Tangles

        Have you ever tried to unwind something that has become tangled? Depending on the size, it can become difficult or easier, for example a garden hose compared to yarn. Most tangles can be unwound unless there is such a knot that it is impossible. We approach it with determination or as a matter of fact, straightening it out. Life is like that. We have a line of behavior or line of living and it all seems to be that of following a path, then something happens and the line, the path is all tangled. We may have a loop that makes us feel as if we are going in circles or we may have a knot of things that makes it seemingly impossible to get pass the tangle.

        If only life was as smooth as an unbroken line, we could take a step by step, day by day approach and feel we were making progress. Still, if there were no bumps or differences in the path, we might find that it would become somewhat stifling and maybe even boring. Our lines of communication are like that. We think we have a line of communication with someone and suddenly it feels tangled. Nothing seems to get through. If you think of it, there are many examples of living that involve tangles. We can think of relationships of all kinds and see that it would be a good example.

        When the world becomes tangled, when it appears that the world has been stopped in its tracks by unseemly behavior, we become tangled inside. Things don't match. We can't seem to feel progress as we grapple with the knots and barriers that tangles can bring. How we face these tangles depends on the type of individual we are talking about and how much mental and emotional stability there is. We cannot let the tangles of the world affect us so intensely that we are wrapping ourselves in a cocoon of knots which slows our life and our progress.

        Thoughts can be like those tangled knots. If we live with fear, if we live with insecurity, then we are, in effect, putting knots and tangles in our way of thinking. It is normal to have these things happen, but we have to also be able to untangle the knots and of course that means we have to be aware of them. Try to be aware of a knot developing, try to see it before it becomes a tight knot which will take some undoing to make it right. When you are stressed and things overwhelm, stop on your path, even momentarily, take stock of how you are, where you are going, and then step forward. If you say - "but I don't know" - that is all right too, for most of us have no vision to see the path ahead. Simply try a little trust, a little faith, a little courage and little by little you will see that some of those developing knots just seem to unravel by themselves. Have trust in yourself. You are so much more capable than you know. Be aware and be kind to yourself so you don't get yourself in knots. Try to make your daily life as smooth as possible by watching your thoughts and your actions. Sometimes you can walk right through those knots and continue. They do not always have to be barriers. Keep centered and balanced and don't let life overwhelm you.