When Life Pulls You Down, Get Ready to Spring Up
“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
We all love the idea of life being a constant stream of sunshine and success, a perfectly smooth journey with no bumps in the road. But the more we live, the more we realise that's just not how it works. And, perhaps surprisingly, it's not meant to be.
If you've ever practiced yoga or dance, you've probably heard the phrase, "come down to come up." It often refers to a physical movement – a dip or a lowering before an upward sweep, creating grace and power. What if we applied this same wisdom to our lives?
Just like in a dance, life often requires us to "come down" before we can truly "come up." These "downs" can be anything from minor setbacks and disappointments to significant challenges, losses, or periods of intense struggle. They're the moments when things feel tough, when our energy might be low, or when we question our path.
It's natural to resist these downturns. We're wired to seek comfort and avoid pain. However, by resisting, we often prolong the very discomfort we're trying to escape. When we allow ourselves to fully experience the "down" – to acknowledge the difficulty, process our emotions, and learn from the experience – we create the foundation for a more powerful "up."
Think about it:
Growth It's when we're challenged that we discover our resilience, learn new skills, and gain deeper insights into ourselves and the world.
Perspective shifts A downturn can force us to re-evaluate what's truly important, shedding light on areas we might have overlooked during times of ease.
Empathy deepens Experiencing difficulties can make us more compassionate and understanding towards others who are also navigating their own "downs."
The "up" feels even sweeter When you've navigated a period of struggle, the moments of joy, success, and peace are often appreciated with a profound depth that wouldn't be possible without the contrast.
So, the next time life feels like it's taking a dip, instead of fighting against it, try to lean in. Acknowledge what you're feeling, be kind to yourself, and trust that this "down" is an integral part of your unique and evolving journey. Just like a dancer preparing for their leap, you might just be gathering the strength and momentum you need to truly come up higher than ever before.
