I was recently speaking to someone about a major career change he went through many years ago. In hindsight, it has all worked out -- he's seeing great success and feeling a level of work satisfaction that was not there before. However, as we dug deeper into the story, he said it was a terrifying transition. It could have all been a huge mistake and there were so many ups and downs along the way. When he described the more than 50 percent pay cut and moving to a new city where he knew no one, I could feel the fear that was very real so long ago. "It made no sense what I was doing. But I just had to try to make it work."
We all make changes in life that bring resistance, hardships, and fear of the unknown. It's important to not resent the struggle and realize facing these challenges is the biggest catalyst to our own growth and furthering happiness.
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali says, "The mind can't function on the same level always -- it has its heights and depths. If there is going to be steady progress always, there is no challenge, no game in it." Swami Satchidananda further explains, "Obstacles are there to make us understand and express our own capacities. We all have that strength, but we don't seem to know it. We need to be challenged and tested in order to understand our own capacities. In fact, that is the natural law. If a river just flows easily, the water in the river does not express its power. But once you put an obstacle to the flow by constructing a dam, then you can see its strength in the form of tremendous electrical power."
So let's lean into the obstacles in life. Let's ignite change even though it can be really hard. There are things we are all struggling with in this very moment but, in hindsight, will realize they were put there for us to learn from and grow. I often envision all the unknowns in my life to be like confetti in the air, seemingly random and all over the place. But I know one day when I look back it will all look like connected dots... perfectly laid out just as they should be.
PRACTICE
Jump through those hoops. Find comfort in knowing obstacles are a natural part of our journey. Do not get swept up in the struggle; appreciate the challenge.
NEW VOCAB
Antarayah [Sanskrit]: Obstacles. Often set before us to be worked through, not avoided.
To the Amazing Race of life --
Chiyoko
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