Everything Happens for a Reason...
and other spiritual cliches
How has your life changed since November 5th? Have these last few weeks impacted how you perceive things? Changed how you view those “others” who voted differently from you or chose to not vote? Shifted your attitude about America and Americans?
Are you holding on by your fingernails that things will go back to ‘normal’ or have you succumbed to this ‘new reality’?
Are you able to recognize anything positive from this experience that you may have labeled as traumatic, shocking, devastating?
Or are you struggling to adhere to the spiritual principle that everything happens for a reason?
Are There Gifts Under the Tree?
Whether in your personal life or on a more global level, often it takes something life-shifting to get life to shift. The wobbles going on right now, IMHO, are delivering countless gifts -- wisdom that can transform consciousness, inspire evolution and awaken a more Purposeful life.
But, like any type of ordeal, it feels scary-awful.
Like a snow globe, everything is being shaken up. Lies are being exposed. Hidden, denied issues that need to be recognized and acknowledged are being brought to the surface. Like the surprising amount of sexism and racism still prevalent in America. And the anger lurking under the surface ready to explode.
These may not seem to be your personal issues, but as I continue to remind: If something pushes your buttons, it’s showing you a mirror of something.
Uncertainty for Sure
Another unmistakable gift is learning to live with uncertainty. Although humans have numerous ways of avoiding this truth, the future is unknown; life is fragile; secure plans can crumble instantly.
This time that reeks of insecurity has forced us to be fully present, appreciating each moment, living and loving now.
For me, it has inspired some purposeful action steps that have been tucked way back in my activist closet for several years. Not sure what they will look like, but I’ll keep you posted.
Gift of Mindfulness
Since being mindful is probably not something you were taught to do, this situation has provided a gift of awakening. Were you raised to believe that once you graduated and got a job life would be good? Or once you met Person Right you would be live happily-ever-after? Or once you had kids you would feel complete? Of course, once you retired, you would be able to do enjoyable things and finally relax.
Yes, it’s important to responsibly plan for the future, but not by sacrificing moments of now. It is guaranteed that one of your biggest regrets will be looking back thinking “Why can’t I remember what it was like when my child was a baby?” “I know I went to Italy, but I can’t recall any special moments from my trip.” “I’ve been married for years but I couldn’t tell you about an ordinary day we had.”
In other words, where the heck have I been my entire life?
Discovering and traveling a meaningful, fulfilling path, bringing attention and intention to whatever you choose to do, builds a joy-filled future.
Anger is a Gift?
The epidemic of anger is everywhere. From media controversies to mass shootings to wars, this primal emotion easily turns toxic and violent. It affects day-to-day life, turning frustration into family discord, eruptions at work, road rage driving home.
Releasing anger feels good for a moment so it continues to be held in high regard. We continue to bask in the impulses of fury despite the consequences it creates. We reward those who channel anger to “keep us safe” overriding morality because it supports our instinctive, primitive, fight-flight response.
We do this even though anger only succeeds in stopping something temporarily. Then, the vicious, endless cycle of consequences (AKA karma) takes over.
Like any addiction, anger provides a rush, a temporary distraction, an escape from fear. That “high” will continue to control you until you understand what it’s really about: Anger is simply denied fear.
Could the results from this political situation generate so much destruction that anger will finally be faced and resolved? Will we see that anger is not power, it’s a momentary tantrum covering up weakness and insecurity? Will we finally know that anger ultimately hurts and punishes the angry individual? Will we get our shovels out and confront our hidden fears and tell the truth to ourselves?
‘Sup to Us
Even if it appears that society is not supportive of the evolution that’s happening, it is up to you to stay committed to that precious gift of possibility.
What’s going on is a loud call for systemic transformation.
So, find your vehicle, grab your steering wheel, choose your direction, and stay the course. Turn all challenges, even political upheavals, into motivation for inner and outer growth. Opportunities do abound.
My sense is that this moment in time is a complete renovation rather than just re-arranging furniture. Finally.
And it’s your choice to do the work. As I always say, you chose to be here during these challenging times because you knew you were up for it.
Time to wake up and get up.
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Royce Morales is the creator and teacher of the Perfect Life Awakening program and hosts two podcasts on Om Times Media: The Perfect Life Awakening Show and It’s All Mirrors every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. PT. www.PerfectLifeAwakening.com