The Pathways We Choose

Hello friends,

Today I want to explore the law of facilitation.

The principle comes from neurology:

When an impulse has passed through a certain set of neurons to the exclusion of others, it will tend to take the same course on a future occasion. And each time it traverses this path, the resistance in the path will be smaller.

In simple terms: the more often you make a choice, hold a perspective, or repeat a behavior, the easier it becomes for your mind and body to do it again. Energy follows the familiar. Resistance decreases the more often the pathway is traveled.

The Lawn Mower in the Tall Grass

Imagine standing before a field of grass, tall as you are, stretching in every direction. In your hands is an old push-mower, heavy and stubborn, powered only by your effort.

The first time you push through that grass, it takes a tremendous amount of energy. You sweat, you strain, and finally a path appears. That path represents a choice you’ve made.

When the situation arises again, you have two options:

• Walk the same path with ease, because it is already cut.

• Or, push your mower into a new patch of tall grass, requiring focus, awareness, and effort to forge another way.

This is what the change process feels like. To choose differently demands energy, presence, and courage.

Why Change Feels Hard

Old pathways are habitual. They run automatically, outside of conscious thought. Choosing something new forces you to bring awareness to your decision. At first, it feels exhausting.

As per usual there is beauty in challenge: as you stop running the mower over the old path, the grass there begins to grow back. The longer you walk the new path, the easier it becomes, until eventually the old one disappears into the field.

And yes, you will find yourself wandering back to the old path from time to time. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human. Rather than criticizing or shaming yourself, simply notice: Ah, I walked the old way today. Then gently bring the mower back to the new path you want to create.

Energy, Intention, and Celebration

Cutting new pathways requires energy. On days when you are well-rested and clear, you’ll have more energy to push through the grass. On days of stress, conflict, or fatigue, you may move more slowly. That’s natural. Acceptance of those fluctuations is part of the process.

What matters most is your willingness to show up with your mower in hand. Even if all you do is stand at the edge of the field and say to yourself, I am willing to try a new path, that willingness alone is worth celebrating.

What if each day you honored not only the outcomes but also the willingness to try? What if you celebrated the simple act of turning toward a new direction with compassion, rather than fueling yourself with shame or criticism?

That shift in energy changes everything.

Questions for You

What pathways in your life are calling to be cut?
What is worth the sweat and effort of pushing through the tall grass?
What choices align with your deeper purpose, vision, and intentions?

Sit with those questions. And perhaps today, celebrate even the smallest step toward a new way.

Talk soon,

Jator

*** I am considering running a 5th Illuminate Live Cohort starting in January 2026, with a small twist. I will gift One month entrance to 16 people that desire to join. Those 16 can choose to leave the course after 1 month of experience (no charge) or choose to stay and pay to remain and complete the course. I am sharing now so you can mark your calendars and take time to feel into a proper path for you. More info to come shortly.