When obstacles come our way

When obstacles come our way, we have choices. We can react to them using our old dysfunctional habits. Or, we can feel lighter through exhausting negative karma, results of harmful past actions. Or, recognizing habitual ways we react to negative circumstances, we can paddle upstream and try to respond in healthier ways. Say, we are determined to write an article. No matter how hard we try, it never comes out right. Rather than relentless pushing, we see our patterns, and just drop it. Change the scenery. Be dropping the pushing, something shifts within us. The hard edge softens. A whisper of wisdom dawns. Self-compassion sparkles. We can relax. Creativity and spontaneity flow again.