Coffee Talk

Written by: Marissa

I find simple sayings have a tendency to express profound honesty. In one example, I was having coffee with a friend discussing our past year. In hindsight, being 24 was difficult in its own beautiful way. As we analyzed 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 to experience the good.”  

Life is rich with extremes. In some circumstances, we have to experience the bad to appreciate the good. If we aren’t exposed to difficult obstacles, how can we gain steps towards self-improvement?

Other simple sayings have come to me at different times. I was contemplating something difficult during my most recent meditation. In this event, my issue was deeply personal. This event cultivated a wave of (what seemed to be) daily detriment. The daily, begrudging nature of pushing onward, scraping by, and forging forward resulted in personal exhaustion. Life was full of these daily difficulties. I would ask myself, “In moments of personal suffering, where is my light hiding?” 

The answer came with time, and it was this: Choose to take everything as a lesson.

I started taking these personal “extremes” as everyday lessons. I chose to become a seeker, to search within myself. I journaled my deepest thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I warmly welcomed them into my life without hesitation. I accepted them as my own temporary guests. I made myself a witness to the light hidden within. After many deep emotions, I reminded myself, “My light will always follow.” To me, it’s life’s simple rule of thumb. Little by little, the hidden light was beginning to show.

I noticed the ending of “extremes” forged new understanding. Once I was comfortable with new types of understanding, healing came in its natural form. Focusing on understanding created a comfortable environment for an open mind. An open mind is a beautiful tool for personal healing.

If you are facing unwaveringly difficult circumstances, be present with your extremes. Gently reminder yourself we only have this moment. Therefore, we should celebrate the difficult process of healing. Once you understand your difficulties, and welcome them, everything will seek your alignment. I have never known a personal light that failed to shine out of darkness. In the end, you will always shine in your own time. The key practice is personal patience.

Once the healing begins, the difficulties will dissipate. And when life decides to resurrects past circumstances, you will seek your flame of inner guidance. Let the light take its course.

©  Marissa Ranahan 2017 – all rights reserved. www.marissaranahan.com