| This may come as a surprise, but stress can actually | | | | So, on a biological level, we are guided towards that |
| be helpful. This article provides what you need to | | | | which feels good and away from that which feels bad. |
| make that happen. | | | | And in the same way, on a spiritual level, we are |
| Here's a question about stress for you¡ | | | | guided towards the Light and away from the |
| Is stress the enemy - something bad that needs to be | | | | Darkness. |
| done away with as quickly as possible? | | | | When we experience pain from touching something |
| If you're like most people, the obvious answer is YES. | | | | hot, it would be silly to blame the stove. But, this is |
| After all, stress is right up there at the top of the list as | | | | exactly what most of us do when we are hurt by |
| a leading cause of almost all disease. Besides that, | | | | someone's unkind words or actions. Instead of seeing |
| stress is¡ well, stressful. It just feels awful. | | | | this as an opportunity for growth and learning, we |
| And, if stress were not the enemy, why would there | | | | either look inside and blame ourselves, or we look |
| be so many books and courses on stress reduction | | | | outside and blame someone or something else. |
| and stress management? | | | | When we are so busy looking elsewhere, we fail to |
| But, what if I told you, in spite of all of this, that stress | | | | see the Darkness within that is brought forth by the |
| may be your greatest spiritual ally - a true and faithful | | | | stress response. We fail to see that our emotional |
| guide that will lead you closer to the Light and Love of | | | | response is based on a misperception, a |
| your highest spiritual aspirations? | | | | misunderstanding of the Divine Plan. |
| This will take a little explaining. | | | | So, if you want to be healed, the message here is |
| Experiences such as a sense of flow, connectedness, | | | | "Bless the Darkness." Wake up and receive it as a gift. |
| hope and optimism and activities such as being of | | | | Recognize that whatever has caused your distress, |
| service, prayer, meditation and practicing forgiveness | | | | your response is simply a misunderstanding of the true |
| are life affirming and health enhancing. These | | | | nature of this Divine experiment we are all part of. |
| experiences and activities can lengthen our lives and | | | | And when you are able to bring the core qualities of |
| keep us healthy. | | | | Love, Acceptance, Compassion and Forgiveness |
| On the other hand, the darker side of human nature | | | | towards the perceived transgressor, you move ever |
| creates many opportunities for the deadening effects | | | | closer to discovering (or should I say remembering) |
| of stress, such as worry, fear, anxiety, anger, and | | | | your own true nature. |
| depression. | | | | You are and awesome, mighty and powerful spiritual |
| There are also many activities that have been shown | | | | being. And you have come here to bring Light into the |
| to be life denying and health diminishing, such as | | | | Darkness. And your ally and faithful guide, the stress |
| arguing, lying, cheating, stealing, losing a loved one, | | | | response, is there to tell you whenever the Darkness |
| getting divorced, and many more. | | | | arises within you. It is there to bring to mind that you |
| These experiences and activities diminish our health | | | | have a choice about how you respond. |
| and rob us of vitality and life. | | | | Effectively managing the stress in your life, therefore, is |
| The interesting thing about these lists is that, for most | | | | not just a way to improve your health. It can also be |
| folks, the spiritual experiences and activities feel good, | | | | your highest spiritual calling. |
| while stress inducing emotions and activities feel bad. | | | | |