Get out of the way!

You’re barreling ahead at full speed with the goal in full view. You’re organized, checking your to-do list, making sure that everything is in place. The new year is coming, and you are ready. Nothing can stop you!

The New Moon of Capricorn is upon us and this means that each of us is feeling motivated to accomplish both long-term and short-term goals. Before we dive in with single-minded focus, keep in mind that even more important than reaching our goals is how we arrive there. As the adage goes, “It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.” It’s the obstacles we face in life that have the potential to reveal more Light and often it’s our failures that are more significant as it pertains to our transformation than our successes.

“If you are trying to accomplish something important and true, then even if one path fails, it’s not failure. It’s just one more step towards success.” – Michael Berg

Ambitious doesn’t even begin to describe the full extent of a Capricorn’s determination. Often, however, dedication to goals can actually get in the way of living. Their ambition causes them to lose sight of the bigger picture and they fall into the mentality that the means justify the end. This is a detrimental mindset and can lead to much unhappiness. If there is a mantra for this month, it is: the process is the purpose.

The kabbalists teach that Capricorn energy is among the most intense because it is one of three months of the year when the shechinah (a protective shield) is not present to protect us from an overabundance of Light. The shechinah normally regulates the Light available to us, just as a voltage regulator controls the amount of electricity that travels a circuit. As a result there is an incredible amount of Light available during this time.

This month, emulate the Light. Act with an overabundance of human dignity, an overabundance of generosity, and overwhelming love for others.

When we behave like the Light we can safely welcome all the blessings into our lives. Interestingly, an abundance of Light = an abundance of blessings = an abundance of new opportunities and this can make the play-it-safe Capricorn feel apprehensive. The goat—an appropriate animal symbol—represents the sure-footed stubbornness of Capricorns, yet when there’s a crisis, call in a Capricorn. Their dependability and loyalty make them great friends.  While they tend to be a bit more reserved, they are in no way insensitive.  It may take time to earn their trust, but a Capricorn on your side is well worth the effort. Because they are patient and willing to stick it out for the long haul, they tend to be more cautious with their choices.  Risks seem, well…risky.  This month, all of us are likely to find ourselves pausing when we arrive at a crossroads, wondering which way to go. Human nature encourages us to play it safe, and leave the more adventurous, risky path to others. Pragmatic Capricorns especially find it very difficult to choose the adventure over the sure thing.

There are so many blessings available this month that it is wise to force ourselves out of our comfort zones and take more chances. To not do so is to risk regretting missed opportunities. Many Capricorns find that after years of making “sensible” choices they begin to feel that they’ve missed out on some of what life had to offer. Often, the adventurous route is the more rewarding route, for growth and transformation can only take place when we are uncomfortable.

Our egos like to remind us how much we desire success while at the same time warning us that the road ahead requires work and telling us that we don’t want to do work. This paradox of wanting to achieve our goals, and yet not being totally committed to the work involved, can coax us toward the more easily attainable goals and keep us from dreaming as big as our potential demands.

This month we all need to remind ourselves to get out of our own way. This is the best time to let yourself dream really big, step out of your comfort zone, and take a risk. The obstacles in your way will only make you stronger.

 

THOUGHT INTO ACTION

Are you dreaming as big as you could be? Are you holding yourself back from something that you really want because it seems improbable or impractical? Identify your big dream, your real dream.