Taking the Road Less Traveled by

September 15, 2013 by Luann Robinson Hull 11 Comments

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference” — Robert Frost

It is getting to be late in the season and the gondola that I use for transport down the mountain after a hike will soon be shutting down, so, I decided to go on another hike this morning.

Today, I decided to take the “road less traveled by” so I could discuss the topic of resistance first-hand with you.  Since our discussion last time was on courage, I thought it might be appropriate to explore the subject of resistance or avoiding the inclination to give into fear and taking the path of least resistance.

There are several ways to go up the steep incline (Aspen Mountain) which continues to be my training ground on so many levels—physically, spiritually, emotionally.  And the route I chose today, being the steepest, is no exception.  When I arrived at the crossroads (which I have filmed in the video below), I saw that the path up Copper (going left, or the steeper choice) was almost completely overgrown with weeds and prickly, thorny bushes. I really had to re-think my choice. There were hidden potholes, thorns, and other unpleasantries, which would have to be negotiated if I persisted. I was literally going to have to blaze my own trail. And yet, I had made a commitment to you (even though you didn’t know it) that I was going this way. How else was I going to make my point?

Entropy: The Human Enemy—“…the force that holds us back from spiritual evolution”—Scott Peck

In his legendary book, The Road Less Traveled, the late Scott Peck discusses the subject of entropy (laziness) which he says is “…the only impediment to spiritual growth.”  He goes on to offer that our failure to conduct a “true internal debate,” on which path to take (in any given scenario) and becoming skilled at identifying the Wise Internal Voice (God)—is the true human challenge/dilemma. “Generally,” says Peck, “if we do seriously listen we will most always find ourselves taking the more difficult path—the path of more effort.”

 

If you are unable to see the video box above, click this link: http://youtu.be/8wh97xudvrE

This week, I’d like you to notice what you are resisting. Have an internal debate or inquiry on what is really going on. And, incidentally, have you considered starting or deepening your meditation practice? Research continues to show that with meditative techniques, you will strengthen the parts of your heart-brain connection that will support you in considering the “road less traveled.” Here is an interesting link to contemplate on the subject: http://www.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2013/Anxious_Activate_Your_Anterior_Cingulate_Cortex_With_a_Little_Meditation.htm.  

In order to prepare ourselves… to even be willing to go on that less traveled road, we have got to calm down, people!

We are a stressed out, highly strung, over-functioning culture. So… let’s find some ways to chill!

Believing in you/us!

Love!

Luann

Image Credit: Lisa Jey Davis (c) 2005