🔵 By Shane Espinoza. Photo by lauragrafie.
In his book, Amores, written in 15 BCE, the Roman poet Ovid wrote, “Prefer et abdura dolor hic tribi proderit olim.“ (Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you.) What seemed like obstacles to my growth in prison is serving as an outlet for my exploration into creativity. I have been surprised by how much have benefited both mentally and spiritually. Pastel painting and drawing in graphite have become ways for me to express my emotions. However, I do not share my creations with everyone. There is a negative energy that is constantly looking to engulf whatever it can in a lower level frequency. This includes those acquaintances that constantly live in the past, complain about the present and fantasize about a future more miserable that their current state.
Not everyone chooses to live in this state. When things got overly stressful or melancholy sets in, some seek out high frequencies that can help uplift them. One must be careful not to accept the invitation sent by negativity to join in lower-level frequencies. Sharing my creations with others creates a positive flow of energy that fuels meaningfulness. This interaction generates mental energy that we can use to continue creating, exploring, and adventuring into new realms of existence. It is stimulating to be around other creators that also send higher frequency energy out into the universe for all to share. Positivity feeds off positivity. The cycle grows and we continue on our journeys, embracing all that life has to offer.
Ovid also wrote, “Qui non est hodie eros minus optus erit.” (He who is not prepared today will be less so tomorrow.) The work I am doing now, in this present moment, is preparing me for tomorrow. The steps I am taking on this journey bring me closer to that which I desire.
Not everyday is peachy and some days it is hard to see the sun. yet, I know it is there, above the clouds, still shining bright. Louisa May Alcott said, “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.”
So, the pain I am experiencing today will keep me resilient for tomorrow. I remember to look up and see where I am headed. I hope this article in some way inspires you to look at your pain, then imagine what is possible when you stop on the path and follow where it leads.
How will your pain be useful to you?