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How to navigate through adversity

Experiencing adversity, where people or situations seem to turn against us, is an intrinsic part of the human condition and comes in a myriad of ways, including health challenges, personal loss, betrayal, financial struggles, social injustice or harsh climate.

In the face of adversity it is natural and normal to experience conflicting feelings and, the complexity of how these may arise, is multifaceted. In a nutshell, we know that worry and anxiety arise when dealing with uncertainty about the future, and fear comes up when perceiving threats to our personal interests. Anger arises when we feel a sense of injustice or betrayal. Frustration, a more subdued form of anger, often results from failures or setbacks and it can sap motivation and lead to feelings of helplessness. Sadness shows up when there is a sense of loss, and despair comes when the future seems bleak.

While these emotions can be troubling and painful (to say the least), they also play a vital role in the process of coping with and overcoming our challenges. They give us depth where we are shallow, break us open where we are rigid, spark ideas where we are dull, and set us in motion where we are idle.

Thus adversity brings us the opportunity to grow greater wisdom and strength. As shamans say “while aware of the dangers, don’t miss the opportunities” and as sages would add “the bigger the challenges, the bigger the opportunities to awaken dormant aspects of our potential”.

So, how can we seize the opportunities while enduring adversity?

The first thing is to remember that your essential being is infinite: beyond time, beyond space, and way beyond the difficult circumstances of the moment. So, imagine your essence resting as pure presence in the most subtle and peaceful heavenly realm. Repeat this visualization and feeling many times until you have anchored yourself in the most exquisite abode.

With that safe and peaceful perspective, set the intention to go through your challenge in a way that offers the best outcome for everyone involved. In our Andean tradition we would envision ayni—virtuous reciprocity with all our relations. May each being receive what they require to be well.

While residing in peace and holding a noble intention, you can begin unraveling the steps that you need to face and overcome any situation with courage, dignity and grace. At this point you don’t deny emotions that arise even though they might make you feel uneasy. The idea is to breath through your difficulties while asking your emotions to reveal their deepest wisdom. Every passion has a frightening side but also a positive one and can offer you great insight about what is needed in your life.

In this way, with a backdrop of peace and a clear intention, you commit to squeeze the goodness out of every emotion you feel. From here, all your decisions will guide you towards a dignified outcome, but you must act from courage and not from fear.

Sometimes we have to be fierce!

Marcela Lobos