try something new | David M Masters

Life is a dynamic journey filled with ebbs and flows, highs and lows. For those who are movers and shakers, constantly striving and pushing forward, hitting a period of stagnation can feel particularly disorienting and frustrating. You’re not at a crossroads; instead, you find yourself in a rut, unsure of where you are or where you’re heading. It’s a tough spot to be in but also an opportunity for growth and transformation. Here’s what you can do to navigate this phase and get back on track when the thrill is gone.

First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge that being stuck is a natural part of life’s journey. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed or your progress has been in vain. Often, these periods of stagnation are signals from your inner self, urging you to slow down, reassess, and recalibrate. Embrace this pause to reconnect with your deeper desires and intentions.

Stop, Look Around, and Try Something New

When you’re stuck, stepping away from your usual routine and engaging in something completely different can be incredibly beneficial. This shift in focus allows you to redirect your energy and attention, freeing you from the mental loops of frustration and self-doubt.

Here’s why this works:

- Distraction from Concerns: By focusing on a new activity, you give your mind a break from the constant analysis of your situation. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, providing a fresh perspective.
- Building Confidence: Learning a new skill or hobby can be empowering. It reminds you of your ability to grow, adapt, and succeed in unfamiliar territories, boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
- Positive Hormones: Engaging in enjoyable activities stimulates the release of dopamine and endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones. This not only improves your mood but also enhances your motivation and creativity.

Practical Steps to Get Unstuck

Try a New Hobby

- Art: Painting, drawing, or pottery can be a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions and ideas.
- Music: Learning to play an instrument or joining a choir can stimulate creativity and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Gardening: Connecting with nature and nurturing plants can be grounding and rejuvenating.

Physical Activity

- Dance Classes: Embrace the joy of movement with salsa, tango, or hip-hop classes.
- Yoga or Tai Chi: These practices promote mindfulness, flexibility, and inner peace.
- Hiking or Biking: Exploring new trails or paths can offer a refreshing change of scenery and perspective.

Skill Development

- Cooking or Baking: Experiment with new recipes or cuisines to spark your creativity.
- Coding or Graphic Design: Challenge yourself with digital skills that stimulate logical and creative thinking.
- Photography: Capture the beauty around you and hone your eye for detail and composition.

Volunteering

- Community Service: Offer your time and skills to local charities or organizations.
- Animal Shelters: Working with animals can be incredibly rewarding and stress-relieving.
- Mentorship: Share your knowledge and experience with others who can benefit from your guidance.

Travel or Exploration

- Local Adventures: Discover hidden gems in your own city or nearby towns.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit museums, attend local festivals, or try traditional foods from different cultures.

As you engage in new activities, allow yourself time to reflect on your experiences and emotions. Journaling can be a valuable tool for capturing insights and identifying patterns. Ask yourself:

What aspects of these activities bring me joy?
How do they align with my values and long-term goals?
What have I learned about myself during this period?

Remember, life’s journey is not a straight line. It’s filled with twists, turns, and moments of stillness. Trust that this period of stagnation is temporary and that by embracing new experiences, you are laying the groundwork for future growth and success.

Ultimately, getting unstuck is about reconnecting with yourself and rediscovering what truly matters to you. You open the door to renewed energy, inspiration, and clarity by stepping away from the familiar and engaging in something new. Keep moving forward, and trust that your journey will lead you to where you need to be.

I am still that little child that found security in having his feet bound by a warm pair of socks and tight-fitting shoes. That little kid had the occasion to see the feet of older individuals who preferred the barefoot life, and to him, this visual impact of seeing those feet was tragic. So unlike the beautiful feet, he had seen in advertising and on the television. He vowed his feet would never look like that.

The appearance of a well-disciplined and cared for, perfect foot, he decided at this early age, would be the feet he would sport for life. This is a commitment to his feet he would maintain throughout his adult life.

Later, in his late teens, he adopted a preference for the ministerial sciences from a Christian perspective and heard stories about Jesus and His feet. In loose-fitting sandals, he walked over 21 thousand miles. His feet must’ve… ee-yeww… what a sight they must’ve been.

Then, there’s the documentation of the washing of Jesus’ feet. This story has a different effect depending on the recipient of the data (if you know what I mean) but for me it was icky. Then there’s the whole foot-washing fest with the disciples… Really?

By some act of God, I made it to the ministry with my feet safely and securely bound tightly in my socks and shoes, even safe in the house always with my feet hidden in slippers or at the very least fully socked.

I continued my journey, evolved and expanded, all without having my bare feet ever touching terra firma. I have been through many different spiritual trainings and disciplines since then, and it has been quite a journey, all with my feet covered (except for baptism, one foot-washing escapade, and a firewalk, which I pulled off successfully, and no one knew how truly traumatic these episodes were for me). There is no courage without fear.

I have been living in what might be considered the wilderness, surrounded by acres of magnificent forest in the Pacific Northwest, and three weeks ago, my bare feet wandered outside, and now I am having glimpses of something that was missing from my past.

Yes, this was the first time my feet ever actually touched the earth that I can remember. And since then, I can barely keep my shoes on.

Now, mind you, I still care about my feet and I have no intentions of going off the rails, like some kind of wild Mick Dodge, but I get it now.

I share this story with you, because there is hope for you.

It is highly unlikely that you have issues with your feet and shoes, like me, but there is something that you have resisted along your journey, that for whatever reason, due to social programming, or some other personal blockage, has been keeping you from moving forward in something that continues to call your name.

You do what you can to avoid it, but keep moving forward, thinking this is unnecessary, even ridiculous. Nonetheless, it harkens to you.

I took my shoes and socks off, on my own terms, knowing it would not kill me. I tried it, and it was lovely.

I am smart and take precautions in my bare feet, for I must have the tenderest of all feet, yet here I am taking bare baby steps to “earthing,” connecting to the energy of our planet intimately, in a way I had previously been unable to experience.

I have heard and known about this for many years, and I have literally danced all around it, until this time in my life when I feel like the time has come for me to engage in Mother Earth’s mambo.

So, what is your barefoot moment?