One of the biggest drains on our energy and vitality is the toleration of situations and occurrences in our lives, both big and small, that feel like contraction every time we experience or observe them. “Tolerate” is a verb meaning: “Allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.”
So, what are you tolerating or putting up with in your life that is draining your energy? Many of us tend to tolerate such things as clutter when we’d really like an orderly, clear space, or items hanging around that need to be fixed, and projects that aren’t getting completed, both at home and at work. On a larger scale, many people put up with jobs that are boring and unfulfilling, relationships that aren’t mutually beneficial, and even health issues.
Every time you observe the clutter, for example, it drains your energy. It hangs over you and intrudes into your consciousness. The toilet that runs, or the front screen door that needs replacing weighs you down every time you see it.
Very often people walk around in a state of stress and contraction so much of the time that it begins to feel like normal. They actually become accustomed to certain negative emotional states, thinking that is just the “reality”. They may believe there is nothing that can be done–not enough time, money, or expertise to create a change.
When we tolerate the things in our lives we don’t really want to have, we send a message to the universe and to our subconscious minds that we don’t deserve better. It keeps us stuck, unable to create room for more. We were meant to live joyful lives, not to live lives dragged down by what we decide we must tolerate.
Here are some suggestions to help you move forward, once you’ve made the clear decision to stop tolerating what you don’t want.
1. Make a list of the things that you realize you’ve been simply tolerating. Getting it all down on paper where you can see it helps to de-clutter your mind.
2. Prioritize what you can start changing. Some tolerations are smaller and easier to take care of, such as the toilet that’s running, or the clutter. Others are bigger issues, such as a relationship or job that isn’t working for you. Start with the small ones!
3. Resolve to pick one thing per week (or day, or whatever time frame you choose) to start changing, and do it! Do what you can, even if it’s just a bit at a time.
4. Notice the feeling of relief or lightness you get as you tick items off your list!
5. For the bigger issues, think how you might break them down into smaller chunks. These are items that I would recommend spending some time meditating on. Taking these to your higher self and asking for help can open up tremendous growth. You might want to ask what you are learning from this issue that you are allowing in your life. Often understanding the reason you have created an issue will allow the release of it more easily than you would have thought. You can also ask for guidance as to what your next, highest step would be. Remember you are not alone! Help is there, but you have to ask for it, as our free will will never be interfered with.
The answers may pop into your head while meditating, or they may come in another way at another time. Be open to how your soul can communicate with you. Simply that acknowledgement and declaration that you want help to resolve it will start energy flowing to you.
Once you realize what you have been allowing in your life that isn’t serving you and take action to change it, you will be amazed at the difference in how you feel and what shows up in the space you’ve created!
