The universal pause may have some of us in a state of distress and maybe not for the reasons we think. It may have some us asking ourselves, “Why now?” The answer is simple. This my sweet, is a divine fault line, the birthquake that is shaking things a part to make way for the rebirth. Creation is birthed from destruction. This time of harsh reality is bringing to the surface the underlying issues in our lives. The faults in our own foundations. This shift is painful and the universe is taking this opportunity to be blunt a little more severe than usual. We must allow the process of destruction to bring us to our purpose and transformation of ourselves much quicker than if we were to arrive in our own time. In an attempt to help you on your current path I will share with you 4 Keys to return to peace, these come from the written works of the Yoga Sutras and can have a powerful impact on our lives.

1. Compassion

It’s a buzzword these days, however it is a powerful tool to carve upon the marble of self, transforming the sculptor into the divine creation of God extended. Compassion is a simple practice. Imagine that for a moment your higher power is looking through your eyes. In that moment what does your higher power see? The truth is- everyone, believe or not, is doing the best that they can with the level of mastery of self they currently have. There is a spirit that suffers even within the lowest of man. If we can see people through the eyes of compassion we no longer hold the responsibility to fix them. Compassion is a wide open space, judgement is a container.

2. Kindness

Kindness is the doing part of compassion. It’s when we can see ourselves in every person we meet. It’s reserving judgemental thoughts or conversations about others with others. Gossip is a good example of when we are not practicing kindness for another. I love the principle of Right Speech stemming from the Bhudhist tradition, before saying anything ask yourself- is it kind? Is it truthful? Is it necessary? We don’t always have to speak our minds especially if our mind is not being fueled by the nature of the spirit but that of the ego. A great practice of being kind to others is by being kind to yourself first. Check thyself before you wreck thyself.

3. Gladness

Gladness in this sense is about earnest gratitude. Instead of focusing on what is wrong and not meeting your expectations, bring your full attention to find what is right, what is beautiful in your life. When I find myself running the list of all the things my husband doesn’t do, the first thing I need to do is stop this trend of thinking as quickly as possible, because it does nothing but wreak havoc on my inner peace and my relationship. I recognize that my expectations are my responsibility. If a need of mine is not being met because of my standards then I can provide for myself and take care of my own needs. Then I think of all the incredible things that my husband does do, how he contributes to my life and then I can truly be in a state of gladness for the socks on the floor next to the hamper.

4. Indifference

Resentment comes from our own attachment to an outcome. We get swept away by the emotional currents of others. We are attached to every word or action of another and feel it is our right to be offended. Finding offense is a sure path to misery. We don’t have to be wounded by every comment to take the words of another personally, it’s a choice to be a target. A great friend and Therapist one day asked me, “Can you remove the target?” Aha! Indifference is removing the target. “Well they hurt my feelings.” Okay, sure we can be hurt by others but what we do once it enters our inner world is up to us how we proceed with it. Can we allow it to be something that foster’s growth not anger? If I find that I have a response to someone or something- it’s worth investigation. It is generally a large flashing sign that is pointing me to an area of myself that needs desperately to be acknowledged. Most of the time if I’m bothered by someone it’s about me, not them. Everyone is our teacher, thank everyone for the lesson they have taught you and move on. Indifference is also allowing others to learn their own lessons. Quit being the lifeguard in other people’s lives. Your rescuing does not help them, it just kicks their problems down the road for them to come across again and again. Quit interfering.

Be compassionate, be indifferent to another’s suffering knowing that the kindest thing you can do is allow a person to be transformed by their own misery and be glad that you have the knowledge and ability to carve, mold yourself and live a life of your own design. Gladness in awareness that all of your suffering comes from attachments, usually tied by your own hand. It’s your rope, untie it. Isn’t it glorious that you can free yourself for you are both the captor and captive, the sculptor and the marble. transformation is yours if you are willing to be honest with yourself, the truth does set you free. Don’t worry spiritual transformation never ends in punishment. Allow this temporary discomfort it is what transforms you.