In response to a recent Teal post, I decided to challenge her idea of 'trying' versus 'doing'.
Trying is the response to our doing our best. I would go so far to say that we are always doing our best relative to where we are vibrationally. So, perhaps, use of the word "try" is an indication that we will do our best.
Simultaneously, is it possible that evoking the word 'try' indicates a feeling of powerlessness to circumstances... reinforcing that we are not in control of our reality. 'Try' for some is a half-willing vibration where one is hesitant to take every step forward possible to achieving. This is why 'do' empowers some into a type of determination for success and achievement of one's goals--but cannot this also bring forth shame if it is not met?
The reason 'do' gives some power, and others shame, is that 'do' can (and I don't mean always) be likened to a vibration of all-or-nothing thinking, whereby if the goal is not accomplished the person feels like a failure and that even their best is not enough. This is when we make 'do' a standard, rather than a drive or mentality. From this standpoint, if accomplishing a goal were as easy as deciding we will do it, everyone would be there already.
To give a personal story, I can show why the vibration of the word 'try' resonates more with me than the 'do, or don't'.
In fact, when I was younger I heard the phrase, "Do or don't do, there is no try" repeatedly. It came from my stepfather, who was emotionally distancing which made his presence feel harsh and stoic to me (there's a long story there). This was usually relative to school. As a person, I have a fierce determination that--even when it ceases--always turns to hope. I would not be alive still without this characteristic. I may feel like giving up sometimes, but I am not a quitter. So, when I would commit to doing, and fail, I met myself with harsh punishment. I felt like I had let myself down, and all I could do was do harder and harder to get it right. Rather than do what felt right, or like progression, it felt like I was struggling to reach a receding finish line.
I have a similar situation that touched upon this recently. In fact, I was thinking about this very topic when Teal posted on her blog (sync!).
I'm currently working an incredibly busy schedule (somehow I always do this to myself, but I'm learning) that has me working 9am-9pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. And on Wednesday 9am-12pm then 6pm-9pm. And on Friday 8am-4pm.
A housemate I'm living with told me that I was not cleaning the dishes as well or often as I should. In a higher vibration, it would not be a problem, but with the current shadows I'm facing and stresses, doing the dishes day to day is hardly a priority. I always attempt to be sensitive to other's needs, but I have my own needs that are deeper. My dishes are done about every 3-4 days, which, considering how I grew up is not at all a gross amount of time (since dishes could sit in my parent's house for up to a month--maybe longer at times--until they were done).
Let me be clear: I know this doesn't make my dishes any less my responsibility. However, it just simply isn't among my highest priorities. This made me think about the idea of 'try' versus 'do'. I could commit to doing the dishes... but there was no guarantee that I wouldn't have an anxiety attack that needed my attention and presence. There was no guarantee that I wouldn't need to sit with my feeling of grief or insecurity. This is a situation where I have to resolve to 'try' in order to do my best, rather than constantly stressing myself over the obligation of 'do'. 'Try' set me free. 'Try' gave me the freedom to know that I'd do my best but the world wasn't over if I didn't succeed perfectly. And it's working! Upon release, I was able to open with my housemate and really go toward what felt good without the pressure of meeting up to an obligation or not.
Perhaps, the vibration of 'try' makes us capable of acceptance. There is no, "I said I would no matter what and failed." Instead, there is "I tried" or "I did my best" which makes us capable of stepping back to accept what happened and find what works better. To see how our attraction can be improved. For those of us who are perfectionists (myself) that beat ourselves up when things don't go well, this is a crucial step.
What this really comes down to is semantics... we can "try" whilst giving our effort to something completely. We can also commit to "doing" whilst giving our effort to something completely. Maybe, like finding the right word to describe our emotions, the 'trying' versus 'doing' is not a battle of the words, but the vibration we are emanating. 'Try' and 'do' can both likewise give a person power relative to where they are.
Sometimes, we cannot make definite decisions about the future. Sometimes, we have to let what happens happen, especially when something is not our priority and we are trying our best. Sometimes, 'trying' allows us accept that the future may not always go as planned and that there may be road blocks and gives us the courage to know that we will always do our best (i.e. keep trying) no matter what obstacles may come. I find this, too, a form of empowerment.
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