The Upsides of this Major Downturn -- Part 4: The Opportunity to Know Our True Self

I figured since we're meeting tomorrow at 2 pm I better post this final part in the series. Looking forward to exploring this in an 'open space' sort of way tomorrow.
BRAD
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“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
~~ Friedrich Nietzsche

There’s no question in my mind that one of the major upsides of any major downturn or breakdown is the opportunity to grow and, in the process, to know ourselves in a deeper, more meaningful way. One can make a strong case that this is one of the primary purposes to our physical existence. In fact, Steve Pavlina, author of Personal Development for Smart People makes just such a case in one of his recent podcasts:

http://www.stevepavlina.com/audio/ -- Life, the Universe, and Everything

There are at least 2 ways to relate to a time of challenge. You can view it as though “It shouldn’t be...it’s not fair...why did it have to happen to me, etc.” You can resist it, deny it, or stick your head in the sand and wish it would simply go away. Have you tried this approach? How did it work out for you?

My guess it that it probably didn’t turn out so well, especially if the problem or challenge was significant. For sure, our present downturn isn’t going to go away with this approach.

A second approach is to view it head on, dealing with it consciously and forthrightly. To see it for what it is. Yes, a challenge, but also an opportunity to become stronger...to learn more about ourselves and what we’re really capable of, both individually and collectively.

This approach has us step into the realm of being 100% responsible. I don’t mean that any one person caused the whole mess. I do mean to be responsible by being awake and aware to what is happening, and to discern with our conscious awareness the facts of the matter as best we can, and then to take action to do our part to resolve the situation in a way that will serve the common good of all concerned.

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Answering the Age Old Question - Who Am I?
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In the process we get to know ourselves better as we grow and develop as conscious beings. This may include becoming more aware of our true purpose for being alive, again both individually and collectively. Part of this process may include finding that some false sense of ourselves has been stripped away, perhaps a long standing job or career, or a significant role in life.

For example, perhaps a part of who you’ve considered yourself to be is the ‘breadwinner of the family,’ and suddenly you lose your job and you’re no longer bringing home a weekly pay check. But notice, you’re still here, and in that moment of noticing you may ask, “If I’m not my role as breadwinner, and I’m not my job, who am I?” Not an easy question to answer, I know.

But what if that's one of the primary reasons we're here experiencing life on this physical plan. It would be like going to take a major test but you never bothered to try to answer any of the questions. But, your 'teacher' (life and the Universe) won't let you move ahead until you pass the 'test.'

So, the Universe gives us plenty of opportunities in the form of breakdowns, dark nights of the soul experiences, and downturns to help 'motivate' us to ponder and eventually answer the questions.

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Stumble or Guided
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Here's the last question for today. Would you rather stumble along in the dark or have the assistance of a guide along the way? Either is really fine. In the first half of my life, I was pretty much a stumbler, and as a result I took some pretty interesting side trip -- 2 divorces, a massive case of burnout, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.

This second phase of life I've decided I'd rather take advantage of some guides. These take the form of other spiritually based life and business coaches, reading material from others on the path, and taking plenty of time to check in with the Grand Guide of them all -- Divine Spirit.

Life is still very interesting. Just not quite so many twists and turns. I like it like that.