Finding New Understanding in Our Trials

Article by Angie Webster

As humans, we have a tendency to expect there to be a simple answer for things that will make every difficulty go away. In our search of for this, we often look for someone or something to blame, thinking that this will take the hardship off of us. But most of the time, we make our own happiness or misery through our choices and our perceptions. Other times, we are given opportunities to make new choices and learn new ways to perceive things through the various trials and difficulties that life offers us.

It can be challenging to see the opportunities or lessons as the challenges of life are unfolding. It takes retraining the mind to ask for guidance from the heart and the intuition, rather than seeking only to point fingers of blame or ask “why me?” in helplessness. Once we begin to open our eyes to the awareness that there is some good to be seen in every new event, something new to be discovered, maybe even a new joy to be found, we will be able to see it. We will have eyes to see and ears to hear.

In the midst of an emotionally or physically difficult situation, it can seem as if it is not possible to quiet the mind or slow down the tidal wave of sensations flooding us. One of the first things to remind yourself of is that it will pass. Each emotion and physical sensation will pass, in time, as will the situation itself. That can be difficult to remember when we are overwhelmed with difficulty, yet it is true. Taking a moment or two to focus only on your breathing allows the mind to calm down a bit. This helps with seeing that there really is a peace behind the curtain of chaos.

Something else you can do is take a moment in the difficulty to bring your awareness into your body and notice the sensations there, breathing gently. Emotions are experienced in our bodies, as well as physical pain. If you are also in physical pain, this is a very useful practice. Choose one sensation to focus your attention on and notice the quality of it. Notice how your breath moves through or with this sensation, in this area of your body. Feel the life force around and in this part of your body. Allow the sensation to just be and let any resistance to it slowly dissolve. Send Reiki, love and acceptance to this area of your body and to the sensation, just as it is right now. You may begin to notice that as you do this practice, the sensation begins to ease. But if not, allow that to be OK as well and do not judge it as good or bad—it just is for now.

When you encounter a difficult or painful situation, ask your intuition, the angels, your Higher Self and your guides to show you the lessons you are meant to learn so that you may receive the greatest growth from the situation. Pay attention to the many ways that you may be shown the answers and remain open to them. The answers may come in a variety of ways, but when they come, if you have been open to receiving you will probably not mistake them. Some of them may come more than once! If a message or lesson feels right to your heart and soul, then rest assured it is meant for you to receive it. The messages of the Higher Self and your guides will always be gentle and loving, so you will need to pay attention to notice them over the often more demanding tone of mental chatter and the demands of the world.

Remember that all our paths are intertwined and not every lesson is meant for you. We all help each other in many ways. Sometimes you will be given a challenge in life so that someone close to you can grow on their path through their relationship and interactions with you. That is because for appreciation as well as you are being an angel for them. It is a blessed role.

Perhaps the hardest part is offering your appreciation for the situation. When we are in the middle of difficulty the mind screams that we want it to go away! But when we remember that we learn new ways to see and move ahead, we can learn to offer appreciation for even these difficult times. Also remember to offer appreciation to your guides for the signs they give you, making it easier for you to understand the lessons meant for you or the role you are meant to play in the challenge you are facing.

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Angie Webster made a significant contribution to the Reiki community, with a particular focus on Animal Reiki, which she had a deep affection for. As a knowledgeable Reiki Master Teacher and Author, she conducted online courses on energy healing, herbalism, flower essences, and personal growth.
She is the author of “Animal Reiki: How it Heals, Teaches & Reconnects Us with Nature” and “Reiki from A to Z”. Currently, Angie has decided to retire from her professional life to devote more time to her health, family, and the little joys of life.