Every phrase is open to interpretation. Personally, I find simple sayings have a tendency to dictate profound honesty. For example, I was having coffee with a friend discussing our past year. In hindsight, twenty-four was both difficult in its own beautiful form. Throughout analyzing our challenges, we got into discussing the process of overcoming obstacles. My friend described her experiences using this phrase:
“You know… I’ve found that life sometimes needs to get worse for someone to experience the good.”
It’s true — life is rich with extremes. In various situations, we have to experience the bad to appreciate the good. If we weren’t exposed difficult obstacles, how would we gain steps towards self-improvement?
Afterward, I was contemplating something difficult during a recent meditation. This moment cultivated a wave of (what seemed to be) daily detriment. The daily begrudging of pushing forward, scraping by, and moving on resulted in personal exhaustion. I asked; “In moments of personal suffering, where is my light hiding?” I chose to become a seeker to search deep within myself.
The answer came with time: Choose to take everything as a lesson.
I started taking these personal “extremes” as everyday lessons. I journaled my deepest thoughts, feelings, and hurdling emotions. I warmly welcomed them into my life without hesitation. I accepted them as my own temporary guests. Most importantly, I MADE myself a witness to the light found within. After many emotions, I reminded myself; “My light will always follow. To me, it’s one of life’s simple rules.
Little by little, the hidden light was beginning to show.
I noticed the ending of these extremities forged a new understanding. Once I was comfortable with these new outlooks, healing came naturally. Focusing on my inner understanding created a comfortable environment for an open mind — and an open mind is a beautiful tool for personal healing.
If you are facing unwaveringly difficult circumstances, be present with your extremes. Gently remind yourself that you only have this moment. Therefore, you should celebrate the difficult process of healing. Once you understand your difficulties and welcome them, everything will become aligned. I have never known a personal light that failed to shine after the darkness. In the end, you will always shine in your own time.
The key here is to practice personal patience.
Once the healing begins, the difficulties will dissipate. And when life decides to resurrect past circumstances, you can (and will) seek your flame of inner guidance. Let the light take its course; in the moment of better or worse.