Man’s Search for Meaning

Posted on June 3, 2021 by admin

Man’s Search for Meaning
Viktor Frankl

Life’s suffering has meaning. The challenges we face are lessons to learn from and for then wisdom to blossom. How can we look at our hardships and suffering to find the benefit, if only that we have survived…?
Our potentials can change but each new experience or focus can lead us to learn and to grow. If we share our learnings, these challenging experiences have greater value and “meaning” as wisdom for others to learn from and to possibly change their lives, or their potentials.

Our suffering is reduced and more gracefully survivable if we see the value and larger purpose/lesson in our experience of the suffering. With found meaning/purpose, we have more reason to live and then to teach from our learned lessons.

Viktor Frankl was a German, Jewish psychiatrist who was sent to Auschwitz in 1944. His survival and his observations were the basis for his book “Man’s Search for Meaning” and his creation of Logotherapy which is his version of psychotherapy. A basic premise of his therapy says that finding a reason/meaning in your suffering adds positive value and some resolution to your mental/emotional challenge. He believed that human nature is motivated by the search for a life’s purpose. Frankl’s story was difficult for me to read because of the losses he suffered as his life was stripped away in the German concentration camps of World War II. As a testament to his survival, he found “meaning” in this horrible life experience. His insights have served many people.

Common human responses to life’s stressors can lead to anxiety and depression. Frankl’s work helped to search for the reason that people have emotional stresses as necessary and important lessons. Observing these “reasons” can lead to wisdom to share and a change of perception regarding these stressors. This can lead to resolution of the emotional impact these challenges can have.

Taking full responsibility for one’s life is important. Circumstances can occur which you can not fully control, however, you do control the way you respond and you can understand more fully your role in creating this experience. An example, I was riding my bicycle down a hill and as I turned right at the bottom, a pick up truck cut his corner and hit me. I broke my arm and had other injuries. Sure, the young driver cut the corner but I was flying down the hill… I learned a great deal. For me, the experience with breaking my arm, being in the ER, and staying over night in the hospital were all important lessons of value for me to have. Sure, I would NOT wish this on anyone else, but the value held great learning for me. For me, being a “victim” of circumstance was not the direction for me to go. (And, showing the photo of my surgically repaired arm has been very interesting…)

Unlike Viktor Frankl, my experience does not match surviving in a World War II German concentration camp for more than one year. My suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually can NOT compare with Viktor Frankl’s. However, making the most of life’s tough experiences AND then the willingness to be positive as I share the wisdom learned, does have some similarity. If fully shared the story of your life and what you have learned by surviving this far, your witness would most likely wonder how you made it through the drama and adventures… We have ALL been lucky to survive our life experiences and lived to tell about these how we managed to get through our lives.

AND, in my opinion a main purpose in living is to share our stories in support for other pilgrims we meet along our way. The service of supporting and offering guidance learned from experience to fellow travelers is what we are here, in this life, to do.

YOU are a Miracle! Whether you know it consciously or not, You are a perfect soul and more powerful than you allow yourself to know or believe. Thank you for being you. I bow in Love and Delight to YOU the perfect spirit before me. Namaste!!!

Forest Bathing

Posted on February 5, 2021 by admin

Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese name for an Ecotherapy technique translated into “Forest Bathing.” This is also considered “horticultural therapy” and “grounding.” Research is inconclusive as to the how and the why this is therapeutic for people and may fall into the realm of “placebo” effects by rigid scientific thinking. So what if it is placebo… But, hanging out in nature is complicated (in all the many variables) and therapeutic. What do you “Know” about the positive effects of hanging out in a natural scene like a forest or a beach or a trail through the mountains?

Walking through a natural setting is good for you physically because you are getting exercise, burning calories, and assisting your parasympathetic nervous system response. Hiking in nature assists you mentally as a break from man made technology, with natural lighting & colors, and perhaps distance from “positive ions” in favor of calming, “negative ions.” Drifting, one step at a time, along a path contributes to the spiritual process of “grounding” where you release excess energy into the Earth, connects you with the natural Universe, and offers you the opportunity to witness first hand the Miracles of Life on our planet. As you breathe in the freshly oxygenated forest air, you are free from the human made confines of vehicles or manufactured homes.

Perhaps the best, possibly placebo, effect you can connect with nature and the Divine Spirit firsthand. Not in theory or in books or on TV… You, yes YOU, are a firsthand “experiencer” of the wonders of the natural world from where we have evolved (or created) and where natural appreciating rebalances our hearts, our minds, and our bodies. Not everyone loves being out in nature. These people are wrong! (Notice my “Judgement” with feeling…) Nature is found in every cell of our bodies and a lack of appreciation, to me, is like a denial of our living roots. (Obviously, my judgements are a topic for other blog postings or even many past postings.)

Forest Bathing is an activity I celebrate on a regular basis. A walk in the trees changes me in positive ways where I can relax and be more present. I release stress and drink in the amazing features of the natural world. This feels healing. Mind, body and spirit celebrate these moments and this effort in reconnecting with my natural worldly existence. With some small amount of distance from the trailhead, I can feel the Zen meditation (Za Zen) taking form. If I can be mentally “present,” I can begin to connect with this environment and many times I connect with my intuition as I feel my “essence” in the natural world.

Most people find solace in trips into natural environments. Being by water or trees or rocky monoliths offers a needed break from crowded frenetic man-made environments. “Getting away from it all” is a common expression suggesting the healing benefits of getting away from urban areas and back “out” into nature. Even a visit to a beautiful park or garden can help trigger this ecotherapy. For stress management and anxiety control, (unless you are afraid of open spaces – agoraphobia) your time in nature is more than just relaxing. It is invigorating and recharging you with the natural “life force.”

Obviously, as I write this posting, I am a “believer” in the positive effects which a walk in a natural environment can bring to me. I schedule this into my life. For me, a spiritual experience is a part of this attraction though this can be subtle or dramatic. When I cross paths with an animal or a huge Cedar tree or flowing stream/river, my heart celebrates this gift to me and my consciousness. I am spoiled because I am living in the Pacific NorthWest and when I roll out my front door, I am only a few steps from being enveloped in natural beauty. This choice to live in PNW was partially a conscious one and partially driven by my guidance BUT fully loved and appreciated.

So, go have a Forest Bath. YOU deserve it! Feel the Earth beneath your feet as you tread in the natural world. Be present. Be grounded. Be blessed to resonate in the natural rhythms you can experience. YOU are a miracle. Thank you for walking the Earth and sharing your spirit…

Secrets to Happiness

Posted on November 26, 2020 by admin

Perhaps you have found that money, possessions, trips, your addictions, your career, even your relationships have NOT offered you the Happiness you expect and deserve. From research studies, a Yale psychology professor, course creator Laurie Santos, has developed and presented this class in person and now online (for free) to people wishing to explore the best possible activities to create a greater Happiness in their lives. (See link below for more information.)

One of the main findings comes from the Joy of Gratitude when engaged in “Giving.” Yes, your activity of serving another person in sincerity and with no strings attached, makes YOU feel good. More than buying yourself some new toy or vacation which tend to be temporary goals and distractions. The act of connection and giving your time and energy to another person is both satisfying and enhances your happiness. Of course there are many other factors in creating a life with more abundant happiness but this is a great place to start.

CNN’s story regarding this free online course from Yale University for their students, and YOU, regarding the secrets to Happiness. FREE course link and CNN story at: Yale’s Happiness Course If you take this course, you will wade through the theory of what has failed to make you Happy before you get to the application of the processes you can engage to make you more happy. Laurie states that awareness is NOT half the battle or the solution. Engaging in the positive alternative behaviors is what has the long term positive effects.

Perhaps you can begin by sharing your story and your wisdom. This is a gift which will reward you in many ways and has the possibility of expanding the perspective for your communication partner. It costs no money, but does require your desire to serve and your time. When sharing, make the story relevant to your witness and not as much about your ego’s need for attention… Perhaps, consider avoiding an over abundance of YOUR victimhood and instead focus on the Joy or Wisdom you have learned from your life’s experience. Be the Master of your Journey and share you wisdoms, or insights, freely. You will be happier for this service you provide…

On a deeper spiritual satisfaction level, you are a Master. Your Spirit is an important piece of the Universe and Divine Consciousness. Your choice to incarnate and enhance your consciousness through the lessons and drama you experience on the Earthly plain is of service to Divine Consciousness. Sharing your story and your wisdom is an act of service AND that is what you are here, incarnated, to do. When you can, look for the Joy found in the most challenging lessons and find your way to share with other pilgrims. By the Way, YOU get respect from other souls in the higher realms just for your choice to incarnate into all the Earthly drama… This makes YOU a Star!

You are a Soul having a “Human experience” and so realize that YOU are so much greater than your human existence can demonstrate. You are a Miracle! Thank you for being you.

Since this blog post is coming out near the end of 2020, it is important to note that now, yes right now, the act of giving is not only creating happiness for you but it is serving our world which is depleted by our pandemic and economic challenges. Your efforts of giving through service do not have to be financially taxing. You can give of your time and from your heart. Even the gift of listening, witnessing another person’s story is an act of giving. Please consider finding your way of being of service and reaching out to show your care and concern for the people you bump into. This is needed now more than ever… And, “Happy Holidays” to you no matter when you are reading this blog. YOU are Loved and Cherished!!!

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

If you are READY and looking for a supportive community where you can share your story, your wisdom, and grow spiritually in a non-religious environment, consider Masters of the Journey.
You are a Blessing! You are a Master! Your wisdom from your life experience can have great value to other pilgrims on the path toward awakening and enlightenment.

The Masters of the Journey has events which are updated on our Facebook page which is found at: www.facebook.com/mastersofthejourney Please comment on this blog and share, if appropriate. More of our blogs are based on spiritual consciousness and can be found at www.dstress.com/blog

Time for Grounding

Posted on October 31, 2020 by admin

Are YOU spinning like a top? Is life swirling and creating an energetic maelstrom which is blowing you about? Are the multiple life dramas you are working through feeling overwhelming or maybe depressing? Well, welcome to the club! Yup, we are being pushed 24/7 to our limits AND we are feeling it! So, what do you do to get back in control or to mellow out? Recently, I was chatting with a group of people and discussing this common phenomenon and a discussion regarding how best to “Ground Out” came up…

Grounding out suggests that there is an excess of energy (maybe anxiety) within you (your body or your consciousness) and that, like electrical energy, it can be released by grounding into the Earth. Lighting rods offer this grounding to a discharge of electrical energy called lighting… (Your science lesson for today.) But, your release of emotional energy can be very important for this excess energy may distract you and keep you from focusing upon what life requires. So, grounding can be a very important and life preserving endeavor.

Everybody is triggered by their own unique set of circumstances. Everybody holds their stress and anxiety in their own way. And, “letting go” or grounding out will also be a unique experience. So, you will find your own way to do this and perhaps, you may even remember to use these tools/techniques. Using these preventively can become a positive habit which can work to keep you healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If you do not know how to begin to find your way then I have some suggestions to attempt.

Suggestions:
1. Be present: “in the moment” Easier said than done but well worth practicing. Too often we can find ourselves reliving a moment (of upset or negativity) from a past experience. Or, we can dread an unknown on the horizon off in our future. Enlightenment is often demonstrated by “being” in the present moment which is easier said than done…
2. Breathe (Most important to help find your way back into your body AND the Present Moment) By focusing on an essential physical act and controlling this moment we can lead the body into relaxing and becoming more present. Perhaps, you can attempt to breathe slowly, feel cool air as you inhale, pause a moment, then release/exhale the warmed breath as you slowly and fully exhale. Imagine that as you exhale you can release any excess energy or anxiety, letting it flow out and away. The next cool, soothing inhales can begin to fill you with a calming sense of peace…
3. Yoga or Stretching (releasing built up muscle tension and increases body awareness.) Yes, breathing and slowly stretching to release tension can be a tool for regaining your presence.
4. Meditation or guided relaxations (see Stress Education Center) Slowly and gently focusing on breathing and “letting go” of thoughts can be a wonderful practice. Intuition can be enhanced. Most people can benefit from practicing this long enough to be able to releasing distractions from thoughts drifting through the mind.
5. Walk in Nature (ground out with each step and be “present” to enjoy the miracles you will encounter in a natural setting.) Savoring your moments in nature and then acknowledging your Gratitude for these moments can be very healthy for you and your emotional well being.
6. Stones, Crystals or Minerals (I have a small collection of pocket polished stones. Each has its own energy and purpose. You discover which ones work best for you and your energy.) Every person is attracted to their own required energies and each mineral has a unique signature. So, find the ones that “feel” best for you.
7. Earthy hands on hobby (clay, wood work, natural wool, gardening, petting your pets, etc) The Earth knows what to do with any excess energy. You allow yourself to release this excess energy through connecting with a natural, Earthy endeavor.
8. Absorbing a High Consciousness Story – not too much Drama (We have enough. Taking in the story by reading or viewing from source of higher consciousness is both healing and provides perspective like, “Autobiography of a Yogi“)
9. Hydro therapy: bath, shower, hot tub, swimming, or a walk near a lake-river-ocean
10. Gentle discussion and support from a highly conscious communication partner (again less: drama, interruption, and gossip) Also, gently sharing your story can offer a new perspective on a past moment that you found challenging or brilliantly uplifting… Any grief which comes up, and then out, can be healing. Playing a victim to your grief is not a great long term strategy so explore the amazing Joy found in the “lesson” you have been offered…

AND, spend time in Gratitude! Acknowledge the beauty and the miracles which surround you. Your connection with the Divine Spirit is perfect though the “Veil” may shroud your knowing/remembering of your pure connection to “Source.”

So many more…
Find ways which work best for you. Get a coach if you can not find one that works for you.

Avoid:
1. Coffee/caffeine, for many, sugar or highly processed foods
2. Traffic/Chaos/Excessive Media/DRAMA
3. Television and politics… Loud media grabbing your attention.
4. And, when possible, angry, negative people if you are attempting to ground out…
5. Negative Self-Talk and being stuck in Victimhood
6. Loud or shrill Humanity
7. Outsiders Expectations of you. Internal expectations of yourself also
8. Speeding through life and breath holding. Slow conscious savoring can be good.
All of these are easier said than done. So, consider these strategies and use them as needed for you to feel most present and in control of your consciousness. If you have children share these, best by role modeling…

YOU can do it! NOW, You can remember to do your grounding program regularly, even before you get too “spun out.” Breathe and be Grateful for the Miracles of Life that present themselves and Love freely (without expectations.) AND, be the role model for your children, your spouse, your co-workers, and your family and friends. This will create a healthier environment for all of you…

You are a Miracle! Thank you for being you.

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

Self-Acceptance

Posted on August 14, 2020 by admin

Self-Confidence & Self-Acceptance

Many of us struggle with confidence and self-acceptance. This may be born from our early learnings in this life or possibly as an inherited trait from our family. Our culture tends to control our behaviors as we grow by magnifying our “flaws” which are judged by our supervising adults and competitive, and insecure, peers. We begin to strive to “fit in” even if this is the antithesis of our individual natures. We can lose ourselves. We can begin to advance our feelings of inadequacy or insecurity. We often feel that we do not fit in and so reduce our levels of self-acceptance.

What we may have to learn or remember is that we are perfect even with our imperfections. Re-learning to love ourselves and to accept ourselves even with our flaws is one of the great learnings of our lives. We have to love ourselves and accept ourselves if we wish to make the changes that we may feel would be appropriate. (If we want to improve our “flaws” we must first embrace these and then experiment with alternative behaviors to change these parts of our human incarnation.) To learn our lessons in this life, we are tested or challenged by our weaknesses or imperfections and we then have the free choice to choose to do things (our lives) differently. We test out new or “better” behaviors. Dealing with our insecurities is one of the lessons that we have.

As a general perspective, if we can’t love ourselves it is very difficult for us to love others and to be most fully present in our lives and to live in service. It seems that one of our goals is to live the dramas and have the struggles of our body’s imperfections in our own mortal lives. We learn our lessons through this struggle as we move through these dramas and hopefully find that Joy is the great beauty in our struggles with our imperfections. (Yes, maybe even learn to laugh at ourselves and our foibles.)

As we said in the most recent blog, we’ve created mountains between us and other people. We have also created a mountain between ourselves and the acceptance and self-love of ourselves. Do you realize that you are a miracle and that you as a soul are a unique fingerprint? You are unique like a snowflake. You are a perfect and necessary part of the Divine and the Universe cannot exist without the wisdom and energy of your soul and spirit. It is with your uniqueness, as a miracle, that you must find the acceptance and then the self-love of who you are, where you’re going, and your purpose. You are a blessing.

Other people may judge you as less than who you really are. That is their drama. That is their lesson and you have to respond to that by knowing that you are much more perfect than they might know or imagine. Other people’s judgment and expectations are not under your control. You can not argue with them. This is a test for you to hold true to who you are and know the strength of your self-love and acceptance. Be the role model of self-knowledge and self-acceptance. Show your confidence and strength in your strong posture of self-acceptance!

Your self-confidence and self-acceptance are born out of self-knowledge. Know your strengths and weaknesses and accept both. Do not use personal flaws as an excuse. Find a way to accept and change any identified flaws if you feel this is a necessary goal in this life.

You are a Miracle! Thank you for being you.

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

Every Step You Take

Posted on February 7, 2020 by admin

Every day most of us, who are lucky enough to be able to walk around, take thousands of steps as we plod our way through this world. It is important to be more conscious of each moment and each step. My offering to you is to be more present and mindful of each step. This is not possible for most of us BUT just raising your consciousness to considering 1-2% of your steps would be a “Step in the Right Direction.” (Sorry, for this Pun.) However, focusing on a few of the many steps you take each day can pull you in to your body and the present moment in a positive way.

As a stress management trainer and coach, I have shared a technique from Za-Zen which creates more Mindful living. It is simple and effective. If you want to attempt this technique to trigger a more mindful and relaxed life then follow this instruction a couple of times per day over a few of your busy days. First, consider your “intent” to be more mindful. Stop and take three slow deep breaths. Focus on the cool air as you inhale, then pause for a moment, and exhale fully and completely. Perhaps you can notice the warm air that you exhale. After those three breaths continue breathing slowly. Then begin walking, a bit more slowly than you normally walk. This control of your pace can assist you to get present. Now, as you walk more slowly and carefully, or “Mindfully,” feel your foot as it touches down. Does your toe hit first? Or, does your heel touch first? Roll your foot down into a complete step and repeat this for 20-30 steps. To consider 20-30 slowed steps requires a little time but can change your conscious consideration of the pace you “normally” live at.

As you practice this technique, notice how this allows you to feel. More in control of your body and your life? More present in this moment? More aware of your tight shoulders or jaw or forehead? Consider just “letting go” of judgement and allow yourself to “feel” who you are at this moment in time… This simple, but powerful, awareness technique can have profound benefit for you. Challenge yourself to give this a try and then consider how this can impact the rest of your day, your attitude toward your life, and the life that you have allowed to slip below your consciousness. You may even be amused as you watch other people as they scurry, busily through their lives. Wow, you are leaping into a consciousness that can assist you with your empathy and your “being in the moment” in a new way.

This only takes a few moments from your “busy” day. However, it will expand your control over your life and even your thoughts. Focus on a slow and more conscious breath as you stroll through your day and even find the joy of living in your present body. You are a Blessing!

Thanks for your time and consideration. Your insights and experiences are unique and a blessing, so please share these…

Good Communication: A Secret to Your Success

Posted on May 21, 2018 by admin

For good communication, STOP trying so hard to be heard! Quit telling YOUR story! Start listening and asking the right questions. Easier said than done but good communication involves using your ears more than your mouth. Why do you have two ears and only one mouth? So you can listen twice as much.

Sure you want to share your story and your wisdom and your experiences. Good communication allows for all of this and it is critical for the supportive, wisdom sharing relationship you want. However, how do you know how to put the correct emphasis on your story when you have not discovered the need or shared experience of your communication partner? Besides, talking “at” someone is not the same as speaking “with” someone. The “with” includes respecting your partner enough to listen and ask the clarifying questions where you can both learn from the subject being discussed.

Good communication involves some patience and respect which is demonstrated by NOT interrupting with YOUR story AND caring about your partner and what they are attempting to convey. If they seem to be repeating, redundant, perhaps they need to be guided and sometimes reminded that other members of the relationship would like their time to share…

We, as a culture, are often lacking with good communication skills. We need to learn them and practice. We need to start by realizing that all people we bump into are “perfect” even with their flaws and imperfections which they have brought with them in this life to “learn” from. We all have flaws. We all have lessons (challenges) to take responsibility for and then to learn from. That increased consciousness and our skills of supporting other pilgrims who we have met on the “path” is our purpose.

Besides, other people will like you and respect you more when you show them respect and really listen. Ask good questions to help your partner clarify their story. You will both be better able to learn from this shared experience. Be interested and people will find you to be interesting.

Meditation for the New Year

Posted on December 20, 2017 by admin

It is time for Meditation! The calendar tell us that we are beginning a New Year. This year will be as filled, or sadly, even more filled with turmoil and change. It is time for us to bring Wisdom, Awareness, Love and Joy to our cultures as we struggle with the impact of accelerated evolution! We can fear this evolution or we can embrace it! We can know the benefits of our struggles which will eventually lead us out of fear and into a radiant light. (Or, we can hide in our fear and let anger hold us back from our appointment with enlightenment.)

Wow, what wonderful times we live in! So many billions of us have shown up at this age of mankind to witness and participate together in the chaos which leads to awareness and then to a higher Divine Consciousness. If we get stuck dwelling in fear and anger, we will find ways to manifest this darker consciousness. If we embody Joy, and Love, and Remember our Connection to the Divine Wisdom, we can be the “Lightworkers” we came here to be! This does not mean we have to approve of all the weird behaviors we bump into. However, we must engage in the lessons which we are confronted with.

To better prepare you to bring light and love into this world, you must honor and prepare yourself. We can only take responsibility for our own actions (and reactions.) We must regularly “ground out” the judgements we make and fold our hearts around the brilliant light of peace. Yes, this is easier said than done. I will not argue with you. We can create a healing buffer to surround each of us. Not to insulate but to nurture our core where the “Joy” resides and then shines out to bask the world in the healing energy of Love!

So, our meditation can include a time to “Ground Out” and to find our balance. Breathe in slowly and fully. Pause for a moment. As you slowly exhale, imagine that you can release excess energy with the warm breath you release! On the next breath, feel the cool, soothing air as you slowly inhale. Pause and then slowly release the warm breath. Do this several times until you can join your body in the “Present Moment.” Then continue to breathe slowly in and out with an image that you are drawing in Golden White Light to Heal Yourself with every breath. As you exhale imagine that you can send this Golden White Light and this Unconditional Love and Support out to everyone in the world. Focus on those people you love and then on all the rest of the planet. It is a blessing that you give this energy unconditionally as a gift to all living things in our Universe (and beyond.) This meditation does not have to be more complicated or drawn out. Focus on Love and Joy. Look for the positive growth from every interaction. Take responsibility for what you give out to this world! Choose LOVE! When you laugh out loud, laugh like no one is watching. Embrace Joy!

By the way, the more of us who can engage in this meditation, sending out unconditional Love and Joy, the stronger this will resonate and have greater impact on Universal Consciousness Development!!!

Whether you know it or not, You are a Master. You are a Healer. Without you and your soul/spirit, the Universe can not exist. So play YOUR part! Actively give and share love. Know that your positive light shines brightly and everyone & everything is better for sensing that your unconditional love as it is radiated outward.

Remember Your Divinity! Remember the Perfection of the Spirit within YOU! Remember to enjoy these tough lessons we have come here to experience and remember that we will be better and stronger from embracing these challenges NOW rather than having to repeat this learning again in our future incarnations. When you say Namaste, LIVE Namaste! We are all in this together, joined by our Divine Spirits. See the person in front of you knowing that at a deeper level they are YOU! Help them. Serve them! Support awareness and consciousness until WE ALL reach enlightenment.

Along the way, use Meditation to find your center and then higher consciousness. Meditation is not complicated it is an attempt to be “Present” and open to Divine Wisdom. (These few words are interesting. You following through makes these words Powerful!)

Be You! Do Not Be a Victim of the Fear of Rejection!

Posted on November 9, 2017 by admin

Rejection is what our Egos have to deal with on a daily basis. This fear causes us to attempt to be the person we “think” we ought to “be” rather the person we are… We want to “fit in” and not be the target of ridicule and rejection. Our survival instincts do not want us to be “in the spotlight” and set apart from the herd.

This is so weird in a culture where we also want to stand out and to be unique! We get Tattoos and weird hairdos so we can clearly stand out in the crowd… It is hard to be both, unique and also lost in the safety of the herd. How can we be celebrated as unique and genuine when we are craving to be a part of the herd due to our ego driven fear and insecurity. I believe we would be happier and healthier if we followed our heart and expressed the deepest feelings of who we really are. This is easier said than done. In most cases, we do not even know who we really are….

Our culture has trained us to “accept fitting in.” We have been programed to think, and to be, a certain way. To consume what we see in commercials, what is on TV, and what we view in the movies. We have even given up reading the classics because they do not fit easily on our smart phones or I-Pads. (Besides we do not have time to read a good book and, at the same time, field incoming messages on our “smart (???)” devices…) We are not really supported for thinking and speaking “differently.”

In spiritual development processes, we are taught to re-connect with all other souls but to know that we, and our spiritual development path, are unique! We eventually remember that we are much greater than what our mind and ego believes in its definition of ourselves. We are more powerful, wise, and accepted (on the spiritual plane) than what our culture teaches us. We have to overcome the “teachings of limitation” because we are part of the Divine Spirit, nothing less…. We are “Perfection” even with our appearance of flaws from which we are to learn. (These imperfections, and limitations, are the lessons we came to experience.) We have challenges in life because we are on a path toward expanding our consciousness and to overcome these “petty” limitations. We are here to be a shining beacon for fellow seekers to follow as we ALL negotiate our pilgrimage to the highest possible awareness.

Fear of Rejection is a strong and difficult lesson to overcome. Fear keeps us from taking the steps into consciousness and the new journeys which can help accelerate our learning. The fear of the “Unknown” haunts us. The fear of being unaccepted is only difficult if we are hanging out with other people who fear diversity and your uniqueness. We have to get new friends… People who love and accept that we challenge what is too constricting and too “normal.” How can we learn to be our perfect selves if we feel that we must conform to what is “normal” even when this does NOT fit for us??? Our lesson is to not give in to fear and especially, the fear of rejection!

Please consider your power and your uniqueness. Know that this benefits everyone. Shine as the light you are and help to lead others to their enlightenment. Whether you know it or not, YOU are a Master! The Divine Perfection burns brightly within you. Avoid the dampening of your brilliance by unnecessary fear or the anxiety of rejection. Share YOUR story! Learn by sharing! BE THE LIGHT!

One more thing… You do not have to honor self-judgement or the judgement which leads to the feelings of rejection. If you give it power, it can beat you up. Learn to love your flaws or the errors you make as you learn. Find the Divine love within you. Be Love! Love All! Live in Love and not fear! Love is more powerful than fear…

If you are searching for community where you can be supported for who you really are AND you can support other members in their learnings, consider Masters of the Journey where YOU are a Master. You can assist other people by telling YOUR story and you will learn by sharing!

Living in Your Drama

Posted on April 12, 2017 by admin

Has life treated you unfairly? Are you willing to share how other people have taken advantage of you? Are you distracted by these past injustices? Do you want to break out of this victim status, or does it work too well for you?

If you want to take back control of your life, YOU have have to change! You have to learn to let go of the old “victim habit” AND find a way to take responsibility. Perhaps you need to hear this message… YOU have made yourself a victim! It is your thinking which creates separation and thinks that some completely unrelated person is doing (or has done) something to you. No one can do something to you without you playing your part in this relationship! This event has happened, and will probably happen again, to you as a special learning that you are needing to learn. Yes, this is your lesson in this life AND it is your partner (the perpetrator) role and lesson.

You want to beat this? Forgive and take responsibility. Learn and let go. This is so easy for me to say AND so hard (difficult) for you to hear, let alone do, because you are so emotionally attached to the “drama.” Whether you know, or believe, it, we are ALL connected and we interact to share the lessons of life. We all have our roles to play and we are here to assist each other with these learnings. Your mind, your emotions, and your ego are taught by our culture to blame other people and to separate ourselves. It is not easy to step outside your pain and to see it from the “other side.” Why did this person do this to you? They have to learn their lesson of creating their Karmic debt so they can pay back this debt at some other time or in some other life.

We do not live in a “Random Universe.” There is a reason for every interaction and your lesson is to fill the “void” with forgiveness and then Love. Your purpose is to serve by role modeling grace, acceptance, forgiveness, and Love. I DO NOT SAY THAT THIS IS EASY OR FUN! This is a challenge and that is why we showed up in this life. AND, if we do not want to return, over and over, to repeat this lesson, we need to break out of the old pattern of response and appreciate all interactions in the most loving way. You can take control! You can be the vehicle for peace and acceptance. You are LOVE! Know the Divine Perfection within you AND let it shine. You are PERFECT!

Meditation in this incarnation helps a great deal! Finding the light of the Divine Spirit within you gives new meaning to your life. Your challenges are not easy or fun, you are here to learn. (This takes work.) You are a blessing! Whether you know it or not, you are a MASTER! You have much to teach and to share! The “Divine Spirit” can not exist without YOU! Yes, you are a small but critical piece of the whole of the Divine Spirit!

It is much easier to learn this with positive support. Please consider the connection with a positive community of acceptance and you may benefit from looking at Masters of the Journey. No matter what… YOU are a blessing and the Universe needs you to learn and progress through your lessons. We will support you BUT YOU need to make the choice to take responsibility and to choose Love over fear!