Over the years, I have discovered life is a journey, a pilgrimage, a sacred adventure. Within everyone's inner solitude, there is that bright and warm hearth where the spirit dwells waiting to be roused. There are many paths to enlightenment, their teachings rich and varied offering wisdom and "food for thought" and everything we need for our journey to awakening lies within us. In the beginning, spirituality appears like the bud on a bloom, opening gradually, tempting us with a glimpse of its splendor and unfathomable depths. It is here we create the blueprint of our collective existence.
Each of us from time to time experience crises from different life changing events and transitions, all unpredictable moments arriving and intruding into our "well groomed" lives. We didn't ask for this interference and we wonder why it has arrived bringing with it damage and confusion. BUT no matter what the source, each crisis has a common bond…a threshold. A holy summons inviting us to cross a threshold involving both a leaving behind and a stepping toward.
During these times of roadblocks, dead ends and detours, we often choose to ignore that inner calling. Transformation takes an enormous amount of trust in the voice that urges us to take note. We need to pay attention and ask ourselves what is it we are being summoned to learn? Has the time arrived to push past our comfort zone and begin the slow process of transformation? Are we ready to accept responsibility for our life choices and embark on this soulful journey? Many of us have learned to be afraid of the feelings inside of ourselves. We tend to bury or ignore them. Perhaps even run from them pretending they don't exist. We cannot deceive ourselves! Until we claim and embrace these "unwanted" pieces of our shadow, they will continue to resurface, haunting us and making their presence known, one way or another.
The invitation to re-kindle our authentic self wears many disguises and often arrives in some of the most unexpected ways and always with a revelation. Life passages can mystify and overwhelm us, causing pain and grief. It is frightening to veer off the well-worn path, better known as our "comfort zone." But if we are willing to take the time to acknowledge and reflect on each passage, they can bestow wisdom and knowledge expanding our vision of our authenticity.
Celebrating, mourning or wrestling with a life passage is an extraordinary act. Slow down and be in touch with your feelings. Be kind and loving to yourself. Act from your spirit and heart and don't forget to breathe!