Going Solo

"It is easy to stand with the crowd.

It takes courage to stand alone."

Mahatma Gandhi

We become exhausted while trying to hold the world up alone. Extending our emotional or financial resources without collaboration, the inevitable happens ... we run dry. If we are continuously over giving, perhaps it is time to review our motives. Do we not believe we can gain what we need by simply being ourselves?

In the spiritual sense, we may be overdoing our generosity subconsciously hoping to be revered or to save another soul. The best way, perhaps, to help others is by simply being ourselves in the presence of their challenge. People will only learn and change when they are ready to do so, regardless of our overextending.

If we disengage from the maddening crowds that no longer inspire, we can better ourselves by going solo. Whether it is a change in relationship or profession, a designated weekend retreat will heal and restore. One must find the courage to stand alone in sacred space to reinvest in the personal journey of the sacred soul. 

 

Without Permission

"Nobody can hurt me without my permission."

Mahatma Gandhi

When we are open to all of our feelings without judgment, they can be addressed and released before they become an emotional upheaval. If we are aware of our inner thoughts, it is easier to monitor and redirect our moods. Listening closely, we can pause and ask if what we are thinking is true or is fear having its way.

Whether we are facing disapproval or rejection, awareness assists in maintaining alignment. If we have stumbled or been less than what is desired, there may be change in our outwardly behaviors. But deep inside, we remain powerful. We have inner strength to recognize needed improvement without devaluing our entire being.

Rather than thinking of failure, reframe with words like mistakes and lessons. It is also necessary to recognize when someone else is falsely projecting misinformation. When we experience pain, reevaluate the situation, explore personal motivation, and decipher truth especially in matters of the heart.

Future Based On Present

 

"The future depends on what we do in the present."

Mahatma Gandhi

The importance of self nurturing spans over every element of life. When we prioritize feeding the body, mind and soul with positivity, we are more likely to experience a higher quality of life. Energy will be heightened, enabling us to be a better participant, recipient, and benefactor. 

With a stronger sense of self, we move through life with greater ease and clarity. We will not avoid challenges, but we will meet them head on with curiosity and creative solutions. Every aspect becomes a purposeful learning tool, Our bodies become stronger as does our mental health.

We begin to discern what needs to be eliminated or increased whether in regard to people, places or things. Determining what exactly supports us and what actions sabotage our efforts increases our clarity as to what patterns need to be removed. Realizing we have choice, accelerates our progress.

Whispers in Our Heart

"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered

by the still small voice of conscience."

Mahatma Gandhi

As adults, we can still hear the demanding voice of our inner child.  It can trigger melt downs, erratic behaviors, selfish endeavors and inaccurate realities. There is an additional voice, however, that has accompanied individuals throughout time ... the voice of conscience.  

The silent voice within can be called many things:  God, Universe, Spirit, Angels or Moral Code.  The name does not matter, but paying attention does.  As children it may have been warning us of "Stranger Danger" and in later years presenting a moral compass. Achieving adulthood, it whispers to us in languages often not spoken.

My inner voice has battled fear which creates chaos and spins me so fast I can no longer hear.  My rigid thinking quickly squelches inspiration.  Patient is the presence of encouraging words, waiting for my hearing to recalibrate.  I have discovered the good news!  The inner voice is passionatley heard when we hear it through our heart. 

Unspoken Sacred Language

 "It is better in prayer to have a heart without words 

than words without a heart."

Mahatma Gandhi

Words can expand and contract while taking on different meanings.  The meaning can be greatly reduced or significantly thickened.  Depending upon the use of sarcasm one word can be meant in a positive vein or harshly meant in the negative.  Even the pronunciation of a word can change from one geographical local to another.  The English language is one of the most difficult to learn based on literal exceptions.

While reading, our mind does not always intuit the appropriate emphasis. "The man ran this way."  Does this information give us a direction of exit or a physical description like an impairment or disability?  If we are simply listening, we may not be able to distinguish between two words sounding the same, but meaning two opposite things.  "The detective looked down at the body, saying only, 'prey' and the young novice dropped down to his knees to pray."

Life often calls to us to explain the impossible.  We may search  our hearts only to find them unexpectedly void of anything audible except for incessant wailing.  No matter how hard we try, nothing takes form, and our hearts are empty of prayer.  With these empty hearts, we stand before the Divine waiting for the unspoken sacred language of love for healing and forgiveness.