I recently read a memoir that, after reading it, turned my attention inward. In the book, The Buddha at My Table: How I Found Peace in Betrayal and Divorce by Tammy Letherer, she lays out the events of her divorce and how life changed and shifted for her. She also wrote vulnerably about what she was thinking and feeling. As you can imagine, she experienced grief, sadness, confusion, and anger. And thankfully, she has deep spiritual beliefs and friends that saw her through the experience.
As I read her story, I felt and thought many things. I was proud of Tammy for her strength, but also for her willingness to share when she didn’t feel strong at all. This reminded me that we all go through tough times, that we all struggle, and that we also overcome and persevere. I recently moved to a new town and a new state – my third move in three years! I did not know anyone here when I got here. It feels lonely at times. It has given me time to reflect on my own past relationships, heartbreaks, and the sudden deaths of my father and stepbrother over the past four years. And, the book helped me to remember that things do get better and that I should give myself credit (and a break!) for all of the challenges and change that I have been through and triumphed regardless.
I appreciate that I was reminded of the New Thought/Science of Mind principles that she turned to again and again to find guidance and fortitude. These principles are many but I’ll name a few below.
- Life is happening for me, not to me.
- Love is the answer – for ourselves and others.
- We are one with Spirit, everything, and everyone.
- Prayer works! It is done to me as I believe. And when I cannot believe it for myself, I turn to friends and prayer partners to know it for me.
I also love how Tammy turned to oracle cards for guidance from time to time. I have a few decks myself and sometimes it’s a nice jump-start or comfort to me to move me into my next step when I don’t know what to do. The Universe is always speaking to us. We just have to pay attention. Or seek it out if we haven’t noticed the signs yet.
This book also widened my heart as I empathized with and felt compassion for Tammy. I also felt my heart a little bit too as I let the feelings flow. If you would like to explore other ways to open and heal your heart, consider attending my workshop, Getting to the Matter of the Heart, on July 20, 2022. You will find more information here.
When we allow ourselves to dive into someone else’s story, it can evoke feelings we may have buried. It can help us find compassion for others. It can help us to be more reflective on our own lives. This is YOUR life. How do you want to live it? I encourage you to allow your feelings to come up, to journal, to speak your dreams out loud, and to love and support yourself. If are going through a tough time, I am here to help. I have guided many beautiful souls to work through their indecision and pain to go on to lead a life of joy and purpose. Learn more here. I wish you much love, excitement, and fulfillment on your life’s journey.
