Many people consider the joy they find in the path, but if in distress they believe themselves to be off of the path. In fact our spiritual life moves in peace or in distress, in joy or in the “dark night of the soul.” Distress is in fact an opportunity.
When we are distressed there is a reason, but we are taught that to be distressed is a failure. I would say that to deny distress is in its own way a failure. We do not create distress. When there is inner conflict (especially when this conflict is deep seated) distress is much like physical pain. When we are in pain it’s a sign that something is wrong. It can move us to take care of something. Distress can be a sign of a deep seated issue. People often aren’t even aware of the actual source of the distress, which makes it all the more valuable.
What about things that can’t be taken care of? Then it makes us turn inward, because in fact you might not be able to change a circumstance, but you can always grow in knowledge of self. And by that, eventually be able to transcend whatever distressing circumstance once held you. So in distress you are also in awareness, or can be. There is always the option to meditate, which is really just stopping and being how you are and allowing yourself to truly experience that. Often sharing distress is also an important step toward healing.
We often resist change, but when we resist change it is resisting principles bigger than ourselves. The resulting distress is inevitable.
Your thoughts are welcome. Be well friends.
Travis Saunders
Dragon Intuitive
~science,mysticism,spirituality~