“It is not your role to make others happy; it is your role to keep yourself in balance. When you pay attention to how you feel and practice self-empowering thoughts that align with who-you-really-are, you will offer an example of thriving that will be of tremendous value to those who have the benefit of observing you.
“You cannot get poor enough to help poor people thrive or sick enough to help sick people get well. You only ever uplift from your position of strength and clarity and alignment.” - Abraham, Excerpted from the book "Money and the Law of Attraction: Learning to Attract Health, Wealth and Happiness"
This reminds me of the story about the proper protocol for using oxygen masks on an airplane in the case of a decrease in cabin pressure. It is imperative that adults put their oxygen mask on first, then place masks on the children, otherwise the adults won’t be able to help and the children may be harmed anyway.
I need to take care of myself first otherwise I have little hope that I can be of service to others; I must be in fit spiritual condition.
There is always choice as to how I walk in this life. Situations are neutral; the stories I tell about them and people are of my own making. I cannot make anyone else do or be something else. It is my role to keep myself in balance and in alignment with Spirit. From there I can be an uplifting force for others.
Showing posts with label choice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label choice. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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?
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?
Saturday, March 6, 2010
In An Instant
“The amount of time it takes you to get from where you are to where you want to be, is only the amount of time it takes you to change the vibration within you. Instant manifestation could be yours if you could instantly change the vibration.” – Abraham, Excerpted from the 08.23.03 San Diego, CA workshop #370
The aforementioned is a reminder to me that it only takes an instant to change my mind and my attitude. It is simply a matter of choice, my choice.
However, it doesn’t always seem so simple. But, I know that with God all things are possible. Again, by choice, I can ask Spirit for help.
I am never alone or without resources. God, my Source, helps me to change when I am willing and ask for help.
The aforementioned is a reminder to me that it only takes an instant to change my mind and my attitude. It is simply a matter of choice, my choice.
However, it doesn’t always seem so simple. But, I know that with God all things are possible. Again, by choice, I can ask Spirit for help.
I am never alone or without resources. God, my Source, helps me to change when I am willing and ask for help.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
The Two F's
“Face every situation with faith in your heart.” - Daily Guideposts, December 9, 2009
It’s interesting that this uplifting, affirmative quote made me think of a contrary, but remarkably related one: “F--k Everything And Run” and its more gentler companion, “False Evidence Appearing Real”, the word fear being the acronym for each.
Faith and fear are opposites, and these expressions convey that. When I’m in faith, believing in Spirit, I truly can face every situation. Without faith in my heart, fear can easily set in and my willingness and ability to face any situation becomes dubious. Faith and fear cannot exist simultaneously and so I’m always at choice.
My spiritual practice strives to strengthen the faith in my heart and thereby weaken fear, along with ego.
Dear Spirit-
I thank You that the prescription for fear is faith.
It’s interesting that this uplifting, affirmative quote made me think of a contrary, but remarkably related one: “F--k Everything And Run” and its more gentler companion, “False Evidence Appearing Real”, the word fear being the acronym for each.
Faith and fear are opposites, and these expressions convey that. When I’m in faith, believing in Spirit, I truly can face every situation. Without faith in my heart, fear can easily set in and my willingness and ability to face any situation becomes dubious. Faith and fear cannot exist simultaneously and so I’m always at choice.
My spiritual practice strives to strengthen the faith in my heart and thereby weaken fear, along with ego.
Dear Spirit-
I thank You that the prescription for fear is faith.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Direction
My dear friend Karen and I had rented a car in Manhattan and driven to Vermont for a long, fun weekend of downhill skiing.
On this particular evening, we had made the last run on the slopes, enjoyed après-ski, and were now heading back to our hotel, when it started snowing again. Soon a light dusting turned into a whiteout. It might have been evening, but it was bright out due to the white snow. Still, that didn’t make it any easier to drive with snow swirling around us.
I was the driver, yet could not make out where the road was beyond a foot or so ahead of us. Karen worked hard to assist me as best she could, with the hope that from the passenger’s side of the car she might be able to see some lane and road markings to guide me.
As we crawled along with no other vehicles in sight, frustrated, concerned, and whatever else, I blurted out to Karen, “Pick a direction!” We launched into hysterical laughter. Out of lemons, we had just made lemonade – perhaps even a snow cone!
On the spot, that phrase became famous for us, making history that is not apt to be forgotten. When one of us simply utters it to the other, we start laughing and we are brought back to that difficult, dangerous, and somewhat fearful experience. But more importantly, it reminds us of one of the many fun and joyful adventures we’ve shared, and the strength and quality of our love and long-time friendship.
These days, 20+ years later, the phrase has been picked up by some of our family members. In these times of extreme change, releasing old ways of thinking, letting go of material possessions, etc., Rog and I have evolved much. Yet we sometimes find ourselves clueless.
The other day Rog assessed what he truly knew about our current life, our life to be, friends’ situations, what was so locally, nationally, and globally – the list could go on. He concluded he knew nothing about anything, and was frustrated because he could not tap into Guidance or get direction. What a wonderful place to be, so open, so teachable. Then he exclaimed, “Pick a direction!” I immediately thought of Karen and reminded Rog of the origin of that phrase.
Karen mentioned our "pick a direction" story to husband Charlie again recently as well. They had been talking about driving in a storm. She suggested to me that “it looks like "pick a direction" has become our (yours and mine) mantra in a way for life.” Hmm. That is food for thought.
When we are stumped and don’t know which way to go, we still have it in our power to make a choice. We can decide the direction and start heading that way, remaining open to Spirit’s guidance, which we’d been seeking in the first place. Maybe sometimes we just need to take the first step –perhaps even the first plunge off the cliff – for God to then make Its Will known and open the flowing channels.
Rog and I have done just that, and more has been revealed to us in the past day or so than in recent weeks. We still don’t have total knowledge, but God’s abundance has increased, flowing to us with ease and grace. We’re taking that as validation that we picked the right direction.
On this particular evening, we had made the last run on the slopes, enjoyed après-ski, and were now heading back to our hotel, when it started snowing again. Soon a light dusting turned into a whiteout. It might have been evening, but it was bright out due to the white snow. Still, that didn’t make it any easier to drive with snow swirling around us.
I was the driver, yet could not make out where the road was beyond a foot or so ahead of us. Karen worked hard to assist me as best she could, with the hope that from the passenger’s side of the car she might be able to see some lane and road markings to guide me.
As we crawled along with no other vehicles in sight, frustrated, concerned, and whatever else, I blurted out to Karen, “Pick a direction!” We launched into hysterical laughter. Out of lemons, we had just made lemonade – perhaps even a snow cone!
On the spot, that phrase became famous for us, making history that is not apt to be forgotten. When one of us simply utters it to the other, we start laughing and we are brought back to that difficult, dangerous, and somewhat fearful experience. But more importantly, it reminds us of one of the many fun and joyful adventures we’ve shared, and the strength and quality of our love and long-time friendship.
These days, 20+ years later, the phrase has been picked up by some of our family members. In these times of extreme change, releasing old ways of thinking, letting go of material possessions, etc., Rog and I have evolved much. Yet we sometimes find ourselves clueless.
The other day Rog assessed what he truly knew about our current life, our life to be, friends’ situations, what was so locally, nationally, and globally – the list could go on. He concluded he knew nothing about anything, and was frustrated because he could not tap into Guidance or get direction. What a wonderful place to be, so open, so teachable. Then he exclaimed, “Pick a direction!” I immediately thought of Karen and reminded Rog of the origin of that phrase.
Karen mentioned our "pick a direction" story to husband Charlie again recently as well. They had been talking about driving in a storm. She suggested to me that “it looks like "pick a direction" has become our (yours and mine) mantra in a way for life.” Hmm. That is food for thought.
When we are stumped and don’t know which way to go, we still have it in our power to make a choice. We can decide the direction and start heading that way, remaining open to Spirit’s guidance, which we’d been seeking in the first place. Maybe sometimes we just need to take the first step –perhaps even the first plunge off the cliff – for God to then make Its Will known and open the flowing channels.
Rog and I have done just that, and more has been revealed to us in the past day or so than in recent weeks. We still don’t have total knowledge, but God’s abundance has increased, flowing to us with ease and grace. We’re taking that as validation that we picked the right direction.
Friday, August 21, 2009
What God Wants
Karen Casey (In God’s Care, August 20) suggests that maybe what God wants is for us to just be free of the things that come between us and God. Hmmm.
Sure, there are things than come between me and God. And, I wonder how many of them are of my own doing? Furthermore, what is in my power to make a change?
Perhaps the biggest, most important ‘thing’ that comes between me and God, and the one that I have a choice about and power over, is taking care of myself. Not taking the time –and sufficient time– to be in the Silence impedes my spiritual condition and hence detracts from my relationship with God. That then trickles down into my relationship with others.
I can be free of this thing that comes between me and God if I make a greater commitment to us both to spend more time alone with Spirit every day, no matter where I am or what my schedule is.
Consider it done!
Sure, there are things than come between me and God. And, I wonder how many of them are of my own doing? Furthermore, what is in my power to make a change?
Perhaps the biggest, most important ‘thing’ that comes between me and God, and the one that I have a choice about and power over, is taking care of myself. Not taking the time –and sufficient time– to be in the Silence impedes my spiritual condition and hence detracts from my relationship with God. That then trickles down into my relationship with others.
I can be free of this thing that comes between me and God if I make a greater commitment to us both to spend more time alone with Spirit every day, no matter where I am or what my schedule is.
Consider it done!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Peace is for the Asking
“...We will become proficient at knowing peace – with practice.” – In God’s Care, August 7
“... World peace is simple a choice away for every individual on earth.” – Daily Word, August 7, 2009
I know that peace is up to me. Like some many other things in life, I must choose.
To walk the path of peace can be challenging, and my ego may not always want to play the game, but its rewards are delightful to my soul. I feel better inwardly, closer to Spirit, and that gets reflected in my interactions outwardly. Peace has to begin with me (as the song goes) and it is only then that there can be peace on earth.
Imagine if each and every individual focused on attaining inward peace... “What a wonderful world this would be.” Indeed, when I choose peace for me the individual, peace for the entire planet is just a choice away.
“... World peace is simple a choice away for every individual on earth.” – Daily Word, August 7, 2009
I know that peace is up to me. Like some many other things in life, I must choose.
To walk the path of peace can be challenging, and my ego may not always want to play the game, but its rewards are delightful to my soul. I feel better inwardly, closer to Spirit, and that gets reflected in my interactions outwardly. Peace has to begin with me (as the song goes) and it is only then that there can be peace on earth.
Imagine if each and every individual focused on attaining inward peace... “What a wonderful world this would be.” Indeed, when I choose peace for me the individual, peace for the entire planet is just a choice away.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Trust God
“Trust God or worry. Those are the two choices you have in every situation. Trust God and be at peace. Worry and experience stress. Your choices are that simple and you will make your life as peaceful or stressful as you choose to make it. Trust God and be at peace. This is all that is asked of you.”
- James Blanchard Cisneros
Well, I clearly was feeling worried, stressed, and not at peace. I was still in the research stage in a project, not knowing how long it was going to take me to actually start designing the project, and concerned about keeping my commitment to agreed upon goal dates with my client. Ego had clearly ‘eased God out’ and I was a wreck. Impatient with Rog, impatient with myself, with my body all tensed up.
I took some steps to help myself calm down, one in the form of checking in with my client and communicating my concerns. But I didn’t pause to check in with Spirit. I didn’t stop and say “God needs to be first, then all else will follow with ease and grace.”
Still, somehow God got through to me. I realized that I was doing everything I could and it was going to have to be enough. My peace was too important to keep on keeping on in this unhealthy, workaholic type of state, with ego having a field day. I surrendered. I was backing to trusting God.
Thank You, Spirit, for getting through to me even when I feel so closed and bound up.
- James Blanchard Cisneros
Well, I clearly was feeling worried, stressed, and not at peace. I was still in the research stage in a project, not knowing how long it was going to take me to actually start designing the project, and concerned about keeping my commitment to agreed upon goal dates with my client. Ego had clearly ‘eased God out’ and I was a wreck. Impatient with Rog, impatient with myself, with my body all tensed up.
I took some steps to help myself calm down, one in the form of checking in with my client and communicating my concerns. But I didn’t pause to check in with Spirit. I didn’t stop and say “God needs to be first, then all else will follow with ease and grace.”
Still, somehow God got through to me. I realized that I was doing everything I could and it was going to have to be enough. My peace was too important to keep on keeping on in this unhealthy, workaholic type of state, with ego having a field day. I surrendered. I was backing to trusting God.
Thank You, Spirit, for getting through to me even when I feel so closed and bound up.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Whose Will?
Today I’ve really been thinking about this business of doing God’s will. Ya know, “Thy Will, not mine, be done.” I wonder how much I really believe in that principle and how much I put it into action.
I have been given free will to live my life, to make choices, and the ‘proper’ use of it is to align it with what Spirit would have me do. But when my ego gets in the way, fugetaboutit! Does that mean every time my ego is going, I’m not doing God’s will?
I figure that if I’m doing God’s Will, it doesn’t really matter what is going on in my life. It’s just that simple. And, then I’m in a perpetual state of joy. Sounds good to me. Although somehow it doesn’t seem that easy... I cannot say that I feel joy most of the time, let alone perpetually. [Have you seen this world lately?] Hence, I’m out of alignment with Spirit.
For now, I’ll meditate on it, pray, and contemplate it. This is a huge issue with far reaching ramifications in my life, and definitely worth attention.
To be continued...
I have been given free will to live my life, to make choices, and the ‘proper’ use of it is to align it with what Spirit would have me do. But when my ego gets in the way, fugetaboutit! Does that mean every time my ego is going, I’m not doing God’s will?
I figure that if I’m doing God’s Will, it doesn’t really matter what is going on in my life. It’s just that simple. And, then I’m in a perpetual state of joy. Sounds good to me. Although somehow it doesn’t seem that easy... I cannot say that I feel joy most of the time, let alone perpetually. [Have you seen this world lately?] Hence, I’m out of alignment with Spirit.
For now, I’ll meditate on it, pray, and contemplate it. This is a huge issue with far reaching ramifications in my life, and definitely worth attention.
To be continued...
Sunday, June 28, 2009
It's a Choice
Let unconquerable gladness dwell. - Motto used by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, from “A Prayer Book for Soldiers and Sailors”, original source unknown.
The aforementioned quote was mentioned at Unity today. It was a delight to hear that a world leader had it grace his office, that he held such a philosophy and prayed such a prayer.
I can think of those words as a prayer answered - unconquerable gladness dwells - and look at everything as a blessing. No matter what the experience, the encounter, I get to choose my perspective, and whether I want “to be right or happy.”
Unconquerable gladness dwells and everything in my life is a blessing. So it is.
The aforementioned quote was mentioned at Unity today. It was a delight to hear that a world leader had it grace his office, that he held such a philosophy and prayed such a prayer.
I can think of those words as a prayer answered - unconquerable gladness dwells - and look at everything as a blessing. No matter what the experience, the encounter, I get to choose my perspective, and whether I want “to be right or happy.”
Unconquerable gladness dwells and everything in my life is a blessing. So it is.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Today
God is with me throughout this day
The Presence guides me and paves the way
I make the choice which path to go
The voice of God, or my ego
I pray to follow God’s will today
And, thus in peace is where I’ll stay.
The Presence guides me and paves the way
I make the choice which path to go
The voice of God, or my ego
I pray to follow God’s will today
And, thus in peace is where I’ll stay.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Trusting in God's Care
One of my readings to contemplate this day is about relying on my Higher Power to take care of me.
God has taken me this far (53+ years in this lifetime regardless if I was a believer or not) and I can decide to trust for that to continue.
Trusting is my choice. If I choose not to, I’ll land up in fear, not a pretty place.
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
I open my heart and mind to Your taking care of me at all times, in all circumstances.
God has taken me this far (53+ years in this lifetime regardless if I was a believer or not) and I can decide to trust for that to continue.
Trusting is my choice. If I choose not to, I’ll land up in fear, not a pretty place.
Dear Spirit of the Most High -
I open my heart and mind to Your taking care of me at all times, in all circumstances.
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