Sometimes the actions of people around me confuse me. It can be perplexing to try and understand their motive and actions.
Sometimes I want to react in a manner that would harm that person. I want to react in both word and deed. Other times I’ve told myself “that’s it”; I’m done with that person.
Have you ever been so mad at someone that you’ve had fleeting thoughts of revenge? Have you ever wanted to make them pay!
It’s strange that we think that way, but sometimes it’s very satisfying – even if it’s only momentary.
Are you familiar with the song “It’s a thin line between love and hate”? He cheats, comes home in the early hour of the morning and she asks him if he’s hungry. Next thing you know, he is lying in a hospital bandaged from head to toe!
I get it! I guess for some, there is a limit, and once it’s reached, look out!
I don’t think if I could physically harm someone like that, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit to having harbored very unloving thoughts!
[When we have such a strong response to someone, their action, an event etc. it is an indication that there is powerful energy that is being generated that is touching/influencing our energy. Our perceptive interpretation of the occurrence will categorize it as 'good' or 'bad'. When an alternate energy influences the current state/balance of our energy, we must respond on a physical, mental and/or psychic level. Our primary methods of response is physical and mental, hence the 'mental harming of others' or the 'physical payback'. Rare still is the psychic response: the allowance of the alternate energies to approach us, touch us, enter us, pass through us and in some cases partially stay with us to form a permanent part of our energy pattern.]
These days, I’m learning to breathe through it. That means not openly reacting. Instead, I’m learning to pay attention to my emotions in the situation. Our emotions can teach us a lot. I’ve realized that any sort of reaction feeds the flame. It’s also occurred to me that the stronger the reaction or thought of revenge, the more important the need for self- reflection.
Why do we react at all? Why do we want others to act in a manner that suits us? I guess that all depends on how deeply entrenched our values are. We each have a certain ethical code that causes us to react when it’s been breached. Sometimes we aren’t even aware that we held such strong feelings of “right and wrong”.
That’s the beauty of our emotions. Emotion is our spiritual self trying to speak to us. It’s trying to teach us or at least make us aware of something that has caused us to be unhappy, or angry or ready to strike out physically.
I’m learning to breathe through it. Negative energy held within is harmful to us. It causes physical reactions in our body. And, the cycle that caused the reaction in the first place continues. It can continue throughout our lifetime if we ignore our emotions.
If someone gets you that mad, imagine what would happen over time if you stopped reacting. The situation would change - it would have to. If you are no longer providing the fuel, the flame will die.
If you learn to stand still and just breathe, you might also learn that the reaction had nothing to do with the actions of another person. It’s our egos, and our sense of self-worth that we are usually trying to protect. You might even find that you actually believe the hurtful words spoken by someone else. And how harmful is that!
[Our balance of energy is the result of the state of our belief system, our physical system, our mental system, our psychic system and our ongoing interpretation and perceptive systems. When any or all of these systems are touch by another energy pattern, our balance is disturbed and a new balance must now be developed through our response. Generally, we react in a manner that will allow us to return to the original state of balance, as opposed to seeking a new form of balance that adds the new energy to our current evolving systems. When we react 'negatively' it is to defend the state of our systems from the new energy. When we react positively' or 'neutrally' it is to accept the new energy and its changes, into our current systems and to become more or 'better'.]
I’m awed by the perfection of our construction. We have everything we could possibly need within us, to live the most incredible lives. And every person we come into contact with is both teacher and student. Imagine if everyone recognized that. What a world this would be.
Instead, we react, and we ignore ourselves. And we perpetuate the negative energy. We cause grief instead of understanding.
So, I’m learning to breathe through it in order to learn and grow spiritually stronger. I’m using the god-given tools that are contained within me.
["Breathe through it" is the experiencing of a new energy's impact on us without the reflex response of self-protection and/or denial. This energy impact, whether perceived as 'positive' or 'negative', is allowed to influence us and with sufficient time we come to realize that it only enhances the evolution and overall balance of our energy system. We in essence become a more realized/enlightened being. We grow as a soul.]
I’m never going to understand others, and I don’t think I should even be trying to. All I need to focus on is how their actions make me feel. And once I’ve made that recognition, I can release that negative energy for good. And that makes me greater in spirit. That increases my ability to teach from a different perspective.
[Alternate energies (in the form of our experience of others) confirm our existence as part of a greater pulsating whole. They allow us to broaden our perspectives and ability to perceive all that exists. All the things that influence us do so at the level of energy and regardless of our perception, will continue to impact us, consciously and unconsciously, for the remainder of our existence. To breathe is to accept your part in the whole and to allow the whole to caress you, through our experience with others, in its eternally changing patterns of being as seen through energy. The story of energy is the story of our lives and mythologies.]
I’m learning to breathe through it.
Collaborators:
Original Post by: SLP
Response in Italics by: Pollard
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
I am: A Healing Poem
I am.
(Posted on December 9, 2008 by SLP)
In an authentic and genuine search for the self, this poetic journey takes us from the most primitive understanding of the self: your name(s), to the most profound understanding of the self: "I am everything and I am nothing."
Within the process of this poetic journey, all of the human potentialities that meet and fail to meet our personal and societal expectations and aspirations are tagged for contemplation:
"I am a mother without a child, yet I nurture."
"I am an artist without a canvas, yet I paint a picture."
"I am a doctor without a degree, yet I can heal with words and touch."
I am, is an exploration into the paradox of possibilities that make us and define us as 'the best' and 'the worst' of species:
"I am divine in nature and evil in intent."
"I am here because of you. I am here in spite of you."
I am, reinforces the need for ubuntu, the African circular philosophy of oneness:
"I am responsible for you and you are responsible for me.
We are nothing without each other."
I am, manages to plant the contradictory self firmly into the frailty of our daily lives ("I am...happy and sad, silly and serious.") and into our cosmic universal possibility ("It matters not where you are in time and space or whether we've ever met. We still have an influence on one another.").
This potent meditation on the self is not only healing but also cleansing and inspiring.
I am, affirms our spectacular and frail individuality, while reaffirming our divine and sacred potency.
It is our call to remember and observe who we think we are, who we are so far and who we are capable of being.
lloyd
(Posted on December 9, 2008 by SLP)
In an authentic and genuine search for the self, this poetic journey takes us from the most primitive understanding of the self: your name(s), to the most profound understanding of the self: "I am everything and I am nothing."
Within the process of this poetic journey, all of the human potentialities that meet and fail to meet our personal and societal expectations and aspirations are tagged for contemplation:
"I am a mother without a child, yet I nurture."
"I am an artist without a canvas, yet I paint a picture."
"I am a doctor without a degree, yet I can heal with words and touch."
I am, is an exploration into the paradox of possibilities that make us and define us as 'the best' and 'the worst' of species:
"I am divine in nature and evil in intent."
"I am here because of you. I am here in spite of you."
I am, reinforces the need for ubuntu, the African circular philosophy of oneness:
"I am responsible for you and you are responsible for me.
We are nothing without each other."
I am, manages to plant the contradictory self firmly into the frailty of our daily lives ("I am...happy and sad, silly and serious.") and into our cosmic universal possibility ("It matters not where you are in time and space or whether we've ever met. We still have an influence on one another.").
This potent meditation on the self is not only healing but also cleansing and inspiring.
I am, affirms our spectacular and frail individuality, while reaffirming our divine and sacred potency.
It is our call to remember and observe who we think we are, who we are so far and who we are capable of being.
lloyd
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Moving Forward: A Response...
ORIGINAL POST:
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Title: Moving Forward
Author: SLP
Moving Forward is a brilliant piece of observation and knowing, articulated in a way that moves the spirit with precise and graceful wisdom. I wanted to say the writing was brilliant but it is not the writing as such, it is the understanding and ability to see and know. There is nothing to highlight in this post because the whole peace is pure energy, awakening and insight.
You are a sage awakening to the ways in which your wisdom reveals itself. You are a "say-er". What you have to say flows freely in written form. I suspect that there are and will be other forms from which your wisdom will also bleed. I bow before your authentic spirit that you are permitting to be seen without the filter of persona, aspiration and title (e.g. 'writer').
You are not a writer. You are a needed and essential force in the Universe who says and does what it must, in response to the "All". One outlet for your voice is writing but that alone will not hold you long. What the other ways are will be fun to see.
SLP, I sense that you are touching your essential. The more you feel the uncomfortable and you walk through it with awareness, the more you will never be the same again. As an Angel, your wings can never again, in this lifetime, be smaller than they are now. Soar as you are and having been doing. Return to land - then soar again. Always remember we must always soar again and again despite the temporary context of whatever weather we are in.
I am excited and blessed by what comes from you. Is the wind not potent up here?
lloyd
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST:
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Title: Moving Forward
Author: SLP
Whether we are aware or not, whether we feel like we are going in circles, taking a step back, or even standing still, we are always moving forward.
For those that are completely unaware, life is leading them into situations, which are meant to ignite their awareness.
For those with any level of awareness, every step, in any directions, is still moving them forward. It doesn’t matter if that step feels like a misstep or a repeat. It doesn’t matter if we end up back at square one, we still moved forward.
It’s never obvious in the moment, it’s only in retrospection, that forward movement becomes apparent.
That’s where words like faith and trust come into play.
Sometimes it’s really hard to believe that we are making progress of any kind. It can be really frustrating and that’s when many of us “give up”. But, that frustration is an opportunity, which if taken, moves us forward.
The universe needs our participation in order to do what it does. It requires faith and trust in the unknown, the unseen, the blankness. We just need to know and trust that we are always moving towards something bigger and better than what we are leaving behind. There is always activity going on behind the invisible curtain, and it’s meant to propel us forward. To help us attain whatever it is we wish to attain.
There isn’t a need for us to figure it all out, to control it all. In fact, the act of trying to control it all, contributes to those missteps. Worrying about it generates delays. And, if we want it to look exactly how we want it to look, we limit the universe.
There is much we may never understand, but there are always guides put on our path to keep us moving.
When we are faced with a situation that isn’t what we wanted, that’s when we need to remember that although it isn’t what “we” wanted, it’s what the universe requires of us in order to put us in a place or situation that will bring what we were hoping for. It’s still a move in the “right” direction.
There are many twists, turns and bends in the road of life. So if we end up in a place that we’ve already been, there’s a reason, and we’ve still moved forward. With awareness, we have reached the next plateau.
Faith and trust will get us there. Knowing that, we can enjoy all the steps along the way. We can enjoy what has been given to us knowing that it’s as it should be.
We are always moving forward. How far and how fast depends on our knowing and acceptance of this.
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Title: Moving Forward
Author: SLP
Moving Forward is a brilliant piece of observation and knowing, articulated in a way that moves the spirit with precise and graceful wisdom. I wanted to say the writing was brilliant but it is not the writing as such, it is the understanding and ability to see and know. There is nothing to highlight in this post because the whole peace is pure energy, awakening and insight.
You are a sage awakening to the ways in which your wisdom reveals itself. You are a "say-er". What you have to say flows freely in written form. I suspect that there are and will be other forms from which your wisdom will also bleed. I bow before your authentic spirit that you are permitting to be seen without the filter of persona, aspiration and title (e.g. 'writer').
You are not a writer. You are a needed and essential force in the Universe who says and does what it must, in response to the "All". One outlet for your voice is writing but that alone will not hold you long. What the other ways are will be fun to see.
SLP, I sense that you are touching your essential. The more you feel the uncomfortable and you walk through it with awareness, the more you will never be the same again. As an Angel, your wings can never again, in this lifetime, be smaller than they are now. Soar as you are and having been doing. Return to land - then soar again. Always remember we must always soar again and again despite the temporary context of whatever weather we are in.
I am excited and blessed by what comes from you. Is the wind not potent up here?
lloyd
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST:
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Title: Moving Forward
Author: SLP
Whether we are aware or not, whether we feel like we are going in circles, taking a step back, or even standing still, we are always moving forward.
For those that are completely unaware, life is leading them into situations, which are meant to ignite their awareness.
For those with any level of awareness, every step, in any directions, is still moving them forward. It doesn’t matter if that step feels like a misstep or a repeat. It doesn’t matter if we end up back at square one, we still moved forward.
It’s never obvious in the moment, it’s only in retrospection, that forward movement becomes apparent.
That’s where words like faith and trust come into play.
Sometimes it’s really hard to believe that we are making progress of any kind. It can be really frustrating and that’s when many of us “give up”. But, that frustration is an opportunity, which if taken, moves us forward.
The universe needs our participation in order to do what it does. It requires faith and trust in the unknown, the unseen, the blankness. We just need to know and trust that we are always moving towards something bigger and better than what we are leaving behind. There is always activity going on behind the invisible curtain, and it’s meant to propel us forward. To help us attain whatever it is we wish to attain.
There isn’t a need for us to figure it all out, to control it all. In fact, the act of trying to control it all, contributes to those missteps. Worrying about it generates delays. And, if we want it to look exactly how we want it to look, we limit the universe.
There is much we may never understand, but there are always guides put on our path to keep us moving.
When we are faced with a situation that isn’t what we wanted, that’s when we need to remember that although it isn’t what “we” wanted, it’s what the universe requires of us in order to put us in a place or situation that will bring what we were hoping for. It’s still a move in the “right” direction.
There are many twists, turns and bends in the road of life. So if we end up in a place that we’ve already been, there’s a reason, and we’ve still moved forward. With awareness, we have reached the next plateau.
Faith and trust will get us there. Knowing that, we can enjoy all the steps along the way. We can enjoy what has been given to us knowing that it’s as it should be.
We are always moving forward. How far and how fast depends on our knowing and acceptance of this.
Breathe Through It
Sometimes the actions of people around me confuse me. It can be perplexing to try and understand their motive and actions.
Sometimes I want to react in a manner that would harm that person. I want to react in both word and deed. Other times I’ve told myself “that’s it”; I’m done with that person.
Have you ever been so mad at someone that you’ve had fleeting thoughts of revenge? Have you ever wanted to make them pay!
It’s strange that we think that way, but sometimes it’s very satisfying – even if it’s only momentary.
Are you familiar with the song “It’s a thin line between love and hate”? He cheats, comes home in the early hour of the morning and she asks him if he’s hungry. Next thing you know, he is lying in a hospital bandaged from head to toe!
I get it! I guess for some, there is a limit, and once it’s reached, look out!
I don’t think if I could physically harm someone like that, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit to having harbored very unloving thoughts!
These days, I’m learning to breathe through it. That means not openly reacting. Instead, I’m learning to pay attention to my emotions in the situation. Our emotions can teach us a lot. I’ve realized that any sort of reaction feeds the flame. It’s also occurred to me that the stronger the reaction or thought of revenge, the more important the need for self- reflection.
Why do we react at all? Why do we want others to act in a manner that suits us? I guess that all depends on how deeply entrenched our values are. We each have a certain ethical code that causes us to react when it’s been breached. Sometimes we aren’t even aware that we held such strong feelings of “right and wrong”.
That’s the beauty of our emotions. Emotion is our spiritual self trying to speak to us. It’s trying to teach us or at least make us aware of something that has caused us to be unhappy, or angry or ready to strike out physically.
I’m learning to breathe through it. Negative energy held within is harmful to us. It causes physical reactions in our body. And, the cycle that caused the reaction in the first place continues. It can continue throughout our lifetime if we ignore our emotions.
If someone gets you that mad, imagine what would happen over time if you stopped reacting. The situation would change - it would have to. If you are no longer providing the fuel, the flame will die.
If you learn to stand still and just breathe, you might also learn that the reaction had nothing to do with the actions of another person. It’s our egos, and our sense of self-worth that we are usually trying to protect. You might even find that you actually believe the hurtful words spoken by someone else. And how harmful is that!
I’m awed by the perfection of our construction. We have everything we could possibly need within us, to live the most incredible lives. And every person we come into contact with is both teacher and student. Imagine if everyone recognized that. What a world this would be.
Instead, we react, and we ignore ourselves. And we perpetuate the negative energy. We cause grief instead of understanding.
So, I’m learning to breathe through it in order to learn and grow spiritually stronger. I’m using the god-given tools that are contained within me.
I’m never going to understand others, and I don’t think I should even be trying to. All I need to focus on is how their actions make me feel. And once I’ve made that recognition, I can release that negative energy for good. And that makes me greater in spirit. That increases my ability to teach from a different perspective.
I’m learning to breathe through it.
Sometimes I want to react in a manner that would harm that person. I want to react in both word and deed. Other times I’ve told myself “that’s it”; I’m done with that person.
Have you ever been so mad at someone that you’ve had fleeting thoughts of revenge? Have you ever wanted to make them pay!
It’s strange that we think that way, but sometimes it’s very satisfying – even if it’s only momentary.
Are you familiar with the song “It’s a thin line between love and hate”? He cheats, comes home in the early hour of the morning and she asks him if he’s hungry. Next thing you know, he is lying in a hospital bandaged from head to toe!
I get it! I guess for some, there is a limit, and once it’s reached, look out!
I don’t think if I could physically harm someone like that, but I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit to having harbored very unloving thoughts!
These days, I’m learning to breathe through it. That means not openly reacting. Instead, I’m learning to pay attention to my emotions in the situation. Our emotions can teach us a lot. I’ve realized that any sort of reaction feeds the flame. It’s also occurred to me that the stronger the reaction or thought of revenge, the more important the need for self- reflection.
Why do we react at all? Why do we want others to act in a manner that suits us? I guess that all depends on how deeply entrenched our values are. We each have a certain ethical code that causes us to react when it’s been breached. Sometimes we aren’t even aware that we held such strong feelings of “right and wrong”.
That’s the beauty of our emotions. Emotion is our spiritual self trying to speak to us. It’s trying to teach us or at least make us aware of something that has caused us to be unhappy, or angry or ready to strike out physically.
I’m learning to breathe through it. Negative energy held within is harmful to us. It causes physical reactions in our body. And, the cycle that caused the reaction in the first place continues. It can continue throughout our lifetime if we ignore our emotions.
If someone gets you that mad, imagine what would happen over time if you stopped reacting. The situation would change - it would have to. If you are no longer providing the fuel, the flame will die.
If you learn to stand still and just breathe, you might also learn that the reaction had nothing to do with the actions of another person. It’s our egos, and our sense of self-worth that we are usually trying to protect. You might even find that you actually believe the hurtful words spoken by someone else. And how harmful is that!
I’m awed by the perfection of our construction. We have everything we could possibly need within us, to live the most incredible lives. And every person we come into contact with is both teacher and student. Imagine if everyone recognized that. What a world this would be.
Instead, we react, and we ignore ourselves. And we perpetuate the negative energy. We cause grief instead of understanding.
So, I’m learning to breathe through it in order to learn and grow spiritually stronger. I’m using the god-given tools that are contained within me.
I’m never going to understand others, and I don’t think I should even be trying to. All I need to focus on is how their actions make me feel. And once I’ve made that recognition, I can release that negative energy for good. And that makes me greater in spirit. That increases my ability to teach from a different perspective.
I’m learning to breathe through it.
I AM
I am everything, and I am nothing.
I am Sandra, Sandy, Sand, Sam and Sis.
I am a child, a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a friend.
I am strong and weak, happy and sad, silly and serious.
I am brilliant and ignorant, focused and oblivious.
I am a warrior, a victim, a leader and a servant.
I am independent and powerful, dependent and powerless.
I am soft and feminine, hard and masculine.
I am resilient, breakable, flexible and rigid.
I am adventurous and scared, popular and lonely.
I am divine in nature, and evil in intent.
I am a mother without a child, yet I nurture.
I am a wife without a husband, yet I love.
I am a lover without a partner, yet I feel.
I am an artist without a canvas, yet I paint a picture.
I am a photographer without a camera, yet I capture with my eyes.
I am a musician without an instrument, yet I still play.
I am a writer without a story, yet I tell one everyday.
I am a doctor without a degree, yet I can heal with words and touch.
I am a leader without a following, yet I reign over my domain.
I am you and you are me. We are one.
I am here because of you.
I am here in spite of you.
I am here at your request and you are here at mine.
I am whatever you want me to be.
I fulfill a need for you and you fulfill a need for me.
My emotions are a reflection of you.
Your emotions are a reflection of me.
It matters not where we are in time and space or whether we’ve even met.
We still have an influence on one another.
Every decision I make impacts you and every decision you make impacts me.
I am responsible for you and you are responsible for me.
We are nothing without each other.
The whole idea of being anything makes no sense because we are everything. It is our birthright - our reason for being.
So if I am and you are – how are we any different? How can you be this and me that?
The same light that gives me life gives you life as well. It’s that light that makes us one. It’s the same no matter what I am. It has no name, no identity, no ambition and no motive.
It just is and I just am.
Call me what you like, tell me who I am, it changes nothing. I will continue to be everything and nothing.
I am Sandra, Sandy, Sand, Sam and Sis.
I am a child, a daughter, a sister, a cousin, a friend.
I am strong and weak, happy and sad, silly and serious.
I am brilliant and ignorant, focused and oblivious.
I am a warrior, a victim, a leader and a servant.
I am independent and powerful, dependent and powerless.
I am soft and feminine, hard and masculine.
I am resilient, breakable, flexible and rigid.
I am adventurous and scared, popular and lonely.
I am divine in nature, and evil in intent.
I am a mother without a child, yet I nurture.
I am a wife without a husband, yet I love.
I am a lover without a partner, yet I feel.
I am an artist without a canvas, yet I paint a picture.
I am a photographer without a camera, yet I capture with my eyes.
I am a musician without an instrument, yet I still play.
I am a writer without a story, yet I tell one everyday.
I am a doctor without a degree, yet I can heal with words and touch.
I am a leader without a following, yet I reign over my domain.
I am you and you are me. We are one.
I am here because of you.
I am here in spite of you.
I am here at your request and you are here at mine.
I am whatever you want me to be.
I fulfill a need for you and you fulfill a need for me.
My emotions are a reflection of you.
Your emotions are a reflection of me.
It matters not where we are in time and space or whether we’ve even met.
We still have an influence on one another.
Every decision I make impacts you and every decision you make impacts me.
I am responsible for you and you are responsible for me.
We are nothing without each other.
The whole idea of being anything makes no sense because we are everything. It is our birthright - our reason for being.
So if I am and you are – how are we any different? How can you be this and me that?
The same light that gives me life gives you life as well. It’s that light that makes us one. It’s the same no matter what I am. It has no name, no identity, no ambition and no motive.
It just is and I just am.
Call me what you like, tell me who I am, it changes nothing. I will continue to be everything and nothing.
Moving Forward
Whether we are aware or not, whether we feel like we are going in circles, taking a step back, or even standing still, we are always moving forward.
For those that are completely unaware, life is leading them into situations, which are meant to ignite their awareness.
For those with any level of awareness, every step, in any directions, is still moving them forward. It doesn’t matter if that step feels like a misstep or a repeat. It doesn’t matter if we end up back at square one, we still moved forward.
It’s never obvious in the moment, it’s only in retrospection, that forward movement becomes apparent.
That’s where words like faith and trust come into play.
Sometimes it’s really hard to believe that we are making progress of any kind. It can be really frustrating and that’s when many of us “give up”. But, that frustration is an opportunity, which if taken, moves us forward.
The universe needs our participation in order to do what it does. It requires faith and trust in the unknown, the unseen, the blankness. We just need to know and trust that we are always moving towards something bigger and better than what we are leaving behind. There is always activity going on behind the invisible curtain, and it’s meant to propel us forward. To help us attain whatever it is we wish to attain.
There isn’t a need for us to figure it all out, to control it all. In fact, the act of trying to control it all, contributes to those missteps. Worrying about it generates delays. And, if we want it to look exactly how we want it to look, we limit the universe.
There is much we may never understand, but there are always guides put on our path to keep us moving.
When we are faced with a situation that isn’t what we wanted, that’s when we need to remember that although it isn’t what “we” wanted, it’s what the universe requires of us in order to put us in a place or situation that will bring what we were hoping for. It’s still a move in the “right” direction.
There are many twists, turns and bends in the road of life. So if we end up in a place that we’ve already been, there’s a reason, and we’ve still moved forward. With awareness, we have reached the next plateau.
Faith and trust will get us there. Knowing that, we can enjoy all the steps along the way. We can enjoy what has been given to us knowing that it’s as it should be.
We are always moving forward. How far and how fast depends on our knowing and acceptance of this.
For those that are completely unaware, life is leading them into situations, which are meant to ignite their awareness.
For those with any level of awareness, every step, in any directions, is still moving them forward. It doesn’t matter if that step feels like a misstep or a repeat. It doesn’t matter if we end up back at square one, we still moved forward.
It’s never obvious in the moment, it’s only in retrospection, that forward movement becomes apparent.
That’s where words like faith and trust come into play.
Sometimes it’s really hard to believe that we are making progress of any kind. It can be really frustrating and that’s when many of us “give up”. But, that frustration is an opportunity, which if taken, moves us forward.
The universe needs our participation in order to do what it does. It requires faith and trust in the unknown, the unseen, the blankness. We just need to know and trust that we are always moving towards something bigger and better than what we are leaving behind. There is always activity going on behind the invisible curtain, and it’s meant to propel us forward. To help us attain whatever it is we wish to attain.
There isn’t a need for us to figure it all out, to control it all. In fact, the act of trying to control it all, contributes to those missteps. Worrying about it generates delays. And, if we want it to look exactly how we want it to look, we limit the universe.
There is much we may never understand, but there are always guides put on our path to keep us moving.
When we are faced with a situation that isn’t what we wanted, that’s when we need to remember that although it isn’t what “we” wanted, it’s what the universe requires of us in order to put us in a place or situation that will bring what we were hoping for. It’s still a move in the “right” direction.
There are many twists, turns and bends in the road of life. So if we end up in a place that we’ve already been, there’s a reason, and we’ve still moved forward. With awareness, we have reached the next plateau.
Faith and trust will get us there. Knowing that, we can enjoy all the steps along the way. We can enjoy what has been given to us knowing that it’s as it should be.
We are always moving forward. How far and how fast depends on our knowing and acceptance of this.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Why Do We Fear? [A Response]
Fear. Fear. Fear.
Like the air we breathe, a case can be made for fear being seen as a fundamental part of the human condition. It ensures that we do not harm ourselves by doing something without proper thought and preparation. It is a preventative mechanism. It's a counterbalance to the rawness of our instinct. Simply, it prevents our instinct or id from running amok.
The downside,? In excess it immobilizes us. It inhibits our intuition to a point where we do not trust our innate ability to evaluate a situation, form a judgment based on evidence or act appropriately for the benefit of the self and others.
Though fear is a natural part of our make-up, how we manage it is a socialized practice. From birth to whenever, we are reminded to factor fear into every thought, decision and action we take.
My personal conscious experiences with fear began, like many, in childhood. It related to the Christian religious concept of being a 'sinner' and 'going to hell'.
As I grew into adulthood many other fears followed, the primary one that disabled me consistently was 'not trusting myself'. My self-doubt manifested itself in thoughts such as: everyone else knows more than me and therefore my knowledge and/or opinion has no value and I am being rejected because I am not 'smart' enough.
Like the air we breathe, a case can be made for fear being seen as a fundamental part of the human condition. It ensures that we do not harm ourselves by doing something without proper thought and preparation. It is a preventative mechanism. It's a counterbalance to the rawness of our instinct. Simply, it prevents our instinct or id from running amok.
The downside,? In excess it immobilizes us. It inhibits our intuition to a point where we do not trust our innate ability to evaluate a situation, form a judgment based on evidence or act appropriately for the benefit of the self and others.
Though fear is a natural part of our make-up, how we manage it is a socialized practice. From birth to whenever, we are reminded to factor fear into every thought, decision and action we take.
My personal conscious experiences with fear began, like many, in childhood. It related to the Christian religious concept of being a 'sinner' and 'going to hell'.
As I grew into adulthood many other fears followed, the primary one that disabled me consistently was 'not trusting myself'. My self-doubt manifested itself in thoughts such as: everyone else knows more than me and therefore my knowledge and/or opinion has no value and I am being rejected because I am not 'smart' enough.
Now more to the question about fear as it relates to change in our lives. Generally, our way of thinking and ease in judging ourselves, always takes us to the place of thinking about the worst case scenario first. There is no consistent mechanism that supports putting thoughts of success before thoughts of failure.
Change is fearful because it takes us into the uncharted unknown. Dealing with fear requires persistent deliberation and self analysis. For example, I once feared dying. So I meditated on this question until one day insight came in the form of this answer, "I fear death because death can be painful". It was that simple. I feared dying painfully. Metaphysically, I had accepted the concept of death and dying, but on the physical level I was still fearful. To cope with this fear, I accepted the belief that you can only die in the manner in which you have lived. If you live in healing and loving context, then this is the context you will die in. You will leave as regally or as deformed as you have lived.
So what is the source of the debilitating impact that fear has on our lives? As I mentioned before, it is socialization. From an early age we are taught that success is unlikely but failure is common and must be overcome. We are not taught that what you do in life is not based upon 'success' or 'failure', but upon consistent quality effort and self-trust. We are not taught that you can be a 'good' person without having to be 'good' at something. We are taught to anticipate the worse first, because it buffers you against disappointment, pain and rejection.
So how do we cope with fear and still find our way to a meaningful and value filled life?
Simple, by recognizing that fear is a natural first response but not a final response. That is does not make us succeed or fail, but only cautions us before we act. This awareness coupled with our natural instinct is the key to doing and succeeding.
"I will not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
+ Frank Herbert "Dune"
The Bene Gesserit Litany
Change is fearful because it takes us into the uncharted unknown. Dealing with fear requires persistent deliberation and self analysis. For example, I once feared dying. So I meditated on this question until one day insight came in the form of this answer, "I fear death because death can be painful". It was that simple. I feared dying painfully. Metaphysically, I had accepted the concept of death and dying, but on the physical level I was still fearful. To cope with this fear, I accepted the belief that you can only die in the manner in which you have lived. If you live in healing and loving context, then this is the context you will die in. You will leave as regally or as deformed as you have lived.
So what is the source of the debilitating impact that fear has on our lives? As I mentioned before, it is socialization. From an early age we are taught that success is unlikely but failure is common and must be overcome. We are not taught that what you do in life is not based upon 'success' or 'failure', but upon consistent quality effort and self-trust. We are not taught that you can be a 'good' person without having to be 'good' at something. We are taught to anticipate the worse first, because it buffers you against disappointment, pain and rejection.
So how do we cope with fear and still find our way to a meaningful and value filled life?
Simple, by recognizing that fear is a natural first response but not a final response. That is does not make us succeed or fail, but only cautions us before we act. This awareness coupled with our natural instinct is the key to doing and succeeding.
"I will not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
+ Frank Herbert "Dune"
The Bene Gesserit Litany
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Why Do We Fear?
Hey Lloyd,
While I'm in asking mode, I have another question. Do you have fears? If yes, what kind of fears are they? Whenever I'm aware of a change taking place in my awareness / being, I always get nervous and start thinking very negative thoughts - mostly about having to do something because something is wrong with me (like an unexpected illness). I did it again today, so I'm trying to figure out where that comes from. Example, when first contemplating going back to Toronto and trying to understand why, I started to think that I HAD to go back because something might be wrong with me - it's awful! Where does that come from? I'll keep searching for an answer, but any insight would be appreciated.
While I'm in asking mode, I have another question. Do you have fears? If yes, what kind of fears are they? Whenever I'm aware of a change taking place in my awareness / being, I always get nervous and start thinking very negative thoughts - mostly about having to do something because something is wrong with me (like an unexpected illness). I did it again today, so I'm trying to figure out where that comes from. Example, when first contemplating going back to Toronto and trying to understand why, I started to think that I HAD to go back because something might be wrong with me - it's awful! Where does that come from? I'll keep searching for an answer, but any insight would be appreciated.
Wow, I think/know I'm in a major change state. It's big and happening faster than I may be ready for. I intend to keep moving forward, but it can be a scary place at times!
Hey Lloyd,
That was deep and exactly what I needed to hear.
I think I've been placing too much emphasis on my book and I'm not feeling that I'm working to my potential. That's made me contemplate the "Allowing" so that the words will flow from my higher self. Yes, I've been working from the ego - I think I realized that earlier, but I was still unsure how to get out of the way. Part of my problem is that I have high expectations for myself, and I can't see beyond my desire to write this book and have it published. I really thought I'd be much further along by now and that has been playing on my mind as well. And, if I'm not writing, what am I supposed to be doing - I can't just live the life of leisure forever.
When I went to pay my rent at the beginning of October, I forgot to mention that I'd like to extend the lease. I sent an email on Thursday, and it turns out that someone else has rented it for mid-december. I was quite disappointed even though I wasn't sure if I would go home for Christmas. I guess that decisions been made for me - or, I'd have to find someplace else to stay. My passport expires early next year, so I'd have to do something about that as well, but now I don't know if what's next. Do I go home and then come back again - as I did last year, or is there someplace else I'm supposed to go????? Thus the question of allowing! I'm trying to see this as the universe trying to lead me in the right direction, but I'm not so good with the not knowing!
Anyway, I'm in a good place (in my mind and heart). so I'm not stressing about it. But, at the same time, I think I'm still fighting myself, and I know I have to let go.
Ahhh, the joys of becoming - I know we all have ebbs and flows, and I accept it all. I also take responsibility for it all. I'm where I am because this is where I'm supposed to be - fighting the alter ego and all : - )
Really happy to be learning these lessons in Paris,
That was deep and exactly what I needed to hear.
I think I've been placing too much emphasis on my book and I'm not feeling that I'm working to my potential. That's made me contemplate the "Allowing" so that the words will flow from my higher self. Yes, I've been working from the ego - I think I realized that earlier, but I was still unsure how to get out of the way. Part of my problem is that I have high expectations for myself, and I can't see beyond my desire to write this book and have it published. I really thought I'd be much further along by now and that has been playing on my mind as well. And, if I'm not writing, what am I supposed to be doing - I can't just live the life of leisure forever.
When I went to pay my rent at the beginning of October, I forgot to mention that I'd like to extend the lease. I sent an email on Thursday, and it turns out that someone else has rented it for mid-december. I was quite disappointed even though I wasn't sure if I would go home for Christmas. I guess that decisions been made for me - or, I'd have to find someplace else to stay. My passport expires early next year, so I'd have to do something about that as well, but now I don't know if what's next. Do I go home and then come back again - as I did last year, or is there someplace else I'm supposed to go????? Thus the question of allowing! I'm trying to see this as the universe trying to lead me in the right direction, but I'm not so good with the not knowing!
Anyway, I'm in a good place (in my mind and heart). so I'm not stressing about it. But, at the same time, I think I'm still fighting myself, and I know I have to let go.
Ahhh, the joys of becoming - I know we all have ebbs and flows, and I accept it all. I also take responsibility for it all. I'm where I am because this is where I'm supposed to be - fighting the alter ego and all : - )
Really happy to be learning these lessons in Paris,
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What does Allowing mean?
Sandy:
I've been pondering the word "allow" and what it means in the context of "allowing" the universe to do what it needs to do in order to assist us.
My question to you is, what does that mean to you? What action, or non-action do we take?
If it means getting out of our own way, how does one do that when they aren't really sure if they are in the way? What does it feel like? I suppose if we aren't making progress, it's because we are in the way - do you agree?
This one has me a little perturbed at the moment.
Lloyd:
To allow is about getting out of your own way, it is about action and non-action.
To allow means acting when you need to act. It means acting and not acting at the same time. Sounds a little confusing eh? But really it is about acting without the personal ego influencing our choice. It is acting from the 'heart', acting intuitively.
It is important to remember that things will happen whether we act or not. We can choose to act based upon many different reasons: fear (of failure, embarrassment etc.), 'goodness', greed, selfishness or selflessness. To allow, means to act out of the ,rightness' of the moment based upon what our heart/spirit is saying - not what our ego wishes. To allow means to act from the spirit not the mind or desire for a personal gain.
In one moment there are a million potential responses/actions to take. The 'right' actions are the ones based upon a spiritual/intuitive 'rightness' in the moment that is not influenced by our 'dreams', hopes or fears. Allowing means removing those actions/responses that are based upon protecting or bringing about an outcome that you strongly desire and is trying to shape your world to achieve.
What if you're not sure if you're in your own way? The signs are:
So allowing is about being in each and every moment authentically and trusting what action beckons you without the thought of meeting an objective that we consciously have. There are things in motion around you that lets you know what to do next but we must listen without the aspiration/desire to meet a personal conscious end. Working from the intuitive without an immediate goal will allow much to happen that is beyond any goal or ego aspiration that we have developed as our life need/focus.
Your heart follows the flow of the current in the river and allows. Your ego and developed self thinks about where the current of the river is going and whether it needs to change it or not to suit our goal/life mission. Most times the ego wants to change the rivers natural direction and that is when life becomes work - because we are aiming to achieve a specific outcome/direction. To allow is to trust the tide of the river, knowing that you will in the end make it downstream - even when the river appears at times to be going upstream. It is trusting the overall flow of the river and universe despite your ego feeling that it knows best how to get down river.
A thought.
I've been pondering the word "allow" and what it means in the context of "allowing" the universe to do what it needs to do in order to assist us.
My question to you is, what does that mean to you? What action, or non-action do we take?
If it means getting out of our own way, how does one do that when they aren't really sure if they are in the way? What does it feel like? I suppose if we aren't making progress, it's because we are in the way - do you agree?
This one has me a little perturbed at the moment.
Lloyd:
To allow is about getting out of your own way, it is about action and non-action.
To allow means acting when you need to act. It means acting and not acting at the same time. Sounds a little confusing eh? But really it is about acting without the personal ego influencing our choice. It is acting from the 'heart', acting intuitively.
It is important to remember that things will happen whether we act or not. We can choose to act based upon many different reasons: fear (of failure, embarrassment etc.), 'goodness', greed, selfishness or selflessness. To allow, means to act out of the ,rightness' of the moment based upon what our heart/spirit is saying - not what our ego wishes. To allow means to act from the spirit not the mind or desire for a personal gain.
In one moment there are a million potential responses/actions to take. The 'right' actions are the ones based upon a spiritual/intuitive 'rightness' in the moment that is not influenced by our 'dreams', hopes or fears. Allowing means removing those actions/responses that are based upon protecting or bringing about an outcome that you strongly desire and is trying to shape your world to achieve.
What if you're not sure if you're in your own way? The signs are:
- Trying too hard to achieve one thing.
- Ignoring or stopping actions that beckon you because you do not see them leading to your desired goal or outcome.
- Having a fixed goal that you must achieve despite whatever else is asking for your attention.
So allowing is about being in each and every moment authentically and trusting what action beckons you without the thought of meeting an objective that we consciously have. There are things in motion around you that lets you know what to do next but we must listen without the aspiration/desire to meet a personal conscious end. Working from the intuitive without an immediate goal will allow much to happen that is beyond any goal or ego aspiration that we have developed as our life need/focus.
Your heart follows the flow of the current in the river and allows. Your ego and developed self thinks about where the current of the river is going and whether it needs to change it or not to suit our goal/life mission. Most times the ego wants to change the rivers natural direction and that is when life becomes work - because we are aiming to achieve a specific outcome/direction. To allow is to trust the tide of the river, knowing that you will in the end make it downstream - even when the river appears at times to be going upstream. It is trusting the overall flow of the river and universe despite your ego feeling that it knows best how to get down river.
A thought.
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