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Tightening Up & Slacking Off
Everyone in the village wore chains. They were proud of them. They bragged about how strong their chains were and where they came from. “These strong chains were handed down to me from my great-great-grandmother.” “My sainted daddy forged these chains with his own calloused hardworking hands.” “These chains once held the anchor of the mighty ship that brought our forefathers to this great land.” All of the popular books and TV shows were concerned with teaching people to love their chains and to use them as excuses. She could not explain it, but for some reason none of this felt right to Bobbie. She took a mental step back and observed herself and her people. Once she began to question and watch, an outrageous notion popped into her head: “I wonder what life without chains would be like.” She tugged at her chains, but they held fast. Her curiosity became her passion; getting free of those chains was soon her uppermost thought. The more she read and watched, the more she wanted out. The more she tugged and jerked, the more painful the process. One day Bobbie relaxed. She discovered, to her surprise and delight, that the arm, leg, and neck loops were plenty big enough to allow easy escape. It was the constant tension that gave the chains their holding power. She never realized how heavy those chains were until she stepped out of them. She felt so light and free, she could not imagine life with chains ever again. “It’s weird and amazing what we can get used to.” She couldn’t wait to tell the good news to everyone else. At first, Bobbie was frustrated because nobody would listen. Then she relaxed again and went on her merry way. She met other free people and they had a ball.
Relax and pay attention.
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