Achieving Peace and Empowerment through Struggle

I don’t know if I am going to be alone in this – or that this could be something others can relate to – but ever since the pandemic and our quarantine, I have been feeling a sense of peace and empowerment more than ever. From the beginning of the year up until early March was probably the toughest for me. Afterall, we did start the new year off with Mercury Retrograde and things were not as smooth as usual. From events cancelling, postponing the release of the new collection, to custom gemstones not materializing, and all the other stuff happening outside of our bubble – I was freaking out. Then, when coronavirus came into the picture, things started to make more sense. This cycle has happened before, albeit on different levels. I have always believed in a Spirit greater than us. Everything I have ever been through in life have had an element of divine intervention and blessings, especially during tough times. One of most life-changing mind-shifts I have made every time I go through transitions is, "What is this situation trying to teach me?"

If I can take one of the most important things I have learned through my spiritual practice, and doses bitch-slapping from the school of hard knocks, is the experiential understanding and acceptance of impermanence. Remaining equanimous during times of anguish is an acquired skill. If I can give back something of value to one’s emotional wellbeing is to simply get in touch with your breath. It is all in the breath work. When you focus on your breathing, then the sensations you feel in your body while watching the thought forms that come to the surface of your mind, not only will it calm you but you get into the practice of equanimity. The more you do this, the easier it gets, and the more present you will be for yourself and for your loved ones. Doing this will also clear the blockages for your spirit to enter through.

An alternate modality for maintaining calm is yoga. Yoga is another cleansing and detoxifying spiritual practice I really love. It is not exactly the trendy, look-cute-in-my-Lululemon fad it has come out to be. If that is the vibe you get, then you are in the wrong studio. When you combine silent meditation with movement, like yoga, over time you will understand on a profound level why this ancient practice has been revered for centuries. It is beyond feeling amazing. Through this practice, you get in touch with your higher self, a self-actualized being that accepts life as it is. I hope this helps. May you all experience love, peace, and happiness.