Meeting Halfway

We intuit the need for compromise when we think of meeting in the middle. Both sides give ground and are willing to lose in order to negotiate peace. But the insight I’m experiencing isn’t encapsulated by the former frame of reference.I had been asking for miracles in my life from the perspective of learned helplessness. Then I considered some of the situations where I was grateful for recent gifts. A common denominator was that I took a leap of faith and was rewarded in these situations. I was lonely so I asked for companionship. Soon after, I had the opportunity to adopt a senior cat. I gave her refuge and found myself accompanied by a sweet furry old lady cat. This was despite the financial concerns I had and the responsibility this added to my often hectic life. I had to be willing to see past the fear.I found myself lamenting the loss of previous homes where I had transformed the properties into a lush jungle. So I took the time to start making cuttings and planting a few plants in areas that were barren in my new yard. Now I have a morning routine of caring for these plants and watching the wonders of nature as I walk barefoot through the rain-soaked lawn. This is just what I do. This is me being a Green Man. I don’t feel right until I establish this connection with the land.In both situations I had to initiate. There are others too, but you get the picture. From work to health to relationships, we pay our dues to the universe and hope the universe meets us in the middle.This realization has brought forth insights. The first is that I have to meet the universe in the middle when I beseech it for answers and relief and guidance. I have to try, to listen, to stop and be still, to sacrifice and to choose. I have to keep my side of the street clean and hope the universe recognizes my gesture and bestows upon me that which I need and seek. I have to do the work. Similarly, I now require that others meet me in the middle if we are to create something together. I’ve been both the taker and the over-giver. Neither extreme feels right at a soul level. It may not be the exact middle either. It’s not about keeping score. We need to maintain a willingness to give, to humanize the other and to question our perception of events. The middle might be just one step past our comfort zone. All the victories, all the connections, businesses, activities, animals and memorable events I’ve experienced were because I tried. Because I stuck my neck out. Because I moved past fear. Because I wanted it more than I was afraid of looking silly.This is how I discovered talents like writing and drumming. This is how I met lovers and discovered myself. How I found my passions and pastimes. How I made connections that mattered and lasted.I don’t have all the answers. While I believe we can and should manifest what we want, sometimes the universe has other ideas. We must factor this into the equation. We may have a spark of divinity within us, but we still live in a mysterious world. We don’t know why we’re here or what comes next. I am willing to meet the unfathomable halfway and see what happens. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit greenmang.substack.com/subscribe