Lessons from a pendulum

Consider a simple pendulum: a pivot point, a long rod, and a bob.

Imagine gently holding the pivot point between your thumb and forefinger. The bob swings back and forth on a graceful arc. Its trajectory is smooth and naturally rhythmic.

Now imagine holding the rod instead — rotating it manually to guide the bob along its arc.

The first way works perfectly. The second way, not so much.

When we hold the pendulum at its pivot, we allow the bob to move as it seeks to move. When we try to control the movement ourselves, it’s clumsy and contrived. A lot more effortful, too.

Sometimes we’re in full control. But most of the time, we’re called to be more of a guide, an usher, a steward, or channel. We contribute to the conditions and circumstances, but we yield to the way things seek to move.

We make things happen, but we also know when to loosen our grip … allowing the elements to flow as they wish.