Two weeks ago I woke up in, what seemed, a depression. My coffee tasted bland, the sky was gray, nothing appealed to me and even \u201cgetting things done\u201d offered no solace at all. It had always worked before. But on this day, nothing was \u201cworking\u201d: I felt empty and hollow, numb to the world and frightened. What was wrong? I asked myself over and over\u2026<\/p>\n
As I look back on that day, I have learned a great deal. The following five life lessons are my \u201ctake-away\u201d from what I experienced:<\/p>\n
One: stay with it. Trust your feelings and allow this \u201cvisitor\u201d room. Don\u2019t distract or cover up what is occurring with busyness.<\/p>\n
Two: Rather than ask \u201cwhy\u201d ask \u201cwhat am I to learn?\u201d Be curious\u2026invite exploration. Open to the possibility of this experience of grayness being a precious gift.<\/p>\n
Three: Find gratitude. Even if it feels a bit difficult, dwell in gratitude for what could be a life lesson\u2026something priceless.<\/p>\n
Four: Trust that life brings us what we need (whether we realize our need or not). Trust that everything is an opportunity for learning and growth.<\/p>\n
Five: Have faith. Believe that dark moments or days open to more light and life. We only have to stay on our path. And sometimes we must experience the darkness to find joy in the light.<\/p>\n
For me, I have learned that I needed to be \u201chollowed out\u201d for a new way to have room in my life. The coping strategy of \u201cgetting things done\u201d needed to step back\u2026needed to allow more room for something new. I am still at \u2018work\u2019 on embracing a new way of being in the world: a way that is more engaged and connected\u2026more meaningful. As best, I welcome all of my experiences.<\/p>\n
This poem from Clarissa Pinkola Estes spoke to me and softened my heart. As I read her words, I felt grateful. I am sharing it with you in hopes that it touches your heart as well.<\/p>\n
A Prayer<\/p>\n
Refuse to fall down
\nIf you cannot refuse to fall down,
\nrefuse to stay down.
\nIf you cannot refuse to stay down,
\nlift your heart toward heaven,
\nand like a hungry beggar,
\nask that it be filled.
\nYou may be pushed down.
\nYou may be kept from rising.
\nBut no one can keep you from lifting your heart
\ntoward heaven
\nonly you.
\nIt is in the middle of misery
\nthat so much becomes clear.
\nThe one who says nothing good
\ncame of this,
\nis not yet listening.\u201d<\/p>\n\u2015Clarissa Pinkola Est\u00e9s, The Faithful Gardener: A Wise Tale About That Which Can Never Die<\/small><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
And now it\u2019s your turn: Are you feeling or have you felt an opening…an empty or dull feeling that could be an announcement of the possibility of a better way? A happier and more joyful way? Would you be willing to share your experience? Please feel free to comment!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Two weeks ago I woke up in, what seemed, a depression. My coffee tasted bland, the sky was gray, nothing appealed to me and even \u201cgetting things done\u201d offered no solace at all. It had always worked before. But on this day, nothing was \u201cworking\u201d: I felt empty and hollow, numb to the world and frightened. What was wrong? I asked myself over and over\u2026<\/p>\n