|
As the year draws to a close and a new one looms on the horizon, we were guided, for the purpose of this writing, to reflect a bit upon the greater “truths” of life. It has been said that truth is relative; that truth shifts and changes with time and geography. We don’t doubt this notion to be true, but it also seems apparent to us that there are certain “Truths” - life principles - that are sourced in higher spiritual understanding.
Our personal journeys have revealed to us that such truths are real and timeless, and, when cultivated, can form the basis of an extraordinary way of life - one completely sourced in the Spirit. They are truths that align us with the universal spiritual values of peace, kindness, generosity, love, and more. We’d like to offer a sampling of these truths for your consideration. We invite you to reflect upon them for yourself and see if your life experience validates their potency. We believe that these truths, well lived, will enable us to serve as enlightened beings in a world that desperately needs our illumination.
Cultivate your relationship with your true self
This is the launching-off place for living in an enlightened manner. It is crucial, at some point in our life journey, that we engage in the “work of self.” We begin by asking ourselves some meaningful questions: “How am I living? Am I happy? Do I really like the person that I am?” For if we are not intrinsically happy with ourselves, we will never be happy with anyone or anything, because everything we experience is only an extension of ourselves. It is essential that we spend precious time with ourselves, exploring our barriers, removing the masks that hide our truest self. And, as we are able to do so, we’ll begin to disengage from our false self (our ego) and live in the world as the grand and glorious creatures we are meant to be.
Know yourself as the divine being you are
Are you aware that you are a divinely sourced being? Or, do you believe you are an ego personality? Perhaps both? Consider that the ego may simply be a masterful tool (actually a Spirit-given gift) that can help us become aware of and tap into our truest, divine self. By becoming consciously aware of our ego and how it operates in the physical world, we open ourselves to the highest version of us that we can be. We engage in this process not to perfect ourselves - to be the best ego personality (and human being) that we can be, but to rise above our worldly programming to re-connect with our divine nature and Source. Exploring our ego can deliver us to the shores of compassion and loving kindness for ourselves and others.
|
|
Go within yourself to seek the answers
How do we find the answers to our burning life questions? Who do we listen to? Parents, friends, and coworkers? It is true that good advice can be found in sources outside of ourselves, but the wisest counselor lies within. Our deepest wisdom originates in the Divine, of which we are a part. Going within, through meditation, prayer, or reflection enables us to tap into this eternal source of inspiration, guidance, and comfort. Unfortunately, we often negate this inner wisdom, certain that someone or something outside ourselves can surely guide us more effectively. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because we are of Spirit, its wisdom is accessible to us. Our wisdom, properly interpreted, is God’s own wisdom.
Honor and live your truth
By getting in touch with our truest selves, we begin to have an understanding that we are not spiritual travelers in certain situations - while in “sacred” places, or in church, or temple. Our spiritual lives are not out there somewhere, but in every breath we take, every step we make. Our spiritual lives are not separate from ourselves; they are ourselves. We best honor ourselves by being the “Truth of who we are” in each and every area of our lives. This means being authentic in our intentions, thoughts, and deeds with everyone about everything.
There is nothing to journey toward
Often we view ourselves as incomplete, tragically flawed, and in need of redemption - or at least a major overhaul. We can choose to strive to perfect our ego/personality, or we can settle into the inherent perfection that already exists within us. All aspects of ourselves - the light and the dark of us - reside within us for the purpose of being illuminated. There is nothing “wrong” with us. The purpose of life is not to be perfect (to be the best human being we can be), but to recognize our innate goodness, worth, and ability to live in a sacred manner. There is nothing to journey toward. Life is simply to be lived – fully - as it comes.
The circumstances of life always bring gifts
Every scenario in life, whether it be joyful or devastating, will bring us to the next greatest version of ourselves. No matter how challenging life may seem, it is through these challenges that we will discover who we really are. Through whichever doorway we walk (though, in that moment it might seem that we have chosen the wrong door or path), it is perfect for us and our growth at this time. There is no such thing as a detour. Behind every door is an endowment, a remembering of who we can be, a recognition of our divine self, just waiting for us to welcome it in. There are no wrong turns, only forward movement to a greater understanding of life and the Divine.
Love prevails; Love always wins
There is a grand scheme to things, a higher purpose, at work in the world, and it is made manifest through you and me, through all of us, and the actions we choose. Our human understanding cannot possibly grasp the enormity of this divine plan, so trust is in order. If Love is the source, the origin of this schema, then Love will prevail. What comes from Love will outsource itself in Love as well. Though it may not appear to our human senses that good (Love) will triumph, there is no other possible outcome. Spirit does not work to diminish or defeat us; Spirit naturally desires our enhancement, because we are from it. Like a parent does for its beloved child, the Divine desires only the best for us in all situations. Love is the answer and the outcome - always.
Living these truths as best we can, minute-by-minute, day-by-day, will enable us to live as the divine, human beings we were meant to be - to live with peace, love, and joy at our core. Never doubt that it is our birthright and our destiny to do so.
Brad and Jan Lundy are the authors of Perfect Love: How to Find Yours and Make It Last Forever. Brad is a spiritual mentor. Jan is an interfaith spiritual director and the author of Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, available in bookstores nationwide, at amazon.com, or at www. awakenedliving.com. Contact them at info@enjoyperfectlove.com |
