Trouble

Trouble

"The cheek cannot conceal the trouble of the heart."

___ Llywarch Hen, "Gorwynion

Whether trouble creeps up on us or takes us suddenly by surprise, our perspective on the world alerts completely from that moment on. Whatever hopes or expectations we had, we know that trouble will halt or divert us from their achievement. The way that we deal with trouble makes a big difference. Finding resourceful help, rather than simply complaining to everyone and doing nothing, is a fruitful strategy in time of trial. But if the habit of self-sufficiency is deeply ingrained in us, we may find ourselves unable to ask for help. And even when we can ask, sometimes there is no easy or immediate solution.

We often complain that trouble is not of our own making. It is hard to tell, though, because the strands of cause and effect are generally woven too far into the unconscious for us to track points of intersection with any certainty. Sometimes we have indeed interfered in something that was not our business and been pulled into the vortex, but most times there seems to be no specific cause relating to our actions.

Trouble is the lot of human existence. Its challenges shake our sometimes complacent attitudes and force us to respond. Its tremors in our life, like the messages of pain in our body, and indications of something out of balance, something that must be put right.

"Look at the flash-points of potential trouble in your life now. Is there action you could take to avert trouble and bring balance? What coping strategies did you use when trouble last visited you?
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]