Obstacles & Pain: Lean into it.
“The truth lies on the other side of that pain, not in avoiding it. The obstacle IS the path.”
The obstacle is the path. There is a Zen proverb that states the obstacle in the path becomes the path. Real change is only attainable by facing pain, facing yourself, and asking the tough questions such as ‘how did I get here?’ To that end, you must first determine your obstacle and then you will know your path.
Are you starting an exercise program when you should be looking at your relationship with food?
Are you going on a diet when what you really need is to face your emotional trauma?
The most important thing my spiritual advisor ever said to me is “Eric, lean into the pain.” Yet everything in our society tells you that the way forward is around your pain. There is no such thing as a comfortable change. The truth lies on the other side of that pain, not in avoiding it. The obstacle IS the path.