Response on The Daily Love: http://thedailylove.com/contraction-or-expansion-what-kind-of-year-will-it-be-for-you/

Thank you so much! I have been trying to understand these seasons all my life. In my case, they are very extreme and are not just felt in situations, but also hit me hard physically. Thanks to what you pointed out, I am now looking back and seeing that I do maintain strength throughout each time, but, the strengths change according to the expansion and contraction - whereas before, I felt weak during the contraction, I now see I did have an ability to store, stow and learn during those times - and I also see that that has saved me and made the best use of the contracted time. It's unfortunate that general outlook, appetite, and the seize of the ego have to also be a part of the contracted time for me but I also know those are things I can bust through. If you do have more tips on how to make the best use of the contracted time and maybe even routine maintenance examples from your own life, I'm sure we would all like to hear them! :)

In response to: Contraction Or Expansion? What kind of year will it be for you?

Water crystals and Masaru Emoto - a lovely notion.

Who knows, right? Still a lovely notion. I'm just going to make the decision to believe.

I know in my own life, in my body, I am highly responsive to energy.

Not that I don't also shape energy myself - I know that I do - I know I'm equally accountable to shaping the entire situation of things as much as everyone else.

I guess what I mean is, I know that what we think and feel has a powerful effect on whatever happens, not just immediately around us, but everywhere else as well.

Let's all take a moment today to give our entire focus to an inspiring concept or even a word that we will bask in until we get that little twinge of belief starting to form, then let's take the next week to look at our lives and see that concept or word coming through!

OFFICE MASARU EMOTO

Becoming Don Juan over Cyrano.

Didn't you know - Cyrano is the alter ego of Don Juan? Don't wait in the wings. Seduce! Own yourself. Claim your life. Kick your game.

Where is karma?

In general I believe in karma as life's self-correcting tendency that I've experienced firsthand. But where is karma stored in the universe?

A prayer for light to enter into my doings.

Dear Universe, keep me in the light. Let light, love, and grace enter into every situation, along with wisdom that gives all doings an ease. Unblock me, and clear my mind of worry.

I know that at times, I've blocked that light.

Undo those past errors by letting the potential for great and tremendous goodness to rise in my life beginning now, let no past nor future feel stronger than the strength of this moment and its capacity to be changed by my heart and soul, and by everyone whose hearts are open and minds are willing to be cleared of grievance.

Give me new beginnings every second the hand on the clock advances forward. Thank you for always providing for me.

But what if we are energy sensitive?

"The great spiritual teacher Jiddu Krishnamurti was once asked the key to his happiness, to which he said, 'I don’t mind how it goes.' "

I am trying to get there! What I think doesn't always get mentioned is how to be anchored in the true Love of the world when some of us are highly empathic or energy sensitive and get swept away by the dramas of others! I know the response would be: be centered in the same inner strength and serenity that would benefit us all, but, what if someone's pain and confusion is not "outside" to us, but for some of us has a direct umbilical cord to our soul? How do I not get swept away by the emotions around me when I can feel it as palpably as electrically-charged nausea that I somehow feel invested to play a part in probing or catheterizing?

Transcend your circumstances with a daily spiritual practice! by Mastin Kipp for The Daily Love

I can paint.

YES van Gogh! Knew I could count on you for an uplift! "If you hear a voice within you say "you cannot paint", then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent van Gogh For me, this absolutely does apply painting. But, it also applies to spiritual practice!

I think we run ourselves ragged (and in this country... By choice! Really? Geeze.) We barely attempt to check in on our energy level, mood, and spirit. How much better off would we be if we could truly rest and meditate throughout the day? I was sullen all day and getting bluer and bluer until meditation class this evening. Now I feel blessed and serene, just by creating some space between my anxious thoughts. I should have closed my eyes for awhile at around 11am today,but of course I started having a headache instead. If only rather than industry we valued quality energy and contentment in this economy, motivating us to consider "lifer" careers at our companies by showing us the company has our back if we need to slow down and breathe and reflect - we just might see the excellence everyone could bring to the table. Yes, I am grumpy that we can't take nap breaks at work! :)

Response on The Daily Love: http://thedailylove.com/are-you-willing-to-pay-this-price-for-your-dreams/

Mastin, I feel totally understanding of your situation. Open hearted people are criticized a lot!

I too live with a very apparent vulnerability that I found has been polarizing to rooms of people. For every person who is ready to interact with someone who seems open minded, immediately concerned and caring, and who feels genuine admiration for just about anybody and this world (with all its faults)… I also meet people who are really turned off to me, they seem skeptical of me and second guess my intentions to be selfish ones.

I think my “skeptics” do have valid points of view, but the one great misconception is the one where I supposedly am attached to specific outcomes and “goals” with people. That’s really not the case. Life just flows through me and when it brings people into my little embankment, I become interested and enthusiastic. I am also willing to let them go back into the river! No worries!

I imagine that some of these situations might be the same for you?

Your sincerity and spark of enthusiasm being met with skepticism.

Your genuine love for people being met with a “what do you want from me?” attitude or a “what transaction is this, really?” or “what’s really going on?” sense of fear.

I find it strange that people question the sincerity of others when the reality is, everywhere I look, I see such earnest sincerity of people trying to lead their best lives.

Sincerity is abundant in the universe. Sometimes it comes with certain temporary conditions that can ring disingenuous, but it doesn’t mean nobody is trustworthy and the universe is a greedy place.

Although you seem mature and accepting of the feedback, for what it’s worth, I am still sending compassion to you.

You are trying to build something that will change the world and bring heaven to earth. As someone who feels similarly connected to the mission, I know that at times it’s so hard to feel so capable and called to the work when we get diverted, even for just a moment, by the fear state leaking in from everyone else’s junk. But you ARE called. This is your ministry.

The sad thing about the feedback you got was that this person is also hurting. He or she needs something to believe in, something true, and projected what that would look like: a serene spiritual leader who can make shifts in everyone with just a few words, who always knows exactly what to say to resonate with a large room of individuals, with uncanny abilities to transform the energy field. Someone who can talk about things without talking about themselves. Maybe that person is of a certain age. And living in Nepal.

…Of course, these are really self-sabotaging expectations. I have come across profound spiritual leaders who know nothing in a formal sense of philosophy, religion, mysticism, or even yoga. If that person who criticized you goes around making judgments, he or she may be blocking the miracle, not picking up the truth diamonds that shine when you are approaching situations freshly and receptively. You may not have perfectly resonated with him or her, but, you are a wonderful teacher regardless and that is easy to see.

Spiritual leaders are plentiful and they are those who are fired up and show up for life, eager to share, and celebrating this world’s tremendous beauty and pure potential. It’s not always going to be that old wise man under the tree.

We have to realize that the wise man under the tree and the young man in the conference hall come from the same source, and both are beautiful manifestations of the singular purpose of bringing love into the world.

We need both, because some people will go to the sycamore grove searching for a connection and some will go to a convention hall.

But even, for example, a really openhearted teenager can possess great wisdom to rival that of anyone living in a monastery – because of the true SOURCE! We all are messengers!

Keep doing you boo boo! :)

In response to: Are you willing to pay THIS price for your dreams?

Can spirituality fit into the things we already do? I think, for the most part - yes!

Being spiritual doesn't have necessarily mean you will literally be enabled to make incredible shows of otherworldly power - though life is indeed more magical and healing from those small moments when I felt attuned. I've observed that spirituality is most possible when you operate from a spiritual space in much of your doings. It is compatible with you whether you dance all night at the club or renounce all worldly pleasures. In fact, I'd rather the opportunity show compassion and presence of spirit on the dancefloor than be a recluse, because the more areas of life you can bring your soul into, the more it improves the wholeness of your life and the lives of all you touch. Plus you know I like to dance!! :)

~

ALICE GRIST: "Spirituality does not have a secret recipe that involves foreign climes or other people’s esoteric knowing. All you truly need is an open heart, a willingness to learn, a desire to examine your own self and a lot of trust in the unseen world that brings small miracles to your door. Even the most seemingly imperfect among us can rustle up these ingredients easily!

"For a third time let me say it: you are spiritual because you are spirit."

Spiritual Living for Imperfect People!