Inspired By Others

I took the entire day off to play with friends visiting from Tucson, a luxury for me. And, it also threw my schedule off. So here it is close to 10 o’clock in the evening, and I’m working on finding a topic to blog about.

When I’m not initially inspired as to what to write about, I have the practice of reading the various daily, weekly, and monthly spiritual messages I subscribe to via email. And since I don’t keep up with them sufficiently, there is always a backlog to read. I always enjoy reading them and find myself feeling closer to God when doing so.

So after a rich day of friendship and a meeting for volunteer work, I find myself a bit spent and not knowing what to blog about. But there’s my cadre of emails sitting in my Inbox with plenty of inspiration and words of wisdom contained therein.

Today’s Daily Word is Comfort: “I am comforted by the love and presence of God.” And, the Daily Guideposts story is about the author’s awareness being raised and thereby stops being indifferent to people and starts praying for them. Another reminds me “...that he does not believe who does not live according to his belief.” Abraham says “Look for good things about where you are, and in your state of appreciation, you lift all self-imposed limitations (and all limitations are self-imposed) and you free yourself for the receiving of wonderful things.”

So while I may not always feel inspired to blog, my commitment to blog daily always gives me an extra boost of connection with Spirit. Today it took the form of taking a break from my own writing (sort of) to read about others’ journey with God and His Ways. And that is always inspiring.

Good night.

Remembrance

Today’s Daily Word acknowledges Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday. But, interestingly, it goes beyond remembering the men and women who gave their lives in our nation’s service. Here it is in its entirety:

Monday, May 31, 2010
Remember
I lovingly remember others.

Remembering those who have given their lives in service, I reflect upon their sacrifice. I learn from the lessons they taught and from their accomplishments. I also remember the people who have made a meaningful contribution in my life. Because of them I have learned to live more fully.

Just as I build upon the acts and achievements of those who have gone before me, others may build upon my life's example. As I remember others today, others may remember me in the future.

Today I take a few moments to appreciate those who taught me by example, to honor those who showed me the way. Their love and their willingness have changed my life for the better, and I am grateful.

When I remember you in my prayers, I always thank my God. - Philemon 1:4

It’s interesting that during this morning’s quiet time I listened to a meditative, subliminal CD about forgiveness and peace of mind. Several people from the past came into my consciousness. They were folks who I’d been close to for many years but am no longer in touch with. While we’ve chosen to not be in one another’s lives these days, I remember them with love for making my life richer. They helped me become who I am today. I have much gratitude for them - their love, their patience, their wisdom.

There are so many others I remember and for whom I am grateful: School teachers, relatives, employers, co-workers, those who came before me in the 12 Step program, other spiritual mentors, and of course, friends and my beloved life partner and husband, Roger Wyer. All have blessed me with their presence in my life - even if sometimes I hadn’t a clue!

Thank You, Spirit, for all those I’ve met on this journey called Life. Bless them, bless them, bless them.

Whose Plan?

I’ve been pushing myself to meet deadlines, participate in spiritually-focused events, attend to ADL’s (activities of daily living), and fulfill other commitments. And, I’m beat. It’s not really fun pushing, pushing, pushing. I just can’t do it all... something has to give... I need to let go.

Yes, I’m exhausted physically, and beat emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. I need to let go of controlling finances, time, people... As if I could really control anything or anyone!

So I surrender to that Divine Wisdom that knows all is in perfect order... to the Source that created me happy, joyous, and free - not tied to deadlines and obligations.

In cramming and striving to meet deadlines, I’m cramming The Presence too. It’s difficult to feel peace and joy when my entire being feels contracted and squished. So I pause, breathe, and give my trust to Spirit. I release my concerns to God and I am at peace.

All I have is this moment... Despite my planning and scheduling, when it comes down to it, all I have is Now. I can sketch in the pieces of my life, but I must remain flexible and open to the idea that things don’t unfold in Joyce’s time. I must surrender.

Dear Beloved, Holy Presence-
Thank You, thank You, thank You for the pause and the breath that refresh me to then move on to carry out Your plan.

Where Am I?

My readings this morning remind me of several fundamentals...

God is always with me, always guiding me. No matter the situation, there is a choice that reveals the highest and best in me. If I listen, Spirit’s guidance will be made known.

There are many ways for the guidance to come through: lyrics from a song, conversation with a person, or an excerpt from something I’m reading. Of course, there’s the powerful inner knowing that needs no explanation. And, my favorite: Synchronicity, the experience of two or more events that are apparently causally unrelated occurring together in a meaningful manner. [Translation: There is no such things as coincidence.]

And, if I don’t hear the Guidance or I misinterpret it, and I do not make the choice that brings out the highest and best in me, that means I’ve lost conscious contact with Spirit. But it doesn’t mean that God is not with me.

Then I remember to take an inventory, to look at my thoughts and behaviors that have contributed to my not choosing rightly. I connect with God to reveal my shortcomings, and I then I choose once again.

God’s love, patience, wisdom, and peace are always, always, with me. I remain alert and ready, prepared to receive God’s guidance and God’s abundance. It’s always there - where am I?

Let It Be

Yesterday I attended a talk given by Timothy Buzzard of Unity of Sedona. If I got it right, the crux of his message was that no one is in a position to judge. Any person or situation can provide profound usefulness in the midst of seeming discomfort and even horror, so why judge it?

If I believe there is a Divine Intelligence at work, then everything, everything, everything - and everyone - is here for a reason. I may not know what it is, but I can rest assured that there is purpose behind it all.

From that viewpoint, I endeavor to see the blessing in everything and everyone. I surrender into Spirit’s wisdom and love, and I just let things and people be. I do not judge lest I be judge - and there is simply no point in judging, it is moot.

In my earlier days of awakening, I never fully appreciated some of John Lennon’s songs, the lyrics as well as the music. It is only in recent years that I’ve realized the depth of and enjoyed the powerful spiritual meaning behind his “Imagine.” And yesterday, I came to see the same when Timothy played a gospel version of “Let It Be.”

With God in charge, I can simply let things be.

“Let It Be” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney

When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree,
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted there is
Still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be. Yeah
There will be an answer, let it be.

And when the night is cloudy,
There is still a light that shines on me,
Shine on until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

The Truth

When I keep open my mind and heart to the wisdom of God, I no longer allow minor disturbances to confuse me. I see below surface appearances to what is true.

Take, for instance, my getting a bit perturbed the other day when I found out an acquaintance had not bothered consulting me about a project she was working on. Didn’t she know I had some connections?... Didn’t she know that I might have been able to help? I felt neglected and ‘less than’.

And, gratefully, Spirit woke me up to see ego at work. After all, I’m only an acquaintance to this woman... and I’m not the only person on the planet that might have some helpful knowledge or a good network of contacts. And, besides, I’m not particularly drawn to having this person in my life. So what’s this feeling of being slighted (as I saw it) about anyway? It’s nothing more than my ego wanting to be bolstered, massaged, given attention to. Ah-ha!

In practically an instant, I recognized what was going on and woke up! In my awakened heart, I wished this person well, blessed her success - and thanked her silently for being yet another conduit for me to learn about my inner world by looking at the outer.

God’s messages and messengers are all around me, inviting me to wake up to the Truth. And the Truth is that I am a holy child of God, powerful, loved, loving, and graced.

Thank You, God!

God in Our Midst

Here it is Saturday morning, another opportunity to reflect on what I am grateful for as I prepare to attend my circle of gratitude.

Last night I attended what for me was a most unusual event: a celebration of Passover and the Last Supper. It was a evening of learning, music, joining together - and, of course, food! I appreciate our hostess opening up her home to us. More importantly, I so appreciate her opening up her rich heart.

E. is an awesome woman. She is a gracious, generous, and appreciative hostess. She has the joy, curiosity, innocence, and wonderment of a child; the education, life experience, and wisdom of an elder; the love, peace, and patience of a saint. Even her singing voice makes me think of an angel. Obviously she has a very close connection to Source; it is an inspiration to witness and makes me feel a part of.

I am grateful for people such as E. who so clearly convey to me that Spirit is not only present, but is within each of us, reaching out to others and showing them that God is in them too and that we are One.

God bless.

A Different Day

“Mining the moment for something that feels good, something to appreciate, something to savor, something to take in, that's what your moments are about. They're not about justifying your existence. It's justified. You exist. It's not about proving your worthiness. It's done. You're worthy. It's not about achieving success. You never get it done. It's about "How much can this moment deliver to me?"” - Abraham, Excerpted from the 04.20.02 San Antonio, TX workshop #391

Today I decided to work at home and not schedule any client appointments so that I could focus on the client work awaiting me here in my office.

OK, I’m not setting the alarm clock. It’s a chance to catch up on sleep because usually 7 days/week I’ve got outside commitments commencing at 8 AM.

Ohhh, that means my morning practice is going to be off schedule. Oh well, I can at least squeeze some spiritually-focused reading in...

What a chance to have a sit down hot, homemade pancake breakfast with Rog we never break bread in the morning these days. The clock is ticking...

Ah, a good day for a short photo-op for my upcoming e-newsletter. It won’t take much time...

And, I need to research where to get our haircuts. Now’s as good a time as any.

Great article here about prayer - let me read it now...

Time for some lunch... I’ll eat at my desk to play catch up with time.

And, on and on and on.

In the past I would have engaged in self-flagellation for not doing the work I had planned to accomplish. These days, not so. I am present and enjoying what I am doing. I’m enjoying the moments that I’m stringing along that comprise this first day of April in 2010. And it’s actually been “productive”! So what’s the issue? It’s just a different type of day unfolding because I’m letting it do so with Spirit’s help.

I am not here to treat myself harshly, nor am I here to push, push, push. I’m not here to prove or justify myself. I am here to rest in the joy, love, and peace of God’s embrace.

It’s one day at a time with Spirit by my side. Whatever I am doing, all is perfect, all is in Divine Order. So why get bent out of shape because I didn’t follow my calendar or ‘to-do’ list? I am exactly where I am supposed to be and all is well.

Thank You, Spirit, for Your Wisdom making its way through to me, along with Your Peace, Love, and Joy.

Eternal Words

“I bind to myself today God's Power to guide me, God's Might to uphold me, God's Wisdom to teach me.” - From St. Patrick's Breastplate

St. Patrick may have lived centuries ago but the above words - so important to him that he had them engraved on his breastplate - are ones that resonate with me today, here in the 21st century.

God is eternal and so is The Great Mystery’s power, might, and wisdom.

May I too use God’s Power to guide me, His Strength to keep me moving forward especially in the midst of challenges, and His Wisdom to help me live rightly and fully.

Prosperity

“True prosperity is about spiritual wealth. It's about knowing that my true source is not my employer, my partner or my parent. God is the source of my greatest good.

“When I am aware of the ever-flowing wisdom and grace of God's spirit, I cannot help but create prosperity in all areas of my life--in my relationships, my health, my wealth. As I focus on the Truth, abundance flows. I am rich in all ways, and I am grateful.” – Excerpt from Daily Word, Tuesday, 02.16.10

Once again it is written that God is to be the focus of my life. And why not?! If Spirit is the One Source and One Presence, surely It is worthy of my attention! More specifically, I am really nothing without God - literally, God breathes life into me.

When I keep my thoughts staid on Thee, life flows and, with it, abundance. Prosperity shows up in many forms. I must remain open to receiving God’s blessings, I must surrender my ego at the door.

May I keep my thoughts staid on Thee as I walk through this day of distractions of all sorts, which are ego’s attempts at keeping me separate from You and my fellows. Regardless of appearances, You are my Source and prosperity abounds. Thank You, thank You, thank You. And, so it is.

Guidance

I came upon the following steps regarding how to receive God’s guidance and thought them quite sound. My prayer is to remember and practice them!

How to Receive God's Guidance
by Norman Vincent Peale

Often we're in situations where we need guidance on a particular problem, or maybe we just need help getting through our everyday struggles. These simple steps will help.

1. Say, "Be still, and know that I am God," aloud three times.
This will make you aware of God’s presence.

2. Be humble.
Humility is necessary for spiritual wisdom. It is God's wisdom you want, not your own. Only with the spirit of the child, teachable and willing to learn, does guidance come. So, put everything in His hands.

3. Open your mind.
Let go your desires, your preconceived notions, your obsessions, your fixed opinions. These represent your wisdom, or lack of it, and what you want is God's wisdom. Your mind must be emptied of error before it can be filled with truth.

4. Ask God to fill your mind with the understanding and ideas you need.
Close your eyes and listen, really listen.

5. If you have a specific problem, write it on paper.
Then, actually holding it up, as though offering it to God, say, "Lord, I want only to do Your will. Here is my problem. Show me what to do and I will do exactly as I am shown."

6. Pray this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I rest my mind in Your mind. Let it be full of Your great thoughts. I want to live and think and act only as You would have me do. Fill my mind to overflowing with spiritual insights, with true wisdom. May I think as You think. Your guidance is now coming to me in this problem and will ultimately come in all problems. Help me to know that I can never go wrong doing right. Amen.

7. Commit this verse to memory:
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory." (Psalm 73:24)

8. Remain humble, practice and believe.

Surrender Once Again...

"To share in the knowledge of God requires that you surrender what you think and what you know so that you can open and receive the infinite awareness that you are part of. Surrender in this moment, and in this moment, and in this moment, and continue to do so until your mind is filled with the awareness of God's love and wisdom that is within you." – www.thevoiceforlove.com

In surrendering, I feel closer to God and at peace. I am relaxed and hence more open -minded and -hearted, more able to hear God’s guidance. And, I am more willing to follow Spirit’s guidance. There too I feel joy.

Lately I’ve been overwhelmed with stuff related to the physical world and not feeling the joy that is in inherent in me, that is my divine birthright. In seeking to feel the joy within me, I surrender my will and my life to Spirit - again and again and again...

I Can Do All Things

“This is the day when I fully release the concept of lack or limitation from my consciousness. I can do all things.” – Daily Word, October 11, 2009

And, I can do all things because I’m not alone. God is my strength through and through. With such Power, Supply, Wisdom, Love, and Peace, I can do all things.

A Part of Me

As I was sitting in the Silence this morning, my mind wasn’t so silent. My ego was off making judgments about other people. But then, the Seventh Step Prayer from Alcoholics Anonymous came to mind and stopped my wrong mindedness in its tracks.

“My Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do your bidding. Amen.” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 76)

One of the many wonderful blessings of being in Program many years and having attended I don’t know how many hundreds of meetings during that time, is that many pearls of wisdom are ingrained in my psyche (soul) and can resurface at just the right time to help me with a situation, to get me back on course.

Judgment is a character defect of mine that still rears its ugly head from time to time. It’s a symptom signaling I am into myself and making comparisons, instead of being right-sized and in my right mind. The Seventh Step is about shifting my attitude so that I move out of myself toward others and God.

Having the words of the prayer come to mind did just that, and I gratefully went back to being in the Silence with God.

Prayer

Today's Daily Word - Sunday, August 9, 2009
PRAYER
Prayer by prayer, I enrich my life.

How do I achieve a spiritually centered life? I pray.

When I spend time in prayer, I gain a deeper understanding of my true nature. My potential for a richer, fuller life is revealed to me.

Through communion with God I become attuned to the divine presence and power within me. I am strengthened and guided to do what is mine to do.

Prayer immerses me in the love of God and opens my heart to meaningful relationships. Prayer brings me new insight so that I more fully express the love within me.

My life is enriched through the power of prayer, which gives me strength, wisdom, and enthusiasm.

"Strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way."--1 Corinthians 12:31

A Lord's Prayer

Years ago Rog learned The Lord’s Prayer in Aramaic, its original language. He has since interpreted it in a way that has greater meaning to him; it resonates with me too. Here it is.

The Lord’s Prayer
[As interpreted by Roger Wyer]

Oh Thou, from whom the breath of life comes,
Who fills endless worlds of sound, light, and vibration,
May we experience Your light clearly and completely.
Your perfect garden approaches again.

Let Your will be done in every vibration of the universe,
And on this dense, material earth.
Give us wisdom, guidance, and understanding for our daily need.

Detach the faults that bind us,
As we release the faults of others into self-forgiveness.

Let us not lose our self in superficial things;
Free us from what keeps us from our true purpose.

From You comes the joyful will, the lively strength to act,
The song that beautifies all and renews itself forever.

Sealed in faith and truth and gratitude, and confirmed by my entire being.

My Buddha Wheel

When I lived in Santa Fe, I used to ride a stationary exercise bike. I got into the habit of using the time to pray continuously, specifically for people. It was a wonderful experience each morning. Not only did it connect me with Spirit, but it connected me with people who I no longer physically lived closed to and missed.

Two wonderful exercises: physical and spiritual. My spiritual mentor at the time said my practice reminded him of the Buddha wheel.

“The wheel's motion is a metaphor for the rapid spiritual change engendered by the teachings of the Buddha.
It represents the endless cycle of rebirth, which can only be escaped by means of the Buddha's teachings. And some Buddhists regard the wheel's three basic parts as symbols of the "three trainings" in Buddhist practice: The hub symbolizes moral discipline, which stabilizes the mind. The spokes (usually there are eight) represent wisdom which is applied to defeat ignorance. The rim represents training in concentration, which holds everything else together.” [From www.religionfacts.com]

How very interesting...who knew?!

About seven weeks ago, I began making my morning practice an active Kundalini meditation. It consists of four stages of 15” each, with the first three set to music:
1st: Standing with feet firmly planted on the earth, I let my body shake.
2nd: Dancing
3rd: Sitting still
4th: Laying down in silence

During the active stages (1st and 2nd) I’ve worked on keeping my thoughts focused on the music or saying affirmations. But often, my mind wanders to details of everyday life, which is exactly what I’m looking to get away from. I’ve not felt this a good use of the mental part of this practice and recently asked Spirit, my angels, and all others interested in my upliftment for help. I prayed for focus and to make the best use of this time as Spirit saw fit.

Today I got the notion to continuously pray for my friends, family, and anyone that came to mind. And so I did. How wonderful to connect with Spirit and others in this way once more.

Looks like I’m back on the Buddha wheel again, opening up my heart, and reaching out to others through Spirit...

New Year's Prayer

Thank you Lord for giving me
The brand new year ahead
Help me live the way I should
As each new day I tread.

Give me gentle wisdom
That I might help a friend
Give me strength and courage
So a shoulder I might lend.

The year ahead is empty
Help me fill it with good things
Each new day filled with joy
And the happiness it brings.

Please give the leaders of our world
A courage born of peace
That they might lead us gently
And all the fighting cease.

Please give to all upon this earth
A heart that's filled with love
A gentle happy way to live
With Your blessings from above.

~ Charlotte Anselmo

[I found this on: http://www.mamarocks.com/new_years_prayer.htm]