The Ups & Downs of Life

One Presence, One Power..

II believe in the idea of One Presence, One Power, and that this Power is good. However, all around us, we see duality—day and night, hot and cold, up and down, light and dark, new and old, and so on. If God is All Good, then why do negative things happen? For many people, that question keeps them from feeling connected to any Higher Power. I know it prevented me from forming a relationship with a Higher Power.

Knocked For A Loop

Those times in our lives when we face dark or low periods often knock us for a loop, but these experiences are essential lessons for our soul’s growth. We should not try to avoid, deny, run from, or explain them away. Even if we are not diagnosed with depression, most of us will go through at least one period of darkness, doubt, and malaise in our lives. During those times, I tried to cope with them using mind-altering substances, but even those only offered temporary relief. After surrendering and stopping those substances, I continue to handle those low periods with the support of a therapist, a minister, a sponsor, and friends. My hope today is to be the person who is there for others during their dark times.

What Creates Darkness Within?

I've realized in my life that some dark periods were caused by my own actions, driven by foolishness, the illusion of separation, selfishness, living out of the false or separate self, or just poor choices. When we create darkness within ourselves, the only way to emerge from it is through self-honesty, forgiveness, surrender, and restitution. The impact of this inner work is so powerful that it can make us feel like we have been set free and live in “the sunlight of the Spirit”. But there are times when things don't come from our actions but seem to be influenced by outside forces or beings. It's not about losing something greater or lesser; it often feels like complete darkness, often referred to as “the dark night of the soul.” We can feel alone, abandoned by God, and hopeless. 

What Did I Learn?

I now understand how those times lasted until I learned something essential I needed to know. The year I struggled with addiction was the time I gained awareness and self-honesty that I had a problem and needed to surrender to break free and succeed. Those experiences helped me grow and start becoming the person I was meant to be.

I’ve learned to appreciate everything—light and dark, good and bad, happy and sad—because I’ve realized that it’s often during the darkest moments in my life that I find the greatest blessings.

Quote of the Week:

“I will love the light for it shows me the way; yet I will love the darkness for it shows me the stars.” Og Mandino, The Greatest Secret in the World  

What are your thoughts about sharing what you've learned from your life's ups and downs to be the person that might be there for others? If you feel comfortable, comment below, and please introduce yourself to me at the Unity Center of Pittsburgh when I speak in-person on July 27 and the August 3!