Chapter 1: Understanding the Universe's Role in Our Lives

Are you curious whether the universe truly supports you? You might have heard phrases like “Just have faith” or “Everything has its purpose.” Often, when faced with life's challenges, our response to such wisdom can be a skeptical smile while thinking, “Please, spare me the platitudes.”

In moments of difficulty, we tend to replay these comforting lines, especially when life seems to be against us. The universe, with its enigmatic nature, serves as a teacher, offering crucial lessons that shape our identity and potential. Many times, I've found myself frustrated with the universe during challenging periods, recalling how it led me to both deep love and painful heartbreaks. I’ve shaken my fist at the cosmos, tears streaming down my face, convinced that I was doomed, cleansing my space with sage daily—an experience that left me smelling like a roast rather than fresh. In my desperation, I cried out for support, feeling that my doubts overshadowed my faith.

I suspect I'm not alone in feeling this way about the universe. So, why do we choose to trust in it despite our experiences? Does the universe truly have our best interests at heart?

Best-selling author Gabrielle Bernstein offers insight into this question through her book, The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith. In her writing, she shares her personal battles with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, and how she transformed fear into faith. According to Gabrielle, the universe is indeed supportive, and the lessons we encounter are meticulously designed for our benefit.

“Trust that your wounds are exactly as the Universe planned. They were divinely placed in your life in the perfect order so that you could show up for them with love and remember the light within.”

— Gabrielle Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith

Easier said than done, right? Trusting the universe can feel daunting, especially when you struggle to trust even mundane things, like a timely food delivery.

Despite the challenges in believing that the universe is on my side, there’s a practice I engage in that reassures me of its support. Reflecting on those moments when I felt frustrated, I now recognize that many of the painful experiences led to profound growth. While I couldn't see it then, hindsight reveals the universe’s guiding hand, always present, always supportive.

Consider my experiences with love. The heartbreak I endured was, in retrospect, the universe preparing me for a healthier relationship with someone truly deserving.

To understand if the universe is on your side, think back on the positive outcomes that arose from its tough lessons. Not every hardship will yield immediate benefits, and some insights may take years to surface. However, one certainty remains: the universe provides challenges tailored to our capacity to handle them, and it's up to us to embrace these lessons.

“Remember, the Universe will never give you anything that you cannot handle. No matter how difficult your universal assignment may seem, you can seek comfort in the fact that the Universe is always supporting what is of the highest good.”

— Gabrielle Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back, 2006.

By placing trust in the universe, we stand to gain far more than we risk losing.

Section 1.1: The Power of Trusting the Universe

Trusting the universe isn't merely an act of faith; it's a practice that can lead to significant personal growth.

Subsection 1.1.1: Embracing Life's Lessons

Chapter 2: The Universe's Guidance: Real-Life Transformations

In The Universe Has Your Back: How to Trust the Universe Right Now, Gabrielle Bernstein explains how to align with the universe’s energy and trust its timing, offering practical advice to help you navigate life's uncertainties.

In another insightful video, The Universe Has Your Back, Gabrielle shares her experiences and wisdom on how to cultivate trust in the universe, highlighting the importance of remaining open to its lessons and guidance.