Children grow up quickly, but even adults who are always concerned with aging are surely experiencing great spiritual growth. Even if something bad happens at first glance, it may have been a valuable experience that helped develop the soul. Looking back over the past year, I’m sure there were many different things that made you happy, sad, angry, and depressed. However, all of those experiences are important and have shaped who you are today.
We can honestly be happy when good things happen, but when bad things happen, we tend to think, “Why does this have to happen to me?” However, it’s important to realize that even events that at first glance seem negative can have meaning or lessons to teach us. For example, even if you have trouble with your relationships, it can make you think about the other person’s feelings and make you realize your own shortcomings.
My father, the predecessor, often said, “Everything has meaning.” He said that everything, good and bad, is a learning opportunity for the soul to grow. It is certainly true that when we go through difficult experiences, we think deeply and reexamine ourselves. It is not uncommon for us to realize for the first time in difficult situations important things that we didn’t notice when things were going smoothly.
When the influence of negative energy is strong, you focus only on the bad things that happen and you end up believing that you are unhappy. However, by receiving the energy of Shinkiko, your perspective changes. Even with the same event, you will be able to see the positive side, thinking, “This is an opportunity for me to grow,” or “This experience has made me who I am today.”
This month, the Shinkiko members’ gathering will be held, and you will be able to receive a lot of Ki, so it would be good to look back on the past year. Of course, look back on the good things, but have you learned anything from the painful and sad times as well? Think about how that failure has helped you become more careful now, or how meeting that person has given you a new perspective, and try to reevaluate each experience like this.
Everything I experienced this year is a treasure that has helped me hone my soul. Everything, both the good and the bad, had meaning. I would like to continue to cherish my daily experiences and continue to learn from them, while receiving the support of Shinkiko’s energy. As we enter the final month of this year, I am reminded once again that the key to making my soul shine is to treasure each and every experience and welcome the new year with a feeling of gratitude.