Saturday, 5 May 2012
Reality
Did you know that in reality you are perfectly unaffected by all expressions of lack of love? These can be from yourself and others, from yourself to others, or from others to you, because love is not dependent on anything anyone might think, say or do. It’s timeless and changeless.
I really embrace this idea because it brings me great comfort to know that all of those times I beat myself up for not feeling good enough, or was self critical for not being younger, smarter or faster didn’t matter one iota and have never even made a dent in the truth of what I am, pure perfection.
As an added bonus, we are not only protected from ourselves (we can sometimes be our own worst enemies), we are also protected from other’s expressions of lack of love as well. When I think of all the times I worried that someone was “out to get me” or was angry with me, it boggles my mind. What a joke!
The icing on the cake is that our perceived attacks on others actually go no where as well. In the past, I spent endless hours of guilt agonising over something I said to someone that I later regretted, perhaps in a moment of heated argument, or basic stupidity. Worse still, the times I allowed myself to get dragged into gossip or office politics. I always felt terrible after and doubted that I would ever progress along my spiritual path. What a relief to know this is not the case.
A wise person once said, “The truth will set you free.” The truth is Love and only Love and that is indeed freedom. We don’t need to search for it because it’s already ours. It is actually what we are. We can’t lose it nor reject it. It simply is. We can’t learn it or teach it because it’s intrinsic. We are the fish and it is the ocean in which we exist. In this ocean of love it’s good to know that we are perfectly safe and at home.
Tuesday, 24 April 2012
Making the Inner Shift: The Final Move from Fear to Love
At the heart of A Course in Miracles, God’s only Will for us is happiness... But is it really POSSIBLE to be happy all of the time? The Course says yes, if we are willing to make the Inner Shift.
What is the Inner Shift?
The “inner shift according to Chapter 21 of ACIM is, ‘the choice to be constant in our decision for happiness.’ The Course says, we all know that we WANT happiness, but we deny it simply BECAUSE it’s the truth.
In other words, we are afraid of it, because it poses a threat to our current ego experience, which we THINK is real. In fact, The Course says, ‘constant joy is a condition quite alien to our understanding.’ However, once the final decision for ONLY happiness is made, it has no exceptions; it’s unshakeable and unchangeable.
How do we make the Shift?
1. Keep things simple to avoid over-thinking and ego-resistance.
2. Understand the dynamics of our decision making process.
3. Examine and transform our core beliefs with the help of eternal Spirit (HS).
4. Establish a firm commitment to making the Shift.
The Dynamics of our Decision Making Process
We have two mindsets: Love and fear and we are always swinging between the two. The problem is, one mindset is real, but the other is false. So why then do we constantly swing back and fourth?
Basically, it’s our choice. One minute we can choose love and peace and the next minute, we can simply change our mind back again. But if we REALLY want ONLY happiness why do we keep changing our minds? Deep down we think this world holds something of value.
But, in order to fully understand the dynamics of our current decision making process, we need to examine our core beliefs (perceptions).
Examining our Core Beliefs
Since our core beliefs are always being projected outward and reflect back to us what we perceive to be real in the world, examining them can show us where they might be limiting us from choosing total happiness all the time.
I recently had an experience where I fell into a real upset over being reprimanded on a work project. I felt that he treatment I received was unfair and I also felt guilty because “I should have known better.” My stress over the matter mounted and I decided to take time off work to reflect over why I was feeling so heavily adversely affected.
I discovered after taking a close look at my values and perceptions (which I hadn’t done for some time) that I was holding onto an underlying belief from childhood that I was somehow unworthy. It was a real eye opener in that it was being reflected back to me in the form of not allowing myself to make and learn from simple mistakes in my life, but rather, demonstrate perfectionist behaviour to avoid being judged and feeling victimised when I received minor criticism.
I later read in the Louise Hay book, You can Heal you Life, that out of the thousands of people that she has counselled over the years, almost all of them held the underlying belief that they were “not good enough.”
I actually knew this because the Course teaches us that we all feel unworthy of love at a deep level because we falsely belief that we have separated from God and from each other and we feel guilty as a result. However it wasn’t until I stepped back and made a proper evaluation of my thought system that I realised this concept in action.
Once I came to recognise that this underlying belief was influencing my decision to be constant in my choice for happiness, with the help of Spirit, I am able to remain mindfully aware that I am the dreamer of the dream and I constantly choose what it is I see and experience (this is what it means to receive miracles all day, everyday).
Transformation of Beliefs with Spirit
So, let’s take some time now to look at the limited thought patterns and beliefs that may be limiting your choices and experiences currently and then take them to eternal Spirit (HS) for transformation:
• Limited beliefs about people?
• Limited beliefs about abundance and possessions?
• Limited beliefs about relationships?
• Limited beliefs about health?
• Limited beliefs about self-worth or value?
Process: Transforming beliefs with Eternal Spirit.
Now close your eyes and relax…
Allow your body to relax and your mind to quiet…
Breathe deeply and allow yourself to go within…
Centre your mind… and feel the peace and gentleness emanating from deep inside you…
Breathe it in…
Feel the constant Love… and the ever present peace that comes from your eternal spirit...
Allow this awareness of peace to extend to everyone…
Let it flow…
From this peaceful happy state, ask your eternal Spirit for insight on how to transform
your limited beliefs into unlimited beliefs. Begin with…
• People in your life… (Pause).
• Abundance and possessions… (Pause).
• Relationships… (Pause).
• Health… (Pause)
• Self-worth or value… (Pause)
Spend at least five minutes more reflecting on what you might still be afraid to give up if you make the constant choice for happiness? Remember we all secretly believe this world has something of value to offer us that we may not be that keen to release just yet, such as special grievances, worldly pursuits, etc. Then take these also to Spirit for a healed perception.
After the transformation process with Spirit, take a pen and paper and make notes about your experience and what are now your unlimited beliefs as received from your inner Teacher. These can be reflected on in the future and can slowly serve to replace your limited thought patterns as they arise.
• Unlimited beliefs about people?
• Unlimited beliefs about abundance and possessions?
• Unlimited beliefs about relationships?
• Unlimited beliefs about health?
• Unlimited beliefs about self-worth or value?
Making the Final Commitment
Now that we’ve examined and transformed our perceptions, this should lower any resistance to choosing love over fear. It’s important to note, that making the final choice for constant happiness requires that you no longer desire to waver back and fourth. Remember, this is your choice.
It’s also helpful to remember you’re not alone in your decision for happiness. You’re always supported by the universe and provided with every resource necessary. In addition, Eternal Spirit is always available when you call to provide a healed or “corrected” perception, also known as the miracle. There is no order of difficulty in miracles.
The choice you’re making now is not abut BE-ING happy all the time, but the desire to be CONSTANT in your decision for happiness. And lastly, by answering “yes,” to this final question, the Course says, “you will have renounced your decision to change your mind again.”
Is the decision for happiness [truth] all that I would see?
~Namaste~
What is the Inner Shift?
The “inner shift according to Chapter 21 of ACIM is, ‘the choice to be constant in our decision for happiness.’ The Course says, we all know that we WANT happiness, but we deny it simply BECAUSE it’s the truth.
In other words, we are afraid of it, because it poses a threat to our current ego experience, which we THINK is real. In fact, The Course says, ‘constant joy is a condition quite alien to our understanding.’ However, once the final decision for ONLY happiness is made, it has no exceptions; it’s unshakeable and unchangeable.
How do we make the Shift?
1. Keep things simple to avoid over-thinking and ego-resistance.
2. Understand the dynamics of our decision making process.
3. Examine and transform our core beliefs with the help of eternal Spirit (HS).
4. Establish a firm commitment to making the Shift.
The Dynamics of our Decision Making Process
We have two mindsets: Love and fear and we are always swinging between the two. The problem is, one mindset is real, but the other is false. So why then do we constantly swing back and fourth?
Basically, it’s our choice. One minute we can choose love and peace and the next minute, we can simply change our mind back again. But if we REALLY want ONLY happiness why do we keep changing our minds? Deep down we think this world holds something of value.
But, in order to fully understand the dynamics of our current decision making process, we need to examine our core beliefs (perceptions).
Examining our Core Beliefs
Since our core beliefs are always being projected outward and reflect back to us what we perceive to be real in the world, examining them can show us where they might be limiting us from choosing total happiness all the time.
I recently had an experience where I fell into a real upset over being reprimanded on a work project. I felt that he treatment I received was unfair and I also felt guilty because “I should have known better.” My stress over the matter mounted and I decided to take time off work to reflect over why I was feeling so heavily adversely affected.
I discovered after taking a close look at my values and perceptions (which I hadn’t done for some time) that I was holding onto an underlying belief from childhood that I was somehow unworthy. It was a real eye opener in that it was being reflected back to me in the form of not allowing myself to make and learn from simple mistakes in my life, but rather, demonstrate perfectionist behaviour to avoid being judged and feeling victimised when I received minor criticism.
I later read in the Louise Hay book, You can Heal you Life, that out of the thousands of people that she has counselled over the years, almost all of them held the underlying belief that they were “not good enough.”
I actually knew this because the Course teaches us that we all feel unworthy of love at a deep level because we falsely belief that we have separated from God and from each other and we feel guilty as a result. However it wasn’t until I stepped back and made a proper evaluation of my thought system that I realised this concept in action.
Once I came to recognise that this underlying belief was influencing my decision to be constant in my choice for happiness, with the help of Spirit, I am able to remain mindfully aware that I am the dreamer of the dream and I constantly choose what it is I see and experience (this is what it means to receive miracles all day, everyday).
Transformation of Beliefs with Spirit
So, let’s take some time now to look at the limited thought patterns and beliefs that may be limiting your choices and experiences currently and then take them to eternal Spirit (HS) for transformation:
• Limited beliefs about people?
• Limited beliefs about abundance and possessions?
• Limited beliefs about relationships?
• Limited beliefs about health?
• Limited beliefs about self-worth or value?
Process: Transforming beliefs with Eternal Spirit.
Now close your eyes and relax…
Allow your body to relax and your mind to quiet…
Breathe deeply and allow yourself to go within…
Centre your mind… and feel the peace and gentleness emanating from deep inside you…
Breathe it in…
Feel the constant Love… and the ever present peace that comes from your eternal spirit...
Allow this awareness of peace to extend to everyone…
Let it flow…
From this peaceful happy state, ask your eternal Spirit for insight on how to transform
your limited beliefs into unlimited beliefs. Begin with…
• People in your life… (Pause).
• Abundance and possessions… (Pause).
• Relationships… (Pause).
• Health… (Pause)
• Self-worth or value… (Pause)
Spend at least five minutes more reflecting on what you might still be afraid to give up if you make the constant choice for happiness? Remember we all secretly believe this world has something of value to offer us that we may not be that keen to release just yet, such as special grievances, worldly pursuits, etc. Then take these also to Spirit for a healed perception.
After the transformation process with Spirit, take a pen and paper and make notes about your experience and what are now your unlimited beliefs as received from your inner Teacher. These can be reflected on in the future and can slowly serve to replace your limited thought patterns as they arise.
• Unlimited beliefs about people?
• Unlimited beliefs about abundance and possessions?
• Unlimited beliefs about relationships?
• Unlimited beliefs about health?
• Unlimited beliefs about self-worth or value?
Making the Final Commitment
Now that we’ve examined and transformed our perceptions, this should lower any resistance to choosing love over fear. It’s important to note, that making the final choice for constant happiness requires that you no longer desire to waver back and fourth. Remember, this is your choice.
It’s also helpful to remember you’re not alone in your decision for happiness. You’re always supported by the universe and provided with every resource necessary. In addition, Eternal Spirit is always available when you call to provide a healed or “corrected” perception, also known as the miracle. There is no order of difficulty in miracles.
The choice you’re making now is not abut BE-ING happy all the time, but the desire to be CONSTANT in your decision for happiness. And lastly, by answering “yes,” to this final question, the Course says, “you will have renounced your decision to change your mind again.”
Is the decision for happiness [truth] all that I would see?
~Namaste~
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Stay in the Light
As we all know, staying in the idea of light and remembering to choose peace first can be so challenging at times. Worries about health, money, family and work can occupy much of our thoughts if we allow them, and one moment of focusing on these issues can quickly turn into a full time preoccupation.
And it’s not just the obvious troubles of the world that can lead us into this ‘dark side,’ but more often than not it’s the mental anguishes such as uncertainty, judgments or holding grievances that cause our unrest and disturbs our peace.
However it’s during these times that staying in the light is so important. It may sound cliché to make a statement as obvious as ‘keep a positive attitude,’ but staying in an aware high frequency flow is crucial to maintaining inner-harmony and the stillness needed to hear the quiet, gentle Voice of the Holy Spirit.
Staying in the light involves allowing ourselves to be led step by step, moment by moment, trusting that all things are happening for our good. It means taking a deep breath and remembering to think a moment before speaking; to let things go easily and to not take life so seriously.
Staying in the light means always seeing the good in ourselves and others and knowing that we are all doing the best that we can. It means not beating ourselves up when things don’t seem to go our way or when we make a mistake.
Staying in the light means the ability to laugh at ourselves and with others instead of blaming or fault finding. It means allowing ourselves to have some fun every once in a while and not feeling guilty for things left unsaid or undone (there’s always tomorrow).
Staying in the light actually clears the path for receiving God’s Love and Blessings and frees us from trying to control every aspect of the illusion (it’s uncontrollable anyway). It’s living the ‘happy dream’ and allowing the snow of fear and worry to melt so that the blossoms of spring can bloom…
The dark side of our thoughts is always waiting and when eyes are closed, darkness can seem to be all there is. Staying in the light however is a decision to keep eyes open, front and centre. It’s a decision to remember the truth of whom and what you really are, love and nothing else.
“Ask for the Light and let it guide you without questioning where it takes you. Remember that until you see all the world within the Light, you may be lost, letting the darkness lead your way (Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament, NTI, MT.6:5-6).”
And it’s not just the obvious troubles of the world that can lead us into this ‘dark side,’ but more often than not it’s the mental anguishes such as uncertainty, judgments or holding grievances that cause our unrest and disturbs our peace.
However it’s during these times that staying in the light is so important. It may sound cliché to make a statement as obvious as ‘keep a positive attitude,’ but staying in an aware high frequency flow is crucial to maintaining inner-harmony and the stillness needed to hear the quiet, gentle Voice of the Holy Spirit.
Staying in the light involves allowing ourselves to be led step by step, moment by moment, trusting that all things are happening for our good. It means taking a deep breath and remembering to think a moment before speaking; to let things go easily and to not take life so seriously.
Staying in the light means always seeing the good in ourselves and others and knowing that we are all doing the best that we can. It means not beating ourselves up when things don’t seem to go our way or when we make a mistake.
Staying in the light means the ability to laugh at ourselves and with others instead of blaming or fault finding. It means allowing ourselves to have some fun every once in a while and not feeling guilty for things left unsaid or undone (there’s always tomorrow).
Staying in the light actually clears the path for receiving God’s Love and Blessings and frees us from trying to control every aspect of the illusion (it’s uncontrollable anyway). It’s living the ‘happy dream’ and allowing the snow of fear and worry to melt so that the blossoms of spring can bloom…
The dark side of our thoughts is always waiting and when eyes are closed, darkness can seem to be all there is. Staying in the light however is a decision to keep eyes open, front and centre. It’s a decision to remember the truth of whom and what you really are, love and nothing else.
“Ask for the Light and let it guide you without questioning where it takes you. Remember that until you see all the world within the Light, you may be lost, letting the darkness lead your way (Holy Spirit’s Interpretation of the New Testament, NTI, MT.6:5-6).”
Sunday, 8 April 2012
Love is What I Am...
Like my Creator
I am Love.
I cannot be more,
I cannot be less,
I cannot deny it
And I cannot change.
Love is the truth of all that is
And it is my identity in eternity.
As I accept Love
It is what I share.
And because I share it
I know it is mine.
As I rest in the truth
Of what and where I am,
All else falls away…
Love is clear.
Love is here.
Love is what I am.
I am Love.
I cannot be more,
I cannot be less,
I cannot deny it
And I cannot change.
Love is the truth of all that is
And it is my identity in eternity.
As I accept Love
It is what I share.
And because I share it
I know it is mine.
As I rest in the truth
Of what and where I am,
All else falls away…
Love is clear.
Love is here.
Love is what I am.
Friday, 23 March 2012
Sacred Space
I can't stress the importance of having a special, quiet place just for yourself where you can go and relax in peace and solitude. I realised the hard way after a period of work related stress, that I had no where specific to go to re-group and re-connect with me...
Back in the America, I always maintained a home alter where I kept flowers, bells and all sorts of spiritual artefacts that inspired me, set on top of a beautifully covered table, or even a book shelf in some cases, where I could sit alone and reflect. At one point, we even had a lovely space out in the back garden where Mark had built a pond and birds would come and drink. I could sit there for hours dreaming to myself.
I had even heard it said that one can create a wonderful space all their own in an out-building, guest room, or even in a little corner of the bedroom. The space I've finally created now, is in an empty room in our home that doubles as a utility room (where only clean clothes get hung to dry in one corner), but my space is along the east facing wall that has a window overlooking the back garden.
I absolutely love this space and cherish the peaceful quality that's establish once I'm there. I've set up my little alter on top of a velvet pashmina on the floor facing the window, and I've covered it with a wood carving of the Buddha, a Tibetan singing bowl, some framed auspicious Chinese calligraphy (from Ikea) and a lovely bowl of multi-coloured polished stones.
I also have angel and oracle cards that have personal meaning for me as well as a rose designed box that holds my Miracles cards and some tiny Brahma Kumaris cards. I even went the whole way and purchased a formal meditation mat and cushion. I know this may sound like a lot, but everything fits perfectly into the small space and creates an atmosphere almost like a Zen temple.
I've made it clear to my husband that when I'm there, I'm not to be disturbed and he respects that because he loves me. Toward the back of the room, I also keep a comfortable chair with a stack of my favourite spiritual and philosophical books nearby. In the early morning, or in the late afternoon the sun shines in the window and produces a warmth of light that makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket of peace and contentment.
During my morning time, usually around one hour, I practice mindfulness meditation for thirty minutes and then sit in the chair and read for another 30 minutes. I can't tell you how much I value this time and highly recommend anyone carving out this niche in their day for themselves.
This precious time is a gift where I can really connect with my own Inner Wisdom and Source. The peace and light that generates from the awareness produced travels with me throughout my day and helps me to remember to choose love in each and every situation and circumstance. Plus, it's been scientifically proven that spending at least 20 minutes a day in meditation can have long lasting affects on ones health and personal wellbeing. It's true!
In 1929, Virginia Woolf wrote an extended essay titled, A Room of One's Own, where she explores the importance of a person, women specifically, who could flourish if they only had a space of their own where they could dream and be free to think their own thoughts. I can't say enough how I agree whole-heartedly with this idea.
Yes, you could argue you have no room, or children, too many demands, the list goes on... But only we can take responsibility for our own mental sanity and peace of mind. As I say, even a small corner of the bedroom would suffice. The gifts you will receive as a result of spending "me time" in your own sacred space will far outweigh any demands you think that you cannot overcome. I guarantee it.
Back in the America, I always maintained a home alter where I kept flowers, bells and all sorts of spiritual artefacts that inspired me, set on top of a beautifully covered table, or even a book shelf in some cases, where I could sit alone and reflect. At one point, we even had a lovely space out in the back garden where Mark had built a pond and birds would come and drink. I could sit there for hours dreaming to myself.
I had even heard it said that one can create a wonderful space all their own in an out-building, guest room, or even in a little corner of the bedroom. The space I've finally created now, is in an empty room in our home that doubles as a utility room (where only clean clothes get hung to dry in one corner), but my space is along the east facing wall that has a window overlooking the back garden.
I absolutely love this space and cherish the peaceful quality that's establish once I'm there. I've set up my little alter on top of a velvet pashmina on the floor facing the window, and I've covered it with a wood carving of the Buddha, a Tibetan singing bowl, some framed auspicious Chinese calligraphy (from Ikea) and a lovely bowl of multi-coloured polished stones.
I also have angel and oracle cards that have personal meaning for me as well as a rose designed box that holds my Miracles cards and some tiny Brahma Kumaris cards. I even went the whole way and purchased a formal meditation mat and cushion. I know this may sound like a lot, but everything fits perfectly into the small space and creates an atmosphere almost like a Zen temple.
I've made it clear to my husband that when I'm there, I'm not to be disturbed and he respects that because he loves me. Toward the back of the room, I also keep a comfortable chair with a stack of my favourite spiritual and philosophical books nearby. In the early morning, or in the late afternoon the sun shines in the window and produces a warmth of light that makes me feel like I'm wrapped in a blanket of peace and contentment.
During my morning time, usually around one hour, I practice mindfulness meditation for thirty minutes and then sit in the chair and read for another 30 minutes. I can't tell you how much I value this time and highly recommend anyone carving out this niche in their day for themselves.
This precious time is a gift where I can really connect with my own Inner Wisdom and Source. The peace and light that generates from the awareness produced travels with me throughout my day and helps me to remember to choose love in each and every situation and circumstance. Plus, it's been scientifically proven that spending at least 20 minutes a day in meditation can have long lasting affects on ones health and personal wellbeing. It's true!
In 1929, Virginia Woolf wrote an extended essay titled, A Room of One's Own, where she explores the importance of a person, women specifically, who could flourish if they only had a space of their own where they could dream and be free to think their own thoughts. I can't say enough how I agree whole-heartedly with this idea.
Yes, you could argue you have no room, or children, too many demands, the list goes on... But only we can take responsibility for our own mental sanity and peace of mind. As I say, even a small corner of the bedroom would suffice. The gifts you will receive as a result of spending "me time" in your own sacred space will far outweigh any demands you think that you cannot overcome. I guarantee it.
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