12/10/2022
SOMETIMES IT'S THE ARTISTS' JOB TO MAKE THE BEST MUSIC WITH WHAT THEY HAVE LEFT....We are all 'playing life' with broken strings and yet from this place of discomfort or hurt, incredible sounds can emerge.
Over the past two years at times it has seemed like I have had everything I spent years creating taken from me by the tyranny of evil men. The reality is that in some senses this is true. I have had to sell businesses because of my medical choices and in some cases I have even lost some people who I thought were close allies. These businesses and people used to provide me with frequent acknowledgement of my worthiness and usefulness in this world. I experienced the discomfort of this for quite some time. Anger and sadness as well as confusion were with me often.
From the pain of not being acknowledged by certain people, I learned humility and courage and completely let go of the need for others to tell me that I am somehow worthy of being on this planet.
At times this pain seemed like it would never go away. I was losing patience. From this challenge I learned how to be patient. A jug fills drop by drop.
For months I had nothing to do and seemingly had no reason to get up in the morning. It appeared that none of my previous circles of friends, clients and acquaintances needed me any more. No more important appointments to show up for and no more dollars to earn.
I experienced the great pain of being still with my self in the lonely hours. The only other option was to be chaotic with my self.
At times I drank extra caffeine or ate sugary foods, or engaged in other behaviours to fill the uncomfortable moments when stillness was too hard. From this I learned how to be with myself and feel my pain fully.
At times I considered ending it all. From this I learned that I can withstand the most challenging of times and still stand firm by my highest values. I'll die before I am a slave or a puppet of tyranny. I also learned true empathy - how to sit with another person while they are experiencing great discomfort, even when I don’t understand why they are feeling the way they do. I can see them more easily because I have experienced what it is like to be hurting badly. My experience has shown me that life with broken strings can lead to an incredible symphony, providing I remember to listen and provided I remember that life is happening for me not to me.
I am a stronger, wiser, more loving person as a result of all of my challenges, and so are you, if you choose to not be a victim of them and dare to look deep into your Shadow.
We have 2 places left on our November Lighting the Shadow workshop. Only when you look at your darkness can you be with the darkness in others without judgement. And only then can you fully shine your light.
The photo was taken during a Men's Expedition into the Snowy Mountains. My good mate Ernie and I had the privilege of assisting our mutual friend Johannes Egberts to lead a large group of men through the wilderness and into their hearts. I recommend Johannes' and Ernies' work highly too.
To see my November event check out the website.
https://breathehealthretreats.com/product/lighting-the-shadow/
To ask me about any other events contact me through the website above.
