This is a difficult time—and just as our ancestors have experienced famine, war and disease, and other traumas, this is our ordeal, that we are experiencing together.
I don't talk much about coronavirus. There's so much chat and speculation—what I know is that people and families are struggling, to say the least.
The hero’s journey
Just as in every classic hero's journey, in mythology, and films and stories, this is our ordeal. Our road of trials.
And, just like in our films, movies and stories, our lives also take an arc. They have chapters and themes that run through our life.
These themes, ordeals and challenges—they can be hard. This is part of the human experience. It comes with being a human.
It is these ordeals and challenges that expand us into a better version of ourselves, that help us evolve into a better species—it changes our biology.
However, these challenges can also be traumatic. They can bring on anxiety or other mental illnesses. Sometimes our challenges in life can be overwhelming, and inhibit us from moving forward.
At times like these we may benefit from leaning on others.
Around 65% of people who are experiencing mental illness do not reach out for help. And the longer we leave it, the harder it can be to move back into health and wellness.
Fortunately, today the topic of mental health is starting to become as ‘normal’ as physical health.
Resistance and your authentic state
Ok. Now, let's talk about Resistance.
Resistance is a force that tends to oppose things, we often resist our own growth and change, because then we are moving toward the unknown, like character entering darkness, metaphorically or literally.
Fear has served us for centuries, but life has changed. And our brains are a little slow in adapting to our environment.
But what we know is when it comes to doing the right thing, we need to feel the fear and do it anyway. To walk into the unknown.
We may need to have the courage to know that we may have to leave old ways, habits, and sometimes people behind for our greater good. We might have to say goodbye to a part of us we love or enjoy, but isn't good for us.
The reality is, the reason why we love these hero stories, is that they resonant with us
Hero stories touch a part of us from deep within our psyche.
And I believe the truth is: We all are supposed to be our own superhero.
How? Well just as the protagonist in a film, you have more tools, knowledge and support around you than you realise.
The first step is to accept the challenge, to start the journey.
The helpful key to start the journey is to listen to your inner voice, your conscience, and observe yourself.
What is the recurring problem or resistance that you face?
Is it a need for strength, restraint, to reach out, to be more loving or kind, to find simplicity or purpose? To be more disciplined?
Is it to honour your commitments? To honour yourself? Your partner? Your body's yearning for better health?
Don’t worry. The idea is to lean into your greatest self, take small steps.
Challenges are hard. This is why sometimes we resist them. And why sometimes it is a good ideas to reach out for a little support to get through that chapter.
The superhero, YOU, always have help available. This can be through a tool, a person, or knowledge. Support is here for you.
My current challenge is to step up, and show you, and the world, my face, my thoughts, my work, my skills. And that pushes my boundaries. But I'm prepared to do it, because the end goal, or my mission, to help people and businesses to thrive, is important.
So, it’s about priorities right? It's about stopping putting things off. Stop making excuses. And to just do it.
Let’s learn from those who have lived… and regretted not living
In an article by The Guardian in 2012 an Australian nurse who worked in palliative care `questioned the elderly about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, she said that "common themes surfaced again and again."
Number one was “I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me”.
Who can relate to that? Are you listening to your true calling? Are you listening to your inner voice?
The second most common regret was, “I wish I hadn't worked so hard.” That's about priorities and mindset right? How are your priorities? Money making Mindset? Are you working harder or smarter?
The third most common regret was, “I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.”
This is a little sad. Our culture doesn't seem to value expression of feeling -- many of us aren't taught (through role modelling or otherwise) how to express, or talk about or even feel our feelings.
The work I do at Authentic State helps people to express their feelings. And to heal their emotions. And I help people find the courage to live a life true to themselves.
What is your current challenge?
Now, my question for you is: What is your current personal theme OR challenge in your life?
What is the knowing or feeling inside you telling you that you are resisting?
How can you honour your inner knowing, and step up to a greater version of yourself?
Could you use a little help moving forward?
Remember, I'm here to support people like you to cross through challenging times. I have a bag of healing and coaching tools I can share with you.
Reference: The Guardian. 2012. Top Five Regrets Of The Dying. [online] Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/feb/01/top-five-regrets-of-the-dying> [Accessed 25 October 2020].
Images: Hassan OUAJBIR and Brett Jordan