One thing I have observed throughout various texts and ideologies from a range of different sources and walks of life, is the requirement to face challenges and pursue struggles in order to grow. Throughout our lives, we are met with an assortment of difficult situations, and the default emotion or thought may be to walk away, forget about it, and move on. However, in engaging with those moments we can learn more about ourselves then any other arena.

Embracing moments of discomfort and facing challenges head on can be both a feeling of liberation, as well as a deep feeling of growth when we come out the other side. I’ve learned over the last few years, and developed a deeper understating over the past year, that struggle is an important aspect of our lives. The struggle is what creates the opportunity to develop, grow and find a deeper sense of purpose, fulfilment, and happiness.

Struggle can be encountered in various aspects of life, and if we do not seek out struggle, it will find us. An area of importance for me is physical struggle and exercise to steady my mind. In the midst of intense exchanges on the mats, I am able to let go of all thoughts, worries, and emotions, and simply immerse myself in the moment. This results in a profound experience for me, and once I have overcome the struggle, I am filled with a profound sense of peace and freedom.

I think it’s easy to portray this desire to seek struggle, and although I know the potential outcome and consciously look to engage with it more, there is still a great sense of hesitation. There’s always a part of my mind that questions the outcome, the desire to engage, and searches for an escape, which I think is very normal. However, the path that blocks the way is the way to the path of the greatest potential.

In life, with such a wide range of escapes available, as well as a vast array of modern luxuries at our fingertips, combined with an easy lifestyle and less demand for work, it is a perfect setup to lose strength, growth, and evolution as animals, spiritual beings, and arguably humans. Because of these factors, it is more imperative than ever to pursue struggle, as for thousands of years, struggle and overcoming adversity have been pillars for the development of our civilizations, pillars for purpose, fulfillment, and subsequent happiness for all.

Thanks,

Dean