Triumph Over Adversity

“You have power over your mind – not outside events.? Realize this, and you will find strength.” ~Marcus Aurelius

Challenges, struggles, and adversity in varying degrees are part of mortal life, with or without our permission.?It is what we do when adversity arrives on our doorstep, that determines the experience of life that we will have.?

We may view social media and online news and begin to believe that celebrities, politicians, heads of state, wealthy entrepreneurs, and famous CEOs of large corporations,?lead a charmed, happy life all of the time.?It may honestly appear that is true.?Yet, what you are seeing is the handiwork of a seasoned publicist and not the reality of that public figure.?

Everyone, yes EVERYONE faces challenges, hard times, loss, and heartache to some degree, off and on throughout their lifetime. While it may seem that some do not suffer in the way that you have, no one makes it through their lifetime without trials.?While some face more challenges than others, no one is immune from suffering.?

What can you do when you are faced with adversity and suffering?

It is important to realize that you are not being singled out by the Universe to suffer and face hardship.?This realization will prevent you from seeing yourself as a helpless victim.? Sometimes horrible things happen to wonderful people and wonderful things happen to people who behave horribly.?That is the nature of mortal life.?

Know that while you have zero control over external circumstances that surround you, you have complete control over how you allow these events to effect your spiritual identity. ?

While we also cannot control every thought that shows up in the human mind, we can control the amount of attention we give to any one thought. By focusing on destructive thoughts, an even more destructive story will be created by the human mind in an effort to “fix” the problem. That is what the human brain does and it is very good at it. Letting the brain know that a particular thought is not all that important, allows it to move onto other thoughts and problems to solve.?

Ultimately, it is extremely important to realize that adversity will pass.?Just like the sun will rise every morning after a dark night, overwhelming days will not always be present in your life. While trials may last longer than you would like them to last, they will pass.?

The best you can do is to find the lesson in what you are experiencing. There is always a lesson to be learned from hardship and suffering. Remaining present and avoiding ruminating over the past or conjuring up awful future scenarios, will give you the strength, resilience, and creativity to move through hardship with the wisdom of the Universe to guide you from within. The Universe is the compass to guide you through all things.?

When you are not remaining in the present or receptive to inner guidance by dwelling on the past or future, your suffering will continue as you make decisions based on intellect, impulse, and anger.?Decisions made from a position of presence and calm, will direct you toward solutions that minimize your suffering.?

You are not what has happened to you. You are a spiritual being who is spending a little while in a mortal body.?Nothing earthly has the power to destroy who you really are. If you realize this deeply,?earthly hardships lose their power to destroy you or break your spirit.?

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Here is how I can support you, as you transform into the best version of yourself…

• Transformational Coaching/Mentoring?: If you at a point in your life where constant worry, anxious thoughts, sadness, or overwhelm are controlling your life and you really want?to become the best version of yourself,? schedule a call with me.?Message me directly here, or visit my website to learn more.?
• Get Chapter One of My Book: Reflections on Transcendence??is a mindfulness-based book of meditations and reflections,?featuring the artwork of renowned expressionist artist, the late Steve Lyons. Enjoy Chapter One .
• Subscribe to digital magazine:?Magnificent Metamorphosis Magazine features inspiring mindfulness-based articles that will support your transformation, available on your desktop web browser,?most tablets and phones. Each issue contains insights and impactful mindfulness-based content by a variety of global thought leaders and topics.?(In September, the magazine hosting platform will be changing. Stay tuned! )?