I have been going through a challenging time for a while.  I’m not clear what all is at the heart of it, but I know that it relates to balance, equanimity, and how I walk my path.

Going through challenging times is part of our life’s journey.  It is not easy.  And it entails struggle, energy, and many feelings.  It is a necessary part of life, though, and I believe that within it is opportunity.  Opportunity to learn and grow.  Opportunity to experience life in a deeper way, more connected to the ultimate good.

When we go through challenging times, we do what we need to do to cope and to move through them.  That can be hard and confusing.  It has been my tendency to come down on myself when I was in that kind of place in the past.  I am seeing how important it is to show myself love and compassion, acceptance and kindness when I am in that place.  I am seeing that I need to be open to being in that place, trusting that I am always exactly where I need to be.  I need to open myself to the opportunity that is part of it all, and embrace the fact that what is going on at the time may not feel good, but it is not bad.

The sun comes up after a rainy day.  And that is a beautiful image and experience.  But equally beautiful, and good in its own way, is the rainy day itself.  It is necessary care and nourishment for all that the rain falls on.  And because of the rain, the sunny day that follows shines on growth in the land.

I hope you welcome the rain in your life as well as the sun.