Throw your heart over the bar

I’m reading “The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. Written in 1952, it is still relevant today; although you may need to overlook gender bias in the workplace, it was written before the feminist revolution after all. He is also a Christian minister, but I find it relatively easy to replace the word ‘God’ with the word ‘Divine’ and not get lost in the differences of beliefs.

It is an amazingly well written book that is resonating with me on many levels. It is filled with practical advice and numerous examples of how to apply positive thinking in your life.

The message that has stuck the most with me is advice that was given by a trapeze artist to people he was teaching. “Throw your heart over the bar and your body will follow.” Meaning, put your full attention and focus on what you are doing, commit fully, and then allow the world to rush in and carry you forward.

Imagine the ease of just flowing with the moment you are in. Adjusting your course as you go rather than trying to demand and force your way through life. It is a concept that has stuck.

A worthy read.