Finding My Faith in the Force: How Spiritual Practice Helped Me Through Loss and Chaos
My mom, a devout Christian, always worried about my spiritual path. She thought I didn't have a strong enough foundation to handle the tough times. Ironically, with her passing and the seeming collapse of the country, my spiritual practices are what have kept me going.
Often when we are challenged, we want to isolate and shut down. What I have found is that remembering my connection to the Force, connecting with my communities, and allowing myself to be open has not only kept me moving forward but it also gives me space for truly alchemizing all the thoughts and emotions for those around me.
It's so easy to get caught up in the drama right now. But I've learned that we're not our thoughts or emotions; we're the awareness behind them. When I can step back and observe things without judgment, I realize the drama is just a story I'm telling myself, the overwhelm is intentional, and it will take thoughtful responses and a strong community to see us through.
There's this practice I do called "And this I give to the earth" that helps me let go of drama. I get comfortable, put my hands in prayer position at my heart chakra, and close my eyes. I imagine roots growing from my feet, deep into the earth, grounding me and connecting me to its energy. With each breath, I bring up anything that's bothering me – thoughts, feelings, memories – and imagine giving it to the earth to be transformed. I keep breathing and releasing until I feel at peace.
If you're feeling lost or alone, I encourage you to seek out your own community and connect with your spiritual practice. Find people who share your values and who will support you on your journey. Together, you can weather any storm and create a life filled with purpose and meaning.
Join us this Sunday for Sanctuary, a weekly gathering for authentic connection and self-discovery. It's a safe and supportive space to explore your inner self, connect with your community, and find strength in vulnerability. You can find the link in the events section of the Dragonfly Community. I hope to see you there!
