Hold On, Breathe Deep, Have Faith

The weather outside seems to be offering an uncanny reflection of what I am witnessing going on within so many people, myself included. I am reminded of the quote by the Greek poet Hermessianex, “As within, so without.” One minute we are basking in the beauty of a late summer day, cloudless sky, warm sun and gentle breezes. Then suddenly and without warning we are thrust rudely into the cool nights of Fall scrambling to bundle up against the sudden chill, wondering what happened to the last lazy, hazy days of summer. Then we find ourselves assaulted by fierce winds and torrential rain, bringing down trees and power lines, leaving us to clean up the debris, perhaps without our usual comforts until the power comes back on. Then, just as quickly, we are returned to the blazing heat of summer, adjusting our clothing and level of activity to fit this last hurrah of summer. We are kept off balance and perhaps feeling out of control as the weather dictates our moods and our responses.
In both my personal life and my professional life I am encountering more and more people whose daily lives are feeling out of balance and out of their control, dictated by the changes in their external environment. Friends, family and clients alike are experiencing relationship struggles, job loss, health issues, family concerns, financial difficulties and deep personal dissatisfaction. It seems more and more difficult to maintain our emotional equilibrium and positive outlook in the midst of all of these challenges. Our mood can change as quickly as the weather, calm and peaceful one minute, followed by violent storms where everything is churned up and then periods of low energy that feel like slogging through quicksand.
So, how can we maintain a measure of balance, a sense of optimism and an attitude of gratitude in the midst of the storms that are raging within and without? Speaking only for myself, I first have to return to the belief that everything happens for a reason and is always in my greatest and highest good, despite the apparent evidence to the contrary. I rely on all of the spiritual knowledge and tools that I have at my disposal to help release and shift the negative energy I may be experiencing in the moment. I ask for guidance to understand the lessons that my Soul has asked to learn through this particular set of circumstances. I ask for insight into any limiting beliefs that I may have that are creating this current reality. I meditate, get out in nature, exercise, write, talk to a friend, practice EFT; there’s always a way to shift the energy and regain a sense of equilibrium. And I remind myself again that this is all in my highest good, that I cannot see the big picture, that I am guided, guarded and protected and that what I want for me is also what The Universe wants for me.
Just as the violent weather clears out old debris and makes room for something new, the changes in my internal weather patterns do the same. I am allowing that which no longer serves me to come to the surface to be released. I simply need to hold on, breathe, have faith and be open the opportunity for growth and renewal in the storm. I know that in order to be filled with light and love I need to be emptied of all that which is the opposite. So, in the midst of the storm, I express gratitude for the cleansing and clearing, trusting that I will emerge stronger, lighter and more deeply connected to Spirit.
I hold you all in light and love as you weather your own personal storms. Namaste.