Too Hard or Too Easy?

If it’s too easy, make it hard (show improvement, growth, change).

If it’s too hard, make it easier (to continue, for consistency, little victories).

There is a sweet spot somewhere between those bookends of degree. Mine is not yours as yours is not your neighbors. We all, every one of us, reside today in the here and the now, at a different spot on the physical fitness timeline. The distance between those dots might be a mile, or it might be as thin as a sheet of tracing paper, but there IS a difference. Our job, today referenced in the form of a mission statement, is to fearlessly and relentlessly move in the direction of continual improvement. 

Along this noble path one can use an accurate marker of current status, a real-time sit rep, situational report, by asking one simple question, but be warned up-front that the simplicity of the question belies the complexity of the response. The interrogation asks for brutal honesty and complete sincerity. We are seeking the truth here, absolute reality, as far as one can be objective in matters of self assessment. Here is the query: 

AM I IN A STATE OF DYNAMIC FLOW? 

If you have been following this thread (since 2008) you might have a pretty solid understanding as to the definition of that juicy subject. Accordingly, if one understands the question, one understands the complexity of a proper response. This is where it gets interesting because any answer other than the polar binaries (yes or no) insists on another question. 

WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW TO GET THERE?

Kinda, sorta, maybe doesn’t cut it. 

Did I accomplish the primary objective? Kinda? (No)

Am I happy with my progress? Sorta. (No)

Will I fully and completely commit to my goal? Maybe? (No)

There is a balance available to each of us, an appropriate level of effort mixed with our cognitive internal measurement and management of it, that gets us close to the zone, and sometimes we even glimpse a flash of it. But finding our peak experience, dynamic flow, AND KEEPING IT, is what we seek. And only possible when we add whatever level of spiritual acumen we currently possess to the mix. Like on the road with cyclists, it has to be shared usage. It has to be soulful, harmonious, joyous and urgent. One must want it above all other materials, mantras or modalities. It is a fascinating paradox that one must want this as one is simultaneously grateful for the wisdom that it is already here and just waiting patiently for an enlightened circumstance to manifest. 

This is where linguistics lends a hand. For IF one looks at, defines, hard work as a joyous opportunity to combine mind, body and spirit in flowing harmony, it is no longer hard. Or work. Or suffering. Or anything other than a magical personal moment in which to flow with eternity. 

Is that too hard? Or too easy?