The old saying "when it rains, it pours" seems ironically fitting for the past few weeks of my life. I've been knocked around by the Universe a lot more than I'd care to admit, and to be honest, I've had a hard time letting go. Of course, the logical part of me knows that these setbacks are only temporary, reminding myself that this too shall pass. However, the emotional side of me has had a hard time releasing and surrendering to the path before me. I've tried just about every meditation, pranayama, and visualization technique in my arsenal and hardly anything has worked to pull me out of my deep despair. Add to that a timely bout with spring allergies and a cough-induced back spasm, and I've been a mess...literally.
So what's worked?
We must remember during difficult times that we are only human and if we are doing the best we can at any given time, then we must have faith that all will work out in due time. We can get so caught up in the what-ifs and the how-comes, that we end up sprinting far beyond the present moment and in return cause ourselves undo anxiety and stress.
Sure, it's great to daydream, but when those thoughts become your worst nightmare, what are you doing to stop them?
First, you must acknowledge that which causes you fear. Allow yourself the space to experience your emotions while treating yourself with as much Self-love as possible.
Second, once you feel calm and grounded, make a plan of action. What are you going to do about this problem?
Next, set realistic goals and timelines around your objective so you can feel good about the progress you are making.
Finally, and this something I continually work on, don't be so hard on yourself. If things don't work out the way you planned, then you must understand it simply wasn't meant to be.
Remember, we all go through tough times, but it's what we take away from each experience that makes us who we are. Don't allow the fluctuations to take your further from your Self, instead, allow it to bring you closer to the divinity within.
Breathe, practice, and trust.