“The intensity of pain depends on the degree of resistance to the present moment” – Eckhart Tolle.

A while back, I was in my nephew’s basement and came upon a little tent. I called him down and was informed that it was a mini greenhouse that he was using to grow pot. Fascinated, I looked inside, where a few little plants stood, gently blowing in the wind. I was intrigued by the overall setup, but mostly the fan and its purpose. This is when I learned that a seedling needs a breeze to gain its strength. Without a breeze, it will be doomed to die.

This reminded me of the plights of the baby chick and caterpillar. One needs to peck out of its shell, and the other needs to extract itself from its cocoon. Both steps are critical to building the strength required for their survival.

Our physical muscles will not grow unless they are stressed. If they sit dormant, they will atrophy. An extreme example of this can be seen with bodybuilders who stress their muscles regularly to bulk up. Stress brings energy, and energy becomes muscle. Our mental muscles follow the same approach. Challenge the brain, and its capabilities will grow. Don’t challenge the brain, and it will become stagnant. We mirror the non-human world but think we are apart from it. I fear the joke may be on us.

Spiritually, life’s roadblocks provide us with either a growth opportunity or, if resisted, a persistent struggle. The universe is wise. It knows our demons and offers ample opportunity for us to face them. Rumi’s thirteenth-century poem, “The Guest House,” captures this beautifully.

“This being human is a guest house.
Every morning, a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.”

Retirement will see me trying to learn from all the people and experiences that cross my path. I will strive to welcome friends and foes, embrace light and dark, and recognize and appreciate each lesson they bring to my life’s journey.