Shedding Leaves, Shedding Habits: Embracing Transformation in the Fall

As the vibrant hues of summer transition into the warm, earthy tones of fall, nature undergoes a profound transformation. Trees, in their wisdom, shed their leaves, letting go of what no longer serves them to conserve energy for the colder months ahead. This natural process mirrors our own journey of shedding habits, beliefs, and patterns that no longer align with our growth and well-being.

Nature's Wisdom: The Art of Letting Go

Just as trees shed their leaves in the fall, we too can embrace this season as a time of release and renewal. The falling leaves symbolize the impermanence of life and the importance of letting go. Clinging to old habits, beliefs, or past hurts can weigh us down, preventing us from fully experiencing the present moment and the blessings it brings.

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the Lungs

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fall is associated with the lungs. The lungs, in TCM, are not just organs for respiration but also represent our ability to let go and accept new experiences. They are closely linked to the emotion of grief. When we hold onto grief, it can manifest as imbalances in the lung energy. By releasing this grief, just as trees release their leaves, we can create space for new experiences, emotions, and energies.

Scriptural Insights: Pruning for Growth

The Bible speaks of the importance of pruning for growth. In John 15:2, it says, "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." This scripture highlights the necessity of letting go, of pruning away the old, to make way for new growth and abundance.

Embracing Transformation

Fall teaches us the beauty of transformation. As leaves change color and eventually fall, they make way for new growth in the spring. Similarly, by shedding old habits and beliefs, we pave the way for personal and spiritual growth. The process might be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another." - 2 Corinthians 3:18

Conclusion

As we witness the beauty of fall and the shedding of leaves, let it be a reminder of our own journey of transformation. Let's embrace the wisdom of nature, the insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the teachings of scripture to shed what no longer serves us and make way for new beginnings.

Hurt People Hurt People: The Cycle of Pain and Healing

Have you ever found yourself hurting others because you were hurting? Maybe you lashed out at someone you love because you were feeling overwhelmed or resentful. Perhaps you pushed people away because you didn't want to burden them with your problems. Whatever the case, it's not uncommon for hurt people to hurt people.

The Cycle of Pain and Hurt: Why Hurt People Hurt People

This cycle of pain and hurt is a vicious one. When we're hurting, we often become self-absorbed and tunnel-visioned, focusing solely on our own pain and neglecting the feelings of those around us. This can lead us to act in ways that are hurtful and destructive, causing even more pain for ourselves and others.

But why do hurt people hurt people? The answer lies in our own unhealed wounds. When we're hurting, we're often carrying around unresolved pain from our past. We may have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or other forms of emotional pain that we haven't fully processed or healed from.

This unhealed pain can manifest in a number of ways. We may become overly sensitive or defensive, lashing out at others when they trigger our pain. We may become avoidant or distant, shutting down emotionally and pushing people away. We may become self-destructive, engaging in harmful behaviors that only perpetuate our pain.

The problem is that these behaviors become second nature to us. We may not even realize that we're hurting others because it feels like the only way to cope with our own pain. We may also be blind to the fact that our behaviors are a reflection of our own unhealed wounds.

This is why healing is so important. What is not healed will continue to inflict many scars, not only on ourselves but on those around us. When we take the time to heal our own wounds, we break the cycle of pain and hurt. We become more self-aware and able to recognize when our behaviors are hurting others. We also become more compassionate and understanding, able to offer support and comfort to those around us who are struggling.

Building Healthy, Fulfilling Relationships Through Healing and Compassion

Healing is not easy, and it's not a one-size-fits-all process. It may involve therapy, self-reflection, meditation, or other forms of self-care. It may also involve confronting our own pain and trauma, which can be incredibly difficult and painful. But the rewards of healing are immense. When we heal, we become more whole, more resilient, and more capable of building healthy, fulfilling relationships.

If you've hurt people because you were hurting, know that you're not alone. But also know that healing is possible. It's never too late to start the journey of healing and breaking the cycle of pain and hurt. The road may be long and challenging, but the destination is worth it.

Trust God's Vision for Your Life | Don't expect others to believe in you.

When you start sharing God's vision for your life with other people, they will question your sanity. A lot of people can only walk by sight and not by faith so it's hard to convince them of your faith. Your faith is between you and God and if you leave it at that and trust the vision God placed in your soul, it will work out for you.

You don't have to know exactly how it is going to work out but TRUST that GOD WILL SHOW YOU. Abram didn't know, Noah didn't know but both of them had unwavering faith. People thought they both were crazy but look at how God blessed them. God will bless you the same way, just KEEP the faith!

Genesis 12:1-3

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Genesis 6:7

7 When everything was ready, the Lord said to Noah, “Go into the boat with all your family, for among all the people of the earth, I can see that you alone are righteous.

When God tells you to do something, do not question God or how you will be able to do it because God will not give you any responsibility that you cannot carry out.

The mission and vision in your heart has been placed there by God and he has also placed the gifts in you to carry our his will. Trust that you have been prequalified to carry out the tasks made know to you in the dark. Have faith even when others doubt you and it will come to light.

If you would like to explore this some more, I recommend you take some time to listen to a recent episode I made on Surrendering to God’s Plan and having faith along your journey !