Get Out of the Way

Ever since an insightful day at the temple a few months ago, I've been noticing that much of what is helpful in life is about getting out of the way.

For example, a favorite book of mine teaches the importance of being there for someone while at the same time letting them solve their own problems, as illustrated in the following article:

"His problem wasn't mine to solve. In fact, I needed to get out of his way so he could solve it." (An essay that originally appeared in the New York Times.)

I took a couple of voice and diction classes for a theater education minor I was pursuing for awhile. A book we were to read, Freeing the Natural Voice by Kristin Linklater, has a description on its back cover that includes the following:

The approach is designed to liberate the natural voice rather than to develop a vocal technique. The basic assumption of the work is that everyone possesses a voice capable of expressing, through a two-to-four octave natural pitch range, whatever gamut of emotion, complexity of mood and subtlety of thought he or she experiences. The second assumption is that the tensions acquired through living in this world, as well as defenses, inhibitions and negative reactions to environmental influences, often diminish the efficiency of the natural voice. Hence, the emphasis is on the removal of the blocks that inhibit the human instrument as distinct from the development of a skilled musical instrument.

I learned something similar while singing. My vocal coach, instead of giving me a list of things to do to "make things work right" (a counter-productive approach with me--ties me up in knots) taught me to do what's necessary to free my instrument (much of which involves leaving relaxed what I'd otherwise be inclined to tense-up.) Interestingly, when I am doing what is necessary to sing correctly, it feels effortless and free, like flight; completely exhilarating.

The commandments my Father has given me are not to stress me out. That's as counter-productive for effective living as it is for effective speaking or singing. Hence His wanting me to have faith, to trust in Him. Thinking good thoughts about myself, others, the world, our home; and reading the scriptures are some things that help me get out of the way so that He can help me. Commandments/covenants help me do what is necessary to set me free to fly, to allow the Lord and The Holy Spirit into my life so that He can make more out of my life than I possibly could. 

When I was preparing to serve an LDS mission, the prophet (Ezra Taft Benson) had been encouraging the reading of The Book of Mormon for 30 minutes a day. He had also spoken much about putting God first. 

When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. The Great Commandment--Love the Lord, Ensign May 1988.)

I started reading the Book of Mormon for at least 30 minutes before starting on my homework. Looking back at my journal during that time, it was evident that before I followed President Benson's counsel I was spinning my wheels, running in circles. Afterward, my life simply took off. I was going places. I was making tracks. I was progressing. It was amazing.

President Benson also spoke on the importance of removing pride. I need to be humble and receptive to the spirit in order to receive the help He wishes to give me. For instance, I had to let go of a lot of pride before I was ready to meet my husband. It's a lesson I keep having to learn.

Getting out of the way helps me understand better how to "Let go and let God" and why He says, "Be still."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, in last month's Ensign, sums it up beautifully:

"The Lord can use us for His purposes if we simply set aside whatever thoughts limit our ability to serve and allow His will to shape our lives."