From Breakdown to Breakthrough
December 2008
Sometimes a breakdown can be the beginning of a kind of
breakthrough, a way of living in advance through a
trauma that prepares you for a future of radical
transformation.
- Cherrie
Moraga
Life is a series of
breakthroughs.
Consider the way in which we come into the world. Quite
literally breaking through, we begin the cycle of life
as we know it. We are pushed into being by a force
beyond our control. What lies on the other side of the
trauma that we are experiencing is unknown, and is
therefore feared. Soon we learn that the same force
that pushed us into the world is the essence of
nourishment and safety. Nevertheless, in the moment of
birth and emergence, we cry out as the light pierces
the veil of darkness. Naturally, we wince at a power
that exceeds comprehension.
We spend the rest of our life re-living this birth
pattern, comforts followed by contractions. These
contractions often come to us as breakdowns - some
aspect of our life threatening to dissolve. Each time,
life is leading us to a new emergence (greater light)
so that we might experience more brilliance - of
insight, of connection, of purpose. Through each and
every breakdown - however dark it may seem - is the
womb through which more light will emerge. Thus, each
breakdown is a breakthrough - a state of emergenc-y in
the truest sense.
If we so choose, we may reframe our approach to the
emergencies of life. There is no denying that such
seasons of change can be painful and confusing. The
time spent in the midst of breakdown is a time of
contraction requiring strength and endurance, and can
be especially difficult if the light of breakthrough
cannot be readily seen in the distance. A breakdown
forces us from the comfort of the status quo so that we
might acknowledge what we have too long denied. We have
become dependent on habits that we have outgrown, and
we are being forced to take our life to the next level.
Generally, breakdowns are met with fear. (Just look no
further than current state of our financial sectors for
evidence of this on a cultural level). The natural
energy of fear is contraction, withdrawal, and
sometimes panic. In times of breakdown, we are
conditioned to feel smaller as we are faced with a
force beyond our control. We may feel defeated,
ill-equipped, and unsure of what is to come. In
essence, we ask the same questions that we did not have
words for as we emerged from the womb - where oh where
could these contractions be taking us?!
I suggest we approach this
time of contraction with consciousness, introspection,
and a certain degree of trust. Activate your inner
witness, and assess what is no longer in harmony with
your most heartfelt desires. Ask yourself:
What habits
have I outgrown? How am I being asked to change? In
what ways am I limiting the possibilities in my life?
And, what am I most afraid of? In this way, we consciously
engage with each contraction, willingly and openly
breathing through the waves of challenge in the hope of
greater insight.
Yet awareness, while most
essential, is only the yin of it. in the end - and only
you will know when it is time - you must be prepared to
engage the yang within...to push your way out.
Contractions get closer together; discomfort forces you
into action...and you facilitate your own rebirth by
taking courageous steps that align you with the
potential you are stepping into.
Listening to the wisdom of
breakdown, we learn from it, and thereby facilitate
breakthroughs in our own lives. Keep in mind,
reflection can be made easier in the company of a
coach, an ally, or a dear friend. When we are held in
the spirit of self-empathy, fear is transmuted into
power. When navigated consciously, fear can actually be
used as a wisdom that results in a more expansive you.
Just as contractions enable birth, if allowed, fear
enables new life. Contraction begets expansion.
Breakdown begets breakthrough.
Keep in mind, most
breakthroughs happen in stages. Each and every
contraction bringing more awareness of how we must
continually move and grow. Take it one step at a time,
and know that the joy of a new path is emerging:
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
by Portia
Nelson
Chapter
I:
I walk down the
street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk
I fall in.
I am
lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes
me forever to find a way out.
Chapter
II:
I walk down the same
street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see
it.
I fall in again.
I can't
believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my
fault.
It still takes a long time
to get out.
Chapter
III:
I walk down the same
street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I
still
fall in ...
it's a habit.
My eyes are
open.
I know where I am.
It is my
fault.
I get out
immediately.
Chapter
IV:
I walk down the same
street.
There is a deep hole in the
sidewalk.
I walk around
it.
Chapter
V:
I walk down another
street.
Seeing The Light Ahead,
Candice
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