BeneFIT by Struggle
Spirit wants us to know that, while we may not always like it in the moment, struggle always beneFITs us in the end. It’s simply a part of the growth cycle. What follows struggle? Relief. Surrender.
Bikram has a line in the dialogue we teachers are supposed to use while teaching. It’s “struggle a little harder!” Following the exertion, in which you push the boundaries of what you can do, comes relaxation. Little by little in class we have you push your boundaries and, as they expand out, you realize that your limits are not really limits. You learn that you’re far more capable than you thought you were. With a regular practice you start opening to new possibilities not just for your body but in all areas of your life.
When it comes to living life, struggle and its companion suffering are a sure sign that you’re resisting something. When you notice that you’re struggling or suffering in some way, catch yourself in the moment and look for what it is you’re resisting. What are you keeping yourself from experiencing? Your next step, my friend, is to accept whatever it is. Embrace it. When you do, not only will you find relief, you’re also very likely to find a gift. It’s almost as if Spirit is trying to tell you, “Stop! Look around. What you’ve been looking for is right here.” It may just be that this is the reason why you’re suffering!
Remember, Spirit is always present and guiding us. Spirit’s present even when we make mistakes. Oh sure, if we were tuned in fully and listening to Spirit’s guidance we probably wouldn’t have made the mistake. But even still there’s beneFITs in those mistakes. They’ll bring on a deeper learning and knowing that we most likely wouldn’t have gotten any other way. This greater awareness and lesson learned will, one way or another, serve us in the future.
Struggle will be required anytime you want to change some aspect of your life. Whatever you’re experiencing now is a result of your thoughts, beliefs and patterns of behavior up until now. Breaking these habits and patterns isn’t likely to be easy. You’re going to have to establish new habits, beliefs, and ways of thinking that will serve the new you you’re becoming. You’ll have to remain hyper vigilant so you can break free of the pull of the familiar which will suck you back into your old patterns of behavior. Train yourself to notice what you’re noticing, my friend, and struggle a little harder! The reward is worth it!
What you want is always on the other side of your fear and resistance. To get where you want to go, at some point you’re going to have to face it so you might as well do it now!