Transformative Life Lessons: Insights on Reincarnation and Growth
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Chapter 1: Reflecting on Reincarnation
A few months ago, I had a thought-provoking conversation with an elderly Zen monk who posed a fascinating question: if you had the chance to return in a different body and time, retaining just one lesson from your past life, what would that lesson be? At the time, I was at a loss for an answer, feeling completely blank. However, after much contemplation, I arrived at a significant realization.
The lesson I would want to remember is this: “The best way to escape from hell is to embark on small journeys towards heaven.” If I were to be reborn, it’s clear that I would likely make countless mistakes. This insight stems from understanding that life is all about learning and evolving. Should I lose all the experiences I’ve gained in this lifetime, I would find myself repeating past mistakes, such as:
- Engaging in toxic relationships.
- Accepting soul-draining jobs.
- Spending excessive time worrying about others rather than focusing on myself.
[Imagine the situation that makes you feel trapped in your life.]
Hence, I strongly believe that the most valuable lesson for anyone facing reincarnation—especially for me—would be to recognize that the quickest route out of self-imposed difficulties is to make small forays towards the life we desire. Once you have experienced a better existence, it becomes incredibly difficult to settle back into a less fulfilling one.
I recall my first partner, who was excessively jealous. She would call me incessantly and was upset whenever I took time to visit my mother. She even invaded my privacy by searching my belongings and interrogating my friends about my whereabouts.
After enduring that tumultuous relationship for seven years, I began a new chapter with someone else. One afternoon, when she chose to meet her friends instead of me at our usual time, I scolded her for it. Her response was life-altering: “Just because we typically meet at 4 p.m. doesn’t mean I have to. I’m not your possession, nor are you mine.”
That statement shifted my entire perspective. From that moment on, I vowed never to engage with toxic individuals again. Once you've tasted a healthy relationship, you refuse to return to a toxic one.
Every time I ponder why I spent seven years trapped in that unhealthy situation, I realize the only reason was my lack of awareness that a better life was possible.
It may sound naive, but many of us endure unbearable situations simply because we’ve grown accustomed to them, failing to compare our lives with a more fulfilling alternative.
This concept also applies to work environments. After years of being exploited, I found myself in a multinational company that genuinely valued its employees. It was shocking when a supervisor remarked, “It’s normal to treat workers well. What you experienced before was not.”
How many of us have accepted mistreatment as the norm in our professional lives?
Application to Your Life
If you feel imprisoned in any aspect of your life—emotionally, professionally, or otherwise—consider making small escapes into the life you desire. Dedicate time to yourself by engaging in a hobby that brings you joy, away from any suffocating relationships. (I recall a reader from Uruguay who left her husband at 65 and now enjoys her life with a friend by the sea in Punta del Este.)
Pursue that project you’ve been contemplating. You might just feel rejuvenated! Travel to new places to discover that multiple ways of living exist. (You may find you prefer life in Barcelona over New York.)
Gradually increase the time you spend exposed to that desired life. Eventually, you may find it impossible to tolerate the hell you’re currently enduring for even a moment longer.
You will confront difficult conversations you've been avoiding and make brave decisions that can spare you years of suffering in a mediocre existence.
Remember, you must increase your time spent in that better life to create an aversion to your current situation. Begin taking small steps towards the life you aspire to live, progressively dedicating more time to it until you feel compelled to sever ties with your undesirable life.
This exposure will generate discomfort and frustration, making the pain of inaction greater than the pain of change.
As a result, you will find yourself driven to transform your life. Take action before this life concludes, as reincarnation may not be guaranteed.
Sending you a virtual hug,
AG
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Alberto García ??? - Medium
Chapter 2: The Power of Past Lives
In this enlightening video, Swami Mukundananda discusses the profound impact of past lives on our current existence and how understanding them can change our karma and destiny.
This video delves into the concepts of reincarnation and life after life, presenting compelling evidence of past lives and their significance in our spiritual journey.