Releasing our demons
The health crisis I experienced last year ushered all my demons out of their closets and back into my life in a very pronounced way. Suddenly, everything in my life changed.
Initially, I was resistant to everything. I hated not being able to do simple things like shower without help. Confident that the doctors were wrong, I pushed hard against their diagnosis and even harder against the medications and procedures they prescribed.
I could not work, so my boss had to let me go. At first, I was outraged and deeply hurt. I spent weeks blaming him and others, especially myself, for this situation. My days were a constant dance between being a victim and digging myself out of the hole I thought I was in.
Why was this happening to me, I moaned to anyone who would listen.
Resistance is natural; it goes hand in hand with fear. Both are built-in defense mechanisms that signal possible danger. Like fear, resistance serves as a flag or reminder of emotional wounds that need healing.
Everything we do from resistance causes more pain and ultimately, more resistance.
Healing through awareness, acceptance, and action
Invite your demons in for tea.
Ram Dass
Awareness is the first step in any healing process. Inviting our demons, those pesky unresolved emotional issues, in for tea is awareness. Remember, we are not responsible for the hurts inflicted upon us, but we are responsible for our healing.
Once we are aware of the unresolved issues, we practice acceptance by facing our demons and releasing them. Acceptance enables us to step out of judgment, giving us the inner space to be with the pain and suffering that comes with resistance.
When the resistance is gone, so are the demons.
Pema Chödrön
I know how to free myself and reinstate the inner peace that is my true nature. I trust my practice, which includes movement (walking and yoga), breath work, body-awareness meditation, and self-inquiry.
I strongly suggest that if you are looking to create a life free from emotional pain, find a practice that works for you. I found that the basics of my practice stay the same but the particulars shift over time; this is natural.
You are worthy of inner peace and the rest that comes from letting go of emotional issues. It takes time, courage, and a deep abiding desire for a life of freedom. Are you ready?