And the world falls away

Only Us by Dear Evan Hansen

I've been playing this song over and over in the last couple of months.

It calms me.  It reminds me to simply hold on to My One True Anchor and let the world fall away.

Since the start of the year, a lot of unexpected things happened.  At the moment, the city I'm in declared a state of calamity.  Many are worried and afraid.  

I cannot go with the world.  

People's heads are heavy with whys and what if's.  Their hearts are burdened with what-about-us and what-will-happen-now.  

I cannot blame them.

In a snap, the world as we know it has changed.  There is a pandemic and the world is put on a standstill.  Many are sick, some of us cannot work and most of us are ill-prepared for this calamity.

We have to adapt- right here right now.  It's hard.

So, I step away from the world from time to time.  

I meditate. 

I press the pause button in my mind and stop the charades of questions and speculations.  I tell my mind to be quiet so I can enter my inner space of calm.  Then, I connect to the Source of Peace. 

May I invite you, to do the same.  Turn off the news for awhile.  Log out from social media for an hour or so.  Stop the endless chatter in your head.

Go back to what anchors you.  It may be prayer, yoga, salah or even music.  Let the world fall away for at least a minute or two.  

I assure you, if you do this every single day you'll find your calm in the midst of the chaos.

Let the world fall away.

meditation by Release Your Wings

    

Be careful what you wish for

Around this time last year, I wished for power. 

"Since I've mastered self-love (i thought), it's best if I can complement it with power.", I told myself.

So, I jotted down what power looks like for me:

• making things happen
• doing what I say I'll do
• being on time
• showing strength of character
• being in command

I also listed my affirmations:

• I am strong.
• I make things happen.
• I am disciplined.
• I am powerful!

Then, I looked for role models and did the work:

• I attended retreats and camps on leadership.  
• I interviewed changemakers.
• I rolled-up my sleeves and worked on projects (so I can practice making things happen).

I seriously pursued power like a hunter chasing a prey.  The quest was long and arduous though. 

• I had to wait for what seems like forever.
• I had to knock on so many doors and hear 9 NOs before I get to the 1 YES.  
• I had to let go of something valuable to inch towards a short-term goal.
• I had to face many naysayers.
• I even have to fight enemies!

There were moments when:

• I was at a lost.
• I felt alone.
• I didn't think I can do it.
• I wanted to give up.
• I was seething in anger.

My year was so intense, it felt as though I was in a war zone.

Yes, I was doing what I love but there were so many oppositions, sacrifices and difficulties.

I was hell-bent though.  I pulled out my inner arsenal of strength, determination and resilience.  It helped that I have a fierce army behind me, too.  Together, we triumphed.  

Life, The Universe, The Divine take you seriously when you commit- I learned.

I asked for power.  So, I was given challenges so I can experience my own power.  There was no magic wand which can conjure power with a simple abracadabra.  

image from nerdist.com

2019 taught me that:

• I don't need to chase power.  I simply have to step into it.
• I have to be worthy of it though like Thor with his hammer.
• Like the superheroes, I can never really know powerful I am unless I face obstacles and villains.

So, as you make your wish for the new year, be careful.  More often that not, your heart's desire will not be handed to you on a silver platter.  You have to earn it!   

Meditation on Power