PATHWAY TO JOY AND HEALING

By W. Brooke Chang, Pathway to Joy and Healing

As I reflect on a recent “failure,” I have come to understand what these failures really mean. When I say “failure,” I mean things didn’t go my way that my ego desired. This was quite an eye opening epiphany for me as I have faced many failures earlier in my life, but I didn’t really understand why these failures occurred to me or what they mean.

My understanding about failures or things not going your way is that they have two significant purposes. In the first place, it may be premature for you, and you’re not quite ready for this stage on your journey. In the second place, it may not be meant for you at all, and you’re on the wrong path entirely.

After I left my last full-time job working for an employer, I was unsure about what to do next with my career. I decided to start a consulting business similar to my earlier position, but working for myself. I could not get it off the ground, and the obstacles were many culminating in the Covid pandemic. This pandemic essentially shut down my business.

However, as a result of this closure, I began my Reiki therapy practice where I helped many people suffering from their physical and emotional conditions without the medical community having the capacity to help them due to the Covid pandemic. The hospitals and medical facilities were over capacity, and many counselors and therapists were not accepting new clients. I was able to help my community fill this void.

I have since retired from my career, including my Reiki therapy practice. Now, I am exploring the many areas I never had time to explore because of working full-time. I have found watercolor painting to help with my healing process, and began selling my artwork. To further sell my artwork, I submitted my artwork for jurying at a gallery which I was not selected. At first, my ego wanted to complain about the unfairness of the selection process.

However, this non-selection has led me to find a wonderful, knowledgeable watercolor teacher with whom I am studying. Had I been selected, I would not have sought her out. My artwork has improved significantly only after one session with her.

This has taught me something very important. What we desire may not be what is meant for us at this time or what is meant for us at all. Will I resubmit my artwork to this gallery again? It’s uncertain, but there are even more galleries available I may consider at a later date. This jury process also may be premature for me during this stage of my artistic journey.

If we take our “failures” as a sign from the Universe pointing us in the right direction for our journey, we’ll find our true path. We must work hard on our journey, but the path should not have insurmountable obstacles. These obstacles may be a sign that we’re not on our true path. Our hard work should allow us to move forward if we’re on our true path. This will be my guide as I move forward on my spiritual and artistic journey. May you find your true path forward! ~ Brooke

(Copyright 2023 W. Brooke Chang with all rights reserved. The contents may be reblogged in its entirety or hyperlinked to this article with credit to the author, but may not be duplicated, copied, or excerpted.)

I look forward to your thoughts and comments! Please leave me your comments below. 🙂