I’ve observed a spate of people driving with one foot on the gas pedal and one on the brakes. I’m sure you’ve seen them, people who accelerate for a stop or even who cruise along at highway speeds with their brake lights permanently on. It’s not typically a wiring problem, well, at least not in the car. As an old friend of mine liked to say, more often than not it is the Indian and not the arrow.
This sight serves as a useful metaphor for how many people live their lives. While such an approach may appear warranted in times of uncertainty, I’ve learned from mountain biking that there are ways to relieve yourself of the need to brake so often.
People typically put on the brakes when they feel insecure, unsafe or uncertain about the road ahead of them. They trade precious momentum for a greater sense of perceived comfort and control, but just as with a bicycle, you’re typically better off with momentum. Momentum brings stability.
So how do you regain control and composure, take off the edge when the going gets a little rough or uncertain? Don’t brake. Look further ahead! The added perspective will make the threats seem less immediate as you will not be as fixated on them. As an added bonus, that which you greatly feared will be much less likely to come upon you.
Give your brakes a rest. It’ll reduce needless wear and tear on your body, mind and heart. It’ll also come as a relief to those around you. Fear and friction will give way to confidence and ease. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!
Gregory Hake 
It’s funny that right before I awoke this morning, I had a clear answer to this particular point, the kind of answers that words do not do justice. Context is a big part of what allows there to be true understanding of the dynamics of one’s life. How elements are woven together, developing events and patterns in the passage of time. And what brings context together is perspective. Gaining perspective climbs the vision to the necessary angle from which accurate comprehension is born, affording proper decision making in the time required. Something like that 🙂
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Looking forward always increases the ability to react. Think about it this way: if you’re in a car looking out of the front windshield, you can see the lines marking the road. Look out the side window, and those lines are moving too fast for the eye to see. It’s not that you’re going any faster, just a matter of perspective.
The other great thing about momentum is that it carries you over the bumps, roots, and rocks of life much more easily. Something that might have felt like a huge obstacle just becomes another small bump that you float over.
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Great point and applicable to so many aspects of my life! Fear, laziness or sometimes just stupidity are often the cause but the problem becomes untenable and down right dangerous if it becomes a habit. Habits are often rationalized differently each time they surface so admitting this tendancy and overcoming has to be a priority. Courage is a habit too!
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Thanks for your perspective to look further ahead when fear and friction arise. Such a simple key. A longer range vision does bring relaxation in the midst of challenging immediate situations.
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Well said and timed,
Was doing a little “accelerant braking” myself….
Done with that…
Besides momentum is more fun anyways.
Thanks.
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Thanks Gregg.
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Thank you for the excellent advice!
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Great post! Your description of how momentum provides stability has gotten my day off to a rolling start. Wheeeeeeee (:
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