It Is What It Is. Or, Is It?

It is what it is. Now that is a phrase that means different things to different people. Some believe that it is a statement of defeat. Others believe it is an objective statement of life that hold the possibility of growth. 

Where is the truth? It is one or the other? Is it both? It might be one or the other. It could be both. It depends upon how you see life. Is life dynamic and ever-changing or is it static? Can you live into your best self or must you live within the narrow straits you find yourself in? 

Here is another thought: do you believe that fate is unchangeable or do you believe that you control your fate? If you are like me, you believe that to a certain extent, you control your fate. I believe that while I can’t control the externals, I can control how I respond or react to them. I can find the loopholes through which to leap into my best self.

It is what it is. Sometimes we are in situations in which we feel paralyzed. There is no way we can see to change them. It is easy to spiral into a dark moment as suffering and futility wash over us. Once we are in the downward spiral it is really hard to reverse the trajectory and move toward a better place. 

Do you like being stuck? I don’t. I’d like to suggest another way. It is the way of a Buddhist vow: to take life as it is. This vow invites us to identify the suffering in our life and move from this dark place to a place of healing through compassion. 

Taking life as it is is not about complacency or giving up. No, within this slogan is the energy of compassion swirling into our being. It lifts us out of the darkness and into hope. How do you breathe into compassion and turn suffering into opportunity? Let’s practice.

Reflect upon a situation that seems tough. A situation that isn’t as you would like it to be but one that is. A situation in which you feel really stuck or trapped.

• Notice how the experience is impacting you physically. Do you feel a heaviness? Are you tight? Do you feel an absence? Notice and name without judgment.
• Notice your mind — thoughts, images, memories — those things that are mentally drawing your attention. Notice and name without judgment.
• Notice your emotions. What is crying from your soul about this situation? Notice and name without judgment.
• Notice how you feel spiritually. Name without judgment.
• Breathe into what you notice. Go to any place within your being that feels tangled. Ask for guidance on how to release the suffering. Ask, “What one thing can I do to release my suffering?” Listen to the answer.
• Breathe the light of compassion into your body. Feel the tangles letting go as compassion permeates your being. Invite peace into your being.
• Now at greater peace, look at the situation. Ask yourself where the opportunity for change is? 
• Name the change. 
• Vow to do one thing that will make your world a little less dark. 

Taking life as it is does not have to be a grower of suffering. It can and is a way to move from the darkness of suffering into the incredible lightness of being that fills us with compassion.  

Van Hurst, ms, is an intuitive-coach-catalyst. As a contemplative coach, she uses mindfulness practices and intuition tools to create strategies for navigating those places may scare us. The result of time with Van? Creating a blueprint for your life through a deeper connection to your intuition and contemplative nature. 

Van is a professional speaker & author who weaves inner wisdom into all she touches. Her books are available @ www.wildefyrpress.com. Her most recent book, As Natural As Breathing: Being Intuitive, is available on Amazon. Contact Vanessa for life coaching, intuitive consultations, keynotes, and programs.

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