Have you ever experienced that moment of clarity where everything in your mind and body synchronizes? That feeling of deep joy rising to the surface, allowing you to see your life’s purpose?

For me, that experience was profoundly peaceful and it felt like it would last forever. The excitement started to build around the idea of creating the life I was destined to lead. A life of spreading this deep joy.

Unfortunately, I was facing a suffocating reality with so many obstacles in the way of what I wanted to do. I desired to make rapid progress toward my goals and dreams, but I felt entrapped by anxiety and even health concerns. No matter what I did, I felt like I was constantly failing to be in control of how quickly I wanted to reach my destination.

My wise mentor, on the other hand, gently suggested that I sit in the metaphorical dirt because the greatest power and strength come from the humble moments of suffering that we surrender to. He said that in some cultures people intentionally sit on the ground just to learn contentment in the discomfort of the dirt, even when there is a more comfortable option. He said that the moments of surrendering to what is can be difficult to do, but can be one of the most transformative decisions. His suggestion struck me on how important it was to find contentment in my current set of circumstances & especially honoring the discomfort of my anxiety and health concerns.

In an attempt to release my stubbornness and control, I implemented his teachings while painting what it felt like to surrender to life’s hardships in pursuit of joy. I chose to embrace the highs and the lows and to appreciate the moments in between.