We Are Our Own Greatest Obstacle

Sometimes I want to do things or go places, but I defeat myself before I even try. I think that I do not have time, or that I’m not able or capable of doing something or going somewhere, and from that moment I give up. Do you find yourself doing the same too?

There are some things that we are just not physically able to do or some things that aren’t an option for us. But, when we have the option and are physically or mentally capable to do what we want to do, do we find ourselves making excuses to NOT do those things?

We are our own greatest obstacle. I see it in myself every day. For example, I want to attend a dharma talk in my city. I’ve been interested for several months. However, they are on weeknights usually at 7 pm in the downtown core. Although I work downtown until 5 pm, I find myself wanting to go home after work instead to my dog to take care of him. Is that an excuse or just responsibility? I like to think more that it is responsibility, and honestly as much as one can respect the dharma and its teachers, I do need to take care of those dependent on me, such as my dog.

Another example: I would like to attend a meditation session once a month. But, it is also downtown (about 20 minutes away by car, much longer by bus) but is at 11 am. Now, I could make it, if I took the bus on my own. Sounds reasonable? But, then my self consciousness creeps up and I become shy. Why? Because I’ve never been there. Is it a new experience? It would be. I meditate at home, but the desire to connect to the sangha is an experience we all need to feel once in a while.

Many times we stand in the way of our own deepest desires because we feel we aren’t deserving of them. I still need to learn to break free of my own self-doubts and test new waters. If we stop making excuses, there’s so much we can get done. What’s stopping you?

With metta,