Giving

In a recent Daily Guideposts, Roberta Messner talked about how giving to others in a variety of ways lessened her chronic physical pain from an incurable disorder. Her doctor told her that her discovery was supported by both the Bible and medical science. “Giving releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, Roberta. Studies have actually shown that volunteers, some of the most devoted givers of all, lead happier, healthier and longer lives.”

In another recent Daily Guideposts (01.23.10) I read the following prayer: “Dear Lord, help me do one thing today that brings someone farther away from a problem and closer to a solution.”

When I was very actively doing service in OA, there is no doubt that I felt happier and more fulfilled as I helped my peers live in the solution for their eating disorder problem. It was an honor and a privilege to serve. In my giving of myself, my self was receiving - a lovely, loving loop of giving and receiving in action. My own recovery was enhanced, my connection to Spirit strengthened, my channel clearer, my heart open.

Service is always a great way to quiet the ego, let God in, and shine my light to help others. As I set my intentions for moving my life and purpose forward, I enthusiastically (“with God”) give of myself. I am blessed as I bless others.

Messages Out There

I was once again reminded through my readings this morning that God is always with me in every fiber of my being, in every situation. That idea, with the notion that I create my world, gave rise to an epiphany.

Especially during the past year I have gotten into fear about our financial situation, imagining that we would fall into a life like the homeless people who graced the sidewalks of New York where I lived for the first 41 years of my life. I figured that any person could land up homeless and penniless, and I was no exception. I could let my imagination run wild and get into a mighty tizzy. But I missed some key thoughts, some distinctions that set me aside from those folks...

Like, I have the awareness of the power I have to create my own world, and with God, I really do create my life. Like, positive thinking is uplifting and makes a huge difference in my life. Like, I have people in my life that offered us a place to stay. And, from another standpoint, if I am seeing homeless people in the outside world it is a projection of something going on within me. There is no out there out there. I need to address the message and heal.

“If man understood that "what I create has nothing to do with what anybody else is creating" then he wouldn't be so afraid of what others are doing.” - Abraham (Excerpted from the 11.14.98 El Paso, TX workshop #335)

I once again realized that I need not be in fear (false evidence appearing real) because #1, a loving God is always with me, and #2, looking at other people’s lives and comparing mine to theirs does not serve me well. We are each on our own path, making our choices, learning the lessons we came into this current lifetime to learn.

It only serves me well to look at the ‘outside’ world as a learning tool on my journey of waking up. Each person, place, and situation is an opportunity to increase my consciousness one minute at a time. Everything is a blessing and all is well.

Relinquishment

I was reminded about trusting Spirit in an article by Catherine Marshall about the Law of Relinquishment, in essence, acceptance and surrender.

She says that "not even the Master Shepherd can lead if the sheep have not trust and insist on running ahead of Him or taking side paths or just stubbornly refusing to follow Him." How true - how can God help me if I have not trust in Him? The self-will must be given over to God.

“The Prayer of Relinquishment... does not let us lie down in the dust of a godless universe and steel ourselves just for the worst. Rather it says: "This is my situation at the moment. I'll face the reality of it. But I'll also accept willingly whatever a loving Father sends." Acceptance therefore never slams the door on hope.”

And for sure, getting into fear about a situation doesn’t help. “Fear is like a screen erected between us and God, so that His power cannot get through to us.” When we relinquish fear, God and His power - the supreme reality - fear evaporates. Once again, I’m either living in fear or I’m living in faith.

Dear Spirit -
You are my Source, my loving, all powerful Father. May I trust in You in all things, relinquishing my ego so that I may align with Your will, do Your good works, and dwell in peace.

On the Path

“Lord, light my way along Your path so that all I do leads me toward the destination You have in mind.” - Daily Guideposts Prayer, January 27, 2010

Lighting the way along my path, Spirit has provided me with wonderful teachers. They come in many forms, with some that unfold as a challenge and many others as love. All are blessings in my life to grow me spiritually, to wake me up.

Yesterday I started working with a new one in a very conscious, intentional way. I’m helping BK design and build her website, and she is helping me heal, open my heart, and get clear about what I came here to do. It is a wonderful, rich exchange of energy. And while I look forward to discovering what God’s destination is for me, I am so enjoying and grateful for this light along the journey in the form of BK.

Thank You, Spirit, for the wonderful blessings in my life of people, places, and things. Thank You for the light you shine along my way in my journey of growing closer to You - and me.

Ways to Understand

“Fear of the unknown is natural, but it lessens as we mature in our spiritual life. “- In God’s Care, January 27, 2010

Since I ‘came to believe’ almost 20 years ago, I no longer feel that awful ache inside that I am alone - God is always with me. Where there is faith, fear cannot dwell. As I mature in my faith and spirituality, fear lessens.

I’ve learned too that there are many other entities with me as well. There is so very much going on in the unseen world, there are so many beings only too glad to help with me with living life and my spiritual growth.

I know quite a few people who are able to hear the messages from God and their other unseen friends and who are able to easily communicate back and forth, piercing the veil. I envy them - I just seem so blocked in being able to hear their guidance despite my yearning to be in conscious contact with them.

So I have developed the practice of greeting them in the morning, and saying goodnight to them when my head hits the pillow at the end of the day (and “acting as if” as much as possible). I have been praying to them - and Spirit - to release any blockages I might have and to provide a clear channel for me to hear them. The issue lays with me, not them.

Last night at the Unity of Sedona Mystic Choir’s rehearsal, we practiced a number of songs by Rickie Byars Beckwith. This morning during meditation I realized that Spirit had provided me with better languaging in my search to more readily ‘hear the voices’ of It and my angels, guides, etc.

“How can I serve today, sweet Spirit?
How can I serve, oh Lord?
Speak in ways that I will understand
Where You lead me, I will follow
Where You lead me, I will go.”
- Lyrics by Rickie Byars Beckwith

Thank You, Spirit! Thanks to all of my other unseen friends!

Surprises and Blessings

“I look forward to the surprises that come my way. I may see some as treasures and some as challenges but I can be sure that each surprise blesses me and opens my life to unexpected good.” - Daily Word, Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Reading this excerpt got me thinking about the recent surprises God has given me.

Yesterday I received notice of the royalties I am to receive for the Microsoft® Office Outlook 2003: Essentials Course book I co-authored years ago. Since this version of the software has been updated, I wasn’t expecting much of anything and was even open to no royalties at all. Surprise - I am going to receive a check and it is actually for more than the prior payment! It may not be enough to pay the rent but it sure is a nice chunk of change at this point in our financial life. The surprise was fun and it surely is a blessing; I am grateful.

Speaking of money, we received an unexpected refund check the other day. And, a client has come up with more work for me. Surprise, surprise. Abundance.

There’s also been the surprise of reconnecting with an old OA member who I met when I first was in ‘the rooms’ in NY. And, it turns out she needed some computer software guidance, so I was able to be of service to her. Surprise, surprise. It is always a blessing to be of service.

I suppose I could come up with more surprises AKA blessings that have surfaced in recent days. Like making a gratitude list where there is always another thing to be grateful for, each surprise opens me up and blesses me.

“Life is filled with surprises, both big and small. They may come through an unexpected phone call from a friend, exciting news of a new opportunity, or a surprise invitation to an event. Each surprise bears its own gift and blessing.

“I am open to life's surprises and to the unforeseen treasures that come my way. As I become receptive, I release any expectations about how my life will unfold, for I know that God is in charge.” - Daily Word, Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Waking Up

For centuries, the idea has been around that our thoughts create our life, that we are living in a dream, and that the outer world is a reflection of but the inner world. Nothing has changed - that Truth remains. It is a call to wake up.

“Circumstance does not make me, it reveals me.” - William James

“By choosing your thoughts, and by selecting which emotional currents you will release and which you will reinforce, you determine the quality of your Light. You determine the effects that you will have upon others, and the nature of the experiences of your life. “- Gary Zukav (from "Seat of the Soul")

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” - Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849)

“When one realizes one is asleep, at that moment one is already half-awake.” - P. D. Ouspensky (1878-1947)

“You are given the gifts of the gods, you create your reality according to you beliefs. Yours is the creative energy that makes your world. There are no limitations to the self except those you believe in.” - Seth (As channeled by Jane Roberts in “The Nature Of Personal Reality, Chap. 22, Session 677”)

“If we understood the power of our thoughts, we would guard them more closely. If we understood the awesome power of our words, we would prefer silence to almost anything negative. In our thoughts and words we create our own weaknesses and our own strengths. Our limitations and joys begin in our hearts. We can always replace negative with positive.” - Bettie Eadie (from “Embraced By the Light”)

“At times, I may get sidetracked, focusing on the ways in which my life appears to be flawed. In that frame of mind, I feel disconnected and discontented. But as I become aware of my disharmony, I can make adjustments.

“Just as musicians must listen carefully and bring their voices into alignment to create harmony, I, too, must listen in order to bring myself into alignment with Spirit. When I am in sync with God, harmony is the inspiring result. I am blessed and at peace.” - Daily Word, January 25, 2010

I take full responsibility for my life, and desire to be in alignment with Spirit. With God’s guidance and grace, I wake up from the dream of suffering and duality, to be the True Essence that I really am.

Spiritual Prescription

Last night I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie “My Name is Bill W.”, the story of the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. I have often heard it said in the 12 Step rooms that the coming together of Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith and their formulation of the 12 Step principles was a miracle. And many others describe AA as the greatest spiritual movement of the 20th century. I’d have to agree.

This coming June will be the 75th anniversary of the start of AA... and this March marks 20 years that I first stepped into the rooms of Overeaters Anonymous (OA).

Not only did I get help with the physical issue of my eating disorder, but even more importantly, I got the spiritual help my soul was crying out for (unbeknownst to me). As I’ve learned, whatever manifests in the physical is the end result of something spiritual in nature. And, a foundation for living was given to me; I am so grateful for the guidance.

Bill W. wrote in the September 1947 issue of Guideposts the following:

“Our most enthusiastic friends think Alcoholics Anonymous is a modern miracle. So they ask, "Why can't A.A. principles be applied to any personal problem?" The world today is a problem world because it is full of problem people. We are now on the greatest emotional bender of all time; practically no one of us is free from the tightening coils of insecurity, fear, resentment and avarice. If A.A. can revive an alcoholic by removing these paralyzing liabilities from him, it must be strong medicine. Perhaps the rest of us could use the same prescription.”

Surely these days there are many going through life without a compass. Especially in these accelerated and crazy times, a spiritual prescription is the key for waking up and living in joy, peace, and love regardless of outer appearances.

Meaning

Today’s Daily Word - Saturday, January 23, 2010
Meaning
In God, I find spiritual meaning in everyday life.

Many tasks in daily life may seem mundane or even irritating, so I look for a deeper spiritual significance in each one.

When I'm standing in line at a grocery store, running errands or waiting for a computer program to load, I look for the blessing in it. I may find myself giving thanks to God. I may have the opportunity to connect with another person. My attitude may transform an ordinary experience into a rich and rewarding blessing.

I affirm "Thank You, God," anytime I find myself waiting. These delays turn downtime into an experience of awareness and meaning.

The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established. - Proverbs 19:21

______________________

I strive to find spiritual meaning in everyday life not just because tasks may seem mundane or I’m bored.

Any time that I can find spiritual meaning or blessing in some task or situation, I am connecting more directly with God, strengthening my relationship. Hence, when I’m in the shower, driving, washing dishes, etc., I can often be found praying in some form either singing, talking aloud, or silently.

In any form, in any way, whatever I am engaged in, especially when I am alone, I take the opportunity to commune with Spirit. There I find peace, there I find meaning in my life.

Children in the Now

At this ripe age of 54 I have observed far too many broken relationships between parents and their adult children. This seems to be the situation even in the case of family members who were close in the growing up years. And, it goes either way: the parent has chosen to distance themselves, or the child.

I observed this fissure recently in the case of a family that, more than any other, I’m quite familiar with. Taking the view of a parent, it made me wonder what was really the point of having children (from the individual’s, not the human race, point of view).

This is not the first time I’ve pondered this question. In fact, I decided at the ripe ‘ol age of 16 that I did not want to have children. Consciously, my reason was so that I could do what I wanted unencumbered, you know, travel, build a career, etc. But I fully admit that there probably were some unconscious reasons too, although I think that matters not. At this age I can honestly say that I have never for one second regretted my decision. And that decision, I might add, was not always one met with support by others, be they relatives or my personal physician; I had to fight for my choice.

That said, it seems to me that if you have and raise children with the idea that at some future time you will receive satisfaction, you will get your reward, something is off kilter. ... Perhaps your daughter will become the singer you had hoped to be and you’ll feel your dream is fulfilled, or maybe your idea is that you’ll have someone to take care of you when you’re elderly. I think not.

Like anything else, we must stay in the Now. That is where the joy is. That is where God is. We do not know what the future will bring and making plans (giving God a good laugh) for when you’ll really enjoy your children down the road, is fairly certain to bring dismay – like any expectation. And, there are no guarantees as to the relationship you’ll have with one another later in life even if you enjoyed closeness in the earlier years.

Maybe I was somewhat more awake than my peers or maybe my dysfunctional family dynamics seeped into my unconscious quickly so that my decision to remain childless took hold at any early age. But now when waking up is even more important for the planet and happening at lightening speed to those who want it, staying in the Now is even more crucial.

And this pertains to choosing consciously to have and raise children, being in joy in the Now as together you go through their life stages. The ‘payoff’ has to be in the Now. That’s a win-win for all.

Appreciation

I don’t know if it was the serious situation of friends dealing with the possible devastation to come because of the forecast of extreme local flooding, or what the Haitian people are going through, but a wave of appreciation swept through me yesterday - appreciation for Roger.

Now, I regularly tell Rog I love him and am grateful for him and his being in my life. But appreciation feels different and, in hindsight, it seems that I don’t seem to verbally express that to Rog very often.

So what’s the difference between gratitude and appreciation?

Encarta states that gratitude is a feeling of thankfulness to somebody and comes from the Latin gratitudo which means "pleasing." The Hebrew term for gratitude is hikarat hatov, which means, literally, "recognizing the good." (http://www.aish.com/sp/pg/48906987.html). The latter definition resonates with me for my spiritual practice includes making gratitude my usual state of mind and a way of life.

Appreciation is defined as “a full understanding of the meaning and importance of something” (Encarta) and “sensitive awareness” (Merriam-Webster).

In an instant and without mindful analysis, yesterday’s appreciation wave imparted to me a full understanding of what Rog means to me at a conscious level and deeper. Wow!

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John F. Kennedy

Rich Day

Dear Spirit of the Most High –

I am exhausted, but it is a ‘good tired’ for it has been a rich day.

I opened my heart to others in service, I spent quiet time with You, and I spent time with my beloved Rog.

My heart opened a bit more this day in appreciation to those near and dear to me as well as those not quite so.

I moved a bit forward in my awakening, my primary calling as a human being on Planet Earth. And, I am learning that waking up to my real essence is what is behind true abundance.

Yes, it has been a rich day, and I am so grateful.

Walking a Spiritual Path

I’ve met a lot of couples lately, and it’s interesting for me to observe what their relationship is like.

Is it about having a warm body in bed at night, someone to share household responsibilities and finances with, to have someone take care of the other? Or is it a real partnership in which the team members help one another not only in managing every day responsibilities and activities, but to help them evolve their souls, to support them in their waking up? Can I feel the love and joy energy between them or does it feel like they’re just making do with things?

Without a spiritual compass it seems impossible – not to mention extremely painful and depressing – to be in an intimate committed relationship. What is apparent to me now more than ever is that my partner is my best teacher on my path to full awakening, wholeness, and healing. Yet, without each of us having a spiritual foundation for providing guidance, strength, and love, it can not be so.

It seems to me a waste that others do not glean learning from their close relationships. Some actually carry resentments and blame forward into the future even when the relationship has long been dissolved.

My spiritual foundation was built primarily on 12 Step principles and secondarily on A Course in Miracles (ACIM) after adhering to an atheist viewpoint for many years prior to that. In the 20 years since, I’ve incorporated other spiritual traditions’ ideas into my belief system. Of course I’ve found that there is no competition in spirituality and in fact much commonality of principles (boy, what a relief that is in this usual world of duality). Rog’s spiritual foundation was built early in his life on Jesus’ teachings from his religious upbringing and continued with ACIM. We’re pretty close in our beliefs and we both consciously endeavor to practice them in our daily lives.

When Rog and I get into a ‘challenging’ discussion, we each seek to listen without ego to the other, to be honest and respectful of self and other. We strive for clear communication with love. We make amends when we have erred and we forgive one another and/or ourselves when needed. We are open to being both student and teacher.

When we married almost five years ago, we each promised to the other “... to do my best to always see the Light in you. I promise to do my best to be your perfect shelter, where you can be reborn in safety and in peace." Keeping these promises has allowed us to wake up more and more, and to enjoy greater freedom.

In this crazy, changing world thanks to my Higher Power and my life partner, I am not just ‘getting by’, but I am evolving and waking up. I am so very grateful.

Allowing

“Your conclusion that there isn't enough of something - whether it is enough land, or money, or clarity - stems from you learning, without meaning to, a vibration that holds you apart from what you want. There is no limitation. If you identify a desire for it, Source recognizes your desire, and immediately begins to deliver it to you. And it will manifest in the variety, in the fullness, and in the way that you, and only you, learn to allow it. - Abraham (Excerpted from the 03.08.03 San Francisco, CA workshop #300)

Dear God and all Those interested in my upliftment in the seen and unseen worlds –
I pray that all obstacles and limitations to my good are lifted, that I allow You to deliver my desires now. May I not hold myself separate from all that I desire especially love, joy, and peace. There are no limitations; with You all things are possible. And so it is.

Desire

Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I cannot reach them: but I can look up, and see their beauty; believe in them, and try to follow where they lead. - Louisa May Alcott

I came across this quote in my daily planner and realized that I was most familiar with it: I had a copy of it that had hung in my office for years. And, just the other day, I came across that copy in my file drawer that is still disorganized from our recent relocation. Reading it again got me thinking about its meaning and I’d not done that in the many moons since I had come to believe.

With God all things are possible, including achieving my highest aspirations. But they must be aligned with Source if they are to unfold. With faith and following God’s guidance, I can strive for all that I desire (which comes from God). It matters not where they lead, for I’m in this adventure called Life partnered with God and being with God is my greatest desire.

Success

Let us work as if success depended upon ourselves alone; but with heartfelt conviction that we are doing nothing and God everything. – St. Ignatius Loyola

I am the vehicle in which Spirit moves and in fact I cannot move without Spirit, the One Source of all. So when my ego struts about how well I did something or compares me to others, I remember that God is the engine behind me. God guides me, God moves me. My success depends on God.

Every day, every moment of placing my will and my life in the hands of God and following the Great Mystery’s guidance to the best of my ability... that is success!

New Blossoms

A new year is unfolding--like a blossom with petals curled tightly concealing the beauty within. – Unknown

It’s the middle of January already – how quickly this new year is unfolding! It has started out with a gift of spiritual awakening for me – you can’t get much better than that!

I see God’s working as each day unfolds. Day by day, as the petals of this blossom of a new year open up, revealed is the wonder and the beauty of another year of God’s grace and God’s abundance. And with that, I too am blossoming, a new flower coming forth revealing beauty and joy within.

You Can't Have It Both Ways

“You are all perfect and expanding; you are all adored and worthy; you are all here having your exposure to experiences and doing the best that you can from where you are. You have not been sent here in a test or trial; you're here as creators as part of an expanding Universe. You can't have it both ways. You can't have, at the root of that which you are, Well-Being, and then have that same root of Well-Being have the capacity to pronounce you evil. It is vibrationally impossible. That judging, vengeful God is manufactured from humans' place of deepest despair.” - Abraham, Excerpted from the Fort Collins, CO workshop 06.19.04 #288

Similarly, I can’t feel sorrow at the same time I’m feeling joy, when I’m at peace I can’t feel chaotic, I can’t be in fear when I’m living in faith. In the Now there is no duality, these vibrational opposites cannot coexist.

I get to choose which state of being I want to clothe myself in. The ones that are affirming will attract and create more of the same - just as the ‘negative’ ones will.

I can listen to the voice of ego, or the voice of God. I can tell the difference and make my choice based on how I feel. “The ego’s urgings always leave us with some misgivings. God’s guidance assures us” (From In God’s Care, January 14, 2010).

And when not in my right mind I choose ego, I can choose once again. God is full of grace.

Breakthrough

Yesterday Rog and I had a meeting to discuss processes and scheduling in our website design and development business. It was a productive conversation that moved us forward.

Then he used the word production in querying how many websites I thought I could do each week. That triggered something in me that set off a barrage of anger and frustration, not the first time on this subject that involves money and time. I was acutely aware of my mind becoming limited and shutting down, and my heart space shrinking. Ego and fear had taken over once again.

But as Rog talked to tell me his perspective about abundance and intention, I got clarity as to what had set me off. Then I was able to express it, honestly and in a diplomatic way. This was a huge step for me: getting down to the cause, giving voice to my feelings, and standing up for myself.

I am aware that this episode was not really about Rog and me. It was about long-held patterns of thinking that do not serve me well and not feeling empowered. I am so grateful for the lesson and the teacher – what blessings! And, I am certain that this breakthrough was another result of my reactivation (see blog of 01/07/10).

I feel the garbage is being removed from my mind and heart and the Truth is being uncovered; it can only be with God’s help, grace, and love that this can be achieved. With each breakthrough, I feel more empowered, more in my heart, and better able to help others.

“... God is always with us... I will remember God’s presence today and discover the courage to face my fears.” – In God’s Care, January 13, 2010

Vibration

“If you're not thinking about a negative thought, your vibration is going to raise to its natural positive place.”
- Abraham (Excerpted from the Virginia Beach, VA workshop 4/11/98 #317)

It is always refreshing to read Abraham. Unlike the world of form around me, Abraham speaks to who we truly are: loving, powerful, creative, spiritual beings. In the material world, there is duality, ego, fear – basically a lot of negativity.

It can be easy to slip into the lower vibrations but I strengthen my ‘spiritual muscles’ regularly and hence lessen the chances of moving downward in vibration. My daily spiritual practices improve my ability to feel God’s Presence wherever I am, whatever activity I am engaged in. I strive to surround myself with people walking a conscious spiritual path and attend gatherings where the Truth is discussed and my growth in understanding it is promoted.

With my focus on Spirit, my vibration rises to its natural level where I feel joy, peace, and love.

God's Plan

“God guides us down the paths of life in mysterious and wonderful ways. We can’t know now how the events of this day might shape our tomorrow. But God does. From birth to death, God weaves the grand tapestry of our life. And it’s exciting to watch as His design works itself out with faith and great expectation.

Father, thank You for using whatever happens to me today to shape my future for good.”

- Scott Walker (Excerpt from Daily Guideposts, January 11, 2010)

I don’t know God’s plan for me, i.e., why I was “re-activated” (see blog post of 1/07/10 and before) just as I don’t know why I got to the state that I was in before then. But I am sure there was a purpose behind it all - in all likelihood to be of service - and I am most grateful.

I look forward with wonderful expectancy for more to be revealed in God’s Divine Plan for me. I’m on the lookout for synchronistic occurrences, guidance from Spirit and Its helpers, and all the other ways that God’s messages get broadcast to lead me to my good.

Unseen World

I’m truly realizing that there is an unseen world and how huge and rich it is.

It does not seem possible to me that we spiritual beings would take on the assignment of a human experience and still not be surrounded by the other beings that haven’t taken on physical form. And, just because I can feel blocked to communication between the physical and non-physical worlds, doesn’t mean I should not include the non-physical beings in my life.

I realize that not only do I have God and my Higher Self as my companion, helper, co-creator, and comforter, I also have His other creations close by, ready, willing, and able to be of service to me. I am truly never alone.

So these days, as I excitedly release blocks in the communication channel to my angels, guides, elementals, and all other entities interested in my upliftment, I keep all these beings in my consciousness. I greatly look forward to when the veil is lifted and I can clearly and easily receive guidance from my all spiritual friends, no matter their form.

I Am Responsible

“What anyone else has or does not have has nothing to do with you. The only thing that affects your experience is the way you utilize the Non-Physical Energy with your thought. Your abundance or lack of it in your experience has nothing to do with what anybody else is doing or having. It has only to do with your perspective. It has only to do with your offering of thought. If you want your fortunes to shift, you have to begin telling a different story.” – Abraham, Excerpted from the book Money and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness #313

The messages are all around me and consistent: My experience depends only on me.

My life has been a pretty good one. It may not be viewed as ‘successful’ by others, but to me it has been a good one. This despite not having been given much guidance, set many goals, or been very conscious in my first three decades. Now, with the spiritual knowledge and experience I have, I can just imagine how wonderful it can really be...

Guided by Spirit, knowing that I am responsible for my world, and enthusiastic about life, I create a fulfilling life, nurturing my soul, releasing blocks of all kinds, and serving God in joy, and love, and peace.

Out There

In these early days of January, when people are wishing one another a happy and prosperous new year, the BIG lesson for me is there is no out there, out there. The source of my abundance is me.

Manifestation is an inside job; it is effect and the individual is cause. Here there is no victimhood. I am the cause of that which I perceive ‘outside’ in the world of form (relationships, circumstances, events). If I don’t like what I’m perceiving, I can change it. Whatever it is, I am responsible. This is not about blame for so much of my experience has been produced from beliefs given to me when I put on this human space suit and many are unconscious; it is about empowerment.

Once I accept myself as the only cause of my experience, I can free myself from the results of a belief in victimhood and separation, for then the world doesn’t hold power over me. I, with Spirit, create – we are One. I operate from the consciousness of True Abundance.

So I’m waking up. I’m waking up to a new world, one in which I say what it is to be about. One where the shadows are reckoned with, where false and limiting beliefs are revealed so they can be dispensed with and I can be free.

This concept is really nothing new as A Course in Miracles and Eastern traditions especially have taught this. But it is really getting through to me now thanks to the current teachers in my life, Mark Pope, a Unity minister, and Roger Wyer, my husband and life partner.

I’m learning my lessons through love and they are bringing me peace, joy, and power, all which enable me to be a loving channel of God’s grace. I am grateful.

There is no one out there, there is no one else.
You hold all the answers deep inside yourself.
There’s a voice that whispers, there’s no you, no me.
There’s just one, there’s just unity.
- David Friedman, from his song Unity

Re-Activated

AC•TI•VATE [ áktə vàyt ] (past and past participle ac•ti•vat•ed, present participle ac•ti•vat•ing, 3rd person present singular ac•ti•vates)

verb

Definition:

1. transitive and intransitive verb make something capable of action: to make something active or operational, or become active or operational
- Any sound in the room will activate the alarm.
- The detonator will activate in 30 seconds.
2. transitive verb U.S. MILITARY mobilize military: to set up or mobilize a military unit
- activate the National Guard
3. transitive verb PHYSICS make something radioactive: to make a substance radioactive
4. transitive verb CHEMISTRY make something reactive: to increase the rate of a chemical reaction, e.g. by applying heat
5. transitive verb CHEMISTRY increase power of absorption of something: to treat a substance such as charcoal so as to increase its capacity for absorption
6. transitive verb INDUSTRY purify sewage with air: to purify sewage by aerating it

RE-

prefix

Definition:

1. again, anew
- rebuild
2. back, backward
- recall

[Via Old French from Latin]

From: http://encarta.msn.com
______________________________

Re-activated... That’s the word that comes to mind when I think of what happened to me about a week ago. And each of the aforementioned definitions of the word activate feels appropriate to me.

As a living, breathing human being on this planet for 54.5 years, of course I’ve been ‘operational’. But for the past several years, operational processes have been sluggish – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I now feel recharged and ready for action and to begin anew.

And, I feel like there’s a purpose to this reactivation, that I’m being mobilized to fulfill the purpose for which I came here to do in service to the planet.

I am radioactive in that I am radiating a different energy, and of course it impacts everything and everyone. It is more positive, joyful, loving, and peaceful. It makes me think of my early days in 12 Step program when I had my spiritual awakening and people would remark that I was glowing.

This change is a reaction caused by stimuli that came into my frame of reference about a week ago. I have an increased power of absorption and I feel more interested, focused, and conscious in my participation in life.

And, I feel purified. The past doesn’t hold much meaning, the future is not yet here - there is only Now. I feel a freshness and a peace - a calmness and serenity that others might think crazy when looking at outer circumstances.

I don’t know if it’s the prayers I’ve been uttering, living in the midst of Sedona vortices for two continuous months, the new energies that came in during a sacred circle I was a part of on New Year’s Eve day, my soul family members being around me more, my intention, or ....

What I do know is that something greater than myself surely had a role in getting this being charged up again, full of power, purpose, and a peace beyond all understanding. I am so very grateful for this reactivation and for once again being enthusiastic (‘with God’) about life.

Off Hold

Today’s Daily Thought in the Guideposts Devotional to pray about is “Lord, give me the courage to pursue that which I have put on hold. Now.”

I have been feeling for years, and saying almost daily, “I don’t have enough time.” It has dulled my joy, weighed me down at all levels, and been a self-fulfilling prophecy. In discussing this expression with Rog the other day, we got that the words were actually not accurate – imagine all these years repeating such an incorrect (as well as debilitating) statement! It would be correct to say that I don’t get done what I would like to each day including taking care of my self and my soul. And, it would be far healthier to say “I would like to do and be more.”

So what has kept me from being more, doing more with the 24 hours in my day? What makes me feel that there is always one more thing to do? And, that I must be doing, doing, doing?

Ego. Fear. Keep a person busy and they don’t have time to be as conscious as they could be. Keep them immersed in the minutiae of everyday living, and they keep themselves from knowing who they really are, knowing their dreams, pursuing their life purpose, connecting with and serving God fully. Being.

It takes courage to be. I’ve taken my self and my soul – my life – off hold and am paying attention to them with great care now. Knowing God is with me gives me the courage to deal with whatever may surface as I move into more and more consciousness. For with awakening, the shadow side comes up, and with it some pain. But blessing it, with Spirit it dissipates, and I am free to be the fuller me. To be a human being not a human doing.

Restful Words

I first heard “Rest unto me that I may rest unto thee” at the Unity of Sedona church. And, ever since then whenever I hear it uttered or see the words in print, a veil of peace descends upon me. It is just so lovely and comforting.

Just like another statement I’ve heard often at Unity: “Peace. Be still.” Chanting this is a helpful way to calm down and I use it as a meditation.

These statements call to mind Matthew 11:28-30 -
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

‘Tis true that I let out a big “Ahhh” when I hear any of the aforementioned. Keeping my focus on Spirit, I am in the Now. There I find rest, peace, stillness, and my yoke becomes easy and my burden light.

Divine Plan

Daily Thoughts from Daily Guideposts Devotional January 4, 2010
A Time to Think
Let us move into the New Year with a great sense of the thrill of living. - Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

To Act
Trust that there is a divine plan.

To Pray
Lord, help me see through eyes that glimpse visions of Your plan for me. Then give me the courage to act.

I believe in the concept of a divine plan and I know I have a life purpose but haven’t been clear about it. Due to this unknowing and other reasons, I’ve not been all that thrilled with life here on planet Earth. With the divine spark within fanned, I feel an enthusiasm for life that hasn’t been with me for quite some time. And, I feel that my life purpose will be made quite clear to me this year.

I trust that there is a divine plan and I pray with confidence that it be revealed to me in the near future. I eagerly look forward to acting on that plan, and if it turns out to be something pretty far out and perhaps a bit scary, I pray to follow God’s guidance and have the courage to act.

It's Happenin'

With this new year I was adamant to change things in my life, above all to increase those things that nourish my soul, that are loving for me. I’m glad to say that I’ve started on the right foot – after all, the sooner I incorporate changes, the easier to do so.

So on the first day of the new year, I spent a good deal of time on the phone with loving, supportive friends across the globe, worked beautifully in sync on a business project with Rog, and spent the afternoon and evening with my twin flame (Rog) and some other members of my soul family. This is not the usual routine for me, and the key word for the day I’d say was “connection.” A great way/day to start off the new year and decade.

On the 2nd day of the new year (no, this blog will not mimic “The 12 Days of Christmas”!), enlivened by a deep inner shift, I got out of bed when the alarm sounded, and went about my spiritual practice, which set the tone for the day. I had strayed way off the beam in spending time on my relationship with Spirit and it felt good to get back on track. I attended the monthly Women In Love with the Divine (W.I.L.D.) meeting and was surrounded by my soul sisters. My soul family sisters showed up too, a delightful surprise for me. We went out for coffee and engaged in meaningful and supportive conversation. I took an afternoon nap for two hours (!), started reading a book on soul empowerment, and then went to bed at 8:30 PM, early for me. Talk about a different kind of day! It brought me peace.

And so now here I am on the 3rd day of this new year and decade: Up early, doing my spiritual practice, the first order of the day. I’m being mindful of setting my intentions, checking in with God, asking my angels and spirit guides for assistance, and staying upbeat.

This is my life to co-create with God and this is the year to step into doing so more than ever. I am grateful that the divine spark within has been rekindled and is being fanned. It is propelling me to take care of my self, my soul, and in doing so, filling me with joy, meaning, intention, and peace.

I wanted to use the new year to start making positive changes in my life and I’m glad to report that I have already started the process, that it wasn’t just an empty promise to myself. With God’s help, it is truly taking place – it’s happen’! I am so very grateful.

Thank You, Spirit, for breathing in me new life.

The Spark

I rang out the old and rang in the new year being with some members of my soul family. We broke bread, got further acquainted, and discussed what work we were meant to do at this special time of being in flesh on the planet.

I’m meeting more and more of my soul family, and my recent introduction to one woman was particularly meaningful to me. With an instant comfortability, we had much to converse about. And, we were each a sounding board to the other, with hearts wide open.

Spending time with my soul family and this woman in particular, I now feel the tiny little spark of the Divine rekindling. The timing is no coincidence as the day before I had committed to myself to start the new year anew, mainly with increasing my time growing my relationship with Spirit and spending more time being rather than doing, two ideas that for me are intricately related.

Setting my alarm clock last night, I knew that I had turned a corner – I would not procrastinate to get up when morning arrived. My enthusiasm to spend time in the Silence and any other practice that Spirit guided me to do to get my day off on the right foot (be in fit spiritual condition) would propel me out of my warm bed.

And so it was. I feel refreshed, with a new energy and passion, with a closer connection to Spirit.

God speaks to us directly and God speaks to us through other spirits having a human experience. I’m grateful for the messages and love I have received and continue to receive. Most of all I am grateful to be back on track on my spiritual journey, fanning that divine spark to grow ever stronger.

Thank You, thank You, thank You – for the year anew, life anew!

Beginning Anew

It’s the beginning of the new year and of course talk about releasing, resolutions, and new beginnings is in the air. I know that I can begin anew any day, any time. Still, there is something about starting a year – and in this case a decade (!) – with intentions anew, dreams anew, etc.

Today’s Daily Word was right on for me. It spoke of releasing that which no longer serves me. Hmm – I can certainly think of baggage that I carried with me not just from this last year to the new one, but from year to year to year. I’m ready to release, the old thought patterns, emotions, behaviors, people, physical ‘stuff’, and situations that are not for my highest good.

The Daily Word also spoke of resolving to focus my attention on “being” rather than on “doing.” I am so there. I particularly do, do, do in the attempt to have the result of money flowing in. This excessive doing takes time and energy away from being focused on God and expanding my spirit, while simultaneously moves me towards ego, fear, and thoughts of lack. God is my source, and the more time I spend on being, the closer I feel to Source and things flow with ease and grace.

There is one big fact which I think you ought to have in mind as you approach the new year, and it is that life will give back to you just exactly what you give to life. - Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Dear Spirit –
With Your help, may I release all that needs releasing, and move from a human doing to a human being. I set my intention on participating more richly in Life through nourishing my soul and my relationship with You. And as I give unto Life, so shall Life return to me an abundance of blessings.