I was inspired to write “Where Water Meets Rock” for so many reasons….but reason #1,562,345 is this: We can peacefully face obstacles within that hold us back from our truest nature.  In fact, when we respond by sitting with our intense emotions and choose to act peacefully towards obstacles, an amazing thing happens.  We are changed and transformed into a truer version of ourselves and our ability to experience gratitude is heightened.

Let me use the metaphor of rock and water.  Let’s say that you are experiencing an obstacle of FEAR that is holding you back from applying to your DREAM JOB.  In this example, let’s call fear the rock and applying for your dream job the water.  You feel trapped, wanting to move forward like your true nature intends but unable to get around the fear…the fear of not being good enough, smart enough, qualified enough, “fill in the blank” enough.

Sit with that fear.  Feel every textured surface of it’s being.  Get to know this fear like an old friend who wants to protect you and spend all the time in the world with you.  KNOW THE FEAR.  After some time of sitting with this fear, you’ll notice that your true nature (to apply for your dream job) will slowly break away the obstacle.  Your true nature might gush through the fear (a burst of confidence or an epiphany), or it might slowly seep through the cracks (talking to a friend who encourages you and you eventually take the steps necessary to apply).  Eventually, your true nature will flow forth.

So how is this any different than just being handed your dream job without any fear?  Sitting with your own fear allows you to intimately understand, connect with and appreciate your truest self (God, the Universe, Goddess, insert word for higher power here). Maybe this is a divine plan from the beginning? Fear exists to bring us back home? In addition, after developing this relationship with fear, you might decide to take a different path entirely.  Your fear might be a messenger that whispers “this is a truer choice for you right now.”

When we develop a relationship with our obstacles, we are forever changed by them regardless of the action we ultimately take.  Our obstacles become a part of us.  The judgement of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ falls away and we are left clarified, fresh and new.

Namaste,

Chai