Recently, on a walk, I was almost oblivious to the beauty surrounding me, worrying about something that I can't even remember right now. And then, out of nowhere - I felt this message, very clearly, in the depths of my soul:
What was, was. What is, is. What will be, will be. I sighed. What does this even mean, you might ask? I certainly did. I cannot change the past - or maybe even what is happening right now. Whatever happens will happen regardless of what I may or may not do. I could influence some outcomes and change my life and its direction - but I can't be assured of any of those things. What I can change is my attachment to whatever happened in the past - whatever cards I am dealt with now or in the future. I can look at things with dispassion - and accept them as they are - without attachment. I can also consider things from a non-reactive place. I can change my perspective of what happened in the past or what is occurring right now. I know, it is easier said than done. I can also strive to be the best person I that I can be - live the best life that I can - and not beat myself up for whatever happens or what I consider my failings to be. Because, after all, we all fail. How many of us live and re-live past infractions over and and over again in our minds, as if we could possibly change the outcomes? I know I do. But here's the thing. We can't go back and change what happened. But we can look at it differently. There are always lessons for us in every experience or past event. There are lessons we are learning right now, it this moment. And others that we have yet to experience and digest. I felt I was also being reminded to live in the present moment and to let go of the past and future. For really, now is the only moment there is. To really live this way, would be to live in a way that is unencumbered. Maybe you need this message as well: What was, was. What is, is. What will be, will be. For more simple spiritual practices, and free gifts, visit: Gifts 4 U!
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I have this yard stick, or as a dear soul friend today pointed out - a litmus test - that helps me navigate this often confusing and turbulent world.
We live in times filled with misinformation, violence, and division. If I chose to focus on that, I would constantly live in fear and erode years from my sanity and life. How to decide what is real? How to know whether to trust or believe in anyone, most especially, those in leadership or seeking it? The answer for me, is very simple. It contains the essence of every ethical, spiritual, and practice traditions: Are the words and actions rooted in Love? I look at the information, I consider the character of a person and what and how they are presenting their information - and: I simply ask myself whether what they are saying or how they acting - is in alignment with love. Does it engender love - or at least strive to? We may not always succeed in all of our endeavors, but what is our intention in the long run? Is it to be a better person and make this world a better place? If it is, it will be evident in the overall pattern of what we say and do over time. I apply this yardstick or litmus test unconsciously now, almost all of the time. This is how I decide what to read, who to spend my precious time with, and what news to pay attention to. Important news information and messages need to be delivered - but how is it being delivered? Is it in a way that is meant to inform, or in a way that will sow more division among us? It is a simple practice for me, and I share it with you in hopes that it may be useful. If it resonates, great - and if it doesn't that's fine too. You might have a better method, and if so, I'd love to hear about it. I am always in search of good tips and better ways to live my life! May our words and actions, always be rooted in Love! May we live in such at way that at the end of our lives, others will say, that we lived it in alignment with Love. For more practices, visit: Gifts 4 U! There are days that are filled with good things. Those days are easy and bright.
And then there are days that are challenges - filled with anxiety and fear. And perhaps without even a ray of hope or sense of possibility. And in those days, we must especially hold on to hope - grasping it as tightly as we can. Yes my friends - despite everything - we must: Hold on to hope. As I went to a park near where I live this morning, feeling all kinds of things, this beautiful instrumental piece came on the radio, and it just happened to be titled, "Hold on to Hope." I sensed immediately that it was a message for me sent from the Beyond. Holding on to hope may not always be an easy thing - but it is a necessary thing. Hope gives us life. It helps us put one foot in front of the other when everything else seems challenging and bleak. We can even turn it into an affirmation, to repeat over and over again until it becomes ingrained in us: I hold on to hope. I used to come down to the river every day for years, when I was going through a challenging period in my life. Today, I was reminded how this beautiful spot was teaming with life - cardinals dancing in the air, birds of all kinds chirping, the riverbanks containing the inevitable flow of the river, the magnificent greening everywhere of a gorgeous spring. In the midst of all this beauty and life, I asked myself: How could I not hold on to hope? I thought of the birds eating seeds off of the pavement - oblivious to the news and all the frightening things going on in the world that can fill me with anxiety and dread. They do not concern themselves with such things. They simply live in the present moment. There is a lesson in this for me. Whatever might scare me is not permanent. It too shall pass. Every day is a new day. Every day the sun sets but it rises again with its promises of new beginnings. Hold on to hope. This was my message for today. This is truly a message for all of us. I hope it speaks to you. To hear this beautiful piece, click here: "Hold on to Hope." For FREE gifts to support your practice, click here: Gifts 4 U! I have the power to change.
Read that again. I have the power to change. To change what? EVERYTHING! But first of all, I have to power to change myself - and the direction of my life. Because I can make choices. I can change what I allow into my energy field, what I focus on and dwell on - what I read - who I spend time with. Even the direction of my life. Yes, especially that. I can end what does not serve and always begin again. Every single day. The list goes on. Even well known figures like Nelson Mandela and Viktor Frankl who were incarcerated, have written about what enabled them to survive. It was ultimately about changing their thoughts and seeking and finding meaning in their lives. You may not believe you have the power to change. I'll be honest and tell you that at times, I don't either. But we can "change" that by converting our long held beliefs into a simple mantra: I have the power to change. Commit to saying this to yourself several times a day for a week, and let me know how it goes. Many blessings to you in this endeavor. Together, we can change the world - one person - one action - one thought at a time. Dive further into simple practices with these Gifts 4 U! Recently, I heard Marie Forleo, the marketing guru, speak about a mantra she uses that is life-changing for her.She was able to reverse all sorts of situations, attitudes, and outcomes, by simply by saying to herself, something like:
"I don't do overwhelm." The key is to implement the words at the beginning of the sentence: "I don't do..." and then finish it with whatever speaks to you in a particular moment or situation. I immediately asked myself, what would speak to me in this moment? What do I want to most let go of right now? I had an instant response: "I don't do fear." I went around repeating this mantra over and over again, particularly in anxious moments, and I found myself slowing down, becoming more calm, and being able to handle situations that normally paralyze me. "I don't do fear." What speaks to you? What do you need to let go of? Where do you need more strength? Simply say to yourself - "I don't do....(and fill in the blank)." I don't do anxiety. I don't do bullying. I don't do undermining. I don't do ignorance. I don't do intimidation... I don't do lack. Say whatever your sentence - your mantra is for yourself - and do it out loud. For more effect, pair it with a gesture, as if you were pushing something away or breaking chains. I guarantee, as Marie Forleo pointed out, you will let go of whatever limitations you need to let go of in this moment. Try it! It may be very freeing! For more information and gifts to support you on your journey, visit: GIFTS 4 U! |
olga rodriguez RasmussenChanging the world! Archives
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