LIGHTWORKERS SMORGASBORD OF SPIRITUAL ARTICLES & VIDEOS
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The underlying theme of these postings is to offer a variety of different articles and videos from various sources on: Love, enlightenment, truth, spirituality, wisdom, science, metaphysics, mysticism, supernatural, channellings, paranormal, philosophy, self help and misc.... The views and opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of the group nor is it an endorsement of any individual concept but rather, this library of information is offered for your own individual discernment with encouragement to follow your own inner lifesource guidance. Most I have found Inspiring, Empowering, Interesting, Thought Provoking, Worth Exploring further or Beneficial in some way and a few I've posted simply because I would like others thoughts and opinions. If your heart is touched or your thoughts are provoked in any way and you would like to share - your comments and feedback are welcomed.
You eat right, work out and try to do all the right things for yourself and those around you, but it can be extremely difficult to keep your thoughts positive, peaceful, supportive or empowering - when you find yourself surrounded by another person's negative energy. If you don't have the right mental and emotional immunity, that contagious bad energy can infect you too.
The strategies for dealing with negative energy may vary; however, the desired result is the same - to maintain an inner state of peace. If you can remain calm and peaceful, then you can respond in a rational manner rather than unconsciously react based on anger or fear. Meditation and inspirational reading (see some of the wonderful books we have to offer) can help you in developing and sustaining a peaceful and positive attitude. These powerful tools can help immensely when negative people and situations threaten to snuff out your positive energies.
IT'S YOUR CHOICE - The fact is – there's an awful lot that we have no control over – it is a jungle out there. The one thing we do have control over is our attitude. The way you respond to negative energies directed toward you is your choice. Always try to keep in mind that you are the only one in control of your emotions. Don't let them "make you" feel badly. Don't "absorb" the anger they are hurling at you. You are in control, because you are the only one who can decide to react or not to react, to let anger and bitterness seize your heart - or to feel the calm of forgiveness and let it go.
Sometimes taking a moment to look at things from another perspective and trying to understand where the negative person is coming from can help. Most often it is a place of hurt and anger, and quite often has nothing to actually do with you at all. They just happen to be trying to cope with their own emotions the only limited way they know how. But you can rise above that level – you happen to be a little more conscientious (or you wouldn't be visiting "Our Inner Source" for enlightenment)!
Be aware, that if in fact, the anger or negativity directed at you really is your fault, you would be getting these same reactions from other people in your life as well. If many people are indeed angry at you or criticizing you about the same things in your life, then it's possible that you really may be partially to blame. You should then take a good look at yourself to see what you can do to remedy the situation and plan to do better in the future. Don't go around with a guilt trip weighing you down, you'll only spread more negativity yourself!
SPEARHEADING THE SITUATION - Obviously, it's best to try and avoid negative people as much as possible. Unfortunately, it's not always so easy, especially if the person dispersing the bad vibes is your spouse or roommate. But in other situations, it may be easier than you think. If you're at a family reunion and you know your uncle is a big criticizing nitpicker, try to keep away from him as much as you can! Don't agree with him in his nitpicking or try to defend what he's criticizing. You'll just be adding fuel to the fire!
The next time someone gets angry at you, criticizes, or starts to pick a fight, take a moment to reflect objectively on the situation. Instead of automatically reacting with your own anger, take a deep breath and attempt to respond calmly.
Resolve to not let anyone destroy your positive mood or warp you perspective. Be forewarned though, that if you decline to react to a negative person, responding with calmness instead, they will most likely magnify the intensity of their assault, and try to drag you down to their level. The best plan for handling this is to tell them that you can discuss things further after you've both calmed down, then walk away to diffuse the situation.
DON'T GET DRAGGED DOWN - Gloom mongers are another story. When somebody attempts to extend their somber mood to you, you might be truly touched by their sadness, but that doesn't mean you have to wallow in it if you don't want to. Resolve not to let it drag you down. It's perfectly possible for you to respond compassionately and be there for other people in their grief or assist them with their problems without becoming gloomy yourself.
Disagreements can be a little tricky. They're usually surrounded by some degree of negativity, and if you're not careful, can quickly escalate into full scale arguments and verbal assualts. Naturally everyone has their differences of opinions. Political/religious disagreements can be some of the most volatile. When dealing with disagreements in general, it's best to keep in mind that arguing will never make anybody agree with you. What it will do is create negative energy. But if you want to take the heat out of someone's argument and still maintain peace, this will stop them in their tracks: simply say to them "You may be right. " You've still got your own opinion; you've just made the choice not to fight about it!
KILL THEM WITH KINDNESS - Now, if you really want to knock the socks off of your negative attacker – "kill them with kindness". That's right - make your positive attitude really work for you (and them). Do something completely unexpected and genuinely positive, but just make sure you are sincere in this gesture for full effect. Decide to do something classy and noble for this adversary of yours (who has obviously invested in a substantial measure of emotion and effort towards you)... do something nice such as compliment them on their ingenuity or cleverness; offer to do a favor for them (nothing extravagant); or thank them for their time and interest in the situation. You, yourself may end up being the most surprised of all – when you see their negativity start to melt and dissolve before your eyes!
POISONOUS RELATIONSHIPS - If you spend any kind of significant time with someone who is excessively negative, though maybe not particularly directed toward you, you still need to determine whether it's best to limit your contact with them or break off the relationship. You certainly can't tell anyone what or how to think. You can show them the advantages of a positive outlook by demonstrating it in your life, but there's not much else you can do if they still insist on being filled with negativity.
On the other hand, if you're in an emotionally abusive relationship with a significant other, friend, relative, or co-worker, then you must seriously gauge the situation and determine if it's worth trying to cope with it or if it's time to move on. Over time, excessive negativity directed toward you can be emotionally and physically poisonous. It's an unhealthy situation you need to avoid.
EMPOWERING - Cultivating and maintaining a positive attitude can actually be very empowering. Once you start practicing some of the strategies in this article, you'll be astonished to discover how much less affected by the impact of negativity you can be and how capable you really are of sustaining a positive attitude – just what you need to stop negative energy in its tracks!
Life can be compared to an enormous multileveled structure – a school-house filled with countless classrooms. Each classroom represents an intention - either acted upon or not acted upon. Some of the life lessons taught, and often re-taught, are mind-numbingly repetitive in nature. It seems we are slow to catch on to the lesson at hand. A larger classroom, if you will, awaits us when we acknowledge that 'enough is enough' and we determine to cease putting attention on non life-affirming situations. A willingness to move on: mentally, emotionally, spiritually; to surrender to the Divine within us whatever it is that keeps us bound to restrictive lessons that fetter spiritual freedom and growth.
One of the reasons we hold ourselves bound in such a non-advancing state is undue attachment: to a spiritual belief system that no longer inspires; continuing relationships with persons or places that cease to comfort and warm the heart; a job that holds us tethered for security reasons, although it is a daily grind and limits all creative flow. Or we can be stuck in resentments, blaming parents, siblings, others, for all the ills heaped upon us – looking back. back. back instead of accepting that life isn't necessarily fair (as we see it) and letting go of passé negative restraints. By moving forward, we open ourselves to new vistas and opportunities. It's never easy – saying goodbye to our attachments, even when they no longer honor us. This lifetime is precious; it must serve us well in all facets of our life.
Fear of change also keeps us bound to limiting parameters. The But what ifs… that paralyze our incentive to think outside the box of our own creation. We need to make a stand in the sand and face the fear. What's truly at the heart of our concern?
So many self-imposed restrictions: feelings of inadequacy; fear of rejection; others disapproval of our decisions; feeling bound by an indebtedness to another that keeps us hostage to their wants and wishes, overriding our own hopes, interests, and desires.
There are other mind passions that also curb forward movement. Anger is one, and it is never pleasant, and it is never righteous. Anger separates and destroys and, if vehement enough – kills. It kills love, and all that has meaning in our lives. Another negative trait is vanity: a certain smugness and preoccupation with self that puts others last. There's also greed: the insatiable ones who never have enough, who always need more. And lust: let's not forget those whose lust for power, money, love, is so excessive it smothers all forward thrust. How can one move forward when he is forever stuck staking claim to his consuming desires?
When we can visualize a better tomorrow for ourselves by slowly, but surely, releasing the negatives that are holding us in place, we can then move on to the next plateau – the larger classroom - that is filled with more light and more love. It awaits us. It is already in place.
Make The Change Happen - How are you going to do it, my friend? You're all done feeling wretched all the time, you know forgive does not mean forget, you are soooo ready, but you need a plan. Read on, my friend, and find out how to get the benefits of forgiveness for yourself. Right now.
Guilt and Hatred Are Killers - Ask any doctor. Stress is a killer. This is because your body and mind are a continuum. In other words, although they are not entirely the same, a great overlap exists that unites them. Relieve your mental stress and your body will be happier too. Nothing relieves mental stress like forgiveness. Guilt and hatred resolve nothing; they just sustain the negativity that continues to obstruct you from your goals. Forgiveness, on the other hand, undoes the stickiness that binds you to an unhappy past.
Does It Work? - Absolutely - for you. Since the forgiveness experience will happen only for you, only you will receive its benefits. Your forgiveness may not influence a change in the behavior of others one bit. But it's not about them. It's about you. Forgiveness is about generating your own healing. You are the only player in your life over whom you have all the power. It's time to exercise your personal power, your right to choose to feel better about who you are, your right to process your past and move on with your life.
It's a Private Thing - Since forgiving is all about you getting your own heart clear, it's best done in the privacy of your own mind. Afterwards you'll have the choice of telling others, if you like, but initially the process works best in solitude. Tell no one, just do the work. And watch how easy it is to feel better all day every day. Contrast this to the fact that all the pity parties in the world with your friends and relatives never made you feel better one bit. Those tactics don't work because they don't process emotions, they merely create a feedback loop that deepens the groove of the pain. Since you know that what you used to do didn't work, it's time to do what does.
Forgive in Steps - Like a pyramid, forgiveness may seem overwhelming at first, but it's easily accomplished step by step. So begin by recognizing that there are three sections:
*1. Forgiveness of Others - When you forgive others in categories, it proceeds more easily. For example, you could choose to use the categories of Strangers, Friends, Family, The People who Hurt You The Most, and Anybody Else. You may include additional categories like Exlovers, Neighbors, Coworkers, Employees, etc., and some forgivers need to add the category of Humanity Itself. And you can start with the categories you find easiest. Once you notice how good it feels to forgive, this will inspire you to forgive everyone as much as possible, as fully as you can.
*2. Self Forgiveness - In this step, start with your earliest years and ascend: Newborn, three year old, five year old, ten year old, teenager, 20s, etc., and on up to your current age, forgiving yourself thoroughly for absolutely everything as you go. Once you get to your current age, forgive yourself for your whole life. Remember, all humans are flawed. No one is a perfect son or daughter, man or woman, husband or wife, student or teacher, worker or boss. You are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. Forgiveness is an optimal method to process your learnings.
*3. Receiving Forgiveness from Others - In the privacy of your own mind, visualize then apologize to folks you've wronged, and let them accept your apology. It may surprise you to learn that others really want to forgive you. They do. So let them forgive you and receive the cleansing of that forgiveness. Afterwards, with some people, you may elect to actually apologize to them in person, but proceed carefully. There are a few folks in the world who can not accept apologies in real life, and this is why you process all of your apologies in your mind's eye thoroughly first, so that you get the emotional benefit of having apologized whether those apologies get accepted in real life or not.
Forgive by Percentages in Repeated Attempts - Can you forgive the people who hurt you the most 10%? 20%? 80%? 99.9%? It's not all or nothing. Ease on up to higher and higher percentages, always aiming for 100% forgiveness, but being real with yourself. If the people who hurt you the most are not 100% forgiveable on your first attempt, continue forgiving them bit by bit till you get as close to full forgiveness as possible. Start with a realistic percentage, then increase your forgiveness on subsequent attempts, always aiming for 100%. Just do your best.
Forgiving People Versus Events - It can be one thing to forgive individual people, and can yet be quite another thing to forgive the things those people did. What to do? Forgive the events and actions as they come to mind. As you think of instance after instance, forgive everyone involved as best you can for everything that happened.
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RELATED FORGIVENESS INFO FORGIVENESSWEB.COM _________________________________
Today is a day to align yourself, to have your mind, heart, emotional center and body fully aligned with each other and to your higher purpose in this life.
You do not need to know exactly what that higher purpose is. Align yourself to a lifted state and it will be pulled toward you, unfolding before you each step of the way. You do not need clarity of the future. You need only have clarity in this moment, clarity and alignment.
When you are achieving your higher purpose, when you are fulfilling your soul's passion, you will feel very calm and peaceful in your center, very loving in your heart and very clear and quiet in your mind. Your goal is to achieve that state right now in order to create a loving and welcoming environment for your unfolding life.
First, sit quietly and breathe deeply. Then begin by opening your heart. If you like, play a piece of music that always opens your heart, something lifting and elevating, something that helps your heart open like the unfolding petals of a rose on a bright summer day.
Your heart should feel tender and vulnerable, open and accepting, ready to give and receive the universal flow of unending love.
Now, focus on your center and picture a deep pool of peace, an unending pool of water, deep and mysterious but utterly still, full of calm, containing all the answers to your questions, so complete and whole that questioning is no longer necessary. A pool of faith and peace, deep and calm, endlessly calm.
Now turn your attention gently to your head. Lift your attention up to the crown of your head and then to the bright golden ball of energy above it, your higher self. Open the crown of your head and allow a channel of bright golden light to flow down from your soul self into your mind.
As it enters your mind, feel your mind clearing. Feel all of the conversation stop. The only sound is the sound of the flowing energy, a sound of silence deep and true.
Then let this energy flow down to your heart, strengthening the love you find there. And then down to the pool of peace, turning the dark and mysterious pool into a sparkling, bright light of peace and love.
And now, let the light fill your body completely. Feel the alignment, as the light flows down from your higher self, through your entire body, to the tips of your toes, then through the soles of your feet and into the earth, grounding you in love and peace.
And now, with the light and love flowing steadily down through you, the same channel of light unifying and aligning you throughout, feel that the flow of light holds your soul's intention for this life. Feel that intention entering every cell of your body, filling it and energizing it toward your true purpose.
Now let your attention travel up your body, from your feet up your legs, to your center now lit with love and light, through your heart open and pulsating with love, through your mind clear and shining, up to your higher self, and now further up, further and further, up into the vast light above, the oneness, the complete and whole oneness that we are. And feel this alignment, as the light travels up and down, from the vast mind of God to your mind, from the oneness of your being up into the great all, up and down, an alignment complete and absolute. You are that and it is you. All is one and all is love. You are wholely aligned with the universal flow of love and light. You are one and complete and whole. You are.
And now, capture this feeling of alignment, this feeling of truth, integrity and oneness, this feeling of love and peace and clarity. Store it away in your memory, your body memory, so that you will always remember what this feels like, to be completely aligned to all that is. Give yourself a physical gesture to recall it, perhaps your hand moving down in a line from your higher self to your center.
And then, as you go through your life, you may use the memory of this feeling to guide you, to light your way. Just look for resonance with this feeling in every choice that you make, every pathway you follow, every step that you take.
Then, when it feels right, when you feel aligned, step forward in faith and in courage, knowing that you walk in truth and love, fully aligned to your soul's deepest intention.
You Have the Power - Did you know that you are the Gatekeeper of your thoughts? You have the power to choose which thoughts you will entertain. You have the power to have a healthy self-image and believe good things about yourself. Thoughts that do not feel good to you are not worthy of your attention. Do not entertain those thoughts. Entertain 'good feeling' thoughts. There is nothing more important in your life than that you feel good.
Choose New Thoughts - You do not have to struggle in order to move beyond a challenge. You need not 'overcome' any thoughts. You can move through challenges gracefully, and with acceptance of your present situation. There is no need to create conflict, additional hardship or fear. Simply choose new thoughts. Choose new thoughts as soon as you notice the thoughts that don't feel good to you, and then think on them and feel the new good thoughts.
Struggle Must Be Chosen - Life may occasionally present challenging scenarios, but 'struggle' must be chosen, and fears must be remembered as a substitution for your real self, whether done unconsciously or consciously. Often times, the degree of resistance or internal struggle that we feel is determined unconsciously and involuntarily before we are even presented with the situation. Many so called 'struggles' and even 'triumphs' are simply delusional battles between the ego mind and the person who owns it, played out in an externalized scenario.
Getting Ego's Approval - The mental emotional resistance patterns that tempt us to react instead of accept is called the ego mind. It's the built-in survival mechanism we all have which is designed to protect us. The ego-mind resists us when it feels its sense of survival is threatened. This resistance is the ego's way of saying, "You must get my approval before I will allow you to go any farther." It then proceeds to hold us back by making us believe that we must appease its programming in order for us to 'triumph,' as it claims we will do. Ego likes to convince us to 'overcome' instead of detach and withdraw its power.
The ego mind's influence is in motion when we see situations as a struggle or when we make things into a problem. It doesn't want us to accept things as they are. Ego's goal is for us to appease it, to put energy into it, and if possible, to get us excited about the problems it offers us. If we not only identify with it but also enjoy the problem, issue, or situation (i.e, complaining) - ego wins again. The reason ego's win is stronger if we enjoy the drama is because ego will function more easily within us if we are unaware that we are happily peddling its agenda. Ego's survival is then not threatened, and we're not aware of its control.
How Ego Prevents Us from Achieving Our Goals - Don't be deceived by ego's persuasion that by struggling or overcoming you are accomplishing some grand mission or something special in accordance to your goals (as if the rewards will be greater because you struggled). You may still accomplish your goals. You may still work hard to achieve them and realize a job well done, but your choice to struggle, your choice to limit your choices, your choice to dig deeper into the problems to try to figure them out is exactly what increases ego's control over you. The goal of spiritual growth is to dis-identify and to not struggle. The goal is to let go, to step back - to surrender; to allow the flow of life to move through you with ease.
A life lived in struggle is one where the person's story owns them, instead of the person owning the story. Another example would be allowing a person's career progress to determine how they feel about themselves instead of allowing how they feel about themselves to determine their career progress. These ego identification examples will obviously lead to more self-defeat if the results are dependant upon the ego-identity. In other words, a person may believe himself to be moving forward towards a goal with great resolve despite adversity (which may be true to an extent), but what is also happening is that the ego mind is validating itself throughout the trials. In other words, while achieving your goals, don't fall victim to strengthening the ego-identification in you.
We negotiate constantly with ego's agenda as we navigate through life and when we allow it to determine our limitations. The extent to which we are controlled by ego's agenda equals the degree to which we choose to identify with it. The more of an identification we hold, the more tightly ego holds us in its grasp. Through ego, the worse our career is going, the worse we are feeling about ourselves.
How We Lose the Present Moment - Did you know that ego's goal for us is to lose the present moment? Ego wants us to bring our past pain with us to create pain in our future. That way, it ensures that whatever we accomplish, it will be through struggle. Our intentions are strong, but our conscious presence is weak. If we allow ego to cover up the present moment in this way, we prevent ourselves from exercising our spiritual power. If the ego mind accomplishes this, it controls us. With enough time passing under ego's influence, it can subtly draw more of our presence into unconsciousness (i.e, reactions, defending, justifying, condemning, complaining). This is what it means to be 'unconscious.' We may have financial power or political power or physical power (all externals), but being unconscious is a lack of spiritual power (internal). Ego's unconscious control over us makes our reactions automatic and predictable.
Power in the Present - The only true power we have is in the present moment. By exercising our divine right as the Gatekeeper of our experience, we determine how conscious or unconscious our experience will be. Will we allow the ego mind to control us by keeping us lost in past pains or future worries? Will we react or defend? Will we hide behind platitudes and other conditioned, automatic reactions? It's our choice. As we find ways to be present and express our joy and true nature, as we lose the agenda and reclaim our power, we become the Gatekeepers. The more we practice being here and now and not dominated by our 'unfortunate situations,' the less likely ego will trick us into moving into the past and future where we can have no effect, and thus, lose our All Powerful Presence and Infallible Spiritual Power.
Love and Accept Ego - Ego is a part of us, an outdated aspect struggling to keep up as we evolve. Watch the ego's programming in you - love and accept it as a part of you, be aware of it - but don't engage it. Instead of negotiating with ego via struggling to overcome, consider becoming the Gatekeeper. Before your ego-mind convinces you that you must 'work through' the resistance it wants you to face, that some old issue is slowing you down or has some influence over your future, before ego convinces you that you are limited, afraid, incapable, shy or unable to achieve something, close that gate, Gatekeeper! Before the ego-mind persuades you to react or defend or manipulate or convince you that a justifiable action is helping you to 'move ahead' - STOP.
Choose Positive Thoughts - Notice how the positive thoughts feel to you. You are the Gatekeeper of your experience, and you can experience as much joy or as much struggle as you wish. You decide whether ego stays inside of the gate or not. Be the one who finds the gift in every moment through graceful acceptance and non-struggle. Be the Gatekeeper of your thoughts, and watch a new world reveal itself to you. You are powerful!
As we ascend in frequency, there is an angst-generating phenomenon that seems to be quite typical. At a certain stage of gaining consciousness, we assume that it's our mission to coerce others into sharing our vision, and into doing what we see as being right for them. When it backfires on us, as it always does, it's frustrating and often painful. At the least, it's exhausting, because it's an impossible mission. And, it takes a toll on your own frequency level.
When you have climbed a little higher up the mountain than someone you care about (or perceive that you have!), you may believe that your expanded view means that you are duty-bound to get them to adopt your understandings as their own, "for their own good." But each of us is on our own adventure, and we really are overstepping—not to mention, attempting the impossible—when we insist that someone see what we see and do as we think they ought to.
This is especially frustrating when it is someone we love dearly, and we see a freight train coming at them—and they can't seem to see it! We so desperately want to save them from being clobbered by the train. But who's to say that the freight-train experience isn't what's appropriate for them at this time? In fact, that's totally accurate. By the Law of Attraction, we always attract a vibrational match.
Besides, being run over by a metaphorical freight train is often just what someone needs to cause them to surrender to their God-Realized Self and catapult them higher in frequency. Why would you try to deny them this opportunity? Why would you try to usurp the spiritual sovereignty of another? Even if it is your child, your husband, your mother, or your best friend, they are spiritual beings, on their own quest, and you don't get the privilege of choosing for them. Yes—even those we love dearly have a right to the unlimited experience that free will and autonomy allows—even when it threatens to take them away from us.
Something important to understand if you're the one trying to get someone to see higher is that if they are vibrating a match to the freight train, and what you want them to see or do came from an understanding you gained from being at a higher level of frequency, there is no way for them to see it. Because those freight-train experiences are lower frequency phenomena, and because the higher understanding is a higher frequency phenomenon, they won't be able to see what you see because there is a vibrational mismatch. If something is vibrating at a significantly higher frequency than where someone is in consciousness, it is invisible to them, and impossible for them to see.
Who is that wants to impose these "enlightened ideas" on others anyway? Is it the aspect of you that provides the higher-frequency view? No. it is your ego. Ego is the one that is judging that someone else isn't in exactly the right place in consciousness for them, having the experience that is right for them at any given time. Ego is the one that is scared and wants to control what happens in its world. Ego is the one that has decided that the experience someone else has chosen is wrong. Ego is the one that wants others to conform to our own ideas, however lofty or not lofty, because it wants to run the show, even though it is ill-equipped to do so. Ego simply does not have the unlimited view of the Whole of Creation that it would need to make an accurate judgment of what's what. Ego is not fit to run your own life, much less the lives of others!
Poor ego—always trying to do the impossible. The one thing ego is an expert at, though, is keeping us tied to the duality matrix. While trying to coerce someone into doing what you judge that they should do, you are simply holding yourself in duality, and thus at lower frequency. That takes you in the direction you'd rather not go if your intention is enlightenment and greater joy, and actually affects others in a way that is opposite of what we desire for them.
This is not to say we have no real power in the lives of others. We can, indeed, make a powerful difference. We can be the lighthouse—a beacon cutting through the fog—so that when someone we care about is tired of struggling with the monster waves and heavy surf (and the freight trains!), and desires to come to the peaceful waters and safety of higher frequency, we are simply there, shining our Light, offering them an illuminated passage Home. And even more exciting is the understanding that when we stop judging their experience as wrong, staying peaceful and centered in our own beingness, we are higher in frequency, which raises the frequency of the Whole. That is what actually helps others, because when the frequency of the Whole is raised, it has a magnetic effect on each individual that helps them move into higher consciousness spontaneously.
Empower yourself and others by keeping your own frequency high. Do this by staying centered and aligned with your God-Realized Self, thus stopping your ego from running your program and trying to run the programs of others. Radiate Love unconditionally, because this is what you are designed to do and is what raises the frequency of everyone else in an exponential way. Our busybody egos don't like to admit it, but it is true that we are able to offer far more empowerment to everyone else when we simply stay in alignment, mind our own business, and allow others to have their own life adventure without trying to interfere! Raising your frequency, and thus, the frequency of the Whole, is only possible when you "live and let live."
Illusions are the heaviest of burdens. What a relief to be able to drop the burden of being responsible for everyone else's experience!
Sometimes moving forward feels draining and hard. Resistance and anxiety surfaces and it seems that it's taking everything we've got to take a mere baby step. Yet other times moving forward feels exciting and new, as though we're on some meaningful adventure. The former experience occurs when we believe that we're alone, that there is no divine plan or power working for our greater good. However, once you make up your mind and start something; really commit to it; say "Yes!" and never look back, the universe summons legions of support and sends it your way. Others who resonate to your same level of willingness with the same degree of intention will be drawn to you. Connections will be made. Circumstances will be crafted. Energetic dots will be connected to all aspects of the divine plan that have been created to assist you as you progress.
Saying "Yes" to opportunities is important, but saying "Yes!" with passion demonstrates faith and willingness, two qualities that are essential to our inner peace and happiness. Recently, I offered three different people an opportunity that would allow them to progress in their spiritual and emotional development and utilize their creative skills in ways they had declared they wanted to for several months. Because of my own healing work, I had opportunities available that would empower and enable these people to manifest something their heart's desired. However, when I approached two of these individuals, their immediate reaction was pleasant surprise coupled with fear. They responded similarly, "Laura, that sounds wonderful but (long pause) I don't know if I can (or am ready) to do that quite yet." However, the third person willingly seized the opportunity presented. Since doing so, she has created books and workshops and has inspired many along the way.
Opportunities that empower us to move forward are always being made available, but all too often, we let fear get in the way. In the above example, two people allowed their fear to sabotage their happiness. The third person recognized her fear and successfully moved beyond it. However, many of us are not even conscious that we're blocking the flow and so we remain puzzled as to why wonderful things aren't happening. It's as if our left hand beckons the universe with, "Yes, yes, yes… I'm ready" as our right hand pushes away with, "No, no, no… not yet."
Are you giving mixed hand signals to the universe? When people are offering you something (support, ideas, assistance), what is your initial reaction? Do you say "Yes!" with passion or do you find excuses not to act upon it?
Years ago in my own life, I made a commitment to say "Yes!" to opportunities in alignment with my highest life's purpose. Immediately upon doing so, the number of opportunities increased significantly. Today when opportunities seem to fade, I know it's only because I'm not clear on my commitment (split energies) or I'm weak on willingness (internal resistance). If fear arises I know it is a hint that I am meant to embrace the offer. I've discovered on the other side of my fear is often something my soul desires for growth and awakening. As long as I'm willing to progress and supply the quantity of energy, my deepest self will always supply the quality.
Saying "Yes!" to opportunities is the same thing as saying "Yes!" to life. The universe is always knocking on your door with the hope that you will participate. Your life's purpose will unfold in direct proportion to the passionate progress you're willing to make. Keep in mind that fulfilling your dreams requires:
INSPIRED VISION AND INTENTION
Plus CONSISTENT ACTION
Consistency is an integral component for it demonstrates your intention and willingness to the universe. Think about it, aren't the artists, musicians, writers, etc., who have stood the test of time individuals who have kept on going, one step at a time? There is no step too small. Every action you take, like every piece of a puzzle, leads to a bigger picture of accomplishment.
Say "Yes!" to ideas and then "Yes!" again as you move forward. Commit to saying "Yes!" to all of the empowering opportunities being offered to you then watch as your highest vision turns into your greatest reality.
Affirmations for Progressing with Passion:
I invite and allow good to come into my life.
In faith and trust I embrace life's opportunities.
I give myself permission to create my soul's desire.
I willingly live from my heart & choose love over fear.
The level of vibrational frequency at which you are operating is determined by the degree to which you are in alignment with Source, and allowing Source energy—Life Force, which is also known as "Love"—to move freely through you. You align with Source by obeying your inner guidance above all other voices, and you move Life Force through you by loving—by radiating the Love you receive from Source, out to your world.
As we choose to honor the voice of God within us and allow Love to radiate from us, our vibrational frequency is elevated. When we raise our vibrational frequency, our world changes. Our perceptions are heightened and our ability to stay in the flow increases. Our desire to conform with anything that is not in alignment with Who We Are declines dramatically, and our life becomes about expanding and embracing joy.
Measuring your spiritual growth in objective terms is impossible, but if these signs are present in your experience, you know you've made significant progress. If you are experiencing any or all of the following symptoms of being at higher-vibrational frequency, celebrate! In fact, celebrate anyway.
Celebrating is a frequency-raising activity!
Signs of Operating at Higher Frequency
1. Synchronicities have increased in your experience and you view them as "cosmic winks" and signs that you are on the right track.
2. You are more patient and compassionate and able to offer Love more consistently.
3. You see more and more clearly that you are, indeed, the Creator of everything in your experience—and you embrace that with gusto!
4. Instead of inconveniences, you are now more likely to see unplanned events as opportunities.
5. Your choices in how you spend your time have changed and you no longer relate to some activities, companions and entertainment choices you once enjoyed.
6. Your awareness of what is in alignment with your Truth is sharpened and you are more and more willing to let go of whatever—and whomever—is not in alignment.
7. Things that were once problems have faded into the distance or disappeared altogether.
8. Your ability to gauge the integrity of others is heightened and you attract more and more people into your life who are committed to living in integrity.
9. Your ego-need to control what happens is greatly diminished.
10. You are frequently joyful for no apparent reason!
I believe that intuition is a reliable inner resource for wisdom to guide our lives. Fortunately, everyone has it and we are capable of developing it for practical use in everyday life as well as for discovering and achieving life goals. Learn to listen to your intuition and learn from it by tuning in to these four cues.
1. Inner Voice - Many people report a "still, quiet inner voice." Your intuition will always communicate with you in a compassionate, loving manner that is perceptibly different from your normal inner chatter. If your inner voice seems quiet, try asking yourself a question like "What is the best course of action to take?" Pause for a moment and then think about all the options you've just been given. Does any one leap out as the best decision? If not, go deeper and ask the question again. A new answer may emerge. Write your results in your journal. Then, jot down three small action steps that can you take that will move you in the direction you chose.
2. Dreams - You can receive a wealth of guidance when you learn to ask for intuitive insight from your dreams. Our minds are still active and racing with thoughts while we sleep. As we replay our daily anxieties in our dream state, we are sometimes given answers and solutions to our problems. Often, these answers are revealed to us through symbols. A few years ago, I was torn between staying at my full-time job at a software company and leaving to devote my energies to my own business. I was still thinking about my decision when I drifted off to sleep one night. I dreamed that I was out on a lake with my feet planted in two different canoes both pointed in different directions. I knew then that I couldn't pursue both vocations and have the energy to realize my goal. I gave my notice the next day and haven't regretted it for a moment.
Here are some ways that you can tune in to your DREAMS and get the answers you need:
* Write a few paragraphs about your concern or problem.
* Try to summarize the issue in a question and state the question to yourself as you drift off to sleep.
* Before you become fully awake in the morning, ask yourself, "What is the answer to my question?" Sometimes you may remember a specific dream and feel that you have your answer in the dream's symbolism.
* You may not remember the details of the dream but you may feel that you've awakened with an intuitive answer to your problem. That's an equally valid way of receiving intuitive guidance in your sleep.
3. Emotions - Intuitive information often comes through your feelings or emotions. You may simply "feel right" about a certain course of action. Or you might experience a sense of distrust about an individual or situation. Part of learning to trust your intuition is remembering to ask, "Does this decision make me happy?" or, "Do I feel energized by this decision?" There are many ways to ask the question and experience the answer but here's the truth: Your intuition will provide you with information to make positive choices. Would it make sense for you to be sent to earth with a magnificent inner guidance system and every time you trusted it you felt awful? No!
4. Physical Sensations - The Japanese call intuition "stomach art." We call such sensations a "gut feeling." You might find that your body feels heavy if a decision you've made is wrong. Your body may feel light or experience "chills" if it is the correct path for you. Here's an example of how these sensations guide us: You've just been offered the "perfect job." You notice that when you think about accepting the position your body feels heavy or there's a knot in your stomach.
If you feel physically uncomfortable when you think about the job, your intuition is imploring you to consider your choices. You can ask more questions and do more research about the position and the company to see if you can determine the cause of your intuitive response. Or, you can understand that your intuition is warning you away from this company for reasons you may not comprehend on a rational level. Intuition may lead you to pursue other opportunities based on those physical sensations. How many times have you ignored signals your body gave you only to later say to yourself, "I wish I'd trusted my gut instinct?"
There are many ways in which intent can be observed in action, and therefore many examples with which to describe it in accurate detail. Such description is, needless to say, quite useful when endeavoring the mastery of intent.
One such way to know intent is through the various feelings in the body, (and aura, of course). Change your intent, and so too do feelings shift accordingly.
Another is the close and subtle observation of one's thoughts. Behind every thought is an intent. Intent directs the course of your thought line at all moments, a fact that supercedes the "science" of psychology's concept that mind is a pattern of thought. Mind, (tonal) is only a memorized pattern for as long as we have not yet realized the TRUE source of thoughts, which is intent. Change your intent and thoughts shift accordingly.
Intent can be observed in person to person relations every day on a psychic/feeling level. Change your intent and you will effect others differently.
Intent is also a collective force, such as can be observed in a mob or other crowd. When the combined intent of a mob is focused upon a person or persons, they KNOW it as an unmistakable psychic pressure exerted upon them, especially if that mab is hostile. The reverse example would be the psychic effects of being in the midst of a supportive group which has the intent of love. Compare these two examples and it becomes quite clear that the type of intent employed has very distinct effects.
Examples of what can be said about intent
1) It is ceaselessly functioning within us, and is behind every thought, emotion, decision and action.
2) Intent directs awareness as to how and upon what it will focus.
3) Because intent directs awareness and awareness patterns energy as a result, energy follows intent. The act of creation, (manifestation) is the implementation of intent.
4) Intent is a body-wide consideration. When we coordinate the feeling/intent elements throughout the body as a harmonious whole, our personal power is greatly increased. Using these feelings as a guide or feedback device, intent can be shifted in any part of the body, both temporarily and permanently. For instance if there is chronic fear in the area of the heart of a person, this knowledge of intent allows them an opportunity to change this condition at will. To do this they would need to focus on the fear in the heart, and INTEND that feeling to be elevated, ultimately to one of love, for instance. Such a transformation is well within the power of any person to implement, and is a step along the way to the Mastery of Intent.
Intent can be shifted as a "field effect", not just within the body. When one learns to shift internal intent elements, this process is not unlike the shifting of the intent elements at large.
Many other examples and specifics can be given.... The term "Mastery" does indeed imply a level of consciousness, just as a 60 watt bulb emits a level of photon release that is superior to that which is emitted by a 20 watt bulb. The term "level" here is used much as it would be in the science of physics. Another physics metaphor for Mastery would be the term "Escape velocity" whereby a minimum threshold of thrust is applied in order to get beyond the gravitational force of the earth. Either you have this amount of energy or you don't, and that limitation is not imposed by human made ideas of hierarchical relationship. It is imposed by the reality at large. The same may be said of Mastery.
"Mastery" in the spiritual sense has nothing to do with hierarchy, only degree of attainment. The Master is not interested in comparisons of one person to the next except perhaps to illustrate what is needed along the spiritual path.
Much like describing the wind, to speak of intent is as you said a matter of describing it's effects. However, the wind can also be measured in terms of velocity, direction, the interaction of hot/cold air fronts, particulate content etc. The same is true of intent. Intent can also be described, experienced, and implemented in terms of degree, type, length of focus, manifestation, group action, and daily activities.
The study of intent is therefore a science just as much as it is a mystical consideration. There are just as many ways both valid and concrete, to study and master intent as there are to study and accurately predict the particulars of meteorology.
The electric bulb analogy was meant to convey a matter of energy level. 20 Watts may indeed do well in seeing one's face in the mirror, but when it comes to spiritual practitioners, it CAN help to have the benefit of the brightest Guide one can find. The concept of having a "benefactor" is not unknown in many places in the globe, and at various times throughout history.
Such as; There are various traditions of spiritual thought and practice which employ the term "Master". The ancient Vedic lineage for instance, of which Buddha and Mahavir were a part and which countless others have been revered for their insights, are an example. The same may be said of Taoism and various martial art schools in China/Japan, and probably the ancient Seers of Toltec, Mayan and other cultures. Interestingly, in India the act of "receiving the Darshan" of a Master, traditionally at an ashram or some other place of intensive spiritual focus, is a matter of absorbing the influence of the intent of the one so awakened. The practice entails meditating or simply sitting with the Master and being permeated by their aura/intent for the sake of accelerated personal evolution.
Discussion as follows… You said; "We can, indeed, describe the effects of intent! However, this is not a discussion of intent. Words are only a way to describe an item or an event. They are not the event, itself. Intent can only be experienced."
Yes, words are only a description, not the thing in itself. If intent were unique to a given person and no others, then surely it would be something that could only be experienced and not described. However, intent is not unique to any one person...it is common to all of us.
"Take another example: suppose I have never eaten a peach. Could you tell me what it tastes and feels like? Not very accurately! One more problem: words are issued by humans. All humans are inherently dishonest. Words will always be biased and at least a little accuracy is lost in this way. Thus, I can claim that intent and its manipulation can only be experienced."
If only one of us had ever eaten a peach then this would be true. But what happens when we have both eaten one? It is then that we can say that ripe peaches are sweet, juicy and even of varying degrees of freshness, acidity, how juicy they are, etc. Saying this has real experiential meaning, and notes can be compared.
Since we all have intent as an inherent aspect of the true self, this is something of a common experience for everyone here. Even in the writing of these replies we are employing intent, and the same is true of reading them. In making specific observations about this fact, such as realizing intent in action even at this very moment, and every moment thereafter, definite and specific details can be accurately obtained.
An example of such observation is to say; Intent is continuously functioning within, and is behind every thought, feeling and action we take. Intent is what focuses awareness first upon the computer screen and then upon the keyboard, and from seeing a scene to simply hearing it. Like the power of a muscle, intent is no given action, but the potential for all actions. Whenever we focus our intent/awareness on any part of the body, it is there that energy begins to accumulate, and in the manner of the intent that is so focused.
The reaction of others to our words, even though those words are repeated syllable for syllable on different occasions, differs precisely according to the intent with which they were spoken...etc. Both the soulic and physical bodies are made of intent elements. The second is to raise these intent elements so that one's consciousness is progressively expanded.
The intent elements to be raised are those in ourselves, and those around the world at large. The intent elements within are not difficult to know and access, since each one produces a specific feeling somewhere in the body. The intent elements at5 large are similarly not difficult to know and access, when a practitioner learns to feel with their body in that way. Just as we can selectively listen to given conversation in a croded room, and then switch our attention to the room in general, so to can we learn to switch our feeling registry from ourselves to the fields at large. In other words, we can directly feel the intent at large, and on wider and wider scales.
The method of raising these intent elements is also similar in each case. We can raise the intent elements within to higher feelings. We can also raise the feeling/intent elements in others, or even whole "areas of effect" given the right employment of intent.
There are four specific steps which can be followed that form the basis for the shifting of intent at both the personal and field levels. They are as follows;
THE EMPLOYMENT OF INTENT (for rendering internal change)
1) Be aware of your current state of body/mind, (this is accomplished through meditation).
2) Gain familiarity with that which is to be Intended, (such as a higher love and clarity) and the Intent to be acted upon is crystallized.
3) The desired state is held steady in the mind, (for at least 5 minutes). Visualize and feel this state as if it already exists, until the body/mind shifts into it.
4) The desired state is "held in place" throughout the body, (or a given chakra). This new state is maintained by treating it as the new reality of the self on a permanent basis.
Subsequent applications of the above four-step process render cumulative results. Be persistent! When raising intent elements at large, similar steps can be employed;
THE MANIFESTATION OF INTENT (FOR WORLD CHANGE)
1) Be aware of the current state of World Mind, (this is accomplished through meditation, and a body-wide sensitivity to the feelings/Intent currently traveling around the globe. Just visualize the world and FEEL.
2) Gain familiarity with that which is to be Intended around the world, (such as a higher love and clarity) and the Intent to be acted upon is crystallized.
3) The desired result and state is held steady in the body/mind, as though it already exists. The meditator superimposes the visualized result of higher world consciousness, upon the existing World Mind. Our focused Awareness acts to Create external psychic changes, by providing environmental energies with a pattern to crystallize around. [In this way our awareness may be compared to the lines of force exerted by a magnet upon
calm
grateful
loved
energetic
