* The Obstacle is the Path

I wrote this some time ago when my husband was diagnosed with cancer. I didn’t publish it at the time, because of the uncertainty and tumultuous emotions that came up for us both. The treatments are over now and life is beginning to get back to normal. We are grateful.

When I read this post today, I was moved at the energy in the message.

“Right now I am having a difficult time facing a truth that I don’t like. It is causing me some distress, and I just don’t like it at all. My heart is closed. My ego is determined not to accept the unacceptable. It is very resilient and strong, so taming this battle queen is never easy as long as I resist her.

The Zen proverb “The obstacle is the path” came to me this morning. Often we’re discouraged because of some tough challenge or obstacle in our way. But a shift in mindset from a Zen proverb can change everything: “The obstacle is the path.”

The obstacle isn’t something standing in our way. It’s showing us the way.

Embrace this moment, don’t fight it. Give gratitude for these moments, these challenging moments are what make you come alive as a human being. There is beauty in every step along the journey, gratitude in your experiences. Give thanks for the ability to experience these real raw moments no matter how painful they may be.

They become less daunting, less intimidating, and maybe your attitude towards them can subtly shift from fighting with them, (and getting angry or frustrated or bitter), towards seeing and dealing with them as just another part of the path you’re already on.

This is growth. This expands your circle of compassion and your connection to all living beings. This is putting your heart out, fully open and vulnerable.

Find gratitude as you face this reality.

There is a gift here. Ask yourself, “What is this showing me”?

Be grateful that you can feel so much and allow your heart to open once more … just a little bit.

When there’s an obstacle, don’t go around it. Don’t run from it or create a strategic plan to beat it, or go into battle for revenge against it.

Go into it. Work with it. Explore it. Learn how to be with it. Listen to it.  Embrace it.

Feel the everlasting love that is always there beyond the fear. This will carry you forward on your path.”