We’re Not Here To Survive

We’re not here to survive life, we’re here to live.

Somehow, we walk around with this idea that freedom is “out there” somewhere.

We think that if we can just identify and fix whatever is wrong with our lives or ourselves, or whatever problems we’re having, we’ll be happy and fulfilled.

What if instead, we welcome whatever is transpiring? The good and the bad.

What if the suffering or the “problemness” we are experiencing IS actually part of how we can actually access the freedom and happiness we seek?

Many of us try to run from or push away the discomfort of our feelings thinking that if we simply do that, we’ll be better off. Somehow they’ll magically disappear or at least not get in our way or stay in our heads. But we’re not here to survive. Have you ever noticed that no matter how many times you do that, somehow that old story, the old wound, or the old emotions find their way back up to the surface?

It is very tempting to resist our emotional selves, but all we are really doing is pushing our emotions down into our psychological basements, so to speak. But that’s just us trying to delude ourselves into thinking they’ll disappear if we resist them.

What if instead, we shift our relationship to what is happening so that the “problemness” of the situation actually begins to drain out?

What if, instead, we explore the challenges and difficulties as just the next thing that’s happening at the moment? Perhaps even invite the difficulties?

Invite the next thing that’s arising.

This is the beginning of us learning how to work with what’s available to us, what’s arising, and what’s happening.

It’s also the beginning of learning how to disrupt the momentum of our minds.

It’s also how we begin to gain facility over our emotional selves and how we begin to feel our feet on the ground.

What does it feel like?

What does it feel like to show up for whatever is happening? The good, the bad, the disagreements, challenges? The things we don’t want to look at?

Sure, it is not always easy or fun. If we remember that we’re not here to survive, we’re here to live, it’ll make the process easier.

If we don’t allow the “problemness” of our lives to be experienced, they aren’t going anywhere. They will find a way back to the surface and perhaps even when we least expect or want them to.

There’s an expression in the mindfulness community that goes something like this: “Live at the speed of mindfulness.” To me, it simply means staying present for what arises, no matter what that is. Slow down not only your busy life but your thoughts and your automatic tendency to sweep away the emotions, sensations, images, and thoughts you find unpleasant.

Stop to experience all of what arises.

Invite it all in to teach you.

We have no access to freedom, transformation, and breakthroughs without going through the breakdown, the eye of the needle. Make your motto, “We’re not here to survive, we are here to live!”