One characteristic I’ve noticed about “Thrivers” (those that thrive rather than just survive), is how they view tragedy. I’ve heard many cancer thrivers say that “cancer is the best thing that ever happened to me.” Don’t get me wrong. This doesn’t ignore or belittle how it feels in the process.

I’ve often said that the worst things in my life have turned into the best lessons and opportunity for growth and transformation. Nature reinforces this concept.

A diamond is formed from a lump of coal under extreme pressure. (What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger)

A caterpillar literally burns itself up to become a butterfly.

The discomfort of labor brings forth an amazing joyful miracle.

Feeling lost, deep depression, or the pain of illness, are all catalysts for change.

Periods of extreme stress and transition are also opportunities for extreme growth.

This past weekend I had the luxury of spending the weekend in New Orleans and it reminded me of several years ago when I was struggling with a failing business, searching for deeper meaning, and wondering “What do I want want to be when I grow up”.

I was the CEO and spokesperson for Innovative Green Solutions and I told a fellow partner that I wanted to become a top spokesperson for wellness. I was sick and tired of seeing so many colleagues work their entire lives only to fight chronic illness at the time when they should be enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Not long after, I stumbled onto an advertisement for the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and decided to sign up. It opened my eyes to possibilities I couldn’t imagine. It gave me a framework and a safe supportive platform to begin to dream. Not that this program answered all of my problems. What it did do was ask a lot of questions. It forced me to dig deep and to walk the walk, before I could talk the talk. It opened my eyes to my love of learning, led me to further studies and introduced me to amazing men and women. What I love about the IIN community is that there is such a diversity in backgrounds, work experience of men and women of all ages. It’s a community that helps you find your passion, gives you tools to be creative, and the confidence to manifest your dreams.

This weekend in New York City is their annual conference of which I am sorry to  have to miss. If you are going, or are near to New York City, be sure to attend the New Self Health Movement Book signing event on Saturday night.
My friends and colleagues will be offering their books (and one of mine) for sale and proceeds go toward charitable donations. Email me if you want more information.

Transitions can feel like a crisis. It provides an opportunity to either beat ourselves up and say, “What the hell is wrong with me?” or to choose to go with the flow. For those of us who are action oriented, “Doers” with an overfunctioning sense of responsibility, it can be really hard to let go.  In Yoga we call this a rajasic state.

Conversely, there is a tamasic state. When we find it impossible to take any action. We feel paralyzed. Like deer facing headlights of an approaching car. Times when you are too scared to do anything. I’ve been here too. So overwhelmed and paralyzed that I’ve had to just stop and let go. Stop the struggle. Give myself time to rest until I can get energy back to take action. Sometimes we just need that rest to find clarity. In this world where we measure ourselves on what we do….just “being” can be super challenging.

So how does a caterpillar not panic when it’s burning up in the cocoon? Perhaps, because it does not have free will, it doesn’t struggle with it’s own innate intelligence. It does not question the ability to heal from within. It does not question its own transformation, innately, brilliantly created for its survival and magnificent expression.  It doesn’t fight the process.

What brilliant transformation have you been fighting? Could this be a root cause of discomfort?

This is where faith, trust in a power that we cannot see and a spiritual connection comes to our rescue. Trust in a power greater than ourselves, or merely just trust in the process. Trust in the ability to heal from within. Know that if you cut your finger, it will heal all by itself. Know that no matter what happens, the sun will shine again.

We’ve been brainwashed to believe that we need all of this external stuff in our lives. Man-made medications or synthetic supplements, a pill for every ill and human condition. We are brainwashed to believe we will get solace from a candy bar, chips, or a bottle, instead of exploring our own beautiful, innate wisdom inside ourselves.

Instead, take a break to stop to listen to what our body really needs. Drink a glass of pure clean water. Breathe deeply.  Close your eyes for five minutes and listen to the internal wisdom that is available to you all the time. You do have a choice on how you feel and react to each moment and each situation.

A mother that has practiced breathwork can go through labor without medication. Yes ladies, it was done for centuries, quite naturally too! With the miracle of birth comes amnesia of the pain and struggle. Above all, the birth of my children brought an indescribable joy, I had not known or thought was possible.

Know and believe that when you practice these wise ageless tools of yoga that what at first seemed impossible becomes, “I’m Possible”.

Join me next Sunday, April 2nd @ 4pm to practice finding this balance with my Carpe Diem Dance, movement to music class to practice these principles.

With Love & Gratitude,

Lisa

ABOUT LISA JACKSON, RN, CHC, RYT-500, FDN

Lisa is an author, inspirational speaker and a coach with a mission to inspire others to feel and look their best at any age.

She is the former Executive Director of the Integrative Wellness Program for the Center for Cancer
and Blood Disorders.

Lisa’s book, Savvy Secrets: Eat, Think and Thrive outlines her seven-step process towards optimal health that is fun and transformational.

Lisa is part of the New Self Health Movement and the Wellness Inspired Network. When she is not coaching, speaking or writing, you can find her practicing yoga and joyfully sharing Carpe Diem Dance.