The success-oriented culture that surrounds us encourages us to dream fearlessly and to pursue our dreams resolutely. When cherished dreams remain unfulfilled or are shattered mercilessly on the hard rocks of reality, a deep sense of failure arises.
But these moments hold the key to a powerful inner awakening, far richer than what the fulfilment of our dreams can bring.
Inspired by the writings of the Indian mystic Osho, whose books have enriched millions of lives, let’s explore the power of shattered dreams as a blessing in disguise.
Success, derived from the fulfilment of our dreams, can be like a drug that places us in a trance. We compulsively seek more of it. Under its influence, our egos keep bloating while a gnawing discontent with what we have achieved keeps rising.
We become dependent on a continual supply of accolades and increasingly vulnerable to failure. The dependence on external affirmation causes a progressive impoverishment of inner consciousness.
Thankfully, life is paradoxically merciful and throws curveballs that shatter our dreams in a thousand ways. A cherished soulmate may no longer be with us, forcing us to go inward in search of inner healing and recovery under the rubble of a home that has collapsed.
An athletic goal that energized our whole life may be upended by injury or failure. An educational or professional milestone we coveted may become unattainable.
Such moments provide an exotic opportunity to grow an enchanting spiritual and poetic depth to our being. In the grand voyage of life, such losses can become a wake-up call to redesign our ship so we can remain afloat after we hit the iceberg.
Shattered dreams of external houses can inspire a process of “internal housekeeping” and enable us to begin our journey to the beyond.
In these moments, while we are brutally thrown headlong into a wall of aloneness, we are simultaneously challenged to accept and to love ourselves unconditionally. When we bring the trinity of unconditional love, compassion and acceptance to ourselves, our inner music changes miraculously.
In loving ourselves, we become capable of deeply loving others and bringing compassion to their struggles.
If the trauma involved losing someone dear to us, we could discover a mystical love that is not dependent upon either their physical presence or their reciprocation. As Rumi remarked: “Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no such thing as separation.”
Love becomes an inner flame that keeps on burning silently, warming the hearts of others who may be hurting.
Most often we are on autopilot, sleepwalking through life. Rather than sink into complacency, shattered dreams are an opportune time to wake up and embrace life as a mystery. An adventurous life is unpredictable, fraught with uncertainty and a unique opportunity to engage with deeper existential questions about meaning and purpose.
Too often, we outsource our happiness to something external. Shattered dreams awaken us both to our pain and to the enduring sources of joy that arise from within.
Additionally, as Osho reminds us, we live in posthumous gratitude, only appreciating the value of something when we lose it. When dreams are shattered and despair engulfs us, we can find a moment of reckoning to become consciously grateful for the people and things we still have in our lives, not waiting until when we lose them.