“In a spiritual context, hope is not merely wishful thinking, but a confident expectation and trust in the future, often based on faith and a belief in a higher power or divine plan. It’s a powerful force that can sustain individuals through difficult times and motivate them to persevere, even when circumstances seem bleak.” – Google
There will be times when you can’t cope, but it’s okay, you’re not alone, because we all struggle at times.
As the British born American poet Edgar A. Guest once wrote;
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don’t you quit.
Everyone struggles and fails at times, whether it be personal dreams and ambitions, wishes and ideals that don’t happen, unexpected illness, personal loss or failed relationships. When life doesn’t go our way (which is more common than you might think) each day becomes a struggle, and we need to reach out for help.
Approximately 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health problem each year. Common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression, affect 1 in 6 people weekly according to the charity Mind.
With societal focus on looks and ownership, the spiritual is often overlooked. Consequently, when people are anxious, down, alone and really in need of help, they have nowhere left to turn.
Try to remember, whatever difficulties you encounter in life, they are here to challenge you, change you, and help you to heal, learn and grow.
Spirituality is part of wellbeing. I’d go as far as to say it’s the source of all wellbeing, for lasting strength and infinite hope are found when reconnecting with your core.
Life has a knack of throwing us curveballs, it’s not personal, it’s all part of the journey. It’s neither fair or loving to persistently depend on our loved ones and close friends for help 24/7, because they will be having their ups and downs too.
Take responsibility. There is a place within us all where we can find limitless help, support and comfort. It’s not a sign of weakness to seek the help, support and wisdom of inner-being, for the beacon of hope is alive and burning bright in all our hearts for a reason.
Inner-strength is not found in thinking, but in all hearts.
We have to step out of the personal maelstrom in our heads, and dive into the heart, the seat of the Soul.
The more often we do this, the more obvious it becomes that we each have access to our very own stream of help, support and Love. Your heart reflects the Divine, and like a sacred mirror it helps you to attune to the peace and love at your core.
One approach is to change our habitual thinking patterns, for as you shift your centre of attention, your field of consciousness shifts too.
If you don’t know (which means you’ve forgotten) or you’re unsure how to reach inner-being, the following is an experiential meditation you can use daily to help you get out of your head, allowing you to reconnect with heart and soul;
- Get comfy. Close your eyes, sit quietly and focus on your breath.
- Note the air moving in and out of your mouth and nose as you breathe slowly and increasingly relax.
- After a couple of minutes, when your thoughts have calmed, breathing has deepened, and you are relaxed – introduce a simple question.
- ‘Where is my deepest sense of self?’ Ask yourself directly. Don’t look to emotion, intellect or memory. Feel your way. Relax into the question. Let this become your focus, as your relaxed breathing continues. Follow the energy, follow the flow. It’s ok not to know.
- Relax and repeat the question ‘Where is my deepest sense of self?’
- If you don’t know, don’t worry, it’s okay not to know. The more you do this practice, the more obvious the answer will become.
- Now let go of the question and focus on the centre of your chest. Place one hand over this space, keeping relaxed and calm.
- Focus attention on the heart space and say:
- ‘This is my deepest sense of self.’
- Repeat these words with each outward breath, keeping focus on the heart area.
- Don’t give in to doubt. Relax and trust yourself. You know.
- Anytime your mind wanders, return your attention to the heart space, by repeating ‘This is my deepest sense of self.’
- Continue until you feel and sense an energetic shift to your heart space. That your true centre IS your heart.
- Place your second hand over the first and say to yourself ‘I am my heart and soul.’ Repeating as many times as you feel. Be your heart. Be your soul.
- Stay with this as long as you can.
- End each session by coming back to the room and opening your eyes.
The more you do this exercise, the easier it all becomes, and the greater the benefits.
Simple practices such as this reminds us –
H ♥ P E – is in the heart.
And your heart is the seat of your Soul.
Article by Jonathan Harrison,
Spiritual Teacher, Author and Musician.
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