Imperfect Perfection

To love another human in all of her

splendor and imperfect perfection,

it is a magnificent task ...

tremendous and foolish and human.

Louise Erdrich

The Last Report On The Miracles At Little No Horse

In Alan Cohen's wonderful book, A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, Daily Inspiration for Heart-Centered Living, I came upon a discussion of perfection versus imperfection, and it brought a new perspective to me.  Alan Cohen described a man finding fault with everyone and everything, always pointing out what was needed to be improved.  This man claimed to be a perfectionist.  Then a woman was described as being in massive traffic congestion.   She was praising fellow drivers for cooperating and working together when there was a challenge.  The contrast between this man and woman illustrates the difference between a man passing himself off as a perfectionist and a woman who simply looked for good in every situation. 

As we are all imperfect, how much better it would be for everyone if we just accepted imperfection and automatically looked for the good.  When we acknowledge the good in some one, it strengthens confidence and increases the desire to do even better. 

We are all children of Divine Spirit, so we each hold within an authentic 'self' bringing a particular gift or talent into Divine Spirit's world.  How much more fun life would be if we were curious of people we meet instead of judgmental.  We could create a party atmosphere asking each other, "What did you get?"  Instead of criticizing we could be discovering the talent or gift of the other person.

Divine Spirit, Universe, or God is within all of us.  Life can be so much more fulfilling if we anticipated the goodness to be discovered in each other.  We would treat each other more kindly and join efforts in creating a peaceful community for work or play.  Rather than being competitive with each other, we could admire the strengths of those we meet.

Killing the Messenger

Everyone we meet serves us.  Some help us by bringing us peace and joy;  others help us by challenging us to find clarity within ourselves.  Let us honor both our friends and foes as teachers who lead us to greater power and truth.  ~ Alan Cohen


Friendships have always been a vital part of my life and friends are the treasures deepening my wealth.  Their messages have been accompanied by love, encouragement, and support. 

Then there are the other messengers who have dealt me a harsh blow, whose behavior I will never condone, and yet, forgiveness must be extended.  These messages have been better understood with the passing of time, even if the pain has not yet subsided.

If we are to believe we are all one and at the end of life the most difficult teachers will be revealed as those loving us the most, won't we all have to readjust our thinking!  How different our assessments will be. 

In the meantime, we can be more mindful of how we share messages with others.  We can make a point, even if angry, by using a normal speaking voice.  If our message is unpleasant, we can still choose to use a kind voice. 

Let us try to be kind to all messengers, both friend and foe.  Seek the lesson in what is delivered without killing the messenger!



"It is in the giving that we receive"

I am a promise.

I am a possibility.

I am a great big bundle of potentiality.

Children's Song

Looking for a little spiritual support, I pulled out COMPANIONS OF THE HEART by one of my very favorite authors, Alan Cohen.  As I usually do, I opened the book up to a random page.  The quotation was in reference to overflowing like water falls.  In my less than uplifting mood, this concept of having so much spirit within us we can pool over onto others, just caused me to feel even more empty.

I then randomly turned to a different section entirely.  There was a quote from the BEATLES about what goes around comes around.  This section didn't seem to speak to me at all, so I moved on.

Finding myself in the Letting Go chapter, there was a quote from St Francis:  "It is in the giving that we receive."  These words immediately brought my daughter to mind.  Not so long ago, she willingly came to my side, offering generous emotional, physical, financial and spiritual support.  She gave without anticipation or expectation of any personal return.  How thankful and grateful I am to have such unconditional love and support in my life.

My thoughts became happy in acknowledging that indeed she is being reimbursed handsomely for her efforts.  This unexpected turn of events arrives in a very timely manner as her home has just sold and she looks for another.  In her effortlessly giving, she is now effortlessly receiving!

Now smiling and feeling totally uplifted for the first time today, I turn to the next page and an envelope falls out.  I recognize the envelope as being mine, but what in the world is in it?  I peek inside finding ten twenty dollar bills!  My laughter cannot be curtailed!  I am 'overflowing';  what has "gone around" now comes back around;  and in giving we receive! 

Don't Be A Robot!

Decide to make your life what you want it to be.  No one else can decide for you, and certainly no one else can do it for you.  Your decisions will line up life in the way that you choose it.

DECISIONS

Alan Cohen

There was a time in my life when I believed saying 'yes' was the most acceptable response, and saying 'no' was the most disapproved response you could offer.  I am embarrassed to say I was in my late twenties when I read in a book both yes and no were of equal value.  I had never considered this before.

Being a 'people pleaser' I sought out the answer I thought people wanted which usually meant agreement.  Yes was affirming and no was negating. Thereafter, I learned to become more comfortable replying no, but I would include a lengthy explanation defending my answer.  In time, it became more easy to just say no. 

The difference, of course, is looking for the answer within our selves and basing our response on what brings alignment to our situation.  It is respecting our selves and honest decisions increase our self-confidence.  Precise decision making improves relationships as well.  Clear responses help others understand who we are and what we expect. 

The better we know our selves, the easier it is to make decisions.   If we never pay any attention to what we think or believe, our inconsistent answers confuse others.  When we begin to think through our hearts rather than anticipating what others expect, our lives become easier and remain focused.

So to polish up on our decision making, we can stay in touch with our inner feelings as we respond to mundane questions.  Answer honestly based on how you truly feel.  Paper or plastic?  Coffee or tea?  Seriously, let's not be robots!  Pause and think of what we want our response to truly be and be aware of personal preferences.

It is very important to remain flexible.  What we agree to today may change as we gather more information along the way.  It is not a sign of weakness to change your decision, but rather an act of strength.  When we neglect to make a decision at all, in many ways the decision is made without us and we may appear and feel to be weak.

According to Alan Cohen there are times when it is in our best interest to reserve decision making, but with resolution not procrastination.   He says there is often times wisdom in allowing a period of time to pass before drawing a conclusion. When we are comfortable making incidental decisions, we are better prepared in responding to the greater questions.  We are in better sync with our inner feelings and our responses will be more heartfelt and accurate.

A Personal Fortress

Each of us in our own way, has constructed a personal fortress to protect our self from the harsh world into which we found ourselves thrown.  To survive, we prostituted ourselves in some way.  We sold out on who we are and denied what we are here to do.  We made compromises with our integrity, said yes when we meant to say no, and gave ourselves in ways that demeaned our sacred gifts.  Some of us even came to believe that defense and denial were all that life was about, leaving us to wonder why we are even here.

Meanwhile the tender child within us lives.  The innocent, trusting being has survived all of the holocausts, and rests secure in a harbor untouchable by the winds of outer change.  The child did not die;  she or he just took refuge until it was safe to come out again.  Place that child in an environment of trust and love, and watch it come to life.  There is no greater joy than to reclaim the tendersness of innocence.

I HAD IT ALL THE TIME
Alan Cohen



For some who read this, tears will be shed while others may only feel a slight resonance to the meaning of these words.  Nevertheless, we are all called to lay down our sword and to remove our armor.  It is time.  It is time to let the past go. 

We all have an inner child in need of nurturing.  We can talk to that child who was once left unprotected and affirm now as an adult, we will personally protect and unconditionally love her or him.  Something we could not do earlier in our lives. 

During creative visualization, incredible work has been done. Documentation reflects there are those who find their inner child to be very vocal and angry to have been ignored for so long.  Some people have seen themselves interacting with their inner child: rocking in a chair, reading stories, or singing to soothe frayed nerves.  One woman visualized giving her inner child a cleansing bath and then taking her outside to play in the sunshine after being hidden within for so long.  Another brought their inner self into a garden of vibrant flowers allowing the child to pick a bouquet.

Hindsight provides all types of wisdom, but in the present moment we simply did not have this knowledge or we would have acted entirely different. There is a saying I find to be very healing. You did the best you could do at the time with the information you had.

In life, there seems to be either good or poor choices and sometimes the good choices turn out to be mediocre and questionable choice may turn out to be a stoke of genius.  How do we ever know?

It is hard to lay down your armor and sword after being a warrior in life, but it is a wise and worthy choice.  It is frightening to stand without protection as vulnerability is most uncomfortable.  Take some deep breaths and welcome life in.  Step out of the fortress and create your heart's desire!

Get Over Your Self ...

Walk toward the door that is opening,

rather than clawing at the one

that is closing.

I HAD IT ALL THE TIME

Alan Cohen

Frequently, I have pondered the disconnect between being born with an incredible sense of my spiritual self, and then forgetting it all while becoming focused only on my physical self.  A child has wonderment, insight, and wisdom with deep appreciation for nature, only to be trapped in a materialistic world.

Alan Cohen is one of my most favorite authors.  He has written numerous books and they all seem to speak to me.   In his writing of I HAD IT ALL THE TIME, he discussed the shift from the spiritual self to the physical self in childhood.  It was all so obvious once I read his reflections and blended them with other insights.

Prior to this incarnation, we are spiritual beings with the Divine, the Universe, Spirit or whatever deity is foremost in your belief system. This spiritual being is the 'self' and a portion of this self takes form in this material existence on earth. While on earth, self plays many roles and wears a variety of masks, but behind it all, it is still the 'self'.  We are not our personalities nor are we the images projected on to others.  The self is still part of the spiritual being.

Once we have taken physical form, our language begins to reprogram who we really are, causing us to forget our spiritual identity.  Our caretakers frequently phrase comments in terms of the physical.  They might say, "What have you done to your self? Did you burn your self? Don't touch your self!"  What would have been more accurate is "What have you done to your arm or leg or body? Did you burn your hand? Don't touch your body!"  Can you sense the difference? Slowly we shift away from being a spiritual self into identifying with our physical body as self. Splitting hairs you may think, but I disagree.

"Get over your self," is a popular phrase, but it is impossible to do so.  You will always be self in the spiritual sense.  It is the ego that you need to get over. Your ego is not the self, but the many masks and projections that have been created in the physical.  It is all of the parts causing you to feel fraudulent.

Our physical bodies need to be nourished, nurtured, and cared for as they are our vehicles on this earth.  Our bodies host our spiritual self while experiencing a physical experience.   Our true self is love, energy, and light.  This is the story of old passed down through centuries and revered by many cultures. 

It may be time for you to close the door on what no longer reflects your true nature.  Turn to the opening door offering new beginnings.  Move towards the light or the sacredness that can be found in this life.  

Your true nature or your true self resides behind the life we create. Your true spiritual self is sacred loving kindness and so much more.

No Longer Separated, but Joined

Life was never meant to be a struggle.

~Stuart Wilde

We become very powerful emotionally when we open our hearts to all things present.  Using acceptance and compassion to embrace any given moment creates a depth that grounds our spirit.  As we move forward in manifesting our lives, we serve others along the way.

How we honor our selves and the manner in which we respect others determines how we navigate through relationships.  Do we travel with fear, unworthiness, and guilt or with joy, beauty, and acceptance?

Alan Cohen, author of A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, states:

Our relationships are our primary means of emotional support;  we join and bond to empower each other to be strong, powerful, and great.  Our primary relationship is the place where we need to give and receive the most nourishment and respect.  Make your primary relationship a refuge where you can come to be healed and nourished.

We can strive to treat others as we would have them treat us.  The honor and respect we extend to others will then be returned to us.  We can speak not with the intention to be 'right', but with the intention to heal. 

Let us all aim for peace amongst ourselves, no longer feeling separated, but joined.

Inventory of Relationships

The kaleidoscope of colour

which is my life ,

Shows the interesting choices

I've made along the way.

Antie Koekie

This morning I read "Our relationships were meant to bring us joy and empowerment." (A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE by Alan Cohen).  I began to explore the truth in this statement within my relationships.

As a "people person"  I have a variety of relationships and as I evaluate them, I find that some weigh me down or stress me out whereas others nurture and stimulate me.  I realize that some need to be gently wrapped up, given closure, and safely stored away.  Others need to be reopened, restored and appreciated while still others just need forgiveness and release.  My inventory of relationships feels heavy and in need of attention.

This exploration of relationships makes me realize how inconsistently I give of myself.  It seems I have it in reverse ... giving more or trying harder in areas that perhaps deserve less and not having as much time for those that deserve my full attention.

I realize the need to bring integrity into my exchanges rather than anxiety with a 'lesser than' attitude.  I need to speak up and express myself honestly rather than hiding or feeling too vulnerable.  All disingenuous conversations drain me whereas

speaking my truth with respect towards others empowers me.

There is no need for manipulation or power plays.  I just need to let interactions unfold in a natural way as long as I honor myself in the process.  I must look deeply into the heart of the other to see how I can best serve without giving myself away. 

Dismantle Our Illusions

The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,

but he who conquers that fear.

NELSON MANDELA

We all experience fear, but we do not necessarily experience the same fear.  One person may fear flying in an airplane while another fears dogs, so there is not a constant in the fear ... meaning it is not factual or we would all have the same reaction.

In A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, author Alan Cohen states "One of our missions in life is to discover what holds us back from being ourselves and dismantle our illusions."

This author suggests they we bring to mind someone who does not share our fear and visualize them handling the same situation with ease and peace.  The

next time you are feeling fearful, duplicate similar behavior of confidence and calm. 

Alan Cohen suggests that we ask our self this question:

"If I were not afraid, I would ....

• ________________
• ________________
• ________________
• ________________

Go ahead!  Make a list and see just how much fear limits us from experiencing life fully.  Take the risk and face each situation with peace discovering the illusion of fear.

The Timing of the Fall ...

An apple falls from the tree when it is ripe;

there is no way it can continue to stay on the branch. In the same way, there is no way your blessings can be separated from you if you affirm in your gut, "Yes, I accept." 

A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE

Alan Cohen

Divine Spirit continuously offers opportunities, blessings, and gifts, but we are some times so busy creating struggles in life that we miss the outreaching of all that is Holy.  Our ego gets in the way; our agendas do not allow time to just sit in the presence of Spirit; we are not awake to the magic in life that surrounds us.

Life can turn to bliss when we allow the Divine to be our day planner.  When is the last time you welcomed the Divine Spirit into your life?  Extend an invitation and be aware of the glowing reciprocation!

Behind the Wheel ...

I will not allow myself to be

less than

I am

to meet anyone's expectations!

terri st cloud

bonesigharts.com

In dream time, a vehicle represents your 'self'.  It is important to know who is sitting behind the wheel.  If in a dream, you are in your car, but sitting in the back seat, the passenger seat or any other place other than the driver's seat, there is something wrong.  You need to ask your self, "Who is steering my life?" 

I once had a dream that I was in the trunk of my car and I could see my car was filled with people.  I remember shouting to them that I had 'hoped' to get up front one time soon.  Not good at all!

Alan Cohen writes:  "Behind the smiles, charm, and bravado of many famous and admired people, there lies emptiness and pain.  It is only when there is a tragedy such as a suicide, a violent crime, or a painful divorce that their inner life becomes obvious to the world."

If your dreams indicate that your vehicle is sliding across ice, or traveling at high speeds out of control, you are most definitely smiling on the outside and in despair within.  Share this 'double life' with a trusted friend or seek professional help. 

We all deserve to be sitting behind our own steering wheel enjoying beautiful scenery on balanced tires.  It is imperative that we feel safe in our own lives and must strive to bring our inner life into alignment with our outer life. 

You are a spiritual being with unique gifts and talents that contribute to our world.  Do not allow anyone to make you feel small or to minimize the importance of your existence.  Love your self entirely becoming a light for others. 

The Pure Joy Of Living

"When you are authentic,

you proceed from the

deepest place of empowerment

within you, and your words and actions

bear the most effective results.

When you do not act authentically,

you are not effective

because you are moving from

a place of fear or emptiness.

A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE

Alan Cohen

We enter this world unblemished, bringing a gift that no one else bears.  Our culture does not always celebrate our uniqueness, but rather grooms us for sameness.  The innocence of childhood empowers us, but in time it is worn away and replaced with a need to become like others.  This need creates a void that can be easily filled with fear and doubt.

The word power means to have control over, but it also refers to the personal power over the self.  If we are fortunate enough to be raised with loving and supportive peers, we will be proud of who we are maintaining our personal sense of self or power.  If we have grown up without personal recognition, however, our need to control or have external power increases. We then grow away from our inner core, taking on an incongruent identity. 

When we project a false image of our self, we attract relationships that are not in alignment with who we really are on the inside.  Acting out of fear or emptiness, we are not operating from a position of strength. 

Learning who we are or who we are meant to be can become a life time journey.  As we travel roads out into the world, we must also travel the paths leading within to remain connected to wholeness.

By being in touch with our inner desires and dreams,  people are not as apt to have control over us.  The need for approval is met through our own efforts and is not dependent upon outside gratification.

The pure joy of living is created by the enjoyment of who we truly are and through appreciation for the original work we bring into the world.  Acceptance and praise received from others is important, but if we do not first validate our self, we do not readily believe in the affirmations of others. 

Wholeness For Half?

In exchange for the promise of security, many people put a barrier between themselves and the adventures in consciousness that could put a whole new light on their personal lives.  -June Singer




Alan Cohen, author of A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, mentions that love songs in our culture keep us small and needy.  They do not celebrate the joining of two complete individuals, but rather a desperate outreach for someone to rescue us from loneliness or some other lost love.  There does not seem to be any recognition of what each evolved person brings to the table, but rather how two individuals are joining in hopes of becoming one.

Alan Cohen shares:

Good relationships are built on two individuals walking side by side to the light.  The other person is not the object of our happiness, but a partner in adventure.  We do not need these other people, but we can certainly enjoy them.  They do not have the power to give or take away our good, but they can add depth, color, beauty, reward, and delight to our life.  We love them not because they rescue us from the abomination we are,  but because they remind us of how beautiful we are. 

Women have the tendency to give too much of themselves away, meeting the needs of many, and ignoring their own personal needs.   It is good to give to others, to reach out and nurture, but we need to be nurtured in return.  If we continue with our out pouring of love and affection without being replenished, we will run dry.

Compromise is certainly a part of the relationship equation, but not if it means that we must reduce our self to being half and not remain whole.  In definition, the word compromise indicates that each side gives way to some extent.  It is in reference to time and space striving for balance, not in jeopardizing our values or character. 

"Perhaps that is why so many of us have had difficulty maintaining our whole self in a relationship, how can we remember who we are when we trade our wholeness for half?" asks Alan Cohen.

Partners in relationship support each other in body, mind, and spirit during good times and challenges.  Genuine interest in each other and each other's endeavors is displayed.  Honest and open communication is present at all times.  As a partner, a contribution is made in laughter, praise, and adventure.  Joined at the hip? No.  Individual interests? Yes.  The presence of respect? Always.  Embracing diversity?  On going.

Relationships are how we learn our lessons.   Whether the relationship is to our self or to others, success depends upon the quality of time and healthy effort invested into the relationship. 

 True friendship can occur only among equals.

Plato

Learning Through Relationships

  When men and women are able to respect and accept  
  their differences then love has a chance to blossom.
                                      John Gray

  Ideally, couples need three lives; one for him, one for
 her and one for them together.
                                Jacqueline Bisset


Gary Zukav is the author of a wonderful book entitled, THE SEAT OF THE SOUL.  Although published in 1998 the book continues to trigger insight into human beings evolving into a more multi-sensory experience that not only enhances authentic power, but impacts the collective experience as well.

Each chapter of THE SEAT OF THE SOUL is filled with information to be digested slowly.  It is not a quick read by any means as it covers a variety of subjects that deserve attention.  At this time, however, I center my thoughts on his writings about relationship.

At one time, a relationship was established for security, shelter, protection and procreation.  Gary Zukav discusses spiritual partnerships as being just as committed, but with emphasis on individual spiritual journey or personal growth.  He suggests that spiritually, we desire the very best for our partner who is on his or her own journey bringing a richness to the partnership as well as to the collective consciousness.  In doing this, however, by supporting the desires of our partner, it may mean that either partner may be called in a different direction through the process of further spiritual development. Ideally, each partner can continue to support and celebrate the transformation of the other, but at times, one partner may be left behind.

So how do we react when we are the partner who is left behind?  Gary Zukav understands that we do not 'react', but rather, we 'respond'.  In truly loving and supporting the significant people in our lives, we must be holding their highest desire in our hearts.  We are called to encourage and embrace change without the drama of emotions such as anger or self-pity.  This is no easy task.

In A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, author Alan Cohen states:  "Even when we do something foolish or unkind, we may be participating in a plan that ultimately serves everyone involved.  In retrospect, even those who tried to hurt us ultimately contributed to our healing.  If we are better off after an adventure, we can thank everyone involved, no matter what part they played in the drama.

"Trust that good things can come out of an apparent mistake. The big picture reveals that love is always present."

This attitude indeed requires a stretch of our emotions and understandings.  The question is not "Why did this happen to me?"  This question places us in the role of the victim.  The question needs to be, "What is the lesson for me to learn?"  This inquiry eliminates the emotional drama and propells us forward with understanding and empowerment.

The only constant in life is change and rarely do we have the vision to grasp the larger picture.  If at an earlier age my entire life flashed before my eyes, I feel quite certain that I would have been overwhelmed.  I sense that I would have said, "No thank you" believing that I would not have the tools to navigate through the challenges that I would encounter on a dark and shadowed path.  

So I have gathered bits and pieces as I have traveled through my life.  Individually, many circumstances did not make sense, but later, when coupled with other events, a picture begins to take form.  There are patterns, cycles, and the never ending spiral as we continue to learn through relationships.  Step by step, day by day, I strive to stay present in the moment ... it isn't always easy.



Having New Eyes

The real voyage of discovery

consists not in seeking new landscapes

but in having new eyes.

                                   Marcel Proust

My morning routine consists of coffee, reading both Alan Cohen and Mark Nepo, journaling, and yoga, but rarely in the same order.  This morning as I gathered my books to read, I couldn't find my glasses.  I wear them every day, and keep a 'back up' pair by the computer, bedside, and in the car.

This morning, Alan Cohen refers to a woman reading a metaphysical book about physical challenges stemming from inner decisions we make.  "Vision is related to our willingness (or resistance) to see what is happening in our life."  

Mr. Cohen encourages the reader to ask the question, "When I first began to need glasses, what was happening in my life that I did not want to see?"
He shares that "many people began to wear glasses when their parents were getting divorced, or they were feeling abused by family or friends, or they faced a life trauma. I began to wear eyeglasses when I was bullied by several boys in elementary school, and felt unprotected."

I journaled about my first experience wearing not only glasses but a patch on my eye in elementary school...talk about hiding and not wanting to see! The doctor said I had a 'lazy' eye.  Although my memory is vague, I believe I wore those red plaid little glasses (still in my possession safely in their case) for less than a year.  They certainly must represent something to me!  When I turned 40 years old, my perfect 20/20 vision diminished and it was only then that I began to use 'readers'.

Alan Cohen states:
"Our physical body is always sending us messages about what it is happening with our spirit.  Just as we shut down on seeing or hearing when we don't want to see or hear what's happening in our physical world, we can restore our health by making a new decision to see and hear through God's eyes and ears."

Over the years, I have read numerous books on the subject of the connectedness between the body, mind and spirit.  If you feel like exploring this area, here are some books, although there are so many others, that would be helpful:

POSITIVE IMAGING 
by Norman Vincent Peale

THE POWER OF THE MIND TO HEAL
by Joan Borysekno

CREATIVE VISUALIZATION
by Shakti Gawain

THE PATH OF TRANSFORMATION
by Shakti Gawain

I do believe that I will experiment by wearing my glasses less, exploring God's perfection that surrounds me.  At the very least, I will further my journaling using questions to trigger my memory of the events surrounding my decisions.  I hope you do too!




  

Too Far To Turn Back ...

A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE by Alan Cohen
Do not let fear tempt you to return to a condition you have outgrown.  You have come too far to turn back now.  Keep moving step by step and day by day, and miracles will meet you to take you to the other side.


                                               **********************************


The discovery of how to contain fear would be worthy of praise.  Could fear be contained in a jar on the counter or a special wallet attached to a belt or in a wall safe securing fear inside?  How different life would be with the absence of fear.

Fear is not factual, of course.  It is nothing but an emotion to be stepped through, to discover what awaits on the other side.  I knew a woman who visualized a special vacuum with an attached hose that sucked all of the fear out of her home.  The practice of using the imaginary vacuum hose calmed her spirits.  She claimed that the hose would not only remove fear, but would also eliminate disappointments, anxieties, and worries lounging in the air.   hmmmm...if Dyson only knew!

To move forward in life without being hampered by fear, build a foundation combining strengths with dreams.  Focus on desired aspects in life being both thankful and grateful even before arrival.  Recite affirmations throughout the day to balance any negativity.  Tend to the body by using some method of exercise or stretching that releases stress regularly. Support aspirations through reading, researching, and meeting with like minded people.  Be artistic using painting, photography, sketching or journaling. 

When all of these ideas are drawn together, there is very little room for fear of moving forward.  Life remains more balanced and the pathway to a fuller life unfolds, one step at a time.

Ho'oponopono Method

The Island of Maui

EXCERPTED FROM the InnerSelf.com article:
Ho’oponopo: Healing by Restoring Balance
by Alan Cohen 

The ho’oponopono method is quite simple, and you can gain its benefits from even a simple understanding of it: The world you see is nothing more or less than the projection of your thoughts about it. No one outside you is doing anything to you, for you, or against you other than what you are doing to yourself. Shift your vision of that person or situation, and the person or situation will shift in accordance with your vision of them or it.

Take the person or situation into mind and heart, and say, for example: “I accept responsibility for creating my experience of you by way of how I have thought about you. I now wish to change my experience by changing the version of you I am holding in my mind. I now choose to see you as loving, wise, healthy, and kind. I recognize your higher, better, and whole self. I see this situation as working out to everyone’s well being and benefit.”

The words you use are less important than the intention you hold. When you accept one hundred percent responsibility for setting the situation up as it has been, you gain one hundred percent of the power to create an outcome that works for you and everyone involved. It’s as simple as that. As Dr. Hew Len said in his lecture, “I wish I could make it more complicated. But that’s just how simple it is.”

Honoring the Angels

 Help me to respect children

as whole and wise beings.

Through them I will remember

my own innocence.

Alan Cohen

Excerpt from A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE by Alan Cohen:

When a child is born in Bali, its feet are not allowed to touch the earth for the first 105 days of life.  The Balinese regard their children as angels from heaven, and they do not want them to be shocked by contact with the heaviness of the world.  Every Balinese child is constantly held until almost four months of age.  Then, a colorful ceremony is held at which the child's feet are placed upon the earth, with prayers and blessings.

In our culture, we need to remember to honor our children as spiritual beings.  We all come from heaven, and the transition to earth is not easy for anyone.  We must give our children the opportunity to retain their spiritual identity for as long as possible.

Many children are extremely psychic and spiritual, as you may have been.  They voice the wisdom of old and wise souls; some report memories of past lives, talk to invisible friends, play with nature spirits, have premonitions, and recount contact with departed relatives.  Many are quite sensitive to the energies in their environment, feeling touched and healed by loving people and events, and jarred by violence in thought or deed.

We must give our children the best possible atmosphere in which to start their journey.  Let them be spiritual beings for as long as they choose; do not force them to trade their heritage for our cultural idea of education.  The best gift we can give our children is to draw forth that which they already are. 

 (All above content from A BREATH OF LIFE by Alan Cohen)

Overcoming Challenge ...

Keep your faith in beautiful things;

in the sun when it is hidden,

in the Spring when it is gone.

Roy R. Gibson

In his book, A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE, Alan Cohen discusses how to turn an unfortunate

situation into a tool to be used for better opportunity.  He states, "Consider the possibility that even though someone may seem to mean an act for evil, God means it for good."

Alan Cohen reminds us of the biblical story of Joseph, the favored son, who was left in a desert to die by his jealous brothers.  A caravan rescues Joseph and brings him to Egypt where he becomes a spiritual advisor to the Pharaoh.

As the story unfolds, the brothers are thrown at the mercy of their successful brother begging for forgiveness.  Joseph replied, "Not necessary.  You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good."  If he had remained at home with his family, he too would be begging as a result of the famine.

"When life hands us challenges or abuses," writes Alan Cohen, "it may actually be moving us into a position where we gain greater good than if the incidents had not happened."

During a presentation at a seminar, I asked participants to draw a line horizontally across a piece of paper.  Then I requested lines to be drawn down from that line like diagramming a sentence.  On these lines hanging down from the original line, the audience was instructed to record difficult challenges in their life. 

When completed, they were asked to draw lines upwards or vertically from the original line for recording the happy events in their life. 

The last instruction was to review the incidents both above and below the line.   Then a star was to be placed by every event that became a turning point or a dramatic change in life.

It was always interesting to discover the majority of stars were recorded beneath the line amongst the challenges.  We tend to learn more through challenges than through happy events.

Mr. Cohen reports, "In a Gallup Poll, 87 percent of those questioned stated that their most challenging experiences turned out to be among the most helpful."

So consider, if you will, the challenge you are facing ... whether it be not getting in the college of your choice, or not being offered the job of your choosing, or breaking an engagement, or forced into retirement ... might be a stepping stone to something much more rewarding.  Perhaps, only in hindsight will the benefit stand out clearly. 

Discover how to shift your misfortune into an opportunity that will enrich your life.  You must do your part.   

Alan Cohen's prayer for the day:

     "I pray to use Your vision today.  Remove

     any sense of smallness and victimization

     from my heart, and help me make my

     experiences work on my behalf."

Compliments and Criticisms ...

A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE
by Alan Cohen

Many of us have difficulty accepting compliments because we subconsciously believe that we are not worthy of them.  A compliment triggers our discomfort of believing that if the complimenters knew the truth about us, they would find the contrary.  We do not recognize the the person who compliments us is closer to the truth than we are.



It is much easier for me to receive criticism than it is to receive a compliment.  I have been aware of this for quite some time.  In an attempt to improve my reaction when someone offered a compliment, I forced myself  to promptly reply with a smile saying "Why thank you!"  Then I would hurriedly change the subject, disliking the attention that had been brought upon me.  

Alan Cohen suggests that we "Practice letting compliments in.  Instead of firing off a polite 'Thank you,' take a breath and a moment to let the gift seep in; this will energize you and bless the giver."

So now I try to insert a pause before a response.  I attempt to embrace the compliment by allowing it to flow over me.  Then in returning kindness, I extend a pleasant comment back to the complimenter.  For me, this creates a balance where I can be more comfortable.