Coping

I asked Spirit why I was going through the thing I was experiencing at the time (the specifics are irrelevant).

Answer:

There are forces on this Earth that influence us daily. Due to our discomfort, we sometimes make decisions we think will ease this discomfort - thinking we will bring all back into balance, but our actions we choose often result in future trials and take on lives of their own.

To make matters worse, these actions become habit. 'A' happens, we respond with 'B.' It seems to work in the short run, but is, in no way, a solution that provides long-term comfort.

A break in the flow from spirit as a personal example comes to mind - My discomfort in many situations in the past, was followed by a shopping trip at the mall or my favorite little shops. Oh, the joy of a new pair of shoes or purse or jewelry. This formula for easing my pain became intoxicating. I soon began to relate feeling good with the smell of shoe leather! I was getting my high from retail stores. Getting attention from sales associates also helped me disassociate with my discomfort. Sounds shallow, I guess, but I can think of a lot of other things people may do in a similar situation; all in an effort to ease discomfort.

Spirit continues:

The key, instead of acting right away when we feel uncomfortable, is to become quiet in order to see the situation more clearly.

In the long run, as you know, the action brought its own headaches and often, the things you bought remain unused - it was only the shopping activity that mattered, not what was purchased.

Now, a new opportunity to react in a different way. 'A' happens, you choose 'C' which may be: Stop, meditate, pray, spend time in nature, sing a song or any other wholesomeness. Cope with the uneasiness you feel. Let the feelings flow if you wish and come out the other side. Let this be your sanctuary or go-to activity instead. You may agree that the long-term effects of these activities will yield more rewards.

"Know thyself" when it is uncomfortable to be in your own skin and have something at the ready, a remedy to satisfy and quench and ease.

This is all for now.