By David G Arenson, ND
Your universe crashes. The world you had constructed in your mind falls like a tower collapsing into the dust of fallen dreams.
Like thunder in the heart, everything seems like it’s capitulated—nothing makes sense in your life any more.
A crisis? When an unexpected stressful event happens to us, do we ever stop to ask why? Or is it too late to ask? We fall into an abyss and ask questions later.
What would it take to accept your life as it is and create a feeling of peace about it? If we redefine what a problem is and call it a challenge, a game, or, better yet, an opportunity or a blessing in disguise, surely that opens up many possibilities. From our attitudes, we create.
The stress response is a complex one. Yet to simplify and get down to its roots: Stress is a response triggered by an event which takes us right back to the fundamental emotions from the past—fear and anger. It is always past-focused. Usually, the core issues that define these emotions are memories of rejection or abandonment, lack or loss of control, helplessness, or hopelessness.
When your life seems to end, it is a great opportunity to start all over again at the beginning and redefine exactly who you are, what you will stand for, and who you are not.
Your life is your statement to the world, representing your values, beliefs, and dreams. Thus an ending is really a beginning.
Your life is yours to create, to enjoy or not enjoy, to fight or be at peace.
When all else is lost, you face yourself directly in the mirror, and from this vantage point of complete nakedness, clarity emerges and a new image starts to form of your future. From this point, you can create something real and meaningful, which will evolve into something beautiful in time.
When does “becoming” end? When you are “being” something. Sometimes “becoming” needs to come to an end (perhaps an abrupt end) for you to realize that you no longer need to become something you already are.
Whatever has appeared in your life is there for a reason. You can either ignore it or learn from it. No circumstance is accidental, though it may be unwanted. Choose what you will be. Choose what shall be. All you have is this moment—the only moment of choice. We cannot control everything.
Life will always change. The only question is, will you change with it? Sometimes getting out of the way is a better move than standing tall and strong.
When the river comes flooding down your driveway, will you survive by standing tall and strong or by attaching yourself to a floating branch and trusting that the flow will take you somewhere safe?
Whatever you’re going through, there’s someone who is going through something worse. Whatever is happening, there is someone who went through worse and didn’t just come out of it, but thrived!
Keep your chin up and believe that everything can get better. You are never alone, although it may feel that way. Believe in yourself.
David G Arenson, ND, a Naturopath and Transformational Coach, has explored over twenty countries and developed a system of initiation called Shambhala therapy used for mind-body healing. David writes on expansive living, consciously growing our awareness, and thriving on all levels of life. He believes we have a choice how we experience our lives. To find out more, visit his website and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
*Photo by bestarns.
