Building Firm Foundations is messy business

Shimla, June 29

Laying the Foundations and the supporting pillars of any building is hard work, it is often messy, dark, wet and causes the workers to be spattered in mud as they toil through their work-shifts in all kinds of weather using different tools and machinery.

People often do not notice a new edifice until it starts rising above the ground. Some will only notice it once it is almost complete with freshly painted or tiled walls, bright signage and easy indications, marvelling at what has risen above the ground, finished and complete.

The project engineers and construction team leaders and the seasoned workmen know from experience that there probably will be obstacles in the way, there will be delays, blockage of funds, resources, materials, permissions rescinded, economic and political issues and whatnot. They also have faith that they will carry the project through to construct what they have taken on.

The same principle works with our lives; laying the foundations of our personal growth, of getting to know ourselves can be very messy, dark, humbling and private work. At times it is extremely tough to pull out the rocks as we dig deeper to root in the foundations. When we think we’re done, more rocks come up, almost making it seem a never-ending process (which frankly it is!) 😉

It is tiresome, frustrating and downright unpleasant at moments, often making us want to give up. However, the vision of the finished result keeps us going, we know that we will reach our desired outcomes if we keep at it and that it will take time. If we’re seasoned in life, we also know, that there will be delays, detours, distractions, surprises; unforeseen circumstances and events will step in to foil some carefully thought-out, well-laid plans. Beautiful temptations will dance enticingly in front of us, begging for attention, ready to sweep us away.

It is up to us to keep the discipline and put in the work as per the terms and conditions of our shift.

After all, we here are building the palaces of our own dreams and desires.

– Tina Saxena (mindfulness practitioner and life-design coach)