A Complaint Free World

I went to Kirtan (call and response chanting meditation) last night and discovered a new awareness bracelet by a group called acomplaintfreeworld.org.  The goal and challenge is to wear this purple rubber bracelet and see if you can go without complaining for 21 days straight.  Each time you complain, you must switch the bracelet to the other wrist and start your 21 days all over again.

Ragani, who was leading the Kirtan and telling us about the bracelet, went on to say that she thought it would be really easy.  She isn’t a person who complains and she’s been on the yogic path forever and is aware.  After a month, she’s made it 2 days in row for a maximum.  Along the way she’s discovered much about herself…and what she views as a complaint.

So, naturally, being the explorer that I am, I had to take one.  My 13-year old daughter also took one, although she has yet to put hers on to own the process.  Like Ragani, I also do not see myself as much of a complainer…and have already had to change my bracelet to the other wrist once in less than 24 hours.  I had already been pondering what a complaint meant to me and was noticing that it had a lot to do with how a statement was put forth.  I could express my emotions with acceptance and honoring…or I could complain about them.  I could make a neutral comment about something around me, or I could infuse it with negativity and complaint.  Intent and energy are part of what I’m seeing define a complaint for me.

With these thoughts swirling around my head, I went off to work this morning and discovered a big shock.  I actively participate in complaining with my clients!  Part of what my massage complaints do when they come in is release…and not just on a physical level but they also unload emotionally and mentally, sometimes by complaining.  I don’t judge this or have a problem with it as I recognize the process for what it is.  However, being used to that energy, I unconsciously have been joining in…creating a link between us by doing some of my own complaining.  Today it was about the electric company and how some of their work started some decay on a retaining wall and now I’m having to file a complaint with the company.  In this case, the complaint feels valid and a necessary act…yet I’m also feeling a little stress around how the process is going to unfold and preparing myself for a fight.  Thus as I was describing the incident to my client, I heard that I was allowing fear and anxiety into my description…changing the nature of my verbal offering to a complaint…and giving that fear and anxiety energy.

The bracelet moved to the other wrist.  I have some great new awareness.  I’m now pondering how I can support my clients in their space of emotional release and not get pulled out of my own neutral space.  With my rubber reminder and my continually expanding awareness, I’m feeling positive about creating an even more supportive environment.

If you want your own bracelet, just go to the above website and check it out and share your own story with me!