
Photo Courtesy of Lori Fortang taking a beautiful photo of her beloved Ren crossing the bridge.
The world is feeling a little dark lately.
Am I unique in this journey? Nope. . .I am really not. I am surrounded by friends that are grappling in very similar ways; they are actively engaging as seekers who simply want to make the world a better place.
In fact a couple of days ago, I asked my friends via Facebook, “Does anyone else feel like they are ‘on a narrow bridge’?” Twenty-eight people responded with the emoticons (like, love, sad) and about thirteen people had more to say. The good news and the bad news is that I have now confirmed that I am not alone.
With every fiber of my being I struggle with the harsh realities that continue to permeate our world, the world of those I love, and even my own personal life. Devastation and destruction can be found everywhere. The world’s climate is struggling at every turn. And people I love are in their own depths of despair. Life is hard.
Here is a taste of what is filling my soul:
- Our political climate is a disaster.
- How could our Trump have been elected to be our next President?
- Finances are tight, but we are navigating.
- How could prejudice and hatred have so much momentum?
- The Middle East is a disaster and Africa isn’t much better.
- The Standing Rock Protests in North Dakota Pipeline are breaking my heart. I want to stand with our brothers and sisters. I want to physically support them with my presence.
- Sometimes I can’t make a difference in the lives of those I love.
- I am struggling to stay connected with all of life’s moving parts.
- I could use help cleaning my house.
When I allow the painful rhythm of the world to carry my spirit, I can find myself lost with a sense of unrelenting helplessness. The beauty is that the moments don’t last, but they seem to be surfacing a little too often these days.
This rawness can easily control my spirit if I allow it to.What I have learned over time is that I have to allow the deep sadness to visit, but I also have to do the work to mitigate it. So that is what I am doing by:
- Surrounding myself with people that nurture my spirit and share my core values.
- Letting go of “anything or anyone that that does not bring you alive.” David Whyte
- Embracing the many truths that are part of my life and becoming transparent with each step.
- Eating better and doing more self care. over a month with nearly no sugar!!! 🙂
- Standing up for what I believe in!
- Donating money to causes that move my soul – not a lot, but what I can.
- Painting and writing, journaling and doodling
With every step, I am actively engaged in the journey of life. Living life fully is not optional; there is too much work to be done. Still some days, I have to listen to the quiet voice that is talking to me and allow for myself to hear the messages of my soul.
Traveling the very narrow bridge means I am moving forward. . . and wow how beautiful is it that I am not alone!
Onward towards the light,
Chava