The Cards

We are prone to anxiety.  Perhaps we have a weak immune system.  Or maybe it’s some other weak link in the chain of our being…self esteem, cancer, shame, manipulation, fear.

Regardless of who we are, the weak links exist.  While our lived responses might have contributed to making those links even weaker, the fact is that we all have to play the cards we are dealt.

Often times the youth I work with will take an inordinate responsibility for many things about themselves that are outside their control, while dismissing the actions that they did willfully unleash on their loved ones and the world.  Deep self loathing is directed at the cards they have been dealt.  It’s as if they have become paralyzed by the facts of themselves.

Much of the initial focus with these youths is getting them to accept the cards life has dealt them.  It’s a huge turn in their journey when they can stop fretting about the cards and begin to consider how to best work with them.

A huge transformation takes place when we become conscious of ourselves not just as we want to be, but as we actually are, including the darkness and the weakness.  With acceptance, these aspects begin to get integrated.  Then our strengths can work in conjunction with them.  Conversely, when we only strive after what we wish we were, our strengths work against our weaknesses.

Depression has been defined as anger turned within.  Acceptance in the form of compassion turned within creates an unexpected pathway that has all the spiritual hallmarks of liberation and joy.