Fail better means you begin to have the ability to hold the rawness of vulnerability in your heart, according to Pema Chodron. Each time we fail at something we are offered the ability to look into our hearts and see it as our connection with other human beings. The place where we are all interconnected as the greater humanity. Each time we find ourselves in this place we are able to choose to lean into it and grow, to move forward and communicate our vulnerability with others. What a wonderful gift, and we all have the ability to tap into this place. What is even more beautiful is that the more times we fail and get back up, the easier it is to come back to standing. To me, this is a beautiful gift. The more times we get knocked down and get back up, the easier it is to get up! When we are able to cultivate our courage and bravery, as well as a sense of humor, you keep getting up and moving forward.

No one likes to be knocked down, that much is a given. However, it is going to happen in life because it is this crazy little thing called life. When we are able to work with the feeling of failure instead of shoving it under the rug, blaming someone else, or (what I tend to do) come up with negative self-image talk, we are actually able to get up easier and move forward with more grace. Failure will always hurt, and people you love will die, your heart will be broken.  However, you can hold that loss as part of the collective human experience, which connects you to other people, and move forward. What a wonderful blessing if we simply allow ourselves to be vulnerable. The next time you feel like you have been knocked over, see if you are able to stand up just a little taller when the wave knocks you down. Reach into your heart like the Lion in the Wizard of Oz to that courage spot and pull yourself up, dust yourself off, and move forward knowing that you are part of this beautiful experience called being human. Love yourself enough!

The Guest House

~Rumi

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.