Holding Our Breath

February 26, 2024

We have all heard the expression, "I am not holding my breath while waiting for it to happen." This means that, regardless of promises or predictions, we don't think it will happen, at least in the foreseeable future. In other words, if I hold my breath waiting for it to happen, I'd likely die of oxygen deprivation first.

The phrase "I am not holding my breath" connotes a pessimistic versus an optimistic response regarding the outcome. Optimism is hopefulness, which is a life-giving virtue. Pessimism may accurately appraise the situation, but it snuffs out even the last candle of hope.

The Greek myth of Pandora's box reiterates how vital hope is. When Pandora disobeyed Zeus's instructions not to open her box, she unleashed all evil into the world. But when she looked in the box, there was one last thing. It was hope — Prometheus had slipped hope into the box so there would be something to cling to amid the evil.

Some of us focus on the evil in the world, whereas some of us are hopeful about the outcome of humanity's challenges. Some nay-sayers refuse to hope because of fear their hopes will be dashed. Some optimistic folks are in denial about certain realities. Nevertheless, hope always gives a chance, whereas pessimism sees no possibility for a solution.

In the spiritual life, hope is essential. Hope gives us the energy to keep trying. Hope encourages us to grow, even when things appear to be hopeless. Hope engenders positive feelings and healthy responses to challenges. Hope is the birthplace of solutions that would have never been created without it.

Recently, I was in a circumstance with no viable way forward. My soul would not submit to negative appearances, so it provided the strength and faith to breathe me through the trial. On the other hand, my ego paralyzed me with thoughts such as "This is hopeless; just give up." I was about to capitulate to the ego's pessimism. Suddenly, my soul's hopefulness flooded over me, and I saw alternatives I had forgotten were available. Had I stayed in pessimism, my creative energy would have been shut down.

Inquiry: Please tell me why you may be hopeful versus unhopeful.

Dear God,

For hope and optimism, I am so grateful. They make a way when there seems to be no way. I wait in anticipation for my good to come, even in ways I could never have imagined.

Amen ​​​

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