It's ok to Take the Easy Path

I want to chat about something I often hear from my Reiki clients. There's this idea floating around that if you don't suffer through something, it's not real or valuable. You know, the whole "no pain, no gain" mindset. But guess what? That's not always true.

Let's break this down a bit. Imagine you're hiking up a mountain. There's a super steep, rocky path that will be tough, but a gentle trail winds around the mountain. Both paths get you to the top, right? But many people think they're not "earning" the view from the top if they don't take the steep, hard path.

I get it. We've been taught that the harder we work, the more we'll appreciate the results. And sure, sometimes that's true. But it's not the only truth. Sometimes, taking the gentler path is just as valid, if not more so.

Let me tell you a little story. I had a client who was struggling with anxiety. They thought that they had to face every fear head-on and suffer through panic attacks to overcome it. We discussed different ways to manage stress, and they realized they could take smaller, more manageable steps. They started practicing mindfulness and using Reiki to calm their mind. They found that they could "go around" their anxiety instead of crashing through it. And you know what? They made amazing progress without all the extra stress.

Remember, there's no universal rule that mandates you must endure the most challenging aspects of every obstacle. Sometimes, finding a way around it can lead to a brighter, healthier outcome. It's showing yourself kindness and acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating life's hurdles. It's embracing your unique journey and choosing the path that resonates with you, even if it's not the most arduous one. This is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your self-awareness and respect for your own needs.

As a practitioner of Reiki and mindfulness, I've witnessed the deep healing these gentle approaches can bring, often without the struggle. Sometimes, simply being present and acknowledging our internal experiences is enough to initiate the healing process. You can choose to dive into the deep end if you're ready. If not, wade in slowly; the water's just as refreshing.

So, when you're confronted with a challenging situation, remember this: it's perfectly fine to find an easier way. You don't have to prove anything by enduring suffering. Your well-being is the main priority, and that means choosing the path that aligns with your needs, even if it's not the most difficult one.