The Paradox of Control

Welcome back, Natural Health Family. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and was able to enjoy some time off. Winter time is a valuable time for a lot of people, when seen through a certain lens. In the past it used to be a time of rest, after the time of year when we’d stored valuables to last the winter. 

Nowadays, we tend to keep going along as usual without taking the time to be still and let that be alright. In life there is always something to do, work to be done, and goals to be achieved. Let’s peer through a different lens that can be helpful in our day to day.

You have probably heard the phrase “just let it go” or something similar to it. Easier said than done, right? But why is it so harped on by many people and authors? And why is it so hard to do? Sometimes, people feel that if they are in control of a situation or something in their life that they feel better. Unfortunately, this can ultimately lead to their body becoming imbalanced as they have to control more and more to find that sense of peace. However, many of us have gone through or experienced life in a way that letting go was the pivotal moment when things worked out for the better. When we try to force and control a situation or outcome, it can actually cause strain on our nervous system. This state can be useful, say in an emergency like running out of a burning building or saving someone from drowning. But, when we are stuck in the state of needing to control for long periods of time, that is when our bodies can start becoming imbalanced and lead to health issues. Here are a few examples to consider: 

1. Those times when you’re trying to figure out something and the harder you work on it, the more you feel you can’t. However, when you forget it and let it be is when the answer or solution comes to you. 

2. Research shows that a person who works out 2-3 times a week can have greater progress than a person who works out 6-7 times a week. Besides needing rest and recovery, it is a state of letting it be and not trying to force an outcome. 

3. When a person strains and struggles to meet a goal and fails over and over. Then, when they give it up, is the moment a goal is met. 

Life has a funny way of showing us and helping us to become balanced again. Sometimes it gives us little hints, and others feels like a big slap to the face. It is important for us at times to slow down, like the winter teaches us, and to let go of what we may have thought we needed to hold onto or tried to keep doing over and over. This week I encourage you to let something go even if it’s just something small. 

Have a great week.

-Dr. Chip