How To Bounce Back When Life Knocks You Down
At times life can get difficult. We’ve all experienced this at some point and likely more recently than not, given what’s been happening in the world as a result of the Coronavirus.
Maybe it’s a broken relationship, the loss of a job, accumulating debt or financial ruin, a terminal diagnosis, or grieving the passing of a loved one.
These are some of the biggest emotional challenges of our lives, and they seem to not escape anyone. In the depths of despair, no matter how hard you might try, it can feel utterly frustrating and overwhelming.
However, is it possible to find meaning in adversity? And could this lead us to discover a deeper purpose in our lives?
This is something that Sonia Ricotti knows all too well. Years back, she hit rock bottom after losing her home, accumulating six-figures in debt, breaking off a relationship with her alcoholic partner, and going through a significant health scare. For a fleeting moment, she even thought about ending it all.
In Episode 5 of Transcendence Season 2, Sonia shares her personal story alongside expert commentary on bouncing back with the likes of Michael Beckwith, Bradley Nelson, Turia Pitt, Sadhvi Bhagawatiji, Dawson Church, and more.
From losing a child in a mass shooting to surviving a horrific bushfire, these incredible stories show that how we respond to life’s challenges can shape who we are. Our willingness to bounce back and the lessons we take from challenges are what propel us forward in life.
Part of understanding the bigger picture and purpose of our suffering lies in what American Professor Joseph Campbell refers to as ‘The Hero’s Journey.’ In Episode 5, Mike Sherbakov elaborates on this concept, encouraging us to find meaning in a moment instead of reverting to a ‘why me’ mentality.
Reverend Michael Beckwith takes this further and suggests that when we stop asking ourselves why and start asking ourselves what is seeking to emerge through these experiences, our lives begin to shift exponentially.
In Episode 5 “Discovering Your Gifts,” you’ll also uncover:
- How to stop procrastination and start living a life aligned to your true purpose, without having to quit your job.
- The secret to discovering your gifts and what that journey will look like for you.
- Why some of the brightest minds today believe our future is a positive one.
- The power of meditation and life visioning to manifest your dream life and shift the world’s energy and vibrations.
- How meditation can boost your creativity and mind power by over 400%+.
- And, much more.
The worldwide premiere screening of Transcendence Season 2 begins on Monday, May 18. You can save your spot here to the free online premiere.
We have the ability to turn our greatest challenges into our greatest teachers. Sometimes it just takes a slight change in perspective.
About the Author
How Practicing Gratitude Increases Our Abundance
Both gratitude and abundance are states of mind. They are not dependent on the actual outer provisions or circumstances we have at any given moment. It is our belief in abundance or the lack thereof that creates our experience of it. And our ability to be grateful for what is present that brings more goodness to us. The Yoga Sutra that addresses this says:
“Acknowledging abundance (aparigraha) we recognize the blessings in everything and gain insights into the purpose for our worldly existence.”
Sutra 2.39 translation by Nischala Joy Devi, The Secret Power of Yoga
Acknowledging Abundance
The first key word to note from this sutra is “acknowledging.” Abundance exists all around us all the time. The Universe is an ever renewing, incredibly infinite source of potential. Yet we often keep our vision so trained on the tiniest little speck of reality, that we block the flow of this infinite potential into our minds, hearts, and lives. We focus on what we don’t have instead of giving gratitude for all that we do have. And we suffer because of our limiting beliefs and limited perceptions. When we remember that the truest source of all resources is inexhaustible, and we place ourselves into the stream of infinite potential, we open into all the goodness, joy, beauty, love, opportunities, support, guidance, and creativity that life has to offer. Spirit is our constant storehouse of abundance.
Recognize the Blessings in Everything
The other essential teaching in this sutra is to “recognize the blessings in everything.” That means that even when we hurt or struggle, even when we are frustrated or feel tremendous lack, that we see the inherent opportunity to “acknowledge abundance.” We may not love the process of personal growth that comes through suffering, yet we can be grateful for its value in the long run. If we could really accept that every situation, every experience, every encounter holds a blessing for us, what a difference we would feel when faced with challenge. Instead of being afraid or pushing it away, we could embrace it as a gift of abundance from the Universe.
This is a paradigm shift much like the old question, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” By choosing to acknowledge abundance and blessings even when things aren’t exactly as we would like them to be, an amazing thing happens. We open ourselves to the flow of infinite Universal energy. If we hold on or hold back, we impede this flow. ‘Holding’ often comes in the form of believing that we don’t or won’t have “enough.” And this leads to mental restriction, lack of generosity, and availability to life. The energy of abundance requires the ebb and the flow, the receiving and the giving.
Perceiving Our Purpose
The last aspect to consider in this sutra has to do with perceiving our “purpose.” It promises that as we develop an abundance consciousness, we begin to see more clearly the meaning and purpose of our lives. The beautiful thing about abundance is that when we start looking for it, it appears everywhere. Although outwardly we may feel we have little to spare or share, by seeing the ‘glass half full’ we bypass the perceived lack, and find the ways in which we do have abundance. To share the love in our hearts, to offer time for service or a listening ear to someone who needs support gives purpose to anyone’s life. As we magnify the love in our hearts through the glass of abundance, giving freely, we receive even more in return.
So don’t wait for Thanksgiving to express gratitude or to experience abundance. Take some silent moments to open up to and feel the infinite blessings that surround you. Immerse yourself in the flow of Divine abundance now.
