The practical application of this ying/yang relationship is something I am currently struggling with. Both sides are equally profound as the other but situational can be equally correct as they are wrong. How do you know when the universe is showing you a call to action or reminding you to let go of the ‘control’ over the things not meant for you?

To better illustrate the question I am trying to ask out of context, I have two metaphors. The first is a story told by my favorite author, Paulo Coehlo, in the epilogue of his book ‘The Valkries’. He uses an example of God, but can be replaced by whatever name you give to a higher force.

“I want to tell you a story my father told me,” he said. “A master and his disciple were walking together in the desert. The master was teaching his charge that he could always trust in God, since he was aware of everything. Night fell, and they decided to pitch camp. The master raised the tent, and the disciple was given the assignment of tethering the horses to a rock. But, as he stood by the rock, he thought to himself: The master is testing me. He said that God is aware of everything, and then asked me to tie up the horses. He wants to see whether or not I believe in God. Instead of tethering the animals, he said a long prayer, and left the fate of the horses in God’s hands. Next day, when they awoke, the horses were gone. Disappointed, the disciple complained to the master, saying that he no longer believed in him, since God had not taken care of everything, and had forgotten to watch over the horses.

“‘You are wrong,’ the master answered. ‘God wanted to take care of the horses. But in order to do so, he needed to make use of your hands to tether them to the stone.’”

When I read this, it really struck me and made me reflect on areas of my life I am just leaving to the plan of the universe where I could take charge and use the tools the universe has provided me in order to improve my life. Incredible profound.

On the other side,

‘The worst this is watching someone drown and not being able to convince them they can save themselves by just standing up.’ -Unknown

This quote also spoke to me as I read it and has a profound truth to it. You watch a person possibly drown because it is beyond your control to convince them to save themselves. An answer so simple to you as the voyeur to see all they need to do is stand up.

But.

What if the universe put you there as a tool to reach your hand out and pick them up when they don’t know how? Yes, pain and experience can be the best teachers and many times the only one who can save us is ourselves. Yet, there is equal importance placed on love and compassion for others, so my question in all of this is, When do you know when to put your hand out to lift someone up from drowning and hold them until they can stand on their own, or let go and let the universe take its course? How do you know whether the universe is placing you as an instrument to take action or placing you there simply as a lesson and reminder to let go of the ‘control’ you think you have and what will be, will be? How do you know holding on for a little longer, pushing a little more, could bring the results you want tomorrow or if you should let go, stop the action, and know to trust the plan of the universe?