There are no guarantees on the journey of self-discovery, and you know what? Our ego hates this.
As I talked about last week with my experience at the retreat, we may have a game plan, but the universe has a game plan too.
Ultimately, we are not in control. We can make choices along the way that impact our journey, but things are constantly changing.
There are highs and lows, some detours that hold us up, and sometimes it feels like smooth sailing.
As you know, the retreat didn't go as I had planned. The universe had a plan that was much better than mine. I feel deeply touched by what unfolded and how I feel a deeper connection to my true essence.
Everything was perfectly orchestrated for my soul's evolution, and it was not something I could've planned for.
Without a doubt, it can feel uncomfortable when we enter unchartered territory.
The part of us that needs to know and doesn't trust in the process is the ego. It is not designed to be present. It wants to be anywhere but in the present.
We will meet resistance on our journey repeatedly, but the question is, how do we show up?
When we let go of trying to change things – change happens.
The ego will try to tell us we need to catch up or be better.
It will compare our journey to other people's journeys (it loves to compare!) and leave us feeling deflated, panicked, or stuck.
It will tell us we aren't getting anywhere. It can seem like other people are much happier, so we must remind ourselves that we are on our unique journey.
It takes a lot of trust to stay on the path when we don't know all the details. Trust in ourselves and the universe.
"That is grace, the willingness to trust the unknown."
~Adyashanti
How do we foster trust?
For me, it is my daily commitment. It is consistency and showing up. Like any skill we develop – it takes practice, and we get stronger over time. We develop resiliency.
I know firsthand this is true because when I first started to meditate, I could barely sit still. My mind went a mile a minute, and my trust waivered constantly.
But the key is to keep coming back. When we veer off course, we return home to ourselves and our practice.
I meditate every morning. This supports me. It connects me to my essence and my inner resiliency. This grounds me in my day. It cultivates trust.
As I go about my day, I sense my body. I am staying connected to my body. I am observing my thoughts and feelings. I am practicing being present as I go about my daily tasks.
Also, I choose to do it with others. I stay connected with my peers with my sangha. We share and support each other on our journey. It's beautiful.
I also have support from teachers who make the journey a lot smoother. They are clear and help to guide me to my truth.
They don't tell me my truth; they guide me. I have my own direct experience.
This is our life practice. These things build trust.
Our soul longs to know itself, and it is up to us to stop and listen, to lead with compassion and kindness.
The journey is not about a future moment.
The journey is about being here in the now. This is it.
So where do you find yourself right now? If you find yourself wanting guidance, please reach out and connect with me. I'd love to support you.
With loving kindness,
Diane