Finding Meaning with Every Twist and Turn

Life is an intricate tapestry woven with a myriad of experiences, ranging from joyous moments to challenging setbacks. It is often said that everything is meant to be, guided by the universal principle of Karma, or the Law of Cause and Effect. This principle suggests that our actions and thoughts have consequences, shaping the course of our lives. In this article, I will be exploring the profound concept of Karma and delving into how even the pains and challenges we encounter can serve as transformative signposts, guiding us towards self-reflection and personal growth.

The Significance of Contrast

In the grand design of existence, contrast plays a crucial role. Without the experience of setbacks, we would lack the necessary perspective to appreciate moments of triumph and fulfilment. Our struggles and failures can serve as powerful catalysts for inner exploration, propelling us to look within and understand why we encounter resistance or adversity. As metaphysical writer Neville Goddard once said, "The foundation of reality is the Law of Assumption. The outer world is nothing more than a reflection of the inner world."

Some of you might have noticed that my LinkedIn Account was hacked or blocked for nearly 2 weeks, not sure what led to what or whether it was LinkedIn itself getting more strict. I was frustrated of course because I was worried that the last 1.5 years of building my profile on this platform could easily be lost. For me that was a wake-up call. It taught me to:

1) Make sure all my content is backed up on a platform that belongs to me and not someone else.

2) Consider using social media to make my connections, but then find a way to engage and nurture them on a platform where I have more control and ownership, e.g. email.

3) Slow down - the tortoise can just as easily win the race; plus intense activity can very quickly lead to burnout or "trying too hard" to achieve or prove something, which obstructs the receiving nature, grace and flow of Spirit energy.

And so this leads me to my next point...

Embracing Self-Reflection

Challenges, whether physical, emotional, or mental, often force us to pause and reassess our lives. They compel us to dig deeper, examine our beliefs, and identify any patterns or behaviours that may be hindering our progress. Dr Joe Dispenza, a renowned expert in the mind-body connection, emphasises the importance of self-reflection, stating, "Change requires you to be greater than your environment." By submersing ourselves into the depths of our being, we gain valuable insights that empower us to make conscious choices and create positive change.

Life is a perpetual journey of self-reflection and self-revelation. We are constantly being reminded by contrast and challenge to let go of limitations and interpretations that do not align with the higher, spiritual plane. Limitations and false interpretations (judgements, blame, criticism) reside only in the ego - the ego is a natural human mechanism: when we are self-aware it can serve to train and teach us what needs healing and letting go of. Thus, revealing the true self is all about understanding what's blocking access to our divine nature and learning to let go of what needs to be let go of.

Compassion and Authenticity

The journey of self-discovery through contrast fosters compassion, not only for ourselves but also for others. When we acknowledge, understand and are sympathetic to our own struggles, we develop empathy and a genuine desire to support those facing similar challenges. As psychologist Carl Rogers stated,

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

Embracing our imperfections and vulnerabilities allows us to cultivate authenticity and become a source of inspiration for others on their own path of growth. So that is why in my recent posts on social media (LinkedIn and in my Facebook group Path to Abundance), I've learnt to become more open, vulnerable and expressive of my challenges. Because no one wants a coach to be super pristine and perfect (not that there is such a thing anyway). Coaches have to have trod a similar path to the people they wish to serve: they have to be able to show empathy and provide encouragement to overcome their clients' "inner demons", to move from constrictive fear to expansive love. Many of my clients are beset by doubt and hesitation - but these are just forms of fear and are totally illusory. When we realise how powerful and creative we truly are (and that's what I show them and reflect back to them) then we connect to love: love breeds confidence and courage. We can take on the world and are unstoppable!

The Mind-Body Connection

Numerous scientific studies have shed light on the profound connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being. Dr. Bruce Lipton, a renowned cell biologist, affirms,

"The moment you change your perception is the moment you rewrite the chemistry of your body."

Understanding this mind-body connection empowers us to recognise the impact our thoughts and beliefs have on our overall health and happiness. By consciously choosing positive perspectives and nurturing self-care practices, we can harmonise our inner and outer worlds.

As an holistic therapist and Energy Alignment Method mentor, I fully understand this concept. I listen to and observe my therapy clients as they express their physical pains and I encourage them to notice how they're feeling when they try to identify their pains. Most pain has an emotional source based on fear thinking. I try to teach them to observe what's going on in their lives and how that might be impacting their physical body. It's not an easy path, because we never want to blame ourselves: we want to blame circumstance, the environment or other people. But revealing that we have a choice to respond in love (especially in the relationship with ourselves and with others) rather than react in fear is most empowering and can pave the path to easing the pain and reducing its hold on our body.

Cultivating Self-Care and Self-Love

Contrast invites us to honour our bodies and prioritise self-care. It serves as a gentle reminder that we deserve love, kindness, and nurturing. By embracing self-love, we establish a foundation of compassion from which we can extend care to others. As the poet Rumi beautifully articulated,

"Love yourself completely, return to the root of your own soul."

Embracing self-care practices, such as meditation, mindfulness, and physical exercise, helps restore balance and aligns us with our authentic selves.

This is something I keep reminding myself to practise. I have a daily breathing exercise (which incorporates the SKY - Sudarshan Kriya Yoga - technique and a body scan, which I learnt recently on a Breath to Health workshop with Thriving Communities). In addition I meditate daily (and have been doing so since 2018, when someone recommended the practice to me and the app InsightTimer).

Interestingly, I notice my mood slumps when I haven't been walking out in nature for a few days. So this is a chance to get back on that horse and practise what I preach. And one of the reasons why I joined Thriving Communities as a director and lead project facilitator is to get outdoors in nature more often and encourage and empower others to do so too.

Conclusion

In the intricate dance of life, every experience, both pleasant and challenging, serves a purpose. The principle of Karma teaches us that everything is meant to be, guiding us towards self-reflection, compassion, and personal growth. As we navigate through life's contrast, we learn to honour our bodies, cultivate self-care and self-love, and become beacons of inspiration for others. Let us embrace the lessons embedded in our challenges and celebrate them as opportunities to transform and elevate.