“If you want to see the rainbow, you have to be willing to put up with a little rain.” Alexander Lockhart
When the bills are stacking up, or health starts to decline, or relationships become problematic, or the job seems unmanageable, or there is significant loss and the grief that accompanies it…those of us who are on a spiritual path sometimes feel as if we should navigate those troubled waters with grace and ease; and, if we have trouble being courageous, graceful, optimistic, and poised, then we feel guilty for not being more enlightened. Why didn’t we see how to avoid the difficulty? Why didn’t we handle the difficulty better once it did arrive? Why didn’t all our spiritual knowledge and wisdom come to our aid in our moment of need?
Life happens very quickly. Of course we will feel fatigued, confused, overwhelmed, or anxious sometimes. We know that quieting our minds and focusing on our breath, being totally in the NOW is one way to relieve our stress. And we know that positive affirmations can lift our spirits, as can movement such as brisk walking. Counseling, compassionate friends, prayer partners, self-help books, and spiritual directors can be helpful during these times as well. But whatever we are facing, let’s remember to not make ourselves feel worse by blaming or shaming ourselves for feeling badly to begin with! We may not know why things are challenging, but we can know that challenges can’t change the fact that we are persons of sacred value. The hard times won’t last forever, but our innate goodness will. It’s OK to reach out for help when life is hectic; just remember to not beat yourself up for needing the help. Be grateful there are people who can help, and be willing to lend a listening ear or a healing hug when someone else is in need down the road.
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