far too long to change now

Funnily enough, it often seems to revolve around outside influences - house, job, responsibilities to family, etc. No one ever - as a matter of routine at any event - will speak about or even acknowledge their commitment to themselves. A recent example: "I don't like my job; the two beers I have every night are what keep me going, and help me switch off and sleep". Problem: Back pain, leg and joint pains, and around 30Kgm overweight. "I can't exercise - I have to work crazy hours to keep up with expenses!" It goes on. What does one do in such circumstances? (That is not - but could be - a rhetorical question).

The problem: How does one reach in beyond the fears, the anxieties, the barriers that are put up relentlessly, fiercely, obstinately, to help and allow people to face their terrors, to enable them to move beyond them, and have a life after them. To strip away ego, pride, fear of failure, beliefs of not being good enough, to get to the majestic spirit that lies beneath, that is the true power of each of us, and the part of us through which Grace can operate.

Certainly, patience, perseverance are needed, and perhaps above all, a love for one's fellow plus some knowledge of what joy Life truly holds. That underneath all the nonsense, you can see a shining human being full of potential. I don't know of any other way.

Perhaps I should have a sign outside my door: "If you step through here, you will be confronted with yourself, and you will have to deal with that person. Are you willing to do that? That is the only way to full health." Hmm, if I did that, it would apply to the major occupier of that room as well - me! Could I stand that pressure! And there's a chance of course I would be the only one in the room!

Still, if that's what it takes ..