My Path to Inner Peace
When my son was four years old, I was a single mom working a full-time job as a technology executive. I was his primary caregiver and provider. And I was so proud—maybe too much so—of the power and sheer force of will I could muster to do it all myself. I even had the Chinese symbol for strength tattooed in a place I could see every day to remind myself, “Hey, you got this!”
And then something awful happened. He was injured and had to undergo an amputation of his lower left leg. My sweet son, the light of my life, the reason I told myself I was “doing it all for,” was forced into a life-altering situation, and there was NOTHING I could do. No amount of strength or internal fortitude, no force of will, nothing I could do, was changing it for him.
In moments like these, we can learn that strength can break us, especially if it’s the only resource we have to draw on. Especially if we’ve always thought, “Hey, I’ve got this!”…until we don’t. What then?
I’d love to say I transitioned easily into what I will tell you next. In truth, it was a long road for me, full of more lessons about balancing strength and humility, force and flow. And even now, it’s a daily practice. The good news, the resources exist! And maybe, just maybe, something I started learning then and have developed over the years can be helpful for you, too.
If you need a connection to something more powerful than your own will, keep reading. And spoiler alert! My sweet boy is 22 now and drinks every ounce of life, every day, drawing from the depths of what I’m about to share.
The Path to True Strength
In a quiet moment, pause to breathe deeply and set an intention to connect with something far greater than the everyday noise of life. True strength is born in this connection, this union of breath and Spirit.
Strength is not just found in the muscles or the force of your will; it is cultivated in the depths of your being, where your breath becomes the bridge between your body and Spirit - a connection with a power far greater than ours. With each inhale, you draw in life, energy, and the essence of your inner power. With each exhale, you release doubt, fear, and the limitations that hold you back.
When you connect with your breath, you align with the universe's rhythm. This ancient and wise rhythm guides you to move with purpose and grace. It teaches you that strength is not about resistance but flow—moving with life’s challenges rather than against them.
In those moments of stillness, as you focus on your breath, you tap into a wellspring of resilience. You realize that true strength comes from within - from the connection Spirit, unshakable and eternal. This strength is the ability to lift or endure and the capacity to remain centered, calm, and powerful in the face of adversity.
As you breathe, you become more aware of your body and its infinite potential. You feel the energy circulating, fueling your muscles and fortifying your bones. This is not just physical energy; it is the life force that connects you to the world, to the people around you, and the greater purpose of your existence.
With every conscious breath, you strengthen your connection to Spirit - the source of your greatest power. This connection nurtures your inner courage, empowering you to face life’s challenges with a steady heart and a determined mind. It reminds you that you are more than your physical form; you are a being of light, capable of incredible things.
So, embrace this connection. Breathe deeply, knowing that each breath is a step on the path to your truest, most powerful self. Let your breath guide you to a place of inner peace, where Spirit reigns strong, and your strength is unbreakable.
