Friday, February 24, 2006
Pain is a Perfect Compass
It is Winter here in Northern America. At this, the darkest time of the year, we seek out the bright spots, yet we might also use this season for self-discovery by facing the darkness, straight on. So says Jim Burklo (http://www.openchristianity.com):
“So often we reject or deny the usefulness of our shadow side. We’d rather not even acknowledge our anger, pain, frustration and disappointment. We don’t want to identify with our bad attitudes and potentially destructive inner tendencies. Yet it is the shadow side that can guide us when we are lost. The dark side of our lives can show us the way to go, show us the change of course that will take us in a better direction.
If I can step back and lovingly observe my anger, I can let it direct me to its source, and resolve it. If I can step back and lovingly observe my pain, if I can calm down enough to let it inform me of its causes and the needs to which it can direct me, there is some chance I can find my way to relief. Pain is a perfect compass, if I can take the time to watch where its needle aims.”
Similarly, “The sense of being lost is valuable, says Lolma Olson, president of Sage Consulting (http://www.sageteam.com). "You learn something about yourself that you couldn't have learned otherwise. When you finally find your sense of direction, you're a different person, a better person."
"Unexpected solutions and creative ideas come out of a murky state where purpose and focus are temporarily suspended," observes William Bridges in his book, In The Way of Transition (http://www.wmbridges.com/resources/books.html) He calls this state the neutral zone, or the wilderness.
“So often we reject or deny the usefulness of our shadow side. We’d rather not even acknowledge our anger, pain, frustration and disappointment. We don’t want to identify with our bad attitudes and potentially destructive inner tendencies. Yet it is the shadow side that can guide us when we are lost. The dark side of our lives can show us the way to go, show us the change of course that will take us in a better direction.
If I can step back and lovingly observe my anger, I can let it direct me to its source, and resolve it. If I can step back and lovingly observe my pain, if I can calm down enough to let it inform me of its causes and the needs to which it can direct me, there is some chance I can find my way to relief. Pain is a perfect compass, if I can take the time to watch where its needle aims.”
Similarly, “The sense of being lost is valuable, says Lolma Olson, president of Sage Consulting (http://www.sageteam.com). "You learn something about yourself that you couldn't have learned otherwise. When you finally find your sense of direction, you're a different person, a better person."
"Unexpected solutions and creative ideas come out of a murky state where purpose and focus are temporarily suspended," observes William Bridges in his book, In The Way of Transition (http://www.wmbridges.com/resources/books.html) He calls this state the neutral zone, or the wilderness.
