Turning your obstacles into gratitude
Whenever we are faced with obstacles in our life, they are actually amazing opportunities in disguise to create stillness, to grow, to go within and to find gratitude for all things.
With every obstacle that arises we have a chance to see the shadowy parts of ourselves that lay hidden beneath the surface. The fluctuations of the mind, the ego, business of our life and external forces create a lot of distractions that can keep us from going within to listen to our soul. We all know how easy it is, when faced with stress, anxiety and fear to judge and to move outside of our alignment toward self-destructive, punishing behaviors and thoughts of how wrong we are. Or we can distract ourselves outwardly by excessive socializing, shopping, eating, drinking so that we can forget about our issues.
But the truth is that the way to harness our power is to create stillness.
In stillness we magnify our power by listening to silence. Silence gives us a glimpse of the free, unconditionally loving spirit within. It strengthens our intuition, which is our ability to see the inner world. Creating stillness is what most of us need and what most of us despise. Stillness can be perceived as uncomfortable, frightful, lazy and lonely.
In the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, (1.14) it is written, “control over the mind’s fluctuations comes from persevering practice and non-attachment”.
These two guiding concepts of Abhyasa (consistent practice) and Vairagya (non-attachment) help us to find meditation. Although they seem like opposites, effort and surrender, they work as compliments to find this peace within. Peace does not come without practice.
Create a ritual before your practice -prayers of gratitude.
If the mind is heavily distracted with thoughts, expectations or fears, start to acknowledge all of the things that you are grateful for. This will turn your attention away from negative thought patterns. We can not be grateful and fearful at the same time.
It requires a commitment to keep coming back to a full awareness of the present moment, to let go of what disturbs us. We learn to treat joys and challenges equally as necessary counterparts for growth, and to let go of attachment to the outcome of our efforts.
The mark of an advanced yogi is not an acrobatic Cirque du Soleil tricks, but a human being who has developed the capacity to show kindness and compassion to all, who lives in service to others and radiates peace and joy.
The next time you sit down, remember that everything that’s new has its obstacles and that’s what provides the biggest growth. Sit with your fear and send it love.
In pure love, light and joy. May you find peace meditation in all your days to come.
With love and blessings,
Karin xx