The Wisdom of Obstacles

The Wisdom

of Obstacles

The Peninsula Woman

Sept – Oct 2006

I remember pouting when I did not get my way when I was a young girl. I wanted so much out of life, and when I didn’t get what I wanted right away, I recall pushing my lower lip out, crossing my arms, and sulking. It was not easy hearing the word — No! Well, as a result, I have learned how vital obstacles are.

What is an Obstacle, and why do we need them?

An obstacle is something that obstructs or hinders any anticipated progress. An obstacle is a situation that needs to be overcome, and we are a society that supports and rewards achievement and success. To feel that we have achieved, we must have an obstacle to overcome. Overcoming an obstacle builds character and integrity, essential qualities in being an adult.

How can I overcome my Obstacles?

Unless an obstacle is life-threatening, it usually can be overcome if you ask yourself the right questions and understand that the only thing needed to get through any obstacle is patience and a plan. Years ago, it would take as long as 2-3 weeks to get a doctor to come to your house for medical attention. Then, you can either call an ambulance or drive to a hospital for immediate medical care. Unfortunately, many people died before the doctor arrived in those early days. Still, with the advent of hospitals and ambulances, that obstacle was overcome, and more people now receive the immediate care and attention they need. In this generation getting what we want usually takes a quick phone call or a visit to the Internet. Our world is faster, and “life-threatening” obstacles may be fewer, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have obstacles. 

We will always have obstacles because growth requires obstacles. We can see this in nature. A seed is planted in the ground and must be fed and nurtured by the earth until it is ready to sprout. When ready, it pushes up against the earth and breaks through the ground to grow to its full potential. We all have the same journey as that tiny seed. Instead of the earth being our obstacle, we must break ground by growing through the challenging situations we experience. 

Before you perceive something as an obstacle, ask yourself these five questions. 

1. Is this obstacle life-threatening? 

2. Is the problem as bad as it seems?

3. How long will it (reasonably) take to get through this problem?

4. If I overcome this obstacle, how will I feel about myself?

5. Have I overcome this obstacle before? If so, what was the outcome?

How Astrology or Counseling can help!

Of course, there are many obstacles that may need a more profound and objective viewpoint. When I received my first Astrological reading many years ago, I faced so many tremendous obstacles that I was completely overwhelmed. After seeing an Astrologer, I learned that I was in the “Saturn Return cycle.” I knew that it would last two years and affect the part of my Astrological Chart that had to do with money and finances. (Needless to say, I was facing a possible Bankruptcy, did not have a job, and was not clear about where I would live.) It was a really tough time for me, but the knowledge of that critical cycle and that it was only for the next two years helped me breathe a bit easier to deal with the many issues I was facing.

With each obstacle you overcome in your life, you will find a core sense of strength inside you. When you understand the Wisdom of Obstacles — you will be able to tackle anything placed before you. Leonardo Da Vinci, the great scientist, inventor, and painter, once said: “Obstacles cannot crush me. Every obstacle yields to stern resolve. He who is fixed to a star does not change his mind.”