In the tapestry of life, challenges are woven seamlessly, along with moments of joy and accomplishment.
Many people in my life are facing challenges these days, making them seem more pronounced. Climate shifts have disrupted lives, health uncertainties cast shadows, isolation creates pain and loneliness, and economic shifts are reshaping livelihoods. Even seemingly positive changes bring challenges, like embracing a new academic journey or relocating to an unfamiliar area, which can hold its own set of trials. Of course, life offers big and small challenges each day. We know it is a part of living and a natural part of our journey.
How do we find the sustenance to nourish ourselves and uplift others, creating a ripple effect of positive transformation?
We each have habitual patterns that impact how we react to challenges. Some of these patterns, including worrying, reacting, and procrastinating, may have supported us earlier and may not serve us now. Noticing and being aware of our propensity to react can help us and give us the courage to make new choices.
A simple practice that supports me is to check in with myself often to recognize the state of my inner landscape. During moments of stress, I pause to discern the narrative I am weaving around a given moment. What are my thoughts–how am I making sense of a situation? What are my sensations and emotions? Do I feel tight in my chest, notice my heart racing, and am I concerned and contracted?
I often ask myself, “Are you Open?” This pivotal question resonates deeply and is a powerful touchstone that probes my willingness to embrace the unfolding moment, whatever it may hold. It reminds me of my commitment to take a stance of receptivity and openness. Through practice, I’ve come to understand that openness doesn’t mean the absence of challenges or discomfort. It’s an invitation to approach moments with an open heart and a spirit willing to learn and evolve.
When I recognize that I am contracted and closed, I can be with this experience. While I often feel like diverting myself with busyness, focusing on someone else, or eating something, I know it serves me to be with the sensations and emotions. When we are kind to ourselves, name our feelings, and empathize, we can often allow the emotions to move through us. Then we can shift into being open and see more possibilities and choices.
The simple habit of asking, “Are you Open?” has changed how I react. I know that even when I am feeling stressed or numbing myself, I can return to a balanced inner state. From this Open Stance, I feel more capable of responding to my challenges and those of others.
Cultivating this resilience and openness benefits us and radiates outwards, offering a gift of presence and support to those around us. As the tides of challenge ebb and flow, we find ourselves better equipped to navigate the currents, to uplift ourselves, and, in doing so, to extend a hand of strength to inspire others.
When we build our capacity, we can support others and make a difference during these times. What helps you to navigate challenges these days?