Having experienced personal and professional loss in a relatively short period of time, the world as I had known it was turned upside down. The operation was moment to moment. Anything more would have been too much to ask.

I once read that the miracle of overcoming devastating adversity, more by grace than anything else, is that one somehow finally regains one’s center, most likely with an added dimension of wisdom and empathy for others. As they say, you can’t really understand another person unless you’ve “walked the walk.”

Whatever pain or despair you may be experiencing, imagine a calming presence and a gentle arm around you. This presence reminds you to be kind to yourself and go slow. From the expanded perspective of All That Is, the present moment is all that exists. Instead of resisting what has happened, let this moment be what it is, where it is.

When loss and related grievances enter your life, many old issues often surface. If you are feeling strong emotions, allow yourself to be with them. While they may feel like they are going to swallow you at times, they won’t. You are stronger than that. When you allow yourself to fully feel the emotions, they will subside and fade away. Slow, deep breathing will help move emotional energy through you. Doing this several times, or when you feel comfortable, will help calm him down.

Knowing that the Intelligence within you will guide you forward in the way that is right for you. This can be bringing the right person into your life to help you, messages that speak to you like this article, or something you notice in your daily life.

The nature of the universe is love and growth, therefore change. Circumstances have finally come to you for the purpose of your own evolution. While it can be very painful to experience the conditions that cause change, know that growth requires exchanging old ways of being for new ones.

When you can, ask yourself what you are learning from your experience. When you can begin to respond to this, you will be well on your way to overcoming current difficulties and obstacles.

Remember:

• Be kind and patient with yourself and go slowly.

• Do not resist what is happening

• Allow yourself to fully feel your emotions, whatever they are.

• Breathe

• Become aware of the ways in which you are being helped

• Be patient with your progress.

• Consider talking or listening with others in a support group.

• As time passes, reflect on the wisdom you have gained

As you analyze what is versus what was, know that one day it will naturally occur to you that you are reflecting on your past experience from the point of view of new wisdom and inner strength.

Copyright ©2011 Catherine Lenard/Catherine Lenard Unlimited. All rights reserved throughout the world.