Showing up together
Do you remember a time in your life, when confronted with a challenging situation that you could not change and no matter how much you wished to escape – there just was no exit door to be found? You may have wondered what this is all about, where love is and what to do now? We are in such a situation globally and many face it personally.
Two months ago, I was stuck in the mountains on a side road. Landslides made it impossible to drive further, nor could I go back as a huge tree had fallen. I parked behind a long line of stuck cars and decided to take a walk, where I met people gathered together, laughing and talking. Cell phones didn’t work, we did not know if we ever would get out to drive on. But the contractor, a sweet schoolgirl, the Google tech guy, a grandma, others and I made wonderful connections. After several hours my belly though was loudly growling. Suddenly, a voice from a car called out to us: “Anyone hungry? I have plenty of vegetarian burritos to share!” Maria, a Spanish angel from heaven with the biggest smile I have ever seen, had made them to sell for a restaurant, but wouldn’t get there in time to deliver. So she fed a whole crowd for free.
What a gift- Love in action.
Thinking and talking ‘about’ spirituality is easy. It takes way more to actually live it in the streets of the world, in our homes, with each other, right here in the muck and beauty of life. Offering genuine compassion for what is hurt, standing up for what matters, caring with an open heart, living with integrity even when it is uncomfortable, resolving a conflict face to face, being present with your upset child, daring to take action in benefit to all of life, getting our hands dirty and our heart bruised as we love – this speaks of strength, our awareness, and dedication to making a difference even in the most hopeless situations.
Spirituality has nothing to do with hiding out in pink clouds or in elaborate concepts, nor is it about making our life perfect, or shrinking from the tough stuff and being blissfully self involved. It is simply calling us to return to the well within, and to show up present, connected, and wholeheartedly in life to meet what is here in this moment, as it is. To listen to the deep knowing in our hearts so we can act wisely, fresh each moment from love- even if it feels vulnerable, imperfect, or if our labor adds only a drop in the bucket (that burrito certainly made a big difference, and it was good too:)) I believe that right now, more than ever we need people who dare to connect and live the light in the midst of turmoil, as the fruits of our actions will leave a trail of hope for generations to come.
I remember standing in one of the concentration camps in Germany and asking: How could this happen? During that time, people were silenced and shot. They were scared, felt powerless, and others were in denial and frozen in
shock. It was much later – sadly after it happened- that people woke up and vowed to never let it happen again. We organized ourselves, got educated, and engaged so no person or government could ever take over again. We healed the deep wounds together and created a new society that now is thriving. We are on the brink with our environment, in turmoil in many countries such as the Congo and even America. This is the time when it is up to all of us to turn the ship.
But, it means that we face the situation, look with open eyes, and don’t turn away. That we feel our feelings all the way- then the anger turns to passion, the pain to love, and breathing into fear frees the energy to move into powerful action. It implies, that we let the breath, our heart, and presence be the anchor, and unite with others. Dwell in stillness, from here speak up. Connect first and then take one step in the right direction – every day. I feel inspired by all of you who stand with us together on the front lines – for the earth, for those most vulnerable, for higher values, and for each other.
Hey, what do we tell our children when they ask: “What did you live to make a difference?” What would you like to tell them? Thank you for daring to live that, step by step, breath by breath, hand in hand and heart to heart. This, I believe can turn even the most impossible and challenging situations into an opportunity for outrageous brilliance and genuine love. We might just find a way through, one we never imagined possible.
Wishing you strength, courage and much joy, Nicola
If you like a hand: www.nicolaamadora.com
Here are my free, essential power practices for everyday on video to support you on this journey:
Facing Challenges and
Power of Connecting
