Silver Linings

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. These are wise words. Why they are wise is because they point to something that the mind cannot grasp alone. Calling us to go deeper into our experience of life, it also calls us to go deeper into ourselves.

What one is capable of seeing is all a matter of perception and understanding. Some see clouds on the horizon and they become despondent, overcome by hopelessness. Others see the same clouds, but they do not interpret their coming as a death sentence. Finding a deeper level of meaning in their presence, they alter the effect of the experience in their own life. Uncovering something of value, this is what they focus their attention on, and as a result they are able to make something beautiful of a situation that others label as disastrous.

Many examples can be found of great works that have arisen out of extreme hardship.

Not wanting other parents to have to endure the heartache that he and his wife experienced, he has dedicated the last quarter century of his life towards protecting children from predators. Along the way, he has lobbied governments and had a number of laws changed, formed support groups for parents whose children have been the victims of sexual violence, and he even hosted a prime-time television program that was aired so that America's most violent criminals could be apprehended and imprisoned. With an unwavering will and a tireless spirit, it was reported that he played a part in over one thousand of the country's worst criminals being brought to justice. What a truly amazing accomplishment!

What really left an impression on me was just how bold and proactive this remarkable man was. Losing his son in a manner that I cannot comprehend, he didn't allow his pain to consume and paralyse him. Seeing a light amidst the darkness, he wanted to use his experience to serve the world in a powerful way. This he did because he refused to be the victim of circumstance. Communicating his belief that everything happens for a reason, he was determined not to let his son's death be in vain.

Seeing it as an opportunity to reach out, he allowed his spirit to shine, and as a result many have been blessed by that light. Resisting the pull of the ego to stay rooted in that pain, he was able to transcend it, as he worked to fulfil his higher purpose. Finding healing in service, he teaches others who occupy a similar position that they too can move forward and experience joy again in their lives.

Not limited by our hardships, it is the spirit that prevails if its call for growth is honoured. Requiring immense courage, the world would have understood if this man wanted to curl up in a corner and die, but this is not what he would accept. Knowing that he had to move on, he took all that he could out of the experience, and used it to inform and empower others. This is love in action, turning towards the world that he could so easily have despised.

What I find so interesting is that this man's vocation arose out of something so tragic. But this is not unusual. Stories abound of courageous people who have set up foundations to raise money or promote awareness of a cause, after losing a loved one to a disease or accident. What this teaches each of us is that even in the midst of hardship, we still possess the power of choice. Falling to our knees, we can rise up again, a stronger and more resilient person. Finding the light, we can become that light, and like alchemy, we can emerge transformed, not by fear, but by love.

The current global financial crisis has presented an array of challenges to both individuals and families alike. People have lost their jobs, had their businesses fall over, and others have had wiped out, large amounts of money, which has been tied up in the volatile market. This has left a lot of people feeling vulnerable as they contemplate an uncertain future. Worrying about whether they will be able to support themselves and their families, I feel their anguish, and understand their fears.

Living in London during the peak of the recession, I struggled, as many others did, to find work, and I was left to feel helpless and frustrated with the process. Having studied for six years at university, I initially found it very hard to comprehend that no one would want someone with my qualifications, but once I came to look at the situation objectively, I was not nearly as offended, for I saw that much of what was taking place was out of my control. Persisting the best that I could, this was all I could do, and while I did find work for a brief period, it did not provide me with the means that I would require to stay there long term.

Returning back to Australia, I was initially disappointed that my adventure was over, but as I have had the chance to settle back in, and share some quality time with friends and family, I am peaceful in the knowing that this is where I am meant to be at this time. Having been given the chance to do some academic work, I am very excited by the opportunity to teach and learn on a daily basis. With education being a passion of mine, it is what I love being involved in, and allowing me to develop my skills, I am grateful that I am in a situation which will bring me closer to realizing my personal goals.

As I look back on all that I have experienced in the past couple of months, I can now see clearly the silver lining to the dark cloud that hung over my head. Time does bring perspective, and with perspective comes objectivity. Learning to be objective has allowed me to see not only my situation more clearly, but also my spirit more vividly. With this, has come a greater appreciation of where I have been and where I am going. Leading me to reflect, I now see more of the positive things in my life, and less of the negative. This has been a tremendous blessing, and it is my hope that the introspection of others will bless them in the same way.

In saying this however, I do realize that my hope is a vain wish for many, who would rather stay mired in their own negativity, than take the time to discover what their own silver linings are. For a lot of people, many wonderful things have emerged out of this recession. Many are being forced out of jobs that they hate, and are going to work or study in areas that they have a genuine passion for. People are spending less money on things that they don't need, and are coming to realize that the simple life is the better life. Parents who have been made redundant, or had their work hours reduced, are now spending more time with their family at home. This has led to a shift in values, with many parents realizing what they had been missing out on and taking for granted. People have lost false friends, who only wanted to be around in more prosperous times. Standing by their side now are their real friends, whose loyalty and support will see them overcome the challenges that they face. And last, but definitely not least, we are becoming more humble and compassionate to the plight of others. Seeing others who are worse off than we are, we are reaching out to people, rather than reaching for more things to consume.

Understand that all of this is bringing us together in a very spiritual way. Teaching us much about love, it is a message that we will not forget easily. Being what the heart will remember, it is not what the ego can overcome. Every cloud has a silver lining. Hiding a divine lesson, it is the light behind the darkness that is eternally shining.