Finding Clarity in times of change
Let’s be honest. Clarity is perhaps the one thing that is eluding us in these current times. Never mind how things will play out on the global scene, finding clarity within our own personal bubbles can be as much a challenge.
Should I stay in this job? Is it time to move homes?
Should I keep trying to make this relationship work?
What would happen if I …?
Finding clarity becomes particularly challenging when you’re trying so hard to find it by over-thinking it - researching, analysing, prioritising, planning, etc…in left-brain functions that we tend to give so much of our time and energy toward.
Yet that is not where you will find clarity. You may find some semblance of a plan to help you navigate your quagmire. But to receive the fresh, innovative, creative unfolding clarity that emerges, that will happen when you’re not thinking about it.
Clarity resides within your soul blueprint located in your heart.
Clarity is the by-product when authentic truth-telling happens. When you are no longer willing to be in denial about your situation and you are committed to surrender to what your soul intended for you all along. It reveals itself when you are softened, vulnerable and willing to accept that you just don’t know what to do. It involves a time where you need to source all your courage and take a risk to break-through an old pattern / story. The truth that you need to get sober to, will lead the way. Truth will set you free.
Clarity feels new always. A fresh perspective. And when it arrives, the burden of not knowing that you had been carrying all along, will simply disappear, and you will feel relaxed and relieved.
Byron Katie offers a powerful process around exploring what is true and I recommend you try her work for this purpose. Additionally, I highly recommend Martha Beck’s book “The way of integrity”. In fact, I would suggest you get it on Kindle right away and have your life be transformed.
But here are the three steps I use to drop into my heart and allow clarity to wash over me.
Step 1
The first step is to meditate. You may have your own meditation ritual or process that you use to commune with your Higher Self. Weave the following practice in and make it yours.
In meditation, hold the intention for support and guidance to come to you. Ask for help and ask for your guides to intervene and offer you the clarity that you seek. Ask for support to help you soften and release control. Release your question/matter to the Universe/God/Goddess/Source.
Add the following if you feel drawn to:
Align with the energy of Divine Love as your Higher Self, expressing through you – simply declare that it is so.
Relinquish your need to know how to respond to this matter and release it for Divine Love to guide you, open your heart to receive.
How will Divine Love be expressed through you? Repeat the following Green Tara mantra 108x or use your favorite mantra: Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha
Step 2
Preferably soon after step 1, write out the question that you were seeking clarity. Now journal about how you are feeling about it. There is a feeling that is trapped and we want to bring full awareness to that feeling so that it can move and open up what has locked us up in doubt. This is a big part of the process – which is why we really need to be honest with ourselves about what is really going on. To help us get to the truth of the matter (adapted from Martha Beck’s The Way of Integrity), ask yourself these questions:
What I am most afraid to know about this matter
What I am pretending not to see
What I don’t want anyone else to know
If other people knew about this, …
Step 3
Having asked yourself these questions, can you notice that your original question has changed as you delve a little deeper? Perhaps an unconscious outdated belief has shown itself up. Sometimes, a solution spontaneously arises at this point. Sometimes, clarity washes over you and you know what you need to do. Sometimes, you may follow up on the next step even when you still aren’t sure what to do – and by taking that action, a solution will reveal itself. Magic happens. Sometimes Step 4 will help seal the deal.
Step 4
Repeat Step 1.
Some things to note about clarity:
- Do not be surprised that the way that unfolds or the action you take will require some risk and a good dose of courage to follow through. Your ego will have a field day convincing you why this is a bad idea. Notice that fear rising and acknowledge it.
- Clarity will fall fresh upon you. It is always new. It is always leading you to change.
- Clarity does not come from the mind. It arises from your heart. The more you allow yourself to drop into your feelings and acknowledge them, the easier this process becomes.