When Bad Things Happen

It is easy to be spiritually positive and philosophicalnabout life when things are going well. Even when exposed tonlife’s misfortunes from a distance--distant relatives ornacquaintances--it’s fairly easy to conclude that life isnbringing them the experiences appropriate to their lives.
But what do we do when misfortune strikes close to home,tonus or to our immediate family? And how are we to react tonmisfortune from several directions all at once?

What are the secrets to surviving and thriving in the midstnof life circumstances and situations which seem unfair andnundeserved? Our ability to deal successfully in suchnsituations is the key to peace and calm--the joyous life.

My initial reaction to bad events is to take action-donsomething. But the key is not what to do, but who to be.
Life is bringing the circumstances we face for a reason. Younmay not understand the reason immediately--maybe not fornsome time. But assume there is a reason and it is thenperfection of life, so embrace it.

Then step back and observe what is happening from andistance. Pretend it is one year later and you are lookingnback at the current situation. Remember that this is not thenend of the world--you are an immortal soul and what isnhappening is simply the experience of human life.

Listen to the story your mind is telling you about what isnhappening. Is it an oft-repeated theme? Are you beingnvictim, loser, struggler, martyr, or villain? Is this anscript you have written and played out before, perhaps manyntimes? What payoff accrues to you from living within thisnstory? Be honest. There is a payoff to an often repeatednstory line, or you wouldn’t be living it over and over.

Maybe this isn’t about your story. Maybe you are merely ansupporting character in someone else’s story. What gifts cannyou bring to the situation?

Be aware of who you are being in response to what isnhappening. Are you fearful, angry, vengeful, or depressed?
Are you distant, supportive, loving, or helpful? Asknyourself. "Is this who I am?" and "Is this who I choose tonbe?" Maybe you do choose to be angry, fearful, or depressednfor a time, but keep it short. Consciously realize you arenbeing as you are, and when you’ve had enough of that statenthen choose another state of being that is morenrepresentative of your highest self.

Recognize that the Universe brings you circumstances younconsciously or subconsciously call forth. Do thesencircumstances allow you to continue the story that describesnwho you think you are? Or do these circumstances give you anframe of reference so you can experience bravery, joy,ninsight, or love? There are no coincidences--no bad luck.

This moment is just the blink of an eye in the infinite lifenof our souls. Live within the present moment whilensimultaneously watching it from a distance as an impartialnobserver. Experience the present moment and grow with it bynconscious choice.