Getting "hooked" helps you grow spiritually

It is always easier to be grateful when things are going exactly as we want. By the same token, it is easier to be “spiritual” when life flows as we want.

It is during the times life offers up incredible challenges that the greatest test of our level of gratitude is experienced. And, when our Spiritual Teachers really irk us we are shown where we may need work to truly walk our talk.

Not long ago I was presented with just such an opportunity to see where my spiritual deficits reside as well as how true I am to my spiritual talk. It was a situation in which one of my spiritual teachers almost got me hooked in my emotions.

The beauty of such experiences is that we can see our progress by our response to a given situation.

If we respond the same way to situations today compared to a time in the past it likely means we have not grown as much as we would like to think. However, if we respond more lovingly to that which used to upset us, then perhaps the growth is occurring more innately then we even knew.

When we are given situations that are likely to anger us, it is in these moments we are allowed the opportunity to raise our awareness and hold true to that which we claim to be our truth.

This short video of Pema Chodron shows that we can get hooked or choose to grow through the moment of being hooked. My good friend and colleague, Kimberly Marooney, sent me the link to the YouTube video knowing I always enjoy a nudge of awareness.

Comments

[Gina]

Wonderful video! (and I read that story in one of her books..)

It is so true, isn't it? The people who get under our skin the most.. the button pushers... offer us the greatest gift in illuminating our buttons! And these may be people we encounter or briefly, or wake up next to every morning.

And this is currently work that i happen to be doing now... all those hooks. Wow.

[Kathleen Gage]

We always do get the messages we seek if we are aware and open to receive.

Kathleen Gage

[Chantal Beaupre]

Hello Kathleen,

Insightful message and video!

Not only I didn't know about Pema Chodron, but I just learned - while reading Gina's comment - that she authored several books.

I am on my way to Amazon at this very moment!

Thank you so much for sharing this wisdom with all of us!

Warmly,
Chantal

[Kathleen Gage]

Pema Chodron is a profound teacher. I have read her works for about three years now. I was introduced to her when a dear friend was in a very serious accident. Her words brought much comfort.

Bless you Chantal for your continued willingness to learn and grow.

Kathleen