The Pathway Out of Suffering

Darkness is the heavy and cold state of inertia. It is dense, very dense. This state can exist in the physical, energetic, emotional, thought, and spiritual planes, or all. It is a part of nature. In the Northern Hemisphere as we enter the shortest day/longest night, we are at the peak of darkness. The past two years of Covid have been years of darkness as well.

All this darkness will pass; this is the cycle of life. We need only witness the turning of the day and the seasons to understand the rhythms of nature. We are a part of nature, not separate from it.

Dispelling Darkness

If we want to release the darkness, we must start making strides towards the light. Our patterns of behavior and thought are what keep us stuck in the darkness. We keep walking the paths of our past, seeing the same scenery, telling the same stories, and wondering why nothing changes. This is not a judgment, it is what happens, we all do it. Brain science tells us that the more we do a thing, the more it becomes entrenched in our neurology, leading us to repeat it. The more anxious we are, the more anxious we get.

The way out of this cycle is to bring in some new patterns – this is the light. When we start, it feels uncomfortable or weird. We find many reasons to not practice because we are going against the grain. The commitment to a new and better version of ourselves keep us going. These commitments are the lights in the darkness.

Light the Candle

Even the smallest light in a dark room changes everything. We begin to see details that were lost and warmth grows in the heart. When we light the candle of inspiration and hope, we create a roadmap to actualize the vision we have been dreaming up and longing for.

Let’s Get Practical

All that sounds great, right? But how do we put that into action? Self-acceptance and compassion. The only way to move forward from where you are is to accept where you are. If you want to go to the grocery store, you need to know where you are and the path to get there. You could just drive in a direction and hope that you come across one. It is much easier to get where you are going when you pull up a map.

Your map begins with being honest with yourself.

• What is happening right now?
• What is it that is causing you suffering right now?
• What are you trying to avoid?
• What has been left unsaid?
• What will your life be like if everything remains the same?

This can feel like wallowing and there will come a point where you just cannot hang with the self-reflection anymore. The point is not to wallow, instead it is to accept where you are. When you feel overwhelmed, use garuda mudrā.

Light the Candle

Now it is time to light the candle. This is the hope and inspiration that guides you out of the darkness. Believe it or not, you have many candles, waiting to be lit. Once you start a pattern of hope and inspiration, it becomes like all other patterns, it spreads.

• What is the energy state you would most like to experience?
• Where would you like to be in the world?
• Who would you like to surround yourself with?
• What would you like to be doing with your life?

Now, take one simple step in that direction.

This can be challenging on your own. I’ll be leading a version of this, a little more in depth, but with some yoga and breathing, on New Year’s Day. Join me for New Year New Vision and we will light some candles!

New Year New Vision -
New Year’s Day Retreat with Rose