There is no doubt the past two years have tested our resiliency in many ways. For some of us, resilience is not something we have taken time to ponder. Rather, we barrel through each day, each crisis, each challenge until slowly we find ourselves depleted, exhausted, anxious, and perhaps even hopeless.
For myself, and for many of my clients, there has been a recurring theme in conversation, in contemplation, in journaling. Strength—strength of spirit, of navigating such challenging times during which many of our core beliefs and values are questioned, or even that we are questioning ourselves and the “why” of it all.
In my heart, where my core essence, my spiritual self, resides, I can tap into a trust that all is well, that there is a divine spirit beyond what we can imagine or perceive—that is our beacon of hope. In my head, however, there is fear, there is anxiety, there is uncertainty. Being human, this is not surprising. As humans and also as spiritual beings, we walk in two worlds.
Navigating between Worlds
How do we navigate? How do we build and maintain a resilient spirit when we often feel knocked off our feet and uncertain? For each of us, we find our own way that speaks to our soul, our divine light, our pure essence, and that brings us joy. For some of us it is in creating art, daily journaling, or a peaceful walk in nature. For others, it is prayer and contemplation, perhaps alone or in community. Finding what speaks and nourishes our souls provides an anchor point and helps us develop practices we can return to when we seek soul nourishment.
Even more important is acknowledging and naming whatever we are feeling: fear, anger, disappointment, uncertainty, worry, loneliness. Acknowledging, naming, seeking someone to talk to, to share with, and to know we are never alone in how we are feeling can enable us to move through the emotions. Like crossing a small creek on a summer day, we can navigate the waters and reach the other side.
We do not live our lives in full sun or full dark. Our lives are lived more often like the phases of the moon, always incorporating both shadow and light. I’ve come to believe that there is not always a reason for the hard times we face, but I do believe in those difficult moments there is help and hope, and I’ve made it my life’s work to help people find it. Even in darkness, there is still something whole and sacred in the world.
Through a 40-year corporate career and her own lengthy spiritual journey, Lauri is uniquely qualified to meet her clients wherever they may be in their journey. Perhaps seeking joy in the everyday or challenged by life transitions, Lauri creates a safe, compassionate, sacred space for her clients to explore life’s questions. Sessions are tailored for each client and whatever may arise in the moment as Lauri accompanies clients on a return to joy and completeness in their lives, connecting with their true, divine nature. Ordained by One Spirit Interfaith Seminary and as a certified Interspiritual Counselor, Lauri Ingram currently offers spiritual coaching and creativity sessions in person in her Bethany office, as well as by phone and Zoom.
You can learn more about Lauri at: www.lauriingram.com or contact her at: [email protected] or 203.435.5650.