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Daily Question, September 22

How is a challenging situation helping me to open my heart and my mind to a more expansive way of embracing the world?

  • TofuLove
    I wasn't ready for this question a few days ago and struggled to answer it but like, wow dude ... like having these odd experiences, is it in my head? Like just getting greater mastery of creating certain feelings like compassion and love, just weird how it's developing, this like incredible patience which is not at all my typical happens and it never would have happened if not for the hard things happening ... like it pushed me into these explorations emotionally/mentally which are then oddly p...

    I wasn’t ready for this question a few days ago and struggled to answer it but like, wow dude … like having these odd experiences, is it in my head? Like just getting greater mastery of creating certain feelings like compassion and love, just weird how it’s developing, this like incredible patience which is not at all my typical happens and it never would have happened if not for the hard things happening … like it pushed me into these explorations emotionally/mentally which are then oddly pushing me towards greater compassion. I didn’t intend for that it just is happening.

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  • Malag

    I don’t know. But while I’m figuring it out I can notice the leaves shimmering in a fresh morning breeze.

  • Anonymous
    Either serve as a lowly servant or be shoved under a bridge by a world run by elite that leaves no resources if you don't abide by their printed money system is what I am facing so I mean it is helping me by forcing me to be a nice servant which will ah schucks I cannot really answer I feel like the world is schmucking me why would I wanna embrace that lol? There I go blaming the entire planet again sheesh I should just grow up and stop letting others try to exploit me already then maybe I ca...

    Either serve as a lowly servant or be shoved under a bridge by a world run by elite that leaves no resources if you don’t abide by their printed money system is what I am facing so I mean it is helping me by forcing me to be a nice servant which will ah schucks I cannot really answer I feel like the world is schmucking me why would I wanna embrace that lol?

    There I go blaming the entire planet again sheesh I should just grow up and stop letting others try to exploit me already then maybe I can answer a question like this better or at all.

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  • J-Shine
    My circumstances lately have had many challenges; however, by far the most challenging is the isolation I am experiencing due to living rurally during Covid and not being able to drive until I become a Graduated driver...I often live through the internet as my escape and source of connection to other's and am grateful for the connection I am able to enjoy to those I love and care for. I am embracing and appreciating the world as Mother Nature presents herself. Enjoying the smell of fresh air on ...

    My circumstances lately have had many challenges; however, by far the most challenging is the isolation I am experiencing due to living rurally during Covid and not being able to drive until I become a Graduated driver…I often live through the internet as my escape and source of connection to other’s and am grateful for the connection I am able to enjoy to those I love and care for. I am embracing and appreciating the world as Mother Nature presents herself. Enjoying the smell of fresh air on the breeze, sunlight on my face and the warmth of the season while it lasts before the crisp, bright and cold weather of winter arrives. I am coming to appreciate the “Power of Now,” as I strive to value each and every moment of precious life that I am presented. Every breath is precious and valuable. Life is such a Gift, despite all its challenges. Amen

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  • Don Jones

    It is those times when you are (seemingly) completely alone…. Christ’s time in the desert, Buddha’s time under the bodhi tree. Those times when you face fear, depression, hopelessness and helplessness, assume responsibility, perhaps even die to self. The opening thereafter is awakening.

  • KC

    Covid continues to challenge me daily to deepen my practices, to open my heart and mind to embrace the world as best I can. It is helping because there is simply no choice.

  • Chester

    Amidst the infinite things and experiences for which I am grateful for, indeed life’s challenges continue in some shape or form daily. Through humility and recognizing the constant need for effort, individual focus and support from others and beyond, I push forward.

  • dcdeb
    The last year and a half have been very challenging. It's been very very very difficult for me to accept the various forms of acquiescence around me. I find myself constantly in a state of judgement and anger. I've had to let go of certain people because of their mental blindness. I'm afraid that i haven't been able to embrace anything because the situation is getting more and more moronic. Instead of being expansive i've contracted even more as far as only wanting to be with certain groups of p...

    The last year and a half have been very challenging. It’s been very very very difficult for me to accept the various forms of acquiescence around me. I find myself constantly in a state of judgement and anger. I’ve had to let go of certain people because of their mental blindness. I’m afraid that i haven’t been able to embrace anything because the situation is getting more and more moronic. Instead of being expansive i’ve contracted even more as far as only wanting to be with certain groups of people and by myself. I have, however, become more intimate with a closer circle.

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  • Linda

    My husband and I are considering a move from our home that we never planned on. We live in a lovely townhome that is of course, connected to other units. There are some potential and significant community wide expenses coming up as well as an increasingly impaired next door neighbor who is potentially putting our property at risk. Rather than panic, we are taking our time to decide what the best next step is. Stressful but part of life.

    • Michele

      Good luck on making your decision. It will be a new adventure and ‘Chapter’ in your book of life:)

  • Toni
    Well recently I became friends with a man who was interested in possibly buying my apartment. As it turned out my place does not meet his needs. We hit it off and he called me almost every day. In a very short period of time we built a friendship based on many mutual interests. He is also a dear friend of a dear friend of mine. It got so intense that it through us both for a loop. Now we are not speaking I think fear set in first in me then in him, The mutual friend is having an 31 year an...

    Well recently I became friends with a man who was interested in possibly buying my apartment. As it turned out my place does not meet his needs. We hit it off and he called me almost every day. In a very short period of time we built a friendship based on many mutual interests. He is also a dear friend of a dear friend of mine. It got so intense that it through us both for a loop. Now we are not speaking I think fear set in first in me then in him, The mutual friend is having an 31 year anniversary in recovery and when we were speaking my new friend asked me to remind him. I did and tried to start up a conversation again. He won’t budge. It is teaching me that many people have needs that I have not taken the time to do anything about besides texts and a few light calls. Now I see that those relationships can deepen if I don’t put all my eggs in one basket. It hurts to not speak to my new friend but I saw an old patter click in. I can’t get lost in one person like I once did and then feel depleted if it doesn’t work out. It helped me expand my perspective and let go and let God even when and especially when it hurts. He may show up to the zoom anniversary if he remembers for our mutual friend and if it sparks something again I will allow him to take the lead or not but focus on my own recovery and trust God with he outcome. I have since become more active in AA and give more of my self than I did before he opened up my heart to feel again. I’m not the only one who is hurting and in need of love and compassion. It made me more empathetic to what others may be going through too and act on what shows up at meetings.

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  • Stormy Weather
    I think there are so many crazy things happening in this world, it is hard to not try to ground yourself to something positive. For me, this is my faith. Several things have gone downhill for me in the past year such as relationships, friendships and personal growth. But since this, I have grounded myself in my faith. I do not mean this is easy for me but I have learned to really notice the beauty around me that this world has to offer. I have also become more empathetic to peoples situations an...

    I think there are so many crazy things happening in this world, it is hard to not try to ground yourself to something positive. For me, this is my faith. Several things have gone downhill for me in the past year such as relationships, friendships and personal growth. But since this, I have grounded myself in my faith. I do not mean this is easy for me but I have learned to really notice the beauty around me that this world has to offer. I have also become more empathetic to peoples situations and pain. I look every day for what I am grateful for, even if it is as simple as the nice breeze outside and I think this helps me embrace the world and the people around me more.

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  • Mary Pat
    What my challenging situation has done for me to embrace the world may sound unusual but it is working for me. The situation has shown me how important taking time for myself can open my heart and mind. If I don't take that time, and leave the house and go somewhere else to walk or hike, I seem to lose my breathing room, my way.....it has shown me how important time for myself is needed, and how it adds balance to my spiritual life. Today I will take our dog with me, and we will go to a dif...

    What my challenging situation has done for me to embrace the world may sound unusual but it is working for me. The situation has shown me how important taking time for myself can open my heart and mind. If I don’t take that time, and leave the house and go somewhere else to walk or hike, I seem to lose my breathing room, my way…..it has shown me how important time for myself is needed, and how it adds balance to my spiritual life.
    Today I will take our dog with me, and we will go to a different place to walk. It will be good for both of us, and then I can face those challenges for another week….I am blessed!

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  • Howie Geib
    There is a resignation I suppose to the fact that I am hurtling through time clinging to whatever balance and center I can find in the moment. Being older has afforded some experience in just how much less important some things are and how much more important others. I am in a new environment, roaming about the western US high in the canyons (today is Bryce) and the expanse of it is overwhelming. Far horizons I am familiar with, yet this, coupled with the plunges off of sheer cliff walls thousan...

    There is a resignation I suppose to the fact that I am hurtling through time clinging to whatever balance and center I can find in the moment. Being older has afforded some experience in just how much less important some things are and how much more important others. I am in a new environment, roaming about the western US high in the canyons (today is Bryce) and the expanse of it is overwhelming. Far horizons I am familiar with, yet this, coupled with the plunges off of sheer cliff walls thousands of feet is wild. It is intimidating in the most delicious way. And braided into my journey has been the sense of a timeline of human societies whose dependence on a coherence with the places for survival seem the sharpest contrast to my 21st century North American experience.

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  • sunnypatti

    Challenging situations or not, I always do my best to embrace the world. I have learned to live and let live, to let people be who they are rather than who I think they should be, and to trust that everything happens for a reason. So I love and embrace no matter what, to the best of my ability.

  • Ed Schulte
    USE THE CHING as a starting reference this morning .....It capsulated the principle of "we are here to get our lessons " and then "grow from the "challenges" given by the Divine Laws" ( Cosmic Laws ) Very Well! Cast Hexagram: 50 - Fifty Ting / The Caldron Fire rises hot and bright from the Wood beneath the sacrificial caldron: The Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces. Supreme Accomplishment. SITUATION ANALYSIS: Your needs are comin...

    USE THE CHING as a starting reference this morning …..It capsulated the principle of “we are here to get our lessons ” and then “grow from the “challenges” given by the Divine Laws” ( Cosmic Laws ) Very Well!

    Cast Hexagram:

    50 – Fifty
    Ting / The Caldron

    Fire rises hot and bright from the Wood beneath the sacrificial caldron:
    The Superior Person positions himself correctly within the flow of Cosmic forces.

    Supreme Accomplishment.

    SITUATION ANALYSIS:

    Your needs are coming into harmony with the requirements of the Cosmos.
    Blending brilliantly with the Dance of Life, you are becoming an actual element of Cosmic Law.
    Your goals will now be realized because you no longer cut against the Cosmic grain; you are no longer swimming against the flow of the Tao.
    You are acquiring an intuitive sense of what can and cannot be, and aligning your efforts accordingly.

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  • Marnie Jackson
    After 18 months of on and off education, students math skills have been affected. However, the curriculum has not changed. Teaching math to students who have gaps in their knowledge is disheartening as I see how much the pandemic has affected their education. This challenging situation is helping to open my heart because I feel sad for everyone involved - the teachers who feel they are not doing a good job, the students who feel like they can't keep up, the government who is dealing with cris...

    After 18 months of on and off education, students math skills have been affected. However, the curriculum has not changed. Teaching math to students who have gaps in their knowledge is disheartening as I see how much the pandemic has affected their education. This challenging situation is helping to open my heart because I feel sad for everyone involved – the teachers who feel they are not doing a good job, the students who feel like they can’t keep up, the government who is dealing with crisis after crisis….My best self says slow down – meet the students where they are at with a smile on my face and kindness in my heart. A warm, inclusive environment is the best way to help everyone move forward….

    Read More
    • Linda

      Thank you for being a teacher during this challenging time. Your students are fortunate.

    • Mary Pat

      Wow….well said…and this way will help many…..

  • Joey

    The current situation in my relationship with my wife is allowing me to have some humility and come from a place of gratitude and grace! I’m being more open and listening from a more loving and non judgmental place.

  • Kevin

    Actually, I am content with my level of embracing the world. The mind, heart, and body doesn’t always need to be about “more, reaching higher, and embracing the next worthy thing beyond our grasp. There’s a balance that each of us needs to find, that keeps us engaged, responsive, and sane.

    • Linda

      Well said, Kevin, and a good reminder for all of us Boomers.

  • Gregoire

    I am learning acceptance intolerance and perseverance. It is teaching me to be patient, to trust in God and to focus on the many things in my life that I am grateful to God for being blessed with.

  • Carla

    A current challenging situation is leading me to ask some “why’s?” about the circumstances & people I’m around. What I hear in the quiet is “Listen”. Thus leading me to Listen to a bigger circle around me.

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