I’m a book lover and a budding unfolder. An unfolder is a person, who lets life unfold at its own pace and in its own way. (Yes, I’ve made up another word!)

Unfolding is an art, not a science. It takes practice and patience – two things I used to avoid in life. You see, there once was a time if I could not do something well after the first couple of tries, I simply crossed it off my list. Yes, you are right; that was a silly thing to do. And, I must admit there was also a time when “having it yesterday” was not soon enough for me. Yes, yes, you are right again, that was a silly way to be. 

Fortunately for me, and those around me, I have learned the benefits of trusting myself and my instincts and embracing the art of unfolding.

To me, unfolding is like being in the library walking through rows and rows of books. My feelings of excitement and anticipation grow, as I realize all the options presented before me. So many books, so little time! I peruse the shelves, looking high and low, stretching and bending to read the titles. Then slowly and with intention I raise my hand, and use the tip of my index finger to gently tilt the chosen spine toward me, and the book of choice slides from the shelf.

An option has become an opportunity, and a bit of my fate now rests in my hands.

It’s just a book, you say. Perhaps, but like any moment in life, it might hold much more. It may spark my imagination, expand my experience, increase my knowledge, or perhaps become part of my future.

I read the cover, and if it captures my attention I flip it open and check the table of contents or move directly to the opening paragraph, letting the story unfold before my eyes.

Ahh, the priceless art of unfolding.

To become an unfolder, please:

1. Show-up
   • Nothing happens without action
   • Picture yourself heading to the library of life
   • Plan to sit a bit, no need to rush these things
2. Listen
   • Best way to learn and to open yourself to opportunities
   • Listening is like reading the titles and the first few pages of each new book
   • You know you are really listening when you are no longer thinking of yourself, but only the person or subject at hand
3. Reach-out
   • Best way to help and to receive help
   • Picture yourself opening a new chapter of your life
   • Don’t be afraid to become involved, trust your judgment, if you have followed the first two steps, you are ready

Am I always unfolding? No, not always, but when I do slow down long enough to follow this simple approach; I’m richly rewarded with new ideas, information, insights, and sometimes even new projects and friends.

I’m constantly learning new ways to slow down, to pay attention, and to reach-out at just the right moment. And, yes it is true, sometimes I reach-out and nothing happens or I get stung a bit. I’ve learned not to fret about those instances and to simply slide that “book” back into its place on the shelf and to continue browsing for others. I have seldom left a library empty-handed, and now I trust that the library of life will leave me with at least a good story or a rewarding lesson or two, and maybe, much, much more. 

If you would like to try the art of unfolding: Show-up. Listen. Reach out. Repeat often, and then wait for life to unfold in front of you.

While you are waiting, you might want to open a good book.

Are you an unfolder? We’d love to hear and learn from your experiences. And, if unfolding suggests a particular vision or image – tell us how it looks to you.