An Adventure of Self-Transcendence: Stumbling Blocks

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An Adventure of Self-Transcendence: Stumbling Blocks by Andrei Yashurin

Every stumbling block on our way is a stepping stone to self-transcendence. Once we realize it, we solve most of the mysteries of life. We no longer go through life, asking "why did it happen to me", or "what have I done to deserve this". We accept every experience which comes our way, and make it an integral part of our adventure of self-transcendence. Now, I would like to suggest some practical tips of dealing with that which looks like stumbling blocks.

First, we need to be observant. We've got to watch closely those things and events - with genuine interest and without judgment. Observation is one of the keys of transformation.

As we abstain from judgment, our perspective becomes more wide and clear. The fact is, a judgmental attitude blocks our vision, makes it blurred and distorted. We see the things out of their true proportions. But once we let go our tendency to judge, everything changes.

Non-judgment does not mean, for example, that if a person's behavior is hurtful, we say that it is OK to act in such a way. Not at all - we are still aware of consequences of those bad choices. But non-judgment makes our perspective larger and more inclusive. We become more sensitive to hurts of an offender. We treat him or her with more sympathy. We begin to notice positive qualities of that person - and, perhaps, we find a ground for mutual understanding and communication. Greater awareness gives us courage to make a first step. We are willing to make our relationships with "a difficult person" an exciting adventure!

So-called stumbling blocks look hard, solid, and unmovable. This is why we often dislike them so much - we live with a thought that we'll have to deal with them forever. Yet, it is not the case. A closer observation reveals to us that no condition in our life can ever be solid or permanent. All the things move and change, all the things have a certain flexibility. Even more, they have a certain lifespan. They came to our life only for a time, to fulfill a purpose. They've been attracted into our lives to serve our good (although it is not evident), and when their role will be accomplished, they will be replaced by a new set of things. Using a different metaphor, once we've learned our lessons and passed the exams, we are moved into a next grade. The great School of Life works in such a way.

The last week, we mentioned the value of silence. Let us notice here that observation and meditation are closely related, because they both require stillness and concentration. Stillness is the gateway to creative inspiration in all areas of our life. In stillness, we begin to realize how to act in most appropriate ways in our given situation.

I observed it over and over that many people don't know how to react to stumbling blocks in a proper manner. What do they do when they face and obstacle? They either stop and begin to move in an opposite directions (which is often a betrayal of an original creative impetus), or to press against an obstacle with greater intensity. In the first case, people are just quitters. They are unable to enjoy lasting success, because haven't learned the art of making visions a tangible reality. In the second case, pain of those people increase, but they aren't getting anywhere. They still need to know that our part is to work smarter, not harder, in all possible ways.

There is a wide spectrum of possible choices in all the circumstances. Rarely, if ever, do we have to choose between yes and no. Once we get rid of our linear thinking, we begin to respond to the situations creatively.

Stumbling blocks are our friends, not enemies. Being friends in disguise, they call forth our wisdom to uncover this friendliness.