When I think of portals, what comes to mind are defined spaces, sometimes exceedingly narrow and other times broad. It is through a portal that one passes with an incomplete knowledge of what may lie on the other side. This can create a degree of uneasiness due to the lack of certainty we as humans seem to crave. When left to our own devices, we prefer the known vs. the unknown. These points of passage can be both literal and metaphorical.
It’s interesting that in the computer age the term portal has become synonymous with a place one goes to access a broad array of knowledge or information. You or I simply pull up Google or Bing or a host of other websites to enter a place where we can retrieve knowledge, information, and insights about things we have an interest in or may lack a familiarity with. By compressing our inquiry into a few words and into a small box, we then open up access to broad database of intelligence; or some would argue not so intelligent.
Recently, it struck me that the problems we encounter in life also act as portals. This would be a metaphorical application of this concept. Being a father of four children, I have had a fair amount of practice at providing counsel during times of difficulty or problems. In all of these many instances, one theme has remained true, problems can be stepping stones or stumbling blocks. Its all how we choose to look at them.
And so, when problems arise, we are confronted with a choice. Though our reactions can vary greatly, I have found they generally fall into a few oft repeated responses. There is of course the ever-present impulse of denial. This is the refusal to acknowledge the problem even exists. The head-in-the-sand ostrich approach. Statements such as, “I don’t know what you are talking about” or “What anger? I don’t know what you mean, I don’t feel angry, I’ve never felt anger?”
Another mechanism we frequently deploy in our attempts to dodge a problem is to adopt a stance of repression. This differs somewhat from denial though they are definitely close cousins. When we repress something, we acknowledge that it's there, but believe its too dangerous to let it out or confront it. It is these two approaches that most often end badly. More often than not, some major psychic or physical issues arise, and then we have an "event”.
Yet another contrivance of defense we at times position when facing a problem is to use projection. This can best be illustrated with the following declarations we have undoubtedly heard uttered at some point in our lives, perhaps by ourselves, or by others. Sayings such as, “I realize that is happening, but it’s not me that’s doing it, it’s you” or, “Yes, I admit that I am doing it, but that’s only because you make me do it”.
Next up, sublimation. This involves the channeling or forcing of something in a different direction. This is where an individual actually recognizes they have feelings or issues but they don’t allow them to come out. The energy is sublimated. The interesting thing with this approach is the behaviors can be positive in nature, such as prayer, yoga, meditation, teaching, or some form of good works, yet the issue remains sitting just below the surface. Think of the accusations against Catholic clergymen in recent years as an example.
Finally, there is compensation. This is also known as overcompensation. What frequently manifests with this is that out of fear of the issue or problem, a person will go all the way over in some opposite direction and overdo it, as a means of escape from the issue or fear. This has its roots in some underlying sense of lack—thus causing an insecurity.
Looking at the ways we frequently choose to cope, or better said, not cope with problems or challenges we face in life, I want to state that in no way do I want to minimize the difficulty, stress, and fear that they can create. What I do want to convey is that our problems are truly portals to knowledge we need to acquire. Periods of life where things are sunshine and chocolate, though fun and all, are not the periods where we grow and learn the most.
In saying this, I am certainly not suggesting we all go looking for problems just so we can grow. Truth be known, as a Shaman and Astrologer, I don’t think we have to. I truly believe our soul knows what it needs, and it attracts exactly the experiences that are to assist us on this journey. Our job is to ultimately let go of the above referenced “defense mechanisms” and surrender to the issue or problem through acknowledgement first, then actions. These are the keys that unlock the portal.
Once safely through the portal, you can expect wisdom, peace, and strength you may have previously concluded was not possible. What problem(s) are you ready to acknowledge? The choice is yours…
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