Last week, I heard from a friend who is processing the loss of one of her students to suicide. The student was a leader in her class, a bright light who was looked up to by his peers. The class was shaken by the loss, and my friend expressed concern for the welfare of her students, some who are going through challenging times.
Speaking to her reminded me of my own earlier dark days in years past when life seemed too much to bear. It also reminded me of some of my clients’ and friends' struggles through grief, loss, depression, severe disappointments, and other painful challenges during which some of them have questioned their capacity and will to get through those times.
Times of seemingly unbearable anguish test us to the limit. They used to terrify me because I did not have the resources or tools to understand or navigate them without them taking such an emotional toll. In my path to healing myself and supporting others in their healing, I have come to view these challenging times as initiations into higher states of being, understanding and living…into higher states of consciousness in which we become better, wiser, stronger versions of ourselves.
We are all here on this physical plane to learn, grow, and acquire greater spiritual strength and wisdom. Everything we face in our lives is part of our education…personalized to test us and give us exactly the insights and abilities we need to continue on our journey to greater and greater heights of freedom and enlightenment.
The reason I think such times are so painful is that moving through them strips away layers of beliefs, patterns, energies and attachments that no longer serve us and are not in harmony with our spirit. The stripping away can be very painful, especially when we don’t understand what is happening and because it is difficult to remember who we truly are at these times of challenge.
We are all children of the Great Spirit, created out of love and light. We are, in essence, Spirit, and nothing that happens on this earthly plane can mar the beauty and perfection of our inner radiance and light. It can be blocked for a time, and we can feel very isolated, disconnected, and without hope. But as we gain more and more strength through the various trials and tribulations we move through, our light becomes more and more visible and we feel more and more free as the things that block it fall away.
Because we are children of the Great Spirit, we are loved unconditionally and we have power and potential in us that we cannot even begin to imagine. I remember watching the sunset one day and having one of those moments when a truth suddenly comes into your consciousness. Because of my personal challenges with self-worth, I used to be afraid to really ask Spirit for what I wanted and the support I needed. Often, I was afraid to even admit or acknowledge it to myself.
But that day, I realized that the same being who created the vast ocean, the incredible sun, the beautiful earth with all its inhabitants, and all of existence also created me. I realized that I am a part of this vast incredible beauty and mystery. And that there is nothing I can dream up, wish for, ask for, or imagine that would be too much for Spirit to provide. It was a simultaneously empowering, humbling and liberating realization.
From that moment on, I have felt a much greater freedom and willingness to ask for and receive the support, assistance and guidance I want/need. When I face struggles now, I reach out for support from Spirit and my allies, friends and loved ones here and in the spiritual realms, trusted teachers and healers, and resources of all kinds. I know now that I will move through the storm and enjoy even brighter and more beautiful days than I had previously experienced. And I know I will feel more healed, inspired and empowered on the other side.
There is nothing we can ask of Spirit that is too big or too much of an ask. If you have a longing in your heart, go after it and ask Spirit and the Universe to help you realize it. If you are going though a challenging time, ask Spirit to send you the resources and support that will help you come out of it. Know that you are never alone. There is an infinite multitude of beings ready and eager to support you…some in physical form and many more in the spiritual realms. But in order to receive the relief and support you need, you must open your heart and ask for it.