Night Six · Arrive
WHEN STRENGTH FEELS SCATTERED
Katyayani
Sometimes the problem is not that we have no strength. Sometimes our strength is simply going in too many directions. Akka has started three things. Finished none. She moves from one task to another, then back again. Veda watches for a while.
You keep starting and stopping.
I know.
Do you not know what to do?
I know what needs to be done.
A small pause.
I just don't know where to begin.
Ammomma has been listening.
Then perhaps tonight is not about finding more strength.
The girls look at her.
Perhaps it is about finding where your strength needs to go.
We often imagine strength as something we either have or do not have. But sometimes strength is already there. It is our attention that is divided. Our effort goes here, then there. Katyayani begins with a different question:
What happens when strength gathers around what truly needs it?
You may not need more strength. You may need a direction.
Notice the difference between: “I cannot do this.” and “I don't know where to begin.” They can feel the same. But they are not the same problem.
What is pulling your attention in too many directions right now?