“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” ~ Chinese Proverb
How often do you feel tense, anxious, uneasy within yourself? I know those are feelings that can creep up on me, causing me to hunch my shoulders up toward my ears as I curl into myself, my stomach twisting into upset knots, my chest tight, and everything feeling icky and awful. It almost always happens when I’m disconnected with myself, whether I realize it or not. That’s where the wisdom of this lovely proverb comes into play.
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.”
The wisdom that this Chinese Proverb provides is almost simplistic in it’s obviousness. And yet, how difficult it can be to act upon and apply. But why? Why does it appear to be human nature to ignore who we are, and what our inner selves want us to be? Why do we so often choose to bend to what we perceive to be other’s expectations? Why do we choose conformity? And why do we keep choosing it when it causes us to be tense and in pain?
For myself, it’s amazing to note the almost chronic pattern that plays out – if I start to behave like I think others want me to, or if I start to conform in a way that seems to suit others and not myself, the tension starts. It’s a physical, almost allergic reaction to behavior that is not naturally, authentically mine. My body is reacting because I am doing myself harm and it’s trying to get my attention. The more I try to be someone or something I think I should be to better fit with the so called “normal” societal expectations, the more tension and anxiety take over my being, and the more my spirits become unsettled.
On the other hand, when I am in-tune with myself, grounded and centered in my own sense of self, the more relaxed and at-ease I feel. When I am listening to my instincts and inner guides and aligning myself to my own rhythms, I am serene and effervescent. All tension is gone and my anxiety is eased and more readily comforted. My body is content because I’m listening to my mind, to my soul. This is when I know I’m being authentically myself.
Have you noticed the same sort of patterns or the same sort of connection to tension and relaxation? Do you feel tense and anxious when you are out in the world, but relaxed when you are home being you? How amazing would it be if you could ease or even prevent that tension by simply listening to and being yourself? Well you can! You can be yourself everywhere, or at least you can begin to be. I know that there are always circumstances that have to be maneuvered, but so long as you are always being true to yourself you are being you. Don’t adapt who you are to fit other’s expectations or way of being. You are who you are for a reason so embrace it and be your awesome self!
Namaste ~ Ella
~ Affirmation Mondays are positive words of wisdom, insight and joy to add a bit of cheer to the start of your week and any day you need a bit of a pick-me-up! For even more inspiration please check out my Affirmation Mondays Pinterest Board and my Quote-spirational Board!
~ Check my Instagram on Mondays for Inspirational quotes and every day for a little jolt of happiness!
Lawhimsy 