People reveal themselves completely only when they are thrown out of the customary conditions of their life. ~~Leonardo da Vinci
Why is it that extraordinary conditions reveal the most extraordinary aspects of who we are? It is often when we are stripped of our masks, facades and defenses that our true selves are discovered.
Lately, I’ve found myself saying that the human condition is relentless. Just when we’ve overcome one challenge, another arises. Just when we feel we have resolved the last of a long-standing wound does another layer come to the surface or an entirely new one is revealed. Glimpses of our true selves appear when we are so raw, shaken, elated or in love—all times when our ego—our unconscious self—brings down the walls enough to be seen.
The irony is that our soul is often most visible and present either at our most trying of times or when we have healed or realigned the many layers of the human condition that challenged us so deeply. Both woe and joy can offer others—and ourselves—the ability to see more of who we really are, but our shrouded self may arrive instead. It is sometimes difficult to see which part of us is real. Our wounds influence and activate us; however, what is visible is not always our true self but a cloak, shawl or petticoat that covers or protects our most vulnerable sense of being. These layers of the human condition can keep us from living a satisfying or radiant life until we come to shed them to return to our truest self. This is what makes the human condition so confusing.
Many wonder why tragedy happens. Unfortunately, it is the most common aspect of life.
There has long been a belief that the Chinese sign for crisis is the same one used to describe an opportunity. John F. Kennedy first stated this was true, but he was mistaken in his interpretation. While the Chinese ancient philosophy does emphasize that opportunity comes out of crisis, the symbols actually means “danger” and “change or inflection point”. More accurately interpreted, the combined symbols mean “preparing for that which is about to change”.
Isn’t this the most basic premise of human life?
Many have been struck by fear of uncertainty with recent world events, hurricanes and other weather disruptions, politics and the divisiveness that has come with it, the inevitable shift in the economy, various forms of violence erupting around the world and much, much more. I try to practice the concept of being “in this world but not of it”, while not always easy to do. This phrase formed to reinforce the idea that we will all face adversity as humans but that it is important to stay focused and grounded in your own integrity and values to navigate whatever the human condition presents.
How do we rise above the many challenges of the human condition? How do we become and stay grounded when everything feels so shaky?
The answer lies within our soul. We must take the opportunity to look deep within—either while experiencing great stress or even great joy—in order to access and maintain who we are at the core.
We must also remember that there is greater power in healing what disturbs us than remaining covered by our cloak. Whatever wound, fear or discomfort that is triggered deep within is a sign from our innermost self that something needs to be resolved. What lies below the surface invites us to embrace the change that is just before us so we can rise to a higher self and evolve beyond that which once made us fearful or weary. When we succumb to either, we lose the game and give others the reigns to direct our lives rather than steering life for ourselves. It is easy to lose our footing, but the soul knows how to guide us IF we choose to listen.
“As above, so below” is an ancient phrase that illustrates that what happens in one realm of existence is mirrored in another. Often it is interpreted as the dualistic nature between the physical world and spiritual realities. In essence, the phrase urges us to explore what we see, feel, taste and experience as a result of knowing ourselves deeply. When applied to modern life, it explains the concept of conscious evolution—the ability to consciously evolve beyond our circumstances once we take the time and effort to explore.
We are all being called to take a deeper look within—to dive into the depths of our soul to become better humans, despite what is going on around us. For many years, I have said that the soul will be our salvation—IF we learn to live through our innermost ally in every breath, thought, emotion, behavior and reaction. It is then that we will be led to evolve beyond the darkness we see in the world and transcend it to create a more radiant life.
That which we see in the mirror of our lives is simply the reflection of what needs to be outgrown. This is why we become surrounded in darkness—to find the light again.
Soul health is all about cleaning out what doesn’t fit. It can be an arduous process but one that builds strength as we shed that which no longer serves us. While it may look like the world is going backwards and looking bleak, we must remember that as we stay in the light of our soul the darkness will eventually fall away.
The light of your innermost self can shine brightly as you commit to your soul healing journey.
What will you choose?
Katherine T. Kelly Ph.D., M.S.P.H.
With 35+ years of direct clinical experience, Dr. Kelly doesn’t just believe in helping others to heal; instead, her mission is to help them to evolve. Using her own integrative and trademarked framework—the Soul Health Model—Dr. Kelly approaches her work with clients from a “whole person” or “whole organization” perspective. She provides a uniquely progressive, yet down-to-earth approach and is well-known in therapeutic, medical and corporate communities. She thrives as she helps clients and organizations to reach what she calls “conscious evolution” through a variety of self-designed strategies. Her dedication to healing has been widely recognized as she was the recipient of the Provider of the Year Award by the regional Mental Health Association and was nominated as an Incredible Woman for a local community television network, which spotlights role models to inspire young women to pursue their own passions.