Day Three: Sacred Renewal
Overcoming Obstacles / Recognizing Patterns
Create the Sacred Container:
Take this 5 day writing journey a day at a time. Find some time in the morning or before bed to go into each day’s inquiry. Some topics may feel sensitive, so go gently. You might feel inspired to doodle rather than write, or maybe just use bullet points. Write in a way that feels best for you.
Each day take the time to set the mood. Light a candle, find a relaxing playlist, burn some incense. Whatever it is that makes this time feel a little more dedicated. Turn off all notifications. Set a timer. This will be your sacred container. For a half hour or so, prioritize this process- knowing you could easily get distracted, but vow not to.
Grab a pen and paper- a journal- a cup of tea or joe and let’s take a few moments every day this week to get grounded and gain a little bit of perspective. Write freely, letting your thoughts flow. This is your time to connect with yourself, away from the noise and expectations of the world.
If you know you want to sit the 5 day writing journey out, I get it - my wish is not to overwhelm you or your inbox. Simply scroll to the footer of this page and unsubscribe from the section named “Sacred Renewal.” Then you’ll continue to get only the regular weekly post!
If you had some goals that didn’t come to fruition, try to see any gap between where you are and where you want to be as a measure of growth- as an opportunity for change. Take a moment to notice if you're stuck on repeat. You aren’t required to keep doing the same thing again and again. Pull away from the most habitual behaviors and allow something fresh to settle in.
Sometimes we ignore obstacles, then they turn into patterns or habits. If we don’t ever shine a light on them, they continue to block us. By examining these setbacks, we can find the power of transformation within ourselves. What do you really want most? What is your heartfelt desire? Take a moment to evaluate your priorities. Recalibrate your actions to serve those big dreams.
Overcoming Obstacles: Don't consider it a failure, if you fell short on some goals. Our superpowers are derived from all that we have overcome. Maybe there was a goal you wanted to meet, but finances got in the way. Perhaps wellness, family obligations, or even a certain belief held you back. Some obstacles may be more challenging to untangle, but try to reflect on what you’re learning from each.
What are 3 obstacles that are holding you back from your big goals and dreams? Consider whether there’s something you can learn, are learning, or want to learn - to help dismantle each obstacle. What are you learning? Maybe there’s a lesson about yourself, someone else, or a relationship dynamic that’s impacting your journey.
Recognizing Patterns : The first step in transformation is to identify what you're ready to change. Looking back over the past few months, are there any changes you want to make to better support your goals? Are there routines or habits that feel stagnant or no longer serve you? This can help you take a step back and see patterns of behavior that are keeping you stuck in the same cycles.
What are you ready to change? Make a list: more of this, less of that… More book reading, less TV watching; more creative time, less work. Think about things that would benefit you most in support of your wishes and desires.
When we ignite our willpower, it is stronger than any obstacle. The fire keeps us active and moving in the direction of our intention. It has to be able to burn through any resistance and strengthen our capacity of persistence. We become less vulnerable to pitfalls when the fire is stoked.
The obstacles, the struggles, the set backs are all part of your growth. They are, in fact, what move you a little closer to your truth. Release efforts that aren’t supporting your goals. Gather only what is essential and let all else fall away. Maybe there’s a pain you have incubated long enough. Clear the heart and let go of whatever is ready to be released. Hold a gentle understanding that we are learning and becoming with every choice we make.
Upgrade now and to join the workshop on 12/12, get access to the replay, and the Sacred Renewal, printable journal. You can upgrade to a paid subscription of Dharma Days for just a few bucks a month to get journal prompts, printables, guided meditations, quarterly workshops, replays and more.
