Develop a Resource for a Fulfilling Life
God wants to be first in your life. You accept Her/Him in your life by turning first to God for answers to your problems, rather than your ego, drugs, alcohol, or anything uncertain. When you let go of the idea that you have all the answers, you become open to finding a better way. Empty your mind of all your opinions and perceptions. Leading a spiritual life means experiencing your journey differently than before. When you include the Divine, you're including all the power of Heaven. When you make a decision for Spirit, your life becomes more harmonious, because you’ve let Her/His expression of wisdom and intelligence flow through. Spirit becomes a more powerful presence in your life when you continue to turn within in all matters and ask for guidance. The answers you seek may come in the form of intuition, hearing an inner voice, images in a dream, or a verbal message from someone. I find that God’s will usually means you don’t force anything. You just go with the flow of things and do your part. The universe is an abundant place, and God’s gifts flow to us freely, but not always in the time span in which we expect. When we are prepared to have it, then it comes our way. Several years after moving to San Francisco, I was clearly guided to go to college and take graphics classes. I wasn’t certain what it would lead to and tried not to pre-judge the guidance. I took part-time classes and graduated six years later with an Associates degree. I soon discovered that new skills opens doors and presents opportunities that were previously unavailable. Here’s how it all evolved. For many years I wanted to work at the spiritual center where I studied. I didn’t send them an application because I knew they didn’t have the finances to hire an employee. After my former small business failed to provide me with a sufficient income, I went through the process of applying and interviewing with several companies. When one of the co-owners of the spiritual center heard I was looking for a job, he asked me to talk to him before I made any decisions. During our interview, I discovered the center was in need of an employee, and they now had enough money, through donors, to invite me to work for them. My graphic skills, our previous relationship and my commitment to metaphysical principles got me the job I wanted. I was gratefully able to serve that community for two years, from August 1998 to September 2000. Even though my own small business wasn’t prosperous, I was eventually able to see the blessing in that situation. There is a spiritual law that says “when one door closes, another one opens.” Thank you! The Path to Perfection
I believe a spiritual journey is the path to perfection. This is what we can do for Spirit. His/Her desire is that we remember our holiness, heal our wounds, and forgive ourselves and others who we feel have wronged us. It can be difficult for us to see our faults. That’s where our relationships come in. They’ll show us exactly what we need to work on. It’s often been said that the world is a reflection of what’s in our own minds and everything is a mirror being held up to you. When we see goodness out there, it’s a reflection. When we see anger or negativity in someone, it’s still a reflection. Basically, it’s all in us. It’s like looking in a mirror. Once we recognize that and accept it, it changes everything. It brings all the responsibility home to us personally. That’s why the spiritual path is a mature path. It’s not for sissy’s. It can be rather confrontational. Through our relationships we are shown our shortcomings and what we need to work on to be a better person. If you think your mate is bossy and demanding, then you need to look at where you are bossy and demanding. Your mate is revealing that to you. If you think your relative is an unhappy complainer, she is showing you your unhappiness and your tendency to complain. If you think your employer is selfish and inept, it’s in you. Many of us don’t want to hear these words. Well, (as the cliché goes) denial isn’t just a river in Egypt. This is a real strong clue if your relationships are a mystery to you. I encourage you to be open to this mirroring concept. We tend to be uncomfortable with people who have displeasing characteristics, but metaphysically speaking, they are not the enemy, they are our savior. We need each other to learn valuable life lessons, without which there would be no personal growth. Remember one thing: the spiritual journey is about you, it’s not about fixing anyone else. Other people are learning their life lessons too. This is the way we improve ourselves and become a clear channel for God’s light and glory. It’s easy to be all you can be when you know who you are, and you understand how to correct or heal any adversities in your personality or character. Thank you! Discover Your Life Purpose
I’ve talked to many people about discovering their life purpose. Some people know at a very young age what they are meant to do, so they pursue that particular path. One of the authors of Women’s Spirit Awakening, Tom Marcoux, discovered his purpose at nine years of age. Other people, like myself, didn’t discover it until midlife. Perhaps your previous occupation was a stepping stone or a training ground to something more suitable. For some women, giving birth and raising a family may be their life purpose. That’s their contribution to the world. Each life is a valuable, worthy and unique contribution. Living a spiritual life means finding your particular way of serving the world, a way that only you can do. Think about what you are passionate about. What makes your heart sing? That's what God would have you do. One thing I discovered about having dreams and goals is when we go to Spirit first with our request and retain an open mind, the dream or goal is revealed and sometimes redefined for us. We are often redirected in ways that benefit us more. Spend time in meditation. Make it a goal to discover your life purpose. Here's an example of my experience. When I lived in Chicago many years ago, I thought I wanted to pursue a life as a writer and artist. I wanted to make a difference in the world. Guidance counselors encouraged me to choose only one goal. I chose to become a writer. My inner guidance encouraged me to do something else, which was to live my dream. I had a spiritual epiphany six months prior, during a writer’s conference. So I quit college in Chicago, moved to California (where I always wanted to live) and enrolled in a college for graphic arts. Spirit got me to do what I was afraid to do … leave my comfort zone. I was able to achieve both goals by taking writing classes. But it doesn’t stop there. Those goals are merely stepping stones to something greater: for me it is a life as a spiritual teacher. And that too is a stepping stone to something much larger. That's my purpose and most everything I’ve done contributes in some way to that purpose. If you’re like many people, you have your limiting beliefs or thoughts of unworthiness. With Spirit guiding the way, limiting thoughts are surpassed by thoughts of new and wonderful possibilities. We've each heard the phrase “With God all things are possible.” This is true, although not always in the time frame or in the form we may imagine. That, for me, is often the best part: the surprise of new experiences. It’s understandable that we may have to work on ourselves or do some preparation for the dream or goal. Here's a true experience of 'showing up.' There was a time when I knew I would soon be unemployed. I wanted my next job to be different. After some exploration I came up with two prerequisites for my future career; being with lots of people and traveling. Then a friend told me about job openings with an airline company. At first I was concerned, “they won¹t hire me because of my age, my appearance or lack of pertinent skills, etc.” I became my own judge and jury. My inner guidance encouraged me to just show up for the interview. I prepared myself with a new suit and a new attitude. At the end of the day I passed the tests and made all the ‘cuts.’ I had an airline ticket to Chicago, a chance at a second interview, and a renewed enthusiasm. In the end, I wasn't hired by the company, but it was an exhilarating experience. I had faith that something better would occur. If we remain open-minded, happy surprises do occur. Thank you! Utilize Healing Tools
Use the tools available, and a healthy dose of patience to get the most joy out of your spiritual journey. In another blog article we talked about your thoughts and the effects they have on your world. Filtering is one of your most important tools, and there are others that will help you become spiritually awake. Prayer, or speaking to God, is a powerful tool. The highest prayer is always to ask for peace in any situation. My prayers are often for blessings, healing, new perceptions, clear guidance or that God's will be done. Whatever you ask for should always be for the highest good for everyone involved. In my experience, I pay attention to whatever strong thoughts keep occurring in my mind. If it feels like something that warrants clarity, then that's what I focus on during my prayer time. Meditation, or listening to God, is an essential tool. I've been meditating for over 25 years. If you want your life to change in powerful ways, then I suggest learning meditation techniques. Basically you sit in a quiet place for as long as you can; five to thirty minutes or more. The goal is to quiet your thoughts/mind so that your mind will become open to new possibilities. You just notice your thoughts, what they are, and let them go. You can focus on your breathing or on a mantra, which is a favorite word that brings you peace. Some people use the word “God”, “Om”, “aum” or the word “One.” You can focus on a particular goal or remain open to however Spirit will work through you. Inner strength is the greatest benefit of meditation, not your strength, but the powerful strength of Spirit. At some point, you will notice a shift in your awareness. The more continuously you meditate, the more you become aware of a two-way communication. Visualization as a tool for healing Break your contract. If you have a problem that continues like a plague throughout your life, you may have to take an appropriate action; break your contract with it. Women, in particular, tend to take on too much responsibility. Instead of asking for help or letting others carry their weight, we take on all the tasks ourselves. Then we become stressed out and unhappy. You may attract destructive relationships to you. Or you may have a problem with addictive substances. Determine in advance the problem you want to heal. Here is a suggestion for healing, and a solution that worked for me. Go into a brief meditation and then visualize yourself in a relaxed state, sitting in a beautiful garden. Imagine Jesus/Angel bringing you a paper contract that you signed while you were in a Spirit state, just prior to birth on this planet. Discuss with Jesus/Angel that this situation doesn't serve you or anyone else. Somewhere, somehow you must have agreed to the problem, because you continue to find yourself absorbed in it. In your imaginings, provide an acceptable solution (a new thought or behavior that you could easily implement) to replace the problem. Then, tear up the contract or you could see yourself crossing it out and replacing it with your new behavior and positive results. Thank Jesus/Angel for their support and bring yourself back to present state. Anytime the problem resurfaces, remember the contract is broken and you no longer have to abide by it. You have a new solution and the support of Heaven behind you. Affirmations or positive self-talk replace negative thoughts and are used whenever needed. Here are a few examples: “I am peaceful and considerate with my co-workers.” “I am confident and capable at my job.” “I act with love.” Thank you! |
Linda L. ChappoChief Excitement Officer Archives |