Following Your Own Heart

Sometimes it feels like we are walking in glue. I am not talking about mobility issues; rather I am talking about an emotional heaviness and uncertainty that comes upon us from time to time. When we feel stuck we are, most likely, identifying with limitations, with what we don't have or what we think we are lacking. We get stuck in a variety of ways:  in resentful feelings and hurtful feelings; in thoughts and beliefs that make us sad and feel bad; in old worn-out attitudes; we get stuck in fear. 

Life has its own agenda despite whatever we think, believe or plan for. Sometimes the perceived 'tragedy' is the pathway to spiritual evolution and transformation. The misfortune, the accident, the divorce, the unexpected move, the loss, the separation, the illness, and the sudden change in circumstances can all be motivating factors that open the door to something marvelously new that we never considered before. Life’s lessons aren't always easy. Sometimes we wonder, "Why is this happening to me? Is there anybody up there?"       

Psychiatrist C.G. Jung wrote, “Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart…. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks within, awakes.”

I remember reading a wonderful story about a father who bought his son a white horse and all the neighbors marveled at its beauty. They told the father how lucky the young lad was to own such a regal animal. One day when the boy was riding he fell off and broke his leg. It was a very serious break and the boy was bedridden for many months. The neighbors told the father it was a tragedy that he broke his leg. If the boy hadn't owned the horse, they said, the accident would never have happened. Then, a war broke out and all the able-bodied young men were summoned to fight. Now the neighbors told the injured boy's father what good fortune it was that his son broke his leg, since he would be spared going to war and potentially being killed. Following the boy's recovery his horse ran away and the boy became very sad. The neighbors told the father what a tragedy it was that the horse the young man loved so dearly ran away. All through these months the father taught his son to never regard these changes as being tragic but to view them as the way of life. He taught his son to always know in his heart that everything would work out for the best and to fully believe in the sacredness and bounty of life. And one day the white horse returned but not alone. A dozen majestic horses had joined her and now the boy had more amazing horses than he ever dreamed of before. And the neighbors rejoiced once again.

When you feel stuck or you feel like you’ve been knocked down for the count, look into your heart and let it speak to you. Apple founder, Steve Jobs wrote, “Don't live someone else's life. Don't be trapped with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart.”