Dear SuHaeng Ja,
I went to see a screening of the movie Change: The LifeParticle Effect the other night. After the screening, so many people were saying how much hope it gave them or how inspired they felt. I didn’t say anything at the time, but I had a question that I couldn’t let go of. Is change really that easy? I’m still working on my practice and I know I can’t expect instant gratification, but I feel like I have been really, really struggling to achieve my goals. What’s wrong with me?
Sincerely,
Dealing with Doubt
Dear Dealing with Doubt,
You ask a very good question. The movie presents a simple approach to Change. In spiritual practices of all stripes, most people equate simple with easy. That is far from the truth. In fact, it often takes more clarity, more work, more resilience to achieve simplicity. There is nothing wrong with you, doubt is natural. What is unnatural is to pretend that you have no doubt because everyone around you is happy and inspired. The challenge is finding your balance. Give voice to your doubt, but don’t let it color your every experience.
Start by meditating on the source of your doubts. Was there some deeper disappointment that was touched by your experience of the film? Is there a part of you that believes change should be easy? Are you judging yourself for having that thought? Ultimately, you are in charge of your life and the message of the film suggests ways to start. LifeParticle Meditation, the LifeParticle Card, these things are just tools, but they are useless without your confidence and belief in yourself. If you feel like you are struggling to achieve your goals, you are maybe trying too hard. Instead of trying so hard, why not open yourself up to possibilities?
Whenever you find yourself with this pattern, say this affirmation as a reminder of the creative potential inside of you:
I release old patterns, connect to the present, and open up to an exciting future.
What in the world is a SuHaeng Ja?
SuHaeng Ja: soo-hang jah (n.) One who practices SuHaeng
SuHaeng: soo-hang (v.) 1. Performing an action with sincerity and intention to grow.
(n.) 2. Any practice, such as walking, observing, meditating or exercising, done with commitment and consistency.