Breaking Inertia
1 08 2008
We are constantly in motion, physically and mentally. For me, I’ve been in motion for almost 4 decades. I have been moved and shaped into who I am today through external and internal influences. When there are no upheavals, no pushes nor pulls, I am in a state of inertia. For many people, inertia = comfort zone.
What is inertia? In physics, inertia refers to the tendency of an object to remain in the state it is in - either in motion or at rest - unless acted upon by some other force. Once the object is moving, it takes an equal amount of energy to stop it, and vice versa.
Is inertia a good state to be in? It depends … if you’re totally happy where you are, then inertia is probably a good thing. If you’re not, then it’s time to put in that “some other force” and make changes. Most of the time, these decisions for changes are made consciously … we set intentions and take actions. While we may feel some resistance along the way, we are mentally prepared for them, so that’s ok. Small breaks of inertia are usually good. We break boring repetitions in our lives, and through small challenges we grow at a comfortable pace.
But what happens when we don’t realize just how strong the energies that are keeping us in our current state of inertia are, until we start implementing changes? What if change comes knocking, and you realize - a tad too late - that you actually need way more energy than you had thought to break inertia? It’s like driving a car at top speed downhill, and then realizing you need to step way harder on the brakes, and need a much longer braking distance before the car finally screeches to a halt. You burn your brake pads, earn a dent on your car and get a whiplash as a result of your “miscalculation”.
This happened to me. Well, not the driving downhill part, but I went through a period of massive breaks of inertia deep within. Andrea Hess of Empowered Soul wrote a post recently on transformation and change when we embark on the path of spirituality, and I couldn’t agree more with it. I didn’t realize that just by making a decision to change one thing could create such a powerful domino-effect in almost all aspects of my life. Was I surprised? No … I was shocked! Do I regret this decision? No.
Once I got past the initial shock, I realized there was no way I could have coordinated all these changes in my life so quickly and deeply without Divine guidance and interference. It’s like they came and levelled out everything with a bulldozer, and all I’m left with now is a view of the horizon. While the dust settles, it’s my decision now if I want to walk towards that horizon, or run back to where I was in a state of panic.
Do I choose courage or security? I already know the answer … but please let me do this one step at a time. No more shocks for the time being please - thank you! 
Blessings,
Irene
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I love your description of the spiritual construction (or should that be demolition?!) team, levelling everything with a bulldozer
Sometimes we do need rest periods in between times of change, but I think there can be a difference between resting and the kind of inertia that you’re talking about, where everything grinds to a halt and stagnates, requiring a huge amount of energy input to get going again. Resting, on the other hand, keeps energy flowing and is a much “lighter” state than inertia.
Reading about your awakening was very interesting. I have no doubt that you’ll be moving forward with courage (hopefully without the need for a hard-hat any more!).
Hi Mags,
Yeah, they did the levelling with a HUGE bulldozer, LOL! I suspect these changes in my life are going to take a while, so rest in between is a good idea. Plus a couple of dark chocolate.
Thanks for visiting!
I really like the example of the speeding car down the hill. Life can sure be like that sometimes.
I’m on a spiritual journey, and I think I always will be. I have not had the “speeding down the hill” moment, and not sure if I will. But in either case, courage vs. security can sometimes be a difficult decision. For me security, especially in spirituality, can be very comforting. On the other hand, having the courage for move forward, maybe with bold step, can be very liberating.
I wish you well on this journey you’re on Irene.
And, I think I’ll have a little dark chocolate too - that always helps!
Oh ya! Total state of inertia for 16 years, when KABOOM it all blew up, and I was forced unexpectedly to make serious changes physically (had to move), financially (household income cut in off), emotionally (feeling of betrayal), and spiritually (first time in my life had to figure out who I was). It was the best thing that could have happened to me!!! Now my inertia (of motion) is positive and full of love. And I did it one step at a time, just like you are.
Hi Irene: It is a lot easier just to stay within your comfort zone, and I think this is where most people prefer to be. But life is so much more interesting when you stretch beyond what you currently know. I say keep moving toward the horizon and don’t look back.
I guess with everything going on in my life, my wife, and my children’s lives right now, I might be heading down on steep hill. The difference however is that I will have plenty of time to break since I’m constantly examining my driving speed.
Very nice analogy!
Hi Lance,
You’re right, security is so comforting, but I love the feeling of liberation too. Thank you for your well wishes, and the dark chocolate … I’ll be needing them!
Hi Urban Panther,
Wow, now that’s inspirational and encouraging … thank you for sharing that! I sure feel much better now.
Hi Marelisa,
I’ve seen glimpses of the “more interesting” parts and I’m feeling excited! It’s just this feeling of leaving my comfort zone that still bothers me … I guess that bothers everyone, doesn’t it? Will be taking your advice.
Thanks and see you there!
Hi Chris,
Ah … you’re the smart one.
I was this amateur enjoying the ride, oblivious to the implications of physics, distracted by the scenery … and then suddenly, WHOA! Well, life’s about learning - I’ll be checking my speedometer henceforth!
Irene,
I’m glad to hear you didn’t drive off the slope with old braking pad!
Well, tell me about it . . . last fall I found myself quitting my fulltime job and moving across America. All because I meditated (maybe) a bit too much ^_^
BTW I had time to finally read your About page today. Love your story of being in the closet and being seduced by your spirit guide.
Light,
Akemi
Hi Akemi,
Gosh, you’re right about the brake pad … I’m glad too!
I read about your journey and your courage on your blog as well, and I think it’s amazing. You know, being in the closet for too long was probably one of the reasons why breaking inertia became such a big challenge for me … I got too comfortable hiding!
Hi Irene,
I love how you said, “there was no way I could have coordinated all these changes in my life so quickly and deeply without Divine guidance and interference.”
It’s when we sit back and let a Higher Power take over our lives that we get closer to knowing who we are, and why we’re here. Enjoy the journey!
Hi Barbara,
Since I’m such a wreckless driver, I figured it’s best to let Spirit take over the wheel henceforth! I will enjoy the journey, thank you.
How nice it would be if we can plan the changes that we need to go through, one at a time! But really, if things are moving a little too fast, then it is always a good idea to apply some brakes. Well, I’m sure that you’d do just fine, as soon as the initial period of change and transformation is over! I think that you’d agree that you’re in for an exciting time!
Evelyn
Hi Evelyn,
Here’s the interesting part … just when we thought the change and transformation has settled down, life sneaks in something else and throw us a surprise party, again! Sure is exciting - no doubt about it.
Excellent post, but remember:
I have been moved and shaped into who I am today through external and internal influences.
That is not the real you, and if you can accept that and be one with it, then you will find the real you
Hi Glen,
You’re right. I am in the midst of seeking the real me … with the help of the bulldozer.
You wrote: “… a period of massive breaks of inertia deep within.”
It’s quite a ride isn’t it? It’s also rather wild watching a spouse go through it.
Hi SpaceAgeSage (love that name!),
Yes it IS quite a ride, LOL! Gosh I can only imagine what it’s like to observe someone going through this phase in life at such a close range. Be gentle … he will emerge a much better and wiser person!
My last post made me realize I’m happy… so I guess it’s OK if I stay in my comfort zone for now.
Hey Vered,
If all is good, then by all means STAY in your comfort zone!
[...] Breaking Inertia [...]
Simple
Anthony Robbins & all = Mind
Eckhart Tolle = No Mind (i.e. free from mind)
Anthony Robbins & all r talkin about sumthing temporary & r still struck in the mind. they r improving the mind, but r not abel to go beyond it.
& bout Eckhart msg, u compare it wit birth, life & death. Hes talkin bout eternal peace. which lies beyond mind.
Hi Nick,
I guess I’m working through the process of transitioning from the school of Anthony Robbins and all to the school of Eckhart Tolle. It’s not easy, but I’m sure it’ll be worth the effort.
Thanks for stopping by!