In the self-improvement/self-help/spiritual growth circles that I’ve moved in and had the opportunity to observe, I’ve noted a common theme of “growth takes a lot of hard work.”

This is true, as far as it goes, but I think that in our particular North American, Puritan-derived, Protestant-work-ethic-GO culture, too much emphasis is placed upon the work, and not enough on the easiness of growth, the playfulness of it, and the effortlessness of it.

You can think about it this way: when was the last time you saw a tree putting in extra hours to its growth? How often do you see kittens attending workshops to learn to develop properly? Do you ever see a flower breaking a sweat when preparing to bloom, worried that it might not?

Looked at this way, working to grow makes no real sense. Growth is something that simply happens in living things of its own accord, without any special concentration or striving. Does that mean I think we should stop putting energy into our growth? Obviously not! If a tree, a kitten, or a flower stopped putting energy into growing, it wouldn’t survive for long. At best, it would be outcompeted by those organisms that are still growing. At worst, it would simply die from lack of energy and nourishment.

As human beings, we are possessed with the peculiar and endlessly fascinating ability to consciously and willfully direct how we expend our energy (at least to some degree). The way in which we grow through life seems to be something that we can steer toward and away from, but not something that we can cease altogether. We’re growing if we’re alive, because that’s what life does.

Have you ever noticed that, when learning a new skill, the amount of work that it takes to get just the basics down seems huge, but after a time, it gets easier? Of course you have! That’s what learning is! Beyond just the exercising of the skill, though, have you ever noticed that it gets easier to motivate yourself to do the work needed in order to learn or grow your skill as you build the habit of practicing? Beginning an exercise program starts out difficult, but as the habit becomes ingrained, it becomes easy to get moving and do the workout. It becomes less exhausting and more energizing as it becomes a part of how you live your life.

This is the art of effortless effort. Choose the direction you wish to grow in, take action, and sit back and relax and enjoy for a minute. Your growth is already happening, it’s already on its way, stop and notice it, savor it, soak it up before you start pushing yourself onto the next step. See how easy taking bigger and bigger steps becomes. You’re already there, you’re already growing, just bring the energy and watch!

Recommended Reading:

Relax, You’re Already Perfect, by Bruce Schneider

One of my beliefs has long been that sadhana, or spiritual practice, can infuse and enliven every aspect of one’s life. God can be worshipped daily and everywhere, not only on Sundays at church. It is possible for meditation to include more than a 20-30 minute daily practice. Our entire lives can be infused with mindfulness, presence, and the sacred.

A little over a month ago I came to the realization that I tend to be very unconscious while I’m at the gym and it need not be that way. I’m usually somewhat preoccupied by what’s on the TV, regardless of my actual interest in the program. There’s also some people watching involved, maybe some self-imposed intimidation and envy with each very attractive and in shape gym bunny who passes by. My mind is busy striving to get to the end of my cardio, “Just 30 minutes, 20 more, 10, 5, then cooldown” it tells me. Then it’s time for some weight lifting, one set after another, each as a means to an end — to get home and start my day. Finally, I made it, but I was never actually there to begin with.

I decided that I didn’t like that kind of workout. I didn’t want to be so enraptured in the ego, I didn’t want exercise to be just a means to an end, nor did I want to feel intimidated by people who were in better shape than me (and who were more than likely not even noticing me). I decided that I could be present and simultaneously, have a profound meditation and some great physical activity. Endorphins coupled with the mental clarity provided by meditation — awesome!

Instead of a scattered mind, fear, and unconsciousness, I bring consciousness with me to the gym. I close my eyes, focus on my body, being in it, the movements, and my breathing (which is usually the yogic ujjayi breath. But that’s not nearly as important as simply watching the breath). I’m there, moving and feeling my body and breath, present to each breath and movement. Dynamic and yet very still within. I have found this to be extremely beneficial, energizing, and clarifying. And, as with every aspect of life, bringing in mindfulness, consciousness, and presence to our actions will make the gym a much more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.