THREE

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GOVERNING OURSELVES DURING DIFFICULTY

CONCERNS:  Gathering strength and clarity to take appropriate action when presented with a real opening in a presently chaotic or indecipherable situation; learning to be responsive instead of being reactive; the perception that it would be premature or risky to move ahead now if driven by impatience or anxiety.

1. Though we might have the strength and clarity to take action, it would expose us to great and unnecessary difficulty, so, aware of the transient nature of what faces us, we stabilize ourselves, gathering our forces until there is a ”break in the clouds” —which will always occur.  Be conscious of the frustration that leads to impulsive action.
2. We wish to advance to our goal but are obstructed; what looks like a possible solution should not be impatiently accepted; let things develop gradually and a proper course will become apparent.
3. Our knowledge or information is insufficient for the proposed undertaking; if we persist in trying to take action now, we will suffer humiliation.
4. The opportunity to reach our goal is clearly at hand; although we may not feel confident, we should now press forward, confronting self-doubt and false modesty.
5. Though we are moving ahead correctly, obstacles still abound; we must not attempt to accomplish anything great yet but continue to work modestly, particularly on self-development.
6. In the midst of great difficulty, confront and eliminate helplessness and self­-pity; a change of attitude here will help bring about a change in our situation.

COMMENT: As we set out to acquire knowledge or experience, progress may be slow and we may become frustrated. A capacity to tolerate frustration while continuing to function, without indulging in negative thoughts or feelings, is a significant spiritual accomplishment.