I often sit in a time of quiet meditation with a question, and on this particular morning, I was grappling with one that had long haunted me: “What is the rejection all about?” This wasn’t just a casual inquiry; it came from a place of repeated, painful experiences. Rejection—it’s one of the most difficult experiences to process. It pierces deeply, stirring thoughts, beliefs, and somatic responses I’d rather not feel.
In the days just prior to this sit down, I had been working on one particular area of personal development—trust. With this, there was a new willingness to see something about myself that I was previously blind to. As I closed my eyes that morning, I presented a collage of experiences to Source—God, The All, Universe, I AM. All of these experiences had two things in common: First, the presentation of an idea. Second, the rejection of the idea by people in positions of power and authority.
The other part of the picture was the presence of those I call “onlookers”—those who bear witness to problems like racism, discrimination, exclusion, and poverty but choose band-aid solutions. Those who bear witness to suffering but are devoid of the level of compassion required for profound and lasting change. In the past, these inactions outraged me. Never before was I able to see the rejection for what it is—an error correction and a call into divine alignment. As I presented my image of victimhood and injustice to Source, a response came and not one I expected.
The Vision: Seeing Beyond the Surface
Visioning is an interesting form of communication. It’s like having a chat about a million things all at the same time. I present something akin to a 2-D image of my interconnected experiences. This is both a complaint and a plea. “See what has been done to me?” I say. What comes back is a 3-D image, a response to a deep question I don’t even know that I am asking. The response to my question came in three striking images.
First, I was shown an image of the Christ figure. I am shown the image in ways that connect to Christianity. Christ is clothed like a monk, hooded and all. He stands tall embodying the divine wisdom I desperately need. In front of him stood a lion, ever present and strong. And then came the image of a stream teeming with fish—wild and jumping. The fish are far too many to count. I sit with this image for a bit, and as I always do, I ask another question “What is the interpretation?”
What came was that inner voice that always helps me rise to a new level of awareness: “It is not all about you, Joan. If you could just rise above it, it would be so much easier to teach you.”
The Christ figure—whether represented as Lord Jesus, Lord Krishna, or other divine archetypes—has often been confined within the framework of organized religion, particularly the dogmatic structures shaped by colonial ideologies. These interpretations have reduced the profound spiritual essence of the Christ figure to a set of rules and rituals, tethering it to the limitations of a colonized mindset rather than celebrating its universal, transformative power that transcends religion and culture.
The Christ figure—whether represented as Lord Jesus, Lord Krishna, or other divine archetypes—has often been confined within the framework of organized religion, particularly the dogmatic structures shaped by colonial ideologies. These interpretations have reduced the profound spiritual essence of the Christ figure to a set of rules, rituals, and external worship, tethering it to the limitations of a colonized mindset. In doing so, the deeper message of the Christ figure—as a universal embodiment of divine truth and awakening—has often been obscured, leaving many disconnected from its transformative potential.
Spirituality, however, invites us to move beyond these limitations. It is a quest to bring us into profound awareness: Christ is the higher self; Christ is I AM. The Christ figure is not an external saviour to be worshipped but a divine idea to be realized within each of us. The Christ I AM represents the highest expression of inner truth, the embodiment of wisdom, strength, and love that transcends individuality. This realization connects us to the Ubuntu Way: I AM because WE ARE. It is through this lens that we understand that Source—the divine essence—exists equally within us all, uniting us in an infinite web of interconnection.
Yet, this profound awareness does not come easily. It is through the healing journey—a journey of unlearning fear, ego, and separateness—that we come to embody this truth. Only through the process of healing can we begin to grasp that the Christ I AM is not about separation or hierarchy but about oneness, unity, and the infinite potential that flows when we align with the divine within ourselves and others.
The Lions’ Courage and Strength
Yet, as we embark on this healing journey and awaken to the Christ I AM within us, we are called to embody this truth not only in thought but in action. The realization of divine oneness invites us to let go of the ego’s need to control, dominate, or seek validation through external power. It is a call to live with authenticity, integrity, and alignment—qualities reflected so powerfully in the vision of the lion.
The lion’s presence was magnetic, not because of its power to dominate but because of its unwavering authenticity. It didn’t roar or threaten; it simply existed, embodying the quiet courage that emerges when we choose love over force. In its silent strength, the lion became a profound symbol of divine alignment. It reminded me that true power does not come from exerting control over others or the external world, but from being grounded in the integrity of who we are.
The lion’s gaze seemed to carry a message, one that reverberated through my entire being: Give up the forceful and stubborn desire to have your own way. Release the need to push against the flow. See what is here—a moment to align with what truly serves your highest good. This alignment is not about submission or passivity; it is about stepping into the quiet, yet unshakable, courage that comes from living in harmony with the divine rhythm. The lion’s presence reminded me that strength lies not in the noise we make or the battles we fight, but in our willingness to surrender to love, to truth, and to the flow of life itself.
This vision called me to embody the lion’s quiet strength in my own life, to let go of striving and resistance, and to trust that alignment with the divine flow would guide me to where I was meant to be. It is an invitation for all of us—to live with the same magnetic authenticity, to choose love over force, and to find strength in simply being who we truly are.
The River’s Abundant Flow
If the lion taught me to live with authenticity and courage, the river spoke of surrender, not as defeat but as trust—trust in the divine rhythm, trust that the flow would carry me to where I was meant to be. It showed me that surrender is not a passive act but an active choice to align with the forces that guide all of life. The current of the river was strong but fluid, unyielding yet gentle, carrying life effortlessly within its flow. It reminded me that life itself is not meant to be a battle against the current but a partnership with it.
The fish, countless and vibrant, danced within the stream, their abundance impossible to ignore. They became symbols of all that is available to us when we release fear and allow life to flow in its natural course. I realized how much of my striving, my pushing against the current, had come from fear—fear that life’s abundance would bypass me unless I seized it, controlled it, or forced it into being. But the river whispered a deeper truth: Abundance is not something to be conquered or claimed; it is something to be received with trust and gratitude.
And then it all became clear: The No Protects. Every rejection, every closed door, was not an abandonment or failure—it was a divine redirect, guiding me to the YES that truly aligns with my highest good. The river reminded me that life’s flow is always moving us toward what we need, even if the path is not the one we envisioned. The current may seem unpredictable, but it is always purposeful, carrying us to where we are meant to be.
These three symbols—Christ, the lion, and the river—were not separate entities but interconnected facets of the same message. They invited me to embrace the paradox of life: to be strong yet soft, grounded yet flowing, self-aware yet connected to the whole. They asked me to see rejection not as an end, but as a turning, a gentle redirection back to alignment with the divine dance that moves through us all.
Rejection as a Mirror
It’s astounding how one small moment of awareness can shift everything. When you recognize the errors in your thinking, even the weightiest challenges begin to lose their power. A single, intentional shift in perspective can transform what once felt insurmountable into something manageable—even insignificant. It’s in these moments that we realize the profound truth: the obstacles we face are often amplified by our own thoughts, and with clarity, they shrink to their true size.
When I first began to reflect on rejection, it felt deeply personal. Each “no” seemed like an indictment of my worth, a judgment on my value. But what I failed to see was how much of this pain came from the stories my ego created—stories rooted in fear and the illusion of separateness.
The Christ figure in the vision whispered a truth that cut through these stories: “It is not all about you, Joan.” This wasn’t a dismissal of my pain but an invitation to step outside of it. To see rejection not as an attack but as a mirror, reflecting where I was out of alignment with trust and surrender.
Rejection, I realized, was never about me—it was about redirection. Each “no” was a gentle course correction, guiding me toward the flow of life where abundance awaited. But the ego thrives on the illusion of control. It crafts stories of unworthiness, insisting that we must fight harder, strive more, or prove ourselves to others. The ego turns the “no” into a wall, blocking our view of the path beyond.
Letting Go of the Ego’s Stories
The ego is not inherently evil; it’s simply a survival mechanism. Its role is to protect us from perceived threats, but often, it distorts reality to maintain control. When we experience rejection, the ego seizes the moment to amplify fear and separateness, telling us we’re not enough or that others are against us. These stories feel real because they tap into unresolved wounds and past traumas.
To dismantle the ego’s grip, we must become aware of its patterns. Ask yourself:
- What story am I telling myself about the moments I try so hard to desperately control?
- Is this story true, or is it shaped by an unwillingness to see this is so much bigger than me?
- How might this supposed terrible situation or circumstance be guiding me toward greater alignment?
Through this process, we begin to see rejection not as something to resist but as a tool for growth. The “no” becomes an opportunity to shed old patterns and step into truth. Rejection invites us to look inward, to examine the beliefs and attachments that may no longer serve us. It is not a punishment but a divine nudge, guiding us toward alignment with our highest purpose.
When rejection comes, it often reveals the areas of our lives where we are still operating from fear, scarcity, or the need for control. For instance, consider how a rejected proposal might stir feelings of inadequacy or frustration. These emotions, while uncomfortable, are signals—signposts pointing us toward deeper self-awareness. They ask us to pause and ask: What part of me feels threatened by this no? What story am I holding onto that needs to be released?
Rejection also challenges us to expand our perspective. Instead of seeing the “no” as a closed door, we can ask: What new doors might this be opening? Often, the “no” is clearing a path for something far greater than we could have imagined. It invites us to trust in the timing of life, to surrender our limited vision for the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Practically speaking, this means learning to sit with rejection without immediately reacting. It means developing the courage to question the ego’s narrative and the willingness to reframe the experience as a stepping stone rather than a setback. With time and practice, the “no” can become a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth, guiding us back to truth, trust, and alignment.
A Reflective Practice: Turning Rejection into Redirection
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you engage in a deep healing reflection and meditation specifically focused on navigating rejection. This practice will help you move beyond the ego’s stories and align with a deeper sense of trust and purpose. Remember, openness is key to getting the best out of this exercise.
Set Your Intention: Begin by setting the intention to approach this practice with openness and curiosity. In your journal, write down a question: What is this [situation/circumstance] about? or How is this [situation/circumstance] guiding me toward greater alignment? Reflect on your desire to uncover the truth behind the experience, rather than focusing solely on the pain.
Create Sacred Space: Find a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Select a space that feels safe and intentional, signaling to yourself that this is a time for healing and discovery.
Pause and Acknowledge: Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take several slow, deep breaths. With each exhale, release tension from your body. Think about the rejection you’ve experienced. Notice where you feel it in your body—your chest, your stomach, your throat. Place a hand gently on that area and silently acknowledge the pain. Say to yourself: It’s okay to feel this. I am safe.
Name the Story: Notice the story your ego is telling you about this rejection. Notice the ways in which you have tethered yourself to rejection. Have you connected the rejection to a false belief like I am not good enough? They are against me. Allow the spiritual guidance that resides in you to offer the wisdom you need right now.
Allow Divine Guidance to Challenge the Narrative: Now ask yourself: Is this story absolutely true? What am I missing? Use these prompts to dig deeper:
What truth do I need to see right now?
What new awareness is here now?
What might I be gaining from this experience that I can’t yet see?
Reframe with Trust: Rewrite the story from a place of trust and growth. For example: “This no is not a reflection of my worth but a redirection toward something better aligned with my purpose. I trust that this experience is part of my growth.” Speak the new story out loud, allowing it to sink into your heart and mind.
Visualize Release and Renewal: Close your eyes again and imagine the rejection as a heavy stone in your hands. Visualize yourself walking to a river, the same one from the vision, and placing the stone into the water. Watch as the current carries it away, leaving your hands free and light. Now picture the river bringing you something new—a symbol of alignment, opportunity, or peace. Sit with this image and let it fill you with trust.
Take Aligned Action: Ask yourself: What small step can I take today to align with the flow rather than resist it? Write this step down. It could be as simple as reaching out to a supportive friend, revisiting a project with fresh eyes, or practicing gratitude for what this experience has taught you. Commit to taking this step with faith.
Close with Gratitude: End your practice by expressing gratitude for the lessons rejection has brought into your life. Write a closing affirmation such as: “I am safe. I am guided. Every experience is leading me toward my highest good.” Breathe deeply, and carry this affirmation with you as you move forward.
Trusting the Flow
Rejection, I now see, is a divine redirect. It is the gentle hand of Source, steering us away from paths that no longer serve our highest good. Each “no” is not a failure but a gift—a way of guiding us toward greater alignment, purpose, and authenticity. It asks us to pause, to trust, and to surrender to the unfolding of life.
The journey of being is not about striving or achieving; it is about embracing the flow. We often cling to the illusion that we must control everything, that our worth is tied to external validation or success. But the truth is far simpler: We are already whole. Even in moments of rejection, struggle, or doubt, the light within us remains intact, unshaken, and ever-present.
The Human Journey of Spiritual Evolution
The human journey is a sacred dance of healing, transformation, and creation. It is the process through which we evolve spiritually, shedding old patterns, embracing new truths, and stepping fully into our role as co-creators of reality. Trust is the thread that weaves through each phase: trust in the process, trust in the “no,” and trust in the divine flow that carries us exactly where we need to be. Most importantly, it requires trust in the light that we already are.
Healing: Returning to Wholeness
Healing begins with a simple yet profound realization: Rejection is not about proving ourselves; it is about releasing what no longer serves. It invites us to look inward, to uncover the layers of fear, doubt, and error in our thinking that have distorted our perception of ourselves and the world. Healing is not a process of fixing something broken; it is a return to the truth of our inherent worthiness and wholeness.
The journey of healing calls us to correct the errors in our thinking—those beliefs rooted in fear, scarcity, and separation. It asks us to gently dismantle the old patterns that keep us tethered to pain and open our hearts to the reality that we are already enough. Healing is the act of reclaiming our worth, independent of external outcomes or validation. It is a homecoming to the truth of who we are: beings of love, light, and infinite potential.
This process is not linear, nor is it always comfortable. Healing requires courage—to face the shadows, to sit with discomfort, and to release the grip of old wounds. Yet, as we heal, we discover that each layer we shed brings us closer to a life rooted in authenticity and freedom. Healing clears the way for transformation, allowing us to step into the fullness of our being.
Transformation: The Shift from Ego to Truth
Transformation is the process of progressive change that begins with our thoughts and ripples out to every aspect of our lives. As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently put it:
Your Beliefs Become Your Thoughts
Your Thoughts Become Your Words
Your Words Become Your Actions
Your Actions Become Your Habits
Your Habits Become Your Values
Your Values Become Your Destiny
At its core, transformation begins with a single shift: the willingness to challenge the old stories we tell ourselves and embrace a new perspective. It is the courage to trust the “no” and allow it to reshape us. Like a river carving its path through stone, rejection smooths the rough edges of our ego. It erodes resistance and turns struggle into growth, surrender into wisdom.
Transformation asks us to see beyond the illusion of separateness, to recognize that we are not isolated beings but part of a greater divine flow. It is a call to trust that even in the moments of discomfort—when we feel lost, rejected, or broken—we are being guided toward our higher selves. This process reshapes us, not as an endpoint but as an ongoing journey of refinement, each experience moving us closer to alignment with our true essence.
Each “no” we encounter chisels away the false narratives we cling to, inviting us to step into a deeper truth. Transformation is life’s greatest gift: a dynamic, continuous unfolding that shapes us into beings capable of living with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Creation: Becoming Conscious Co-Creators
Creation is the natural culmination of healing and transformation. It is the remarkable capacity we hold to shape our reality through the power of our thoughts. When our thoughts are rooted in fear, doubt, or separation, those distortions manifest in the world around us. But as we heal and transform, we step into a state of pure consciousness—a place of truth, love, and light where our creations align with the divine.
In this purified field of awareness, we begin to see that we are not passive participants in life but active co-creators of our experience. Creation requires intention. It asks us to take responsibility for the energy we bring into the world and to consciously choose thoughts, beliefs, and actions that reflect our highest truth.
Creation emerges naturally when we step fully into trust, allowing the energy of Source to flow through us unhindered. It is not about forcing outcomes or controlling the process; it is about surrendering to the divine rhythm and aligning our intentions with love and abundance. In this state, we no longer cling to what was or resist what is. Instead, we create freely, knowing that life’s infinite possibilities are always available to us.
To trust this flow is to embrace the certainty that every moment—every “yes” and every “no”—is part of a larger divine plan. Life is not happening to us; it is happening for us, guiding us toward our highest good. Even in uncertainty, we are held, protected, and deeply loved.
Creation from this place of trust transforms not only our personal reality but also the collective experience. As we align with Source, we become conduits of light, love, and truth in the world. Through healing, transformation, and conscious creation, we fulfill the sacred journey of spiritual evolution—the journey of becoming whole.
Trust the “no”
This is the sum total of the human journey: healing, transformation, and creation. Trust the process. Trust the “no.” Trust in the divine flow that carries you exactly where you need to be. And most importantly, trust in the light that you already are. For in trusting the flow, you awaken to the truth of your being and step fully into the sacred dance of life.
Also Read:
Morning Pages & The Healing Code: Using Truth to Overcome Negative Thinking
