It was a gray, drizzly day last Wednesday when I awoke. The weather app on my phone predicted a 100% chance of rain in the next hour. That didn’t leave much hope for a morning walk along Sarasota Bay. I surrendered to the fact that I’d be rolling out my yoga mat instead of lacing up my walking shoes that day.
As much as I love my yoga practice, on this particular day, my body was craving some brisk movement outdoors more than focused breathing and stretching. There were just too many thoughts bouncing around in my head. Lacking sufficient motivation to start my practice, I let myself stay in bed a little longer thinking about life and listening to the rain falling on the roof.
To my surprise and delight, by the time I got out of bed 30 minutes later, the rain had stopped and the sun was starting to peek through the clouds. When I checked the weather app on my phone, somehow 100% rain had dropped to just 20%. I don’t know how or why this happened. Perhaps strong winds moved the storm out to the Gulf of Mexico more quickly than predicted.
Whatever the reason, I was grateful for this unexpected shift in the weather. I decided to risk the 20% chance of getting wet for the opportunity to be outside in nature. That risk paid off! The rain clouds dissipated and it turned out to be perfect walking weather. Obviously, the moral of this story is “when you stay in bed longer your life gets better.” I’m kidding!
But you might be wondering why am I sharing this story. It occurred to me that this minor event was a metaphor for life’s bigger rainstorms. When life is really challenging, part of our mind gets stuck thinking it will always be this way. Despair sets in. The dictionary defines despair as the complete loss or absence of hope. From this mindset, it seems we will always be struggling or stressed out.
However, that’s just not true. Things do change. In fact, the one thing that is certain about life here on Planet Earth is that everything changes. And typically without any assistance from us! One unexpected opportunity can change the course of your life.
A family moves into your neighborhood and you make a new best friend. Someone retires or changes careers and an exciting job opportunity opens up. You learn about a new healing modality while attending a book group that becomes a rewarding career. A dear friend gifts you a book that introduces you to a provocative spiritual teaching that brings you more peace than anything you have previously encountered.
Those familiar with my story know those last 2 examples are how I found Family Constellations and A Course in Miracles. Both have changed my life in unimaginably beautiful ways. But this is my point. I wasn’t looking for either of them. I was just living my life and they found me! I see this as evidence that Life is always conspiring for our good in a multitude of ways. I still forget this all the time, so I’m grateful when an unexpected change in the weather reminds me of this truth.
No matter what you’re going through and growing through, I hope this little story reminds you that things can change quickly and unexpectedly. I encourage you to keep your eyes, ears, and most importantly, your heart open. Eventually, the sun will break through the clouds. Trust that a miracle wants to happen!
Could you use some assistance in maintaining peace while things are challenging? Would you like some support and guidance as you initiate positive changes in your life? I would be honored to walk the path with you a while with a series of Spiritual Coaching Sessions or a private Family Constellations Session. Send me an email for more information or book a session on my website. It might be just the change you are waiting for. I look forward to working with you!
Miracles are natural. When they do not occur something has gone wrong.
A Course in Miracles ~ T-1.I.6:1-2
