Sometimes, the number of difficulties we experience in our lives can be overwhelming. We may experience loss, illness, pain, setbacks, and more. Life can be challenging to live each day!
And then, when we turn to look out in the world, we see more pain. It can be difficult to bear, to see the suffering experienced by children, the poor, the vulnerable and even just everyday people.
In times like these, it’s easy to focus on all that’s wrong in the world and fall into despair. There is so much that we cannot change.
When you feel like this, take a moment to shift your focus.
This is a time to be kind and gentle with yourself. It’s a time to fill yourself with compassion and love. It’s a time to recall these inspiring words from author and teacher Clarissa Pinkola Estes, that are filled with strength, courage and hope,
“…the fact is - we were made for these times. Yes. For years, we have been learning, practicing, been in training for and just waiting to meet on this exact plain of engagement. I cannot tell you often enough that we are definitely the leaders we have been waiting for, and that we have been raised, since childhood, for this time precisely.”
She continues,
“…I would like to take your hands for a moment and assure you that you are built well for these times. Despite your stints of doubt, your frustrations in arighting all that needs change right now, or even feeling you have lost the map entirely, you are not without resource, you are not alone….… We have been in training for a dark time such as this, since the day we assented to come to Earth.”
And you’re not alone in this training. There are thousands of souls who have been in this training. They too have gathered their strength to withstand the dark storms and have moved forward in spite of them.
Clarissa Pinkola Estes shares this encouragement:
“Believe the evidence of any one of your past testings and trials. Here it is: Are you still standing? The answer is, Yes! (And no adverbs like “barely” are allowed here). If you are still standing, ragged flags or no, you are able. Thus, you have passed the bar. And even raised it.”
There are many great souls out there who are standing, battered and ragged maybe, but still standing. And when you meet them, they’ll offer you love and compassion. There you’ll find connection and community.
There your courage and strength will grow as you weather the storms together, help each other to stand and even move forward on your journey.
For we need each other, and the world needs us!
Interested in connecting with a community of spiritual creatives, check out the Good&Sharp Community in the Live Your Dreams FaceBook Group here.
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