Similar to Panka, I also have a healing story.

I was at a terrifying low point, desperately seeking a way out. On the surface, everything seemed fine, but if I was truly honest, I knew I wasn’t well. Lying in a hospital bed, I had to make a serious decision. Whether to continue dealing with the severe and undiagnosed gastrointestinal illness that had plagued me for years, or to start digging deeper, turning inward, and searching for its root cause within myself. I chose learning. This led me – instead of the hospital bed – to an ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-improvement.

Since then, I consider that period a gift of Life, but back then, I fought fiercely with the challenges. Facing myself, my childhood, my relationships, while recognizing that everything around me is the result of my own decisions and inner convictions. It was very scary. At the same time, it was indescribably liberating. Because I realized: I have a choice.

I learned that I can change, that I have possibilities, and there is a better version of myself that I can become.

For the first time in my life, I started focusing on myself instead of the outside world. Letting go of the norms, the patterns, beliefs, and clichés.

I began to listen quietly and learn something different than before. To quiet down from the usual noises, to sit down and meditate instead of constant aimless rushing. And in this emerging Inner Peace, I found that always whispering Great Sage whom I rarely heard before. I found my Heart and learned to accept Life with it and through it. I learned to feel gratitude for what I have and for everything that is still waiting for me.

Was it easy? No! Was it hard? Very hard! But every second was worth it!

Because today I know that even if I can’t change the circumstances or events, I can change the energy that represents my attitude! That despite the trials, I can choose to smile, be kind, benevolent and compassionate.

I strive for goodness and to find value in everything, even if I have to search for it. Value in the moment, in people, in situations, in nature, and within myself. Because this is how I heal, and this is how the World can heal too. With a mindset like this, even obstacles are more easily resolved.

Does this always work? Of course not! However, I try very hard for it to be like this more and more often. Because I know, this is the right way.

And I also know for sure: everything I went through made me capable to see little Panka, not as a pitiful, fearful stray dog ready to run away, but as a being longing for growth, connection, and love. Instead of her limitations, I placed her possibilities at the center and made room for them. Instead of her past, I kept her future in the focus. Instead of pity, I embraced her with the energies of encouragement. Tightly. And only in this accepting embrace could she open up and connect. First with me, then with the World.

Just like me. However, I had to learn to connect with myself, to embrace myself. I had to realize that I don’t need to seek for Love and Happiness externally, but only by following my Joy and Passion can I walk the right path. That my Life has a purpose, that I am stronger than I thought, and that I can do a lot of good in the World.

On the Path of my rebirth, there were of course my Masters, without whom I couldn’t have coped with the circumstances. There were times when I felt I couldn’t do it, that I wanted to give up, that it wasn’t worth it, but they took my hand and showed me the way. I got to know them first through their books, then I met them in person and became their student. They – as well as their teachings – are part of my Life. I have a lot to thank them for.

(In December 2019, I also obtained a (Human 🙂 Life Coach certificate.)