The Healing is in the Trying

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks suddenly on my plate. Then I pause. Breathe deeply. And try just one thing.

Sometimes I stare at the document on my computer. I need to finish a column I owe to a magazine. A combination of  too many thoughts in a convoluted ballroom dance conflict with a total vacuum of what to say that is relevant.

I just begin to write something. Anything. Just the trying leads to a flow and a focus.

Several stories from people dealing with grief have come my way. From the depths of the seeming loss of everything meaningful, they begin to try things. Go out to a coffee shop. Meet a friend. Take a walk in nature or even the neighborhood.

Sometimes we use the word “try” in the sense of non=commitment—“I’ll try to do it.” That is where the Zen philosopher Yoda said, “Do or do not—there is no try.”

Sometimes “try” means just starting. We don’t know if it will work. We don’t know if it is the right thing. But it is something. And we have to try something. We must get started.

And therein lies the healing.

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