Walking the path is often a slow process. Deliberate footsteps following well thought out decisions. Answering the call to walk your path can be a meditative and rewarding choice. But sometimes, whether it is expected or not, we arrive at a canyon or bridge, whatever metaphor you want to use to describe a time of upheaval. Rapid change that we cannot keep our normal pace when facing.
Personally I hate these periods in life. Where change is inevitable, we must make transitions or choices whether we like it or not. It requires growth and maturity. It requires faith in your ability to handle these challenges. It requires support from family both blood and chosen. A Spiritual faith can also help shoulder the burdens of change.
Here is the thing. We can’t choose when this happens. Just as we can’t choose how others behave and make choices that affect us. All we can do is prepare. We must cultivate in us the emotional space to absorb stress and hardship without allowing it to explode and change how we treat ourselves or how we treat others. There will be time after the period of upheaval to do the delicate work of understanding and integrating the emotions these times can bring. This is why we take such deliberate care to walk our paths well during times of relative calm.
But once the tipping point is reached there is no going back. No matter how much planning we do, no matter if we saw the obstacles on our path in the distance, eventually the moment of action arrives. When those moments come in our lives we will make mistakes. But if we have done the work to prepare our hearts and minds for these times they become less disruptive to ourselves, and others.
So if I were to offer unsolicited advice when it comes to your own lives, your own paths, take time when you can to ask yourself if you are ready for a big change. If you take the time to prepare yourself, to care for yourself, before these seen and unseen challenges arise you will be better able to weather the storm.
I am experiencing one of these moments right now, something that has been on the horizon for months has arrived. Today is the day. I hope I have done the work to be ready for this challenge, this change. Even if I am not it is happening. There will be time to unpack these feelings later. Today I must act. I invite you to ask yourself where you may need to act. How could you better prepare for upheaval when it arrives unannounced?
Regardless know you don’t walk alone. We are all pilgrims on the path, and at the Wayfarers Hearth you can find support even if it seems in short supply elsewhere. The Sage is always here ready to listen, and if you want, advise.
Walk well friend in hard times and good. So mote it be.
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