Obstacles to Peace and Joy
We are acutely aware of global events, more conflict and strife, the price of fuel, and so on. These things may seem out of our control, and cause us all kinds of emotional turmoil and worry.
But does that have to be the result?
I started this year’s newsletters with the notion of Peace in the bodymind as being a prerequisite to healing. Our body struggles to heal when the mind is working against it, creating chemical toxicity at a cellular level, through worry, fear, anger, shame and even extended grief.
Last month we explored the suggestion of finding our way to Peace in the present moment, through attention to what is coming in via our senses, really feeling into the detail of something we are witnessing in the moment.
This month we consider some obstacles to Peace and Joy, and some ideas to resolve these.
‘The cultivation of peace is not so much a spiritual luxury as a daily necessity for those who want to maintain their inner integrity and not to be overcome by the collective currents of agitation, panic and violence.’
Roberto Assagioli wrote this in 1936 just prior to the Second World War, but it is even more relevant now, 90 years later!
This month I want to explore some of the common obstacles to achieving peace of mind. Roberto Assagioli was a psychiatrist and contemporary of Freud and Jung. He developed the system of Psychosynthesis as a way for humans to reach their highest potential taking an integrated body-mind-spirit approach. I have paraphrased some of his writings below, from his book Transpersonal Development.
Some Obstacles to Peace and Joy
Pain and adversity - are not in themselves obstacles to peace and joy. It is how we react to them, our attitude, that causes us to suffer. Often our reaction to pain is to rebel against it - ‘Why me?’, ‘I have to fight this!’, and so on. However, these reactions only make the pain much worse.
Irritations - we so often let ourselves become irritated by small inconveniences and the pin pricks of life. But we forget that we always have the choice on whether to be irritated by some stimulus.
Being too demanding – we demand too much of others or circumstances. So, we moan, complain, grumble.
Taking things too seriously – dwelling on the tragic side of life.
Taking ourselves too seriously – being too attached to a particular source of satisfaction. Then pain is caused when that source is removed. Or we place unrealistic expectations on ourselves.
The common denominator of all these obstacles is selfishness and self-pity. And I know I have been there myself a lot!
The good news is that we have the power to remove these obstacles if we are serious about it.
Rebellion is replaced with acceptance.
Demanding is replaced by generosity, patience and serenity.
Generosity flows from a sense of dignity not to allow the minor inconveniences of life to exasperate us.
Acceptance and generosity lead to gratitude for all that is good in life, mingled with adversity and pain.
We need to take ourselves firmly in hand, see ourselves from a higher vantage point, and see how silly some our reactions are, and the mental contortions we get ourselves into, then put things in their true perspective.
Then we are better able to act benevolently for others. And that is the secret to happiness. Acting purely for our own happiness, is selfish, always short-lived and never ultimately satisfying. Our ego always demands more. However, selflessly doing for others is magically and truly rewarding.
Why bother? Because choosing to focus on the aspects of life that give us peace and joy gives purpose and meaning to life itself.
One final quote from Eckhart Tolle (Stillness Speaks):
‘In you, as in each human being, there is a dimension of consciousness far deeper than thought. It is the very essence of who you are. We may call it presence, awareness, the unconditioned consciousness. In the ancient teachings, it is the Christ within, or your true Buddha nature.’
When we can recognise that deeper aspect of ourselves, it is easier to create some awareness of our default thought-based reactions, and put some space around them, to take better control of them.
Ngaio Clinic Closed
In March I was very sad to close my Ngaio clinic, and to part ways, for the meantime, with some very special clients and friends. Hopefully, some of you will make it to my other clinics from time to time. Regardless, I wish you all the very best for the future, and thank you for your kind support.
And thanks especially to Clare and Joe who run the Ngaio Clinic, for all their care and support.
Promotion in Levin
As a result of the above, I have more availability in Levin. I am currently running newspaper promotion in the Levin area once per month for a while. Welcome to all the new people I’ve met in the last few weeks, and those still to come!
Upper Hutt Clinic
The Upper Hutt clinic is still going from strength to strength. I’m definitely sticking with you guys, as long as you want to stick with me!
More Training!
In April I will be attending two more Zero Balancing courses. One of these is focusing on Pregnancy and Postpartum support. The other has more of an energy focus and is called, the Geometry of Healing. Can’t wait!
For this reason my availability in April for sessions is a little reduced.
Koha Days
One day each month for anyone in need. Koha is gratefully accepted if you are able, no obligation. Just contact me for details to book.
Please share my website, or this page, with anyone you know that may benefit. Or click on this link to book now.
For back-issues of this newsletter click here
With caring and kindness,
Rhys Dwyer
If you know anyone, from kids up who maybe struggling with body-held tension, energy levels, stress, anxiety, or choices, then please ask them to check me out. Bodywork and present moment awareness may just make a big difference.
Note that bodywork is always complementary to prudent medical care.