No matter how many times we tell ourselves that we WON’T be triggered by persistently painful responses from others, dang nabbit!, we still often feel the painful sting. Sometimes the angry vitriol or sarcastic meanness that is hurled at our beliefs annoys us like an unseen mosquito we can’t swat because we can’t see it coming. Other times, the jabs feel like bee stings which throb a little after the stunning pain of such a small stinger. Alas, I admit that perhaps these bothersome exchanges are karma for the times I lashed out on social media at seemingly ill-advised friends, family, or acquaintances. Then as I became more cognizant of my psychic abilities, I realized quickly that the boomerang effect is also the result of my ability to feel the other person’s internal pain and rage. I can see it in their eyes. I can absorb their negativity if I don’t protect myself properly. I have a relative whose eyes still project the angry abandoned child they were and the sad stalwart dominant protector they longed to be. It’s heartbreaking to witness and I now realize that, subconsciously, I’ve blocked their negative and inner rage, which explains why it repels more than frightens me. Thank you, Ascended Beings! I now keep my respectful distance and, gratefully, without guilt, regret, or lingering sadness. I recognize that we each have our karmic journeys on which to travel, learn, grow or stagnate. I’ve learned, and am learning still, how to protect myself with necessary boundaries, especially from those who are blatantly oppositional and who even go so far as to taunt, tease, or insult me. I do realize that sometimes there is no immediate escape route.

We all are worthy of lives of peace, calm, care, compassion, and empathy. We all will experience, chaos, anxiety, abandonment, adversity, and cold silence. I believe that it’s our right to protect our mental, emotional, and physical health to the best of our ability. Falling down happens at the best and worst of times. We can get back up every time because we can believe that we are worthy of personal strength and resilience, our guides and angels, and whichever Divine entities you utilize for support. I believe these benevolent forces are gifts to us that can bolster confidence, gratitude, perseverance, and self-compassion.

I did not leave close friends and dearest family members off of the list of what-we-need-to-get-by because we absolutely do require shared sacred spaces of personal peace and happiness and everything else in the mix. Our interconnectedness is our survival. I left them off of this primary list because learning how to rely on myself firstly is what has cut the debilitating ties to those whose negative energy holds me back from standing on my own two feet, metaphorically speaking. Of course, we always need interconnection, perhaps now more than ever and this striving is valiant and lifesaving. I’m speaking of knowing and valuing ourselves to encourage growth and healing. While I’ve cried out in pain through and after my experiences of abandonment, I now know that I’m never alone. Remember, I’d told you about my guide’s message to me when we relocated–“Tricia, you’re loved. You’re protected. You’re not alone.” What a gift–the gift of my resilient and vulnerable, weak and strong self. So, in deciding to whom we’ll ask for vital help and healing, we’ve reasoned and intuited which interactions will be most beneficial. We’re utilizing our own power.

You can see why I chose the above photo from our National Seashore woods to correlate with this topic of cleansing ourselves from and of obstacles. Like many other brave resilient women, I learned how not to collapse at the constant altars of obstacles. I learned how to pause, think logically about my choices, advantages, disadvantages, best detours, etc. When there seemingly appears to be no alternate path in sight and my mind resists calmness, I meditate. Then, if all else fails, I ask for help. Obviously, I seek help in emergencies. Such a simple thing but, simultaneously, so complicated and something we may resist.

Recently, I was triggered by a past much younger acquaintance. My anger–the befallen trees blocking my path in the photo–that I felt instantly turned to inner rage rapidly. Thankfully, I caught myself immediately as I typed, then deleted, an inflammatory retort. It felt ugly and awful, but I am grateful that I was more self-aware in the moment. Self-awareness comprises time and energy, a lot of self-conciliation, seeking varied information and gathering diverse perspectives to become self-aware. That it’s happening for me during this late stage of life isn’t extraordinary, but probably more apropos.

I most always collapsed at the altar of obstacles during late youth and my twenties and cried out often for help from others. It felt necessary for my survival, but the negative programming was powerful then. Awakening to greater inner resolve and acceptance, less panic and worry, and even less shame and regret is a tremendous gift. Momentary bouts of anger and rage will continue to surprise me, I’m sure. I believe, however, that with each wave of negativity that washes over me, I can stay afloat and breathing, confident that I’m not drowning in bitterness. I also can learn how to avoid turbulent water in the first place. Practice and trying is a good plan.

When I paused and allowed myself to examine the intense anger and hostility I felt during that acrimonious exchange, I could examine it logically and realistically. Pausing for some deep breathing works very well. Then, I merely asked the question. “Why am I so triggered by ______ response?” I quieted my mind and waited for an answer which then appeared and made total sense. Answers often appear obvious once we’re past the tense dilemma, don’t they? Life can be funny like that.

Yet, feeling trapped doesn’t feel funny. I know. Being silenced doesn’t feel funny. I know. Living in fear isn’t funny. I know. When I look back at how far so many of us have come via altars of obstacles, I am amazed at our tenacity, resilience, and hopefully, the ability to laugh in the face of the chaos that can consume. Because we may learn how to lessen the chaos, quiet the mind, tap into our psychic reserves for healing and protection, be brave and grateful for it all.

In looking at the above photo again, I’m pretty sure I probably ducked down and went below the highest limb on the left–the path of least resistance. I remember when a friend reminded me of the wisdom in this route. I also remember being puzzled as to what she meant. Path of least resistance, you say. What’s that?! The obstacles that appear on our paths in the woods are a result of everchanging weather and erosion… totally out of our hands., of course. I like to make up stories about their downfall and oddly shaped trunks. There’s a beauty in their deformation and in their graveyards, wherein they fall one on top of another. I believe these stories and the connection to the trees and all of Nature is why I see beauty even in our harshest experiences, even though my heart breaks again and again. I’d spent a lifetime defending my right to an opinion and justification to live differently. Now, the path of least resistance becomes a shrug of the shoulders, agreeing to disagree, and moving on to the next part of the day without feeling despondent and grieving. It’s been wonderful to release all the piles of poop others fling at us. Step aside, let them fall to the floor, walk around them, walk away from them. Confront the experience in your mind, for yourself, and avoid any endless loops of constant conflict. A more relaxed path is more peaceful and definitely invigorating for our spirits, our minds, and our physical bodies. We are so worthy because we are enough. Peace and comfort to you on this day. Thank you for stopping by.