The Awakening

Have you ever woken up wondering what the hell is going on with your life? Lots of people do. It happens to all of us at some point in our lives, and often multiple times. Joseph Campbell assured us of this uncertainty, saying, "If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone else's."

Between everyday life responsibilities and the daily upkeep of simply living life, it can seem like we don't have the time or space to examine the direction of our life -- that is, until we are forced to. We may be going about our business when suddenly we are struck with misfortune. We lose our job. Someone close to us gets sick or passes. We are faced with some kind of major loss that is often unexpected. Our lives aren't the same and now we are faced with making new choices. What can we do when life changes suddenly, or when we know it's time to change?

There are plenty of phrases for these occurrences in our lives. Call it mid-life crisis, a personal breakdown or a spiritual awakening.

I believe major life changes are invitations to grow. They are times that require us to move beyond what we know, into the unknown, and to expand who we are. It makes us go deeper, wondering, "Who am I? What is my true purpose?"

During these times, we may be at a total loss as to what to do next. Life is uncertain. It can be uncomfortable, but it's not necessarily a bad place to be. Of course our ego likes to "know" everything and be in control. But when we realize this isn't true, we might find ourselves back at square one. When we're at a crossroads, transitioning into a new phase of our life, it's important to be totally honest with yourself, feel your true feelings, and let yourself unwind and let go. Life changes are a time of healing and self-introspection. Gaining perspective is key. It often makes the difference between resisting or accepting the new changes that are happening in your life.

Life changes as we change. It's a natural part of life. Accepting these inevitable changes are instrumental to our personal health and happiness. Making new decisions can be challenging. We tend to fear whether or not we are making the "right" decision, as if the decision we make would spell the end of our life and career. However, it is less about the result of our decision than it is the quality of presence and care we take for ourselves through the process. Learn to nurture yourself through life changes. Forgive yourself and anyone else for what's happened. Let self-love be your guiding principle. Ask yourself, "If I really loved myself, would I choose this? Is this what I truly want?"

By Meditation Coach Sura