The Path to Peace by Kate Messner I t has been said that the key to happiness is being able to adapt to changes that we will inevitably experience throughout life. For me, springtime is a time to reflect on how I can live every day with a greater sense of ease and grace. This past year has been one of transition and letting go. I had to make choices that weren’t easy but were for my highest good. I let go of the illusion of control and trusted my inner guidance that all will be well. The exercise of trusting yourself is not an easy one. Our minds love to turn the decision-making process into a nerve-wracking inner debate. Constant questioning of what could happen can send your mind, body and spirit into overload. The key to it all is to calm your mind and move into your heart. First, look at the decision that is before you and ask yourself, “What are my choices?” Think about the different options that you have in a non-judgmental way; you don’t have to choose any of them. At this point you are only looking into possibilities. Take the time to connect with each choice and what each one will require of you. One of my favorite contemplative practices is to take a long walk in the vineyards, listening to the hum that the nature of our beautiful valley produces. If you have a sense of which choice would be the most selfhonoring but you are still experiencing endless inner chatter, I encourage you to then ask yourself, “What am I truly afraid of? What would be the worst-case scenario if I make this decision? What is my inner-self trying to convey to me?” I asked myself these very questions and the answers surprised me. I was afraid of change. I was afraid that if I made the “wrong decision” everything would fall to pieces around me. I was able to calm myself by channeling the inner support I needed. I assured myself that each choice leads me down a different path, which is what makes life invigorating. By comforting myself in this way I was able to fully embrace the choice that was right for me. It brought me into the space of clarity, and the chatter faded away. There are no words to describe how peaceful I feel knowing that I have myself to depend on. When you have the courage to trust yourself and let go, true transformation can begin. As we move fully into spring there is a sense of renewal and excitement. It’s a time to move forward with different perspective, to remain in gratitude for all that we have been blessed with by living in the Napa Valley and being a part of this special community. Kate Messmer has a MA in Spiritual Psychology and works with individuals who are experiencing stress, anxiety and disconnect from self and others. To receive a complimentary consultation, contact her at peaceofkate@ymail.com or find out more about her services at www.peaceofkate.com MAY / J U N E 2 0 1 4 47 Trusting yourself to get you through life’s changes There are no words to describe how peaceful I feel knowing that I have myself to depend on. When you have the courage to trust yourself and let go, true transformation can begin.
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