Letting go with Grace

I want to encourage you to let go,
Let yourself fall...

I know its scary
As humans we worry about what will happen
If we l loosen our grip;
If we are no longer "in control" of circumstances (events, outcomes, relationships, accomplishments, etc.)

But when are we ever really in control?
Isn't it just an illusion?

I know you may be restless, uncomfortable, eager or anxious
For more
For something desired in the future-- more peace, a "fuller" life, there is something that you want
And that is beautiful
But are you gripping or grasping?

It is ok to just relax,
You are exactly where you need to be.
So breathe here
Hug yourself here

Doing this does not stop you from moving forward...

It may feel counterintutive, but
For a moment
Let go,
Visualize your hands opening, palms toward the sky

Let TRUST and PATIENCE
Flow into your being
Along with whatever else might be there,

TRUST, PATIENCE,
Breathe it in....and

FALL BACK
INTO THE ARMS OF GRACE

What you may really need

Are you often thinking of something you might want to do, or buy or experience?

What you may really need right now may be different from you think you need.

We tend to live in constant state of "what's next?" or "I need _____(insert person/realtionship, material item, experience, ect."

Is that why it can be so hard to sit still, stay present and relaxed?

Narcissists aside, most people have a deep seated insecurity and with it, a true fear of being alone.

Why is this?
On one hand we humans are social creatures. We thrive on the energy of others. Just as we need food/water/shelter/sleep, we need and crave love.
Often this love can be given and received from other humans. That's why we marry, have children; we tend to stick together in families, clans, and communities.

However there are holes and dysfunction in many of those structures. And this fuels our hunger for more --"I need something I am not getting".
I want to make a strong point-- yes healthy, loving relationships are wonderful. They do enrich our lives. But they are not enough.

What is often missing?
Self L-O-V-E
And I don't mean you feel good about yourself because you have become a good looking person, or a smart person, a socially responsible person, a successful person, etc.

I mean LOVE
for your self, that is unconditional,
A love that holds you and rocks you and nurtures you
Even when you fall
Or fail
LOVE for your essence, your true divine beauty

We must cultivate self love.

But how?
Ask yourself this question. And you know what is true for you.
And here are a few tips to get you started:1. Connect with your purpose. What do you love, believe in, lose yourself in doing?
Do it or do more of it.
2. Strive to surround yourself only with people, places, things that make you feel good. A good friend of mine says, "Pay attention to how your feel." Your intuition guides you. If, for example violent movies or tabloids or a certain friend contribute to an uneasy feeling, make a different choice.
3. If you can and do feel the presence of a greater higher power, make time to meditate, pray, and remember...

When you begin to fall in love with your being, anything is possible.

Every day really is a blessing, my friends.
And so are you

The heart knows

You have probably heard the phrase "Do not believe everything you think".
Take a moment to reflect on it.
What does this mean?
How could this apply to spiritual health, to feeling and living better?

I am not really getting anywhere. I have goals and know what I want to do, but I am just not moving forward. I feel scattered and haven't done enough this year.
Ah-- wait!! The words above in italics are nothing but a trick of the mind, aren't they? A negative message that I just sent myself.

We do this all the time, don't we? We get down and discouraged and then tell ourselves reasons why-- why life isn't quite going the way it "should".

And does it help?

I have seen a common pattern in with humans.
It goes like this:
Uncomfortable feelings-- sadness, loneliness, disappointment, anger, guilt, jealousy...etc... that are not acknowledged and shed when they arise get stuck in the body. They lead to tightness, stress; they block energy channels.

Then a very sneaky thing happens to us:
As we go through our day and the tough feelings begin to surface, we either ignore them and stuff them OR our minds make us stories that are not accurate or loving.
Three common mind tricks:
1. "Self competence doubt" - I want to achieve this dream but I doubt I can. And I don't want to feel worse from failing so I am not going to try right now.
2. "My life is missing something" - I am not feeling happy. That must mean I am lacking something-- money, a partner, a better appearance. When I "fix" this I will be ok.
3. "Low self worth" - I am not good enough at ____, loved enough, or worthy of what I want.

How unkind we can be to ourselves!

Any therapist will tell you to "feel" your feelings. And I do encourage you to do this. Just be cautious not to believe everything you think when you are dealing with painful feelings.

Speaking from personal experience, this is easier said than done.
Here is a little a tip and I hope it helps:

As you go along your journey, think less with your head and more with your heart.
It is ok, you can love yourself more! You are spiritually perfect and exactly where you need to be.
Practice yoga if can. Open your heart. Love others. You cannot love too much.

The mind thinks,
but the heart KNOWS.