When we’re living in this paradigm we believe that the problems in our life originate externally. By thinking this, we empower what’s out there to control us. In other words, what’s out there has to change before we can change.

We desire to break free but our unresolved past issues, patterns, and survival fears seem to have a strong grip on us.

Blaming everyone and everything else for our problems and challenges may provide temporary relief from the pain, but it also chains us to these very problems.

When we succumb to believing that we are victims of our circumstances, we lose hope, we lose drive, and we settle into resignation and stagnation.

The challenges are here for us to discover more of who we are, to take radical responsibility for our lives and our choices and to become an active creative force in our lives. 

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” ~ Albert Einstein

At this stage, we start asking questions and looking for answers.

Why am I here? What’s the point of my existence? Is paying my bills all there is to life?

It becomes a defining moment in our lives similar to the scene in the movie, The Matrix when Neo has to choose between the ‘blue or red pill’.

The ‘red pill’ and ‘blue pill’ refer to a choice between revealing a truth, represented by the red pill, and remaining in the same place, represented by the blue pill.

The truth may not always be pleasant to hear or discover but at the same time, it’s better than living a lie or an illusion.

In this stage, we begin uncovering our patterns, beliefs, narratives, and suppressed emotions. We discover that what often motivates our decisions is not necessarily a conscious choice but rather a coping mechanism developed as a result of our wounding or default program adopted through the conditioning from society, our family, or culture.

We may notice a certain shift in our relationships when we can’t relate to our old friends in the same way.

It can be a confusing stage but at the same time, there is an opening to go within and reconstruct ourselves. 

It may seem as if we’re encapsulated in the darkness but in fact, we’re in a cocoon ready to transform into butterflies and spread our wings.

“The Matrix is everywhere. It is all around us. Even now, in this very room. You can see it when you look out your window, or when you turn on your television. You can feel it when you go to work when you go to church when you pay your taxes. It is the world that has been pulled over your eyes to blind you from the truth. A prison for your mind.” ~ Morpheus

At this stage, we start to rediscover who we truly are beyond all the wounds from our past and beyond the expectations of our family and society.  When we know our ‘true colors’, we can attract into our life people who accept and love us exactly for who we are.

We gravitate towards people who are on the same wavelength and support us on our journey to self-empowerment and liberation. As they say, your vibe attracts your tribe.

Although we’re getting glimpses of what it feels like to fully stand in our power and about our purpose, it’s still a bit vague. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of oscillating between having doubts and full trust in the process that is unfolding.

At this stage, we’re starting to see some results from our inner work. Our approach to life is more proactive and less reactive. In other words, we take full responsibility for our own well being and our choices in life.

“Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are” ~ Brene Brown

At this stage, we understand that in order to change ‘the matrix’, we need to go beyond it. 

Rather than looking for answers outside of us, we look within. We listen to our intuition and take action accordingly.

We take the necessary action but at the same time, we allow for things to unfold and flow to us rather than force the outcome.

Life can appear quite magical at this stage as we frequently experience synchronicities.

We have a vision and direction. We know where we’re heading and why we chose that path.

We’re no longer in the realm of concept but rather practically applying and integrating what we learn. In other words, we have more interest in experience & integration rather than knowledge & analysis.

We feel inspired to create and contribute to the world with our unique gifts.

This is the stage that I refer to as liberation, yet it doesn’t end here. We constantly change and evolve with new levels of liberation awaiting us. When we grow outside of one box, we’re assigned new challenges and opportunities to expand and be of service.

“There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” ~ Morpheus