Even Spiritual Teachers Have to Work at It
Tips for when you are struggling
By Shaman Isis
Spiritual Teacher | Consciousness Advocate | Lover of Divine Truth
Even Spiritual Teachers Have to Work at It
Beautiful souls,
People often assume that because I am a spiritual teacher, I must float through life in an enlightened bubble of peace and clarity. The truth? I know every trick in the book for calming the nervous system, shifting my energy, and finding inner balance, and I still have to work hard to keep myself steady.
I have wrestled with anxiety and depression for most of my life. While these days I generally reside in a high vibrational state, I still have episodes when I struggle. When deeply triggered, which can happen with flashbacks, I sometimes have to slip into bed for a few days until I am calm again. One thing I don’t think we need more of is spiritual gurus making it appear that they are always perfect. Reminds me of hierarchical churches that put on the appearance of perfectionism.
And perfectionism? That one runs deep. It is a scar from childhood, from the constant judgment I received for things I had no control over. When you are told over and over that you are not enough, the body and mind wire themselves to always be on alert.
Even now, after years of practice, I still find myself holding my breath, tightening my shoulders, and bracing for impact when there is nothing to brace for. Healing is not a straight line. It is a dance, sometimes graceful, sometimes messy, and always a practice.
When the spiral starts, here are the simple things I return to again and again:
What to Do When You Are Struggling
Breathe on purpose. Slow, deep breaths in through the nose, out through the mouth. It signals to your body that you are safe.
Name what is here. Say out loud: “I feel anxious” or “I feel low.” Naming emotions removes some of their power. Keep in mind that emotions are not something you control. They are something you can truly embrace, like a friend sharing a secret with you.
Move the body. Walk, stretch, dance, or simply get energy flowing.
Touch the ground. Put your bare feet on the earth or your hands on a table and feel the texture.
Give yourself the grace you give others. Speak to yourself as you would to someone you love.
If you are struggling right now, please remember that nothing is wrong with you. You are not failing at life. You are a human being with a nervous system doing its best to keep you alive. You can teach it new ways to feel safe, one breath and one moment at a time.
With love and compassion,
Shaman Isis
