Adversity ~ A Divinely Valueable Experience Reorienting Spirit Into Yourself

Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with. ~ Thomas Carlyle

I was thinking about the word adversity today.  It occured to me that it’s not about what you think of adversity, it’s about how you think of adversity.  What I mean is, when challenges come up in life and relationship, if we are focused on what the adversity is, or what it means, we are simply perpetuating the feeling of adversity, something that cannot be overcome. 

You see, by it’s common definition adversity is misfortune or hardship.  However, by origin ‘Adverse’ simply means acting against or in a contrary direction; opposed to one’s interests or desire.  So, if a situation is contrary or against your best interest, then it becomes more important to re-orient how you think about it than what it appears to be.  

It seems that the Universe, God, Mystery of Life, Higher Self or whatever you choose to call it,  cannot allow the circumstances that are contrary to our desire and best interest, so naturally adversity shows up.  Otherwise, how would we ever know that we are not on the right path.   It’s often at our lowest point, where the problems seem insurmountable that we surrender to anther way of looking at something and open ourselves to realize something new.   I could go on in my own words, but it seems best to ponder the poetic wisdom and inspirational words of those that have gone before us.

Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course. ~ William Shakespeare

Adversity is the first path to truth. ~ Lord Byron  

Adversity is like a strong wind.  It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. ~ Arthur Golden

Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents, which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant. ~ Horace

Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache, carries with it the Seed of an equivalent or greater Benefit. ~ Napolean Hill

All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you. ~ Walt Disney

Affirmation:  Today I embrace the apparent adversity in my life, knowing it is a gift that reveals the truth of my greatest self and puts me on the path to my destiny.