Running Up and Down the Aisles

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Running Up and Down the Aisles

Written by Mitch Ditkoff

Friday, 24 June 2011 07:56

One of the good things about having a living teacher is that often he/she says something that goes in so deep that it becomes a kind of radioactive isotope of truth — radiating from the inside out forever.

One particular moment like this happened for me a few years ago.

I was at an event where Maharaji was speaking and, in a very casual way, he used a modern image to make a very ancient point — one I could definitely relate to then and still can.

He was talking about the phenomenon of impatience and likened the human condition to being a passenger on a jet plane traveling at 650 mph who was running up and down the aisles trying to get there faster.

Ernest Hemingway referred to this phenomenon in a similar way. "Never confuse motion with action," he said.

Ralph Waldo Emerson also weighed in on this topic. "It's not enough to be busy," he said. "Ants are busy. What are we busy about?"

For me, the challenge is almost always about enjoying the ride — and relaxing into it — rather than trying to force things. I make plenty of effort, but after the effort has been made, it's time to let things unfold.

If I plant a tomato seed on Monday, I won't have tomatoes on Tuesday. Some things take time. Yes, effort is needed, but the right kind of effort — effort born of wisdom, not fear.

Illustration by Sara Shaffer.

25 Comments

Mari Purdie makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 10 July 2011

This Tuesday I am going to take my vine tomatoes from Trader Joes, chop them with onion,garlic, balsamic vinegar,olive oil, sea salt,fresh ground pepper and fresh chopped basil and put it a bowl covered for at least an hour. (bruchetta!) While the bowl sits I will sit and travel within. Thanks for all your words. Every time I see a tomato I will be reminded of what I have been given and how happy and lucky I am to have Knowledge and Maharaji.
Bhushan Gaonkar makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Tuesday, 05 July 2011

Mitch, you have an amazing gift of expression! Thanks for putting your thoughts on paper :)
Pete makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Thursday, 30 June 2011

yes I want my tomatoes yesterday thanks
Helen Caton makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Monday, 27 June 2011

Short, sweet and to the point. What this also brings up for me is the need to trust - trust that the tomato will grow, as long as we give it food, water and light. Tomatoes take a season to grow - we're growing as human beings, and that takes a lifetime!
Joe makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Thanks Mitch, I think that's beautiful! :-)
nila makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

short and sweet! Nila
rodrigo makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Thank you.....it is great sharing the consciousness that comes from practising Knowledge !
janice deangelo makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

well said, mitch
shamus nilan makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

My life has become so much more of a wonderful journey due to this message. Im learning not to force things to go the way I think they "should"
Barbara Kristaly makes this comment

Running Up and Down the Aisles

Sunday, 26 June 2011

Thank you! barbara