Tag Archives: #challenges
Facing Your Shadows
“Call to mind the deepest, darkest most negative truth about yourself – and know that this “truth” is a lie.
~Ezra Bayda~
Consider the many uses of adversity; our challenges often force us to turn inward and face our shadows. When you understand that many problems are self-imposed, you can, with loving intention, transform fear into empowerment. Should you experience inner resistance, see it as an indicator that you are on the right track. The ego-mind will often attempt to divert energy through blame, judgment and anger. Observe the tendency to get lost in discussion or drama rather than taking ownership.
The ego amplifies limiting stories created by the shadow-mind. Perceived problems provide an opportunity to explore new facets of your unique potential. In the midst of depression, anger, fear, doubt or anxiety, revisit old wounds or patterns that are ready to be cleared. You may feel prompted to begin soul-searching, only to discover new teachers, ideas and tools to utilize in your quest for wholeness. Sometimes you may have to traverse the dark corners of your psyche. Do not reject your shadows. Instead, choose to see them as teachers and you will emerge transformed by the light of consciousness.
Strength
When life presents our darkest moments, we have an opportunity to rise above. Know that your soul is ready to face whatever life offers – and realize that challenging situations only come into our experience when we have the tools and ability to handle them.
Beliefs about our own worthiness, strength, ingenuity and vision create internal blockages. Challenges provide the opportunity to leave behind the baggage, take action and break through to new levels of enlightenment.
The Universe has creative ways of propelling us into growth. Life sometimes take a turn into the unknown and we must either face it or give up. Fortunately, our tendency is to evolve. By facing the darkness, we ultimately emerge transformed by the light of consciousness.
Trust the processes of life and know that you have the fortitude to conquer your fear… not only facing it and conquering it, but shattering the old beliefs and patterns that created it in the first place. You are stronger than you know.
Awakening
Delay
“The journey between what you once were and who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place.”
~Barbara DeAngelis~
There are times when we face obstacles in our path. These moments call upon us to view our challenges in a new way. Whether we pause, think differently or discover a new perspective, the delay transforms into a teacher. Typically, the ego gets impatient, prompting immediate action; however, the best approach often begins with mindfulness and observation.
The challenges, difficulties and delays that we encounter allow us to discover the strength we have within ourselves. Each time we rise above the stories of the mind and take conscious, decisive action, we release a layer of doubt. Over the course of a lifetime, the successes and breakthroughs we experience create new paradigms.
When things are easy we don’t search for answers, seek assistance or take the time to examine limiting beliefs. The gifts that life brings us are often wrapped in challenging situations. Knowing this can shift how you view obstacles – they are not impediments on your journey, they are the journey. As you awaken, you will experience less drama and handle challenges with insight and empowerment.
Trust
“Trust is yes. Knowing that this existence is our mother, that nature is our source and it can’t be against us. It can’t be inimical to us. Seeing this, understanding this, trust arises.”
~Osho~
Life, by it’s very nature, is constantly evolving, transforming and uncontrollable. Our role in this process is to learn how to recognize and step into the flow of energy, rather than fight against it. Our human perception is very narrow and to think that we can plan and rationalize the world around us accurately is laughable.
A higher source of truth moves through you. When the focus is on creating balance in your experience and detachment from the mechanisms of the ego-mind, you can trust the processes of life knowing that you are guided, protected and loved each and every step of the way. This is not to say that challenges won’t arise – it only means that there is always a purpose to the challenges we face and trust keeps us from moving into resistance.
The key is learning how to trust even when you feel doubt. Do not wait for the doubt to disappear; instead, realize that trust absorbs doubt and transforms it into empowerment. Act from the heart and allow life to unfold as it will.
Cultivating Strength
Nurture Yourself
Many believe that they need to take care of everyone around them. They struggle and juggle until they get off balance. Usually at the peak of this experience, they’ll get sick or have an accident which forces them to release control, if only for a little while… and even then they worry about everyone they are letting down by not being there.
Nurturing yourself is the greatest gift you can give those you love. Take the time to walk alone, savor the textures of life or read a book. Recharge and renew your beautiful spirit and strength. We can help others much more by allowing them the opportunities to struggle, succeed, and overcome their challenges. By excessive overdoing, one actually holds another back from learning their own lessons.
The spiritual seeker brings mindfulness to their life situations – sometimes taking action and sometimes choosing to observe. The purposeful soul knows the value of facing challenges and provides support for those around them. Listen to the messages you receive from your body and from the reflections of life around you. Stress and tension are always indicators that we are becoming stuck in the mind and need to reassess how we are approaching the present moment.
Karmic Lessons
There are times when we seem to walk blindly into challenging karmic circumstances. Temporary blinders are necessary because most would not consciously choose to engage in the discomfort required by the soul for growth. Strong emotional reactions typically indicate that karma is in play.
In challenging circumstances, seek the gift or the lesson by going within. Once the situation has served its purpose, it will either no longer be required in your experience or you will feel completely neutral about the person or behavior.
Everyone who enters your life has a role to play in your growth. When ready to heal old emotional wounds, the higher Self sends an energetic call out into the universe requesting assistance. Those who answer the call are willing to play a role (typically adversarial) to bring the energy of the wound to the service. These loving souls are willing to risk losing our love and goodwill in this life to assist with our awakening.
Releasing Worry
“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose”
~Eckhart Tolle~
Challenges can draw us together in miraculous ways. It’s easy to get lost in the stories of the mind, the collective dramas we experience and fears regarding an unknowable future. Every day ego-driven souls fill our consciousness with “what ifs?” that attempt to destroy the peace of the present moment. As an enlightened spirit in the process of awakening, utilize this tendency of our culture to practice your ability to see things differently.
The higher your vibration, the greater your perception. Life’s interpretation is far different when viewed from the levels of Acceptance, Love or Peace. You have chosen to incarnate during these times with a specific purpose in mind, perhaps to teach others a new way of being and assist in the awakening of a new level of consciousness.
Challenging moments are usually followed by an outpouring of love, kindness and compassion from those who have reached a level in their soul’s growth to recognize the potential that resides in the midst of heartache. Each time you choose to allow challenging situations to empower your spirit rather than corrupt your mind, your soul awakens to limitless possibility. Become a living flame of awareness.