Turning Adversity Into a Diamond

1. Charlon Bobo Said,

   Hello, Virginia~

   Thank you for the great information.

   To enhance your item #3, “What solutions tried by people who faced something similar could you use?” I find it extremely useful to be as objective as possible (although admittedly, it’s not always easy!) and approach the situation as if it weren’t my own.

   I place myself in a position of providing loving guidance if a dear friend came to me with the same situation. I can see the circumstance much more objectively and quickly move from emotion to action, which is always empowering.

2. Lauren Salamone Said,

   So helpful to read your suggestions for overcoming an obstacle, Virginia. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. And I agree, Charlon, objectivity plays a crucial role. I find I have to remind myself of that fact. Once I take a step back and reassess more from the 3rd person point-of-view, my energy shifts and I’m empowered to move forward on a much more positive path.

3. Kimberly Martin Said,

   Thanks Virginia,

   What really resonated with me about your words was around “repeat” challenges.

   It’s amazing that when we pull back and take a 50,000ft view of patterns that exist in our life, we always see that even though the challenge may look different when we’re dealing with it, it’s usually the same thing coming up again and again.

   What I’ve seen is that it tends to go in steps:
   Step 1: Become aware that this has come up before, after getting through it.
   Step 2: Become aware that this has come up before, while being in it.
   Step 3: Becomre aware, before entering it.
   Step 4: Avoid it through different behaviour.

   I’ve practiced this myself with success, but it takes being in a place of awareness. I’m definately best at this when I’m feeling calm, balanced and energized in my life! (PS: And that’s a journey, not a destination )

4. Lynne Said,

   What a group of wise people read this blog!
   Thanks Virginia for reminding us to brainstrom. It is so easy to feel stuck, like you have no options or choices. Brainstorming possible solutions, even if they are silly , can open up your creativity and help you find a new solution that really works.
   A playful approach to this will give you the best results.

5. Margaret Sarkissian Said,

   Thanks Virginia, for opening up such a good discussion! I recently have learned a very helpful technique for dealing with life’s curve balls. Mark Silver (Heart of Money) teaches a Sufi technique called Remembrance, and it goes like this: When the challenge arises, stop, bring your awareness into your heart, and if you have the privacy to do so, put your right hand over your heart. Breathe, pay attention to the feelings that are flying around inside, but don’t try to change them. Notice your thoughts, which are likely to be catastrophizing, and allow all that emotional storm, just to be. Don’t try to change anything. Continue to breathe, and bring in compassion to this anxious place. Make space for the fear, anger, worry – whatever it is, and hold it in love. Do this for 5 minutes if that is all you have and 15 minutes if you have more time. At the end of the Remembrance, you will have calmed your heart, made space for the painful emotions, and have better access to your innate problem-solving intelligence.

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