March 18, 2012
Dear Friends,
Most of the stories I hear about manifesting money have one thing in common. The storyteller usually ends up saying, “I received the exact amount of money I needed, right when I needed it!” However, that same person often goes on to ask these two questions: “But why couldn’t I have received more money than I needed? And why couldn’t I have received that money much sooner than I did?”
No matter how grateful we may be for manifesting a certain amount of money right at the time we need it, that is not what most of us really want. When it comes to a financial flow, what most of us really want is to have an excess of money show up in our lives in advance of really needing it.
So, if that’s what most of us want—and the divine flow is continually working on our behalf to help us manifest what we want—then why aren’t more of us manifesting huge financial windfalls more often? In your own life, why haven’t you won the lottery yet? Or why hasn’t that screenplay you wrote been purchased for a boatload of money? Here are four possibilities to consider:
1. Perhaps you are harboring a subconscious belief that you don’t deserve to have an abundance of money, and you are making decisions that are somehow sabotaging your ability to experience overwhelming financial prosperity.
2. Maybe you are unconsciously limiting yourself, because you are comfortable with the economic lifestyle you know, and you are afraid to venture into a lifestyle that may be completely different.
3. Perhaps the Universe knows that it would not be in your best interest to have a lot more money than you actually need right now. There are plenty of people who “come into money,” and then quickly lose it all due to outrageous overspending, risky ventures, or inadvertent financial mismanagement.
4. Maybe the flow of money in life is more subject to the laws of nature than we realize. Sure, squirrels hide nuts for the winter, and bears store up fat for their long hibernation. But overall, the creatures of this world only receive the sustenance they need as they need it. Why should we be any different?
I could delve much deeper into all of the preceding points, but that would be missing the point of this week’s message. Because the real question for you to ask yourself is not, “Why doesn’t the Universe shower me with an excess of money?” The more important question for you to ponder is, “Why do I want that?”
First of all, is money what you really want? Or is it what money can offer you, such as an experience of comfort, freedom, beauty, or adventure? Isn’t it the latter? Then that is what you should be focusing on—the experiences you want to have . . . not just the money. When you focus primarily on what it is you want to experience, any money that may be required to have that experience flows to you naturally as part of the manifestation process. And sometimes, the experience you desire is provided for you at no cost at all! It comes to you freely, as a gift from the Universe.
And what about your desire to have an excess of money? Why do you want that? Isn’t it so you can feel more secure, believing that you have a sure way to get whatever it is you want in life? Sure it is. And that’s completely understandable. The sense of security that comes from having an abundance of money is something that we all share. In truth, though, that sense of security is an illusion. There are countless people who have been financially “set for life,” only to have their fortunes completely depleted by something very unexpected happening.
Do you really want to hinge your sense of security on the amount of money you have in the bank? Or, do you want to hinge it on something greater than that? Don’t you want to base your sense of security on the True Origin of all Prosperity—that Infinite Source of Supply that we call God? Yes, that takes faith. But it is not a blind faith. It is a faith that grows out of experience. And friends, my experience has demonstrated to me—over and over and over again—that we do, indeed, live in a beneficent Universe . . . and we can count on that Universe to continually guide us to what we truly need in life.
The sense of security I feel by knowing that I live in that kind of Universe is much greater than the security I get from having a pocketful of money. But please don’t misunderstand me. I’m not saying that it is a waste of time to imagine yourself winning the lottery, or to visualize yourself making big money from a small investment. I do it. I’m just reminding you that when it comes to living life in the divine flow, your main job is not to figure out how you are going to pay for the experiences you want to have in life. Your main job is to stay focused on what those experiences are, and allow the divine flow to work out the details for fulfilling those desires.
If your dreams are particularly grand and glorious—and I do hope they are—perhaps a huge influx of cash is exactly what is called for. And perhaps it will suddenly arrive via an unexpected inheritance. But it is also possible that the Universe will help you bring your dreams to life gradually, one step at a time. Your challenge is to recognize your part of the process, and do whatever the Universe is asking you to do to bring your good into being.
No matter what your dreams or desires may be, remember to keep your eye on the prize, and let the divine flow work out the finances . . . even if that simply means being given the opportunity to do the kind of work you love doing, and getting paid for it.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
The Ultimate Lucky Charm
March 11, 2012
Dear Friends,
Saturday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, a day that brings to mind symbols of Ireland, such as the shamrock. Some people consider the shamrock to be a good luck charm, although they may be confusing it with the four-leaf clover. Nevertheless, whether it’s a shamrock, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, or a rabbit's foot, lucky charms are something that many people rely on to experience good fortune in their lives.
The way I see it, though, lucky charms are completely unnecessary. Because—for the most part—a “charmed life” is something that you can consciously create whenever you practice the principles for living life in the divine flow. It’s what occurs naturally whenever you:
• Pay attention to your intuition
• Notice signs and synchronicities, and discern their meaning
• Let go of your preconceived ideas and plans
• Release your attachment to specific outcomes
• See everything that happens as a stepping-stone to your highest good
In other words, “good luck” is the natural result of being attentive, flexible, and positive. Oh, and there’s one other thing that brings luck into your life—perhaps the most important thing of all: Loving . . . loving yourself, loving others, and treating everyone you meet with loving kindness.
And how, exactly, does love help you live a luckier life? Well, it’s just common sense that when you treat others with loving kindness, you are much more likely to experience the good fortune of their valuable assistance. But that kind of luck is simply the result of cause and effect. The true power of love goes way beyond the boomerang effect of action and reaction.
Love is the underlying power that is responsible for the experiences in our lives that we consider to be truly miraculous—a power that works its magic unrestricted by the confines of either time or space.
One single loving intention is enough to set the whole universe in motion, initiating a complex series of events that weave together in a way that no one would ever have imagined possible. It is the power of love that choreographs incredible synchronistic encounters between individuals who have similar desires of the heart, but need each other in order to manifest their dreams.
For example, an architect with a critically ill child may feel inspired to design a hospital wing for children with similar health challenges. At the very same instant, thousands of miles away, a wealthy benefactor may become inspired to finance just such a project. They both develop a “sudden desire” to vacation in New York City, where they just “happen” to encounter each other at a coffee shop. And . . . well . . . you can fill in the rest.
Love is a power that simultaneously inspires minds, ignites hearts, and orchestrates outcomes of incredible beauty. And, like I mentioned in my message for Valentine’s Day, it feels good to love! In fact, it feels so good, you may feel like you are the luckiest person in the world.
So, do you want to live a charmed life—a life of ease, grace, and incredible good fortune? Then treat everyone in your path with loving kindness, and make sure that your intentions are always loving ones. Because love, my friends, is the ultimate lucky charm.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, a day that brings to mind symbols of Ireland, such as the shamrock. Some people consider the shamrock to be a good luck charm, although they may be confusing it with the four-leaf clover. Nevertheless, whether it’s a shamrock, a four-leaf clover, a horseshoe, or a rabbit's foot, lucky charms are something that many people rely on to experience good fortune in their lives.
The way I see it, though, lucky charms are completely unnecessary. Because—for the most part—a “charmed life” is something that you can consciously create whenever you practice the principles for living life in the divine flow. It’s what occurs naturally whenever you:
• Pay attention to your intuition
• Notice signs and synchronicities, and discern their meaning
• Let go of your preconceived ideas and plans
• Release your attachment to specific outcomes
• See everything that happens as a stepping-stone to your highest good
In other words, “good luck” is the natural result of being attentive, flexible, and positive. Oh, and there’s one other thing that brings luck into your life—perhaps the most important thing of all: Loving . . . loving yourself, loving others, and treating everyone you meet with loving kindness.
And how, exactly, does love help you live a luckier life? Well, it’s just common sense that when you treat others with loving kindness, you are much more likely to experience the good fortune of their valuable assistance. But that kind of luck is simply the result of cause and effect. The true power of love goes way beyond the boomerang effect of action and reaction.
Love is the underlying power that is responsible for the experiences in our lives that we consider to be truly miraculous—a power that works its magic unrestricted by the confines of either time or space.
One single loving intention is enough to set the whole universe in motion, initiating a complex series of events that weave together in a way that no one would ever have imagined possible. It is the power of love that choreographs incredible synchronistic encounters between individuals who have similar desires of the heart, but need each other in order to manifest their dreams.
For example, an architect with a critically ill child may feel inspired to design a hospital wing for children with similar health challenges. At the very same instant, thousands of miles away, a wealthy benefactor may become inspired to finance just such a project. They both develop a “sudden desire” to vacation in New York City, where they just “happen” to encounter each other at a coffee shop. And . . . well . . . you can fill in the rest.
Love is a power that simultaneously inspires minds, ignites hearts, and orchestrates outcomes of incredible beauty. And, like I mentioned in my message for Valentine’s Day, it feels good to love! In fact, it feels so good, you may feel like you are the luckiest person in the world.
So, do you want to live a charmed life—a life of ease, grace, and incredible good fortune? Then treat everyone in your path with loving kindness, and make sure that your intentions are always loving ones. Because love, my friends, is the ultimate lucky charm.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, March 3, 2012
A Step Already Taken?
March 4, 2012
Dear Friends,
Since 2004, I have been the guest speaker at more than ninety churches in sixteen states. I have been invited to speak at five national conferences. And I have shared my message with dozens of other organizations, as well. On more than once occasion, an appreciative person has asked me if I received some kind of formal training in public speaking. The answer is no. However, fairly early in life I was encouraged to be in some amateur theater productions, which helped me get over my painfully shy nature at the time. In my career as an advertising writer, I was frequently required to present my ideas to small groups of people. And later in life, I was asked to teach an adult class at my church—which I happily did week after week for eight years.
The result of those experiences was this: Once I determined that my next right step as a spiritual author was to promote my book and its message by speaking to as many congregations and organizations as possible, that step was a virtually effortless one for me to take.
Does that mean that all of those prior experiences were divinely orchestrated to make it easier for me to be a good public speaker? That is certainly possible. All I know for sure is this: Sometimes you are already taking your next right step, and you don’t even realize it. Once in a while there are activities that you engage in—either by choice or by necessity—that turn out to be very helpful steps in the unfolding of your good. Here’s another example:
After publishing Row, Row, Row Your Boat, it was my intention to write a follow-up book. But I never felt like I had the time to sit down and do it. One day, a friend of mine asked me to email her with regular notices about my ever-changing speaking schedule. That same week, two more people requested the same thing. Sensing that this was the divine flow, I began to honor those requests. But I didn’t just send out a schedule. I decided to add an inspirational thought along with it. And thus, my weekly inspirational messages were born.
I had been sending out these messages for about six months, when someone asked me if I was going to write a second book. As usual, I replied that I would like to write a second book, but I just didn't have the time to do it. And then this person said to me, “Couldn’t your weekly messages be your second book?”
At that moment I realized two things: Not only could my messages be my second book, they would be my second book! And better yet, it was already partially written! I was already taking the step I needed to take to fulfill my desire, and I didn't even know it. And very soon, friends, you will be able to read the result of that step already taken.
The “moral” to these two stories? Simply this: If you are feeling divinely inspired to take a certain action, but it doesn’t seem to have anything to do with accomplishing a particular goal that you have in mind . . . do it anyway! You never know what it may lead to, what it may prepare you for, or how it may help you realize a dream.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Dear Friends,
Since 2004, I have been the guest speaker at more than ninety churches in sixteen states. I have been invited to speak at five national conferences. And I have shared my message with dozens of other organizations, as well. On more than once occasion, an appreciative person has asked me if I received some kind of formal training in public speaking. The answer is no. However, fairly early in life I was encouraged to be in some amateur theater productions, which helped me get over my painfully shy nature at the time. In my career as an advertising writer, I was frequently required to present my ideas to small groups of people. And later in life, I was asked to teach an adult class at my church—which I happily did week after week for eight years.
The result of those experiences was this: Once I determined that my next right step as a spiritual author was to promote my book and its message by speaking to as many congregations and organizations as possible, that step was a virtually effortless one for me to take.
Does that mean that all of those prior experiences were divinely orchestrated to make it easier for me to be a good public speaker? That is certainly possible. All I know for sure is this: Sometimes you are already taking your next right step, and you don’t even realize it. Once in a while there are activities that you engage in—either by choice or by necessity—that turn out to be very helpful steps in the unfolding of your good. Here’s another example:
After publishing Row, Row, Row Your Boat, it was my intention to write a follow-up book. But I never felt like I had the time to sit down and do it. One day, a friend of mine asked me to email her with regular notices about my ever-changing speaking schedule. That same week, two more people requested the same thing. Sensing that this was the divine flow, I began to honor those requests. But I didn’t just send out a schedule. I decided to add an inspirational thought along with it. And thus, my weekly inspirational messages were born.
I had been sending out these messages for about six months, when someone asked me if I was going to write a second book. As usual, I replied that I would like to write a second book, but I just didn't have the time to do it. And then this person said to me, “Couldn’t your weekly messages be your second book?”
At that moment I realized two things: Not only could my messages be my second book, they would be my second book! And better yet, it was already partially written! I was already taking the step I needed to take to fulfill my desire, and I didn't even know it. And very soon, friends, you will be able to read the result of that step already taken.
The “moral” to these two stories? Simply this: If you are feeling divinely inspired to take a certain action, but it doesn’t seem to have anything to do with accomplishing a particular goal that you have in mind . . . do it anyway! You never know what it may lead to, what it may prepare you for, or how it may help you realize a dream.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Creativity and The Divine Flow
February 26, 2012
Dear Friends,
As I often mention, your intuition is the most valuable, reliable, and consistent source of divine guidance that you have in life. Your intuition is your inner Spirit speaking to you. And the very best way to enhance your ability to “hear” the voice of your Spirit is through a daily practice of meditation. Meditation quiets your mind, creating gaps between your thoughts. And it is through those gaps that the wisdom of your Spirit is able to make its way into the world.
The trouble is, many people have difficulty meditating—let alone, meditating on a daily basis. Just like a fitness regimen, meditating consistently requires a fair amount of discipline, and there are many things that can disrupt a daily meditation routine, such as illness, travel, and so on.
So, the question is this: Is there anything else that you can do to enhance your ability to be open and receptive to intuitive guidance? Yes, there is. You can nurture your innate creative nature. You may not realize it, but creativity and intuition are intimately joined, because they both spring from the same ultimate Source. That Source is the Universal Mind of the Divine, and your Spirit is an individual expression of that Mind.
In other words, just as your Spirit is your direct connection to divine guidance, it is also your connection to divine ideas—the kind of insights and inspiration we call “creative.” Anything you can do to enhance your creative abilities will, at the same time, enhance your intuitive abilities.
Although some people have no problem fully expressing their creative nature, others—for a variety of reasons—are a bit inhibited in that area. If you feel that you are in the latter group, here are eight suggestions to help you elevate your creativity.
1. Identify something that needs a creative solution in your life, and stay focused on that. Perhaps there is something creative you want to write, or something creative you want to build. Maybe you need a creative way to solve a personal problem, or a creative way to handle a business issue.
2. Thoroughly contemplate your project or problem for a while. Consider any and all options, and don’t rule out anything. But then, stop thinking about it and go do something else. For a few hours, or even a few days, take your mind off of your creative pursuit. Remember that you cannot effectively “think” your way to a truly creative solution. Your goal is to create an open mental environment, so a divinely inspired idea has some room to arise in your consciousness on its own.
3. Add a little variety to your life. Meet new people. Read new books. Try new foods. Vary your daily routine. When you are open to new things coming into your life, you will also be open to new ideas and concepts occurring to you.
4. Exercise. Because of the mind and body’s close connection, exercise not only keeps the body flexible, it also keeps the mind flexible.
5. Listen to the music that inspires you the most. Whether it’s ethereal or energetic, you have probably already identified what kind of music is more conducive to your creativity.
6. Find the best place to be creative. For all of us, there are special places that just make us “feel” creative. It might be a quiet corner in a cozy room, a bench in a garden, or a hilltop that overlooks the countryside. Where is your special place?
7. Find the best time to be creative. Some people are more open to inspiration at 4 o’clock in the morning. Not me! I am at my creative best between 7 a.m. and noon. Others I know are night owls, getting their best ideas from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. What time of day do you feel especially clear-headed?
8. If possible, go to your special place at your special time daily. In my third suggestion, I said that variety enhances creativity. And it does. But when you also have a particular time and place that is devoted exclusively to creative endeavors, your mind gets conditioned to that time and place, and a more creative mind-set is automatically “triggered.”
Please understand that the above suggestions are not meant to be a replacement for a daily practice of meditation. I still consider meditation to be the most effective way of elevating your intuitive abilities. However, short of that, nurturing your creative nature is also a very good way to open yourself up to the guidance of your Spirit. And opening yourself up to divine direction is a must, if you want to live life in the divine flow and fulfill your heart’s desires effortlessly.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Dear Friends,
As I often mention, your intuition is the most valuable, reliable, and consistent source of divine guidance that you have in life. Your intuition is your inner Spirit speaking to you. And the very best way to enhance your ability to “hear” the voice of your Spirit is through a daily practice of meditation. Meditation quiets your mind, creating gaps between your thoughts. And it is through those gaps that the wisdom of your Spirit is able to make its way into the world.
The trouble is, many people have difficulty meditating—let alone, meditating on a daily basis. Just like a fitness regimen, meditating consistently requires a fair amount of discipline, and there are many things that can disrupt a daily meditation routine, such as illness, travel, and so on.
So, the question is this: Is there anything else that you can do to enhance your ability to be open and receptive to intuitive guidance? Yes, there is. You can nurture your innate creative nature. You may not realize it, but creativity and intuition are intimately joined, because they both spring from the same ultimate Source. That Source is the Universal Mind of the Divine, and your Spirit is an individual expression of that Mind.
In other words, just as your Spirit is your direct connection to divine guidance, it is also your connection to divine ideas—the kind of insights and inspiration we call “creative.” Anything you can do to enhance your creative abilities will, at the same time, enhance your intuitive abilities.
Although some people have no problem fully expressing their creative nature, others—for a variety of reasons—are a bit inhibited in that area. If you feel that you are in the latter group, here are eight suggestions to help you elevate your creativity.
1. Identify something that needs a creative solution in your life, and stay focused on that. Perhaps there is something creative you want to write, or something creative you want to build. Maybe you need a creative way to solve a personal problem, or a creative way to handle a business issue.
2. Thoroughly contemplate your project or problem for a while. Consider any and all options, and don’t rule out anything. But then, stop thinking about it and go do something else. For a few hours, or even a few days, take your mind off of your creative pursuit. Remember that you cannot effectively “think” your way to a truly creative solution. Your goal is to create an open mental environment, so a divinely inspired idea has some room to arise in your consciousness on its own.
3. Add a little variety to your life. Meet new people. Read new books. Try new foods. Vary your daily routine. When you are open to new things coming into your life, you will also be open to new ideas and concepts occurring to you.
4. Exercise. Because of the mind and body’s close connection, exercise not only keeps the body flexible, it also keeps the mind flexible.
5. Listen to the music that inspires you the most. Whether it’s ethereal or energetic, you have probably already identified what kind of music is more conducive to your creativity.
6. Find the best place to be creative. For all of us, there are special places that just make us “feel” creative. It might be a quiet corner in a cozy room, a bench in a garden, or a hilltop that overlooks the countryside. Where is your special place?
7. Find the best time to be creative. Some people are more open to inspiration at 4 o’clock in the morning. Not me! I am at my creative best between 7 a.m. and noon. Others I know are night owls, getting their best ideas from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. What time of day do you feel especially clear-headed?
8. If possible, go to your special place at your special time daily. In my third suggestion, I said that variety enhances creativity. And it does. But when you also have a particular time and place that is devoted exclusively to creative endeavors, your mind gets conditioned to that time and place, and a more creative mind-set is automatically “triggered.”
Please understand that the above suggestions are not meant to be a replacement for a daily practice of meditation. I still consider meditation to be the most effective way of elevating your intuitive abilities. However, short of that, nurturing your creative nature is also a very good way to open yourself up to the guidance of your Spirit. And opening yourself up to divine direction is a must, if you want to live life in the divine flow and fulfill your heart’s desires effortlessly.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The Pleasures of Life
February 19, 2012
Dear Friends,
One of the first big hits by Sting—the world-famous singer and songwriter—was centered around this lyric: “We are spirits in the material world.” Recently, I got to see a great example of that.
I was in Dallas, Texas, for the first birthday of my second grandson, Tanner. If you want to actually see Spirit, just look into the eyes of a young child. The divine light that comes shining through those eyes is unmistakable. And what fun it is to watch that Spirit enjoying the material world it finds itself in.
My birthday gift to Tanner was a small Native American drum from Sedona. Tanner immediately began to bang on that drum with relish. You could feel his excitement grow with each and every beat. And the expression on his face seemed to say, “Listen to the sound I can make! Listen! Listen!”
Tanner’s unabashed enthusiasm reminded me of the time I watched a little four-year-old girl dancing to some music being played by a street musician in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What was particularly interesting about this child was the way she “observed herself” as she danced. She would look at her arms and she waved them in the air. She would look at her feet as she shuffled them across the ground. And she would look at her waist as she swiveled her hips around and around.
I felt like I was witnessing that little girl’s soul—her divine eternal Spirit—being fully aware of its presence in this physical world, and consciously enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer. “Look, I have a body!” “Look, I can move it all around!”
So, you may ask, what does all this have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: Always remember that your enjoyment of life has very little to do with reaching the chosen destinations that you are “rowing” toward.
Sure, fulfilling a desire or realizing a dream feels great! But that is just the icing on the cake. The real, deep-down enjoyment of life comes from allowing yourself to appreciate the entire journey, and all the wonderful things that journey presents to you along the way.
As you pursue your goals in life, be sure to pause for a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a tiny flower, and the majesty of a mighty tree. Notice the refreshing feel of a cool, spring breeze . . . the pure, clean scent of approaching rain . . . and the sound of a bird as it sings its splendid song.
Remember that living life in the divine flow is not just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about how you live as you row. Don’t forget to take the time to laugh, sing, play, and read . . . to eat your favorite foods . . . to dance to your favorite music . . . and, if you are so inclined, to bang on a drum.
Make sure that you allow your Spirit to do what it really came here to do in the first place—just to enjoy the experience of being alive and in the world!
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Dear Friends,
One of the first big hits by Sting—the world-famous singer and songwriter—was centered around this lyric: “We are spirits in the material world.” Recently, I got to see a great example of that.
I was in Dallas, Texas, for the first birthday of my second grandson, Tanner. If you want to actually see Spirit, just look into the eyes of a young child. The divine light that comes shining through those eyes is unmistakable. And what fun it is to watch that Spirit enjoying the material world it finds itself in.
My birthday gift to Tanner was a small Native American drum from Sedona. Tanner immediately began to bang on that drum with relish. You could feel his excitement grow with each and every beat. And the expression on his face seemed to say, “Listen to the sound I can make! Listen! Listen!”
Tanner’s unabashed enthusiasm reminded me of the time I watched a little four-year-old girl dancing to some music being played by a street musician in Albuquerque, New Mexico. What was particularly interesting about this child was the way she “observed herself” as she danced. She would look at her arms and she waved them in the air. She would look at her feet as she shuffled them across the ground. And she would look at her waist as she swiveled her hips around and around.
I felt like I was witnessing that little girl’s soul—her divine eternal Spirit—being fully aware of its presence in this physical world, and consciously enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer. “Look, I have a body!” “Look, I can move it all around!”
So, you may ask, what does all this have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: Always remember that your enjoyment of life has very little to do with reaching the chosen destinations that you are “rowing” toward.
Sure, fulfilling a desire or realizing a dream feels great! But that is just the icing on the cake. The real, deep-down enjoyment of life comes from allowing yourself to appreciate the entire journey, and all the wonderful things that journey presents to you along the way.
As you pursue your goals in life, be sure to pause for a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a tiny flower, and the majesty of a mighty tree. Notice the refreshing feel of a cool, spring breeze . . . the pure, clean scent of approaching rain . . . and the sound of a bird as it sings its splendid song.
Remember that living life in the divine flow is not just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about how you live as you row. Don’t forget to take the time to laugh, sing, play, and read . . . to eat your favorite foods . . . to dance to your favorite music . . . and, if you are so inclined, to bang on a drum.
Make sure that you allow your Spirit to do what it really came here to do in the first place—just to enjoy the experience of being alive and in the world!
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Saturday, February 11, 2012
The Beauty of Blind Love
February 12, 2012
Dear Friends,
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, the day we make a conscious effort to express our love and appreciation to the people in our lives whom we dearly cherish.
For the most part, the kind of love being celebrated on this special day is “romantic” love. And one of the characteristics of “romantic” love—at least in the beginning—is that this kind of love is “blind.” We literally don’t see the physical flaws and personality quirks in the beloved. He or she looks perfect to us.
But is that really being blind? Or is that seeing as we are truly meant to see—as that Universal Presence we call God, sees? As we grow in our spiritual understanding, aren’t we called to see beyond appearances? Aren’t we called to see beneath the physical, and look past the behavior? Aren’t we called to see the true beauty and the radiant innocence of the Spirit that lies within each person? Aren’t we called to see his or her inner perfection?
If that’s being blind, fine! Give me some dark glasses and a cane! Because there is nothing that feels as good as truly loving. There is nothing that feels as good as recognizing the inherent goodness of another’s soul, and allowing yourself to bask in that glorious light.
So what does this have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: When you love as God loves, and see as God sees, it won’t make any difference where you are along the course of “the stream.” It won’t make any difference whether you are just about to reach your dream, or whether you are still miles away from it.
When you love without limits you are happy right where you are, wherever you are. And, in the end—all goals and dreams aside—isn’t happiness all you really want out of life? Isn’t happiness all you’ve been trying to get out of life . . . all along?
Well then, here’s to “blind” love! And here’s to having a lovingly happy day, every day!
Steven
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© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Dear Friends,
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, the day we make a conscious effort to express our love and appreciation to the people in our lives whom we dearly cherish.
For the most part, the kind of love being celebrated on this special day is “romantic” love. And one of the characteristics of “romantic” love—at least in the beginning—is that this kind of love is “blind.” We literally don’t see the physical flaws and personality quirks in the beloved. He or she looks perfect to us.
But is that really being blind? Or is that seeing as we are truly meant to see—as that Universal Presence we call God, sees? As we grow in our spiritual understanding, aren’t we called to see beyond appearances? Aren’t we called to see beneath the physical, and look past the behavior? Aren’t we called to see the true beauty and the radiant innocence of the Spirit that lies within each person? Aren’t we called to see his or her inner perfection?
If that’s being blind, fine! Give me some dark glasses and a cane! Because there is nothing that feels as good as truly loving. There is nothing that feels as good as recognizing the inherent goodness of another’s soul, and allowing yourself to bask in that glorious light.
So what does this have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: When you love as God loves, and see as God sees, it won’t make any difference where you are along the course of “the stream.” It won’t make any difference whether you are just about to reach your dream, or whether you are still miles away from it.
When you love without limits you are happy right where you are, wherever you are. And, in the end—all goals and dreams aside—isn’t happiness all you really want out of life? Isn’t happiness all you’ve been trying to get out of life . . . all along?
Well then, here’s to “blind” love! And here’s to having a lovingly happy day, every day!
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Thursday, February 2, 2012
On Health and Healing
February 5, 2012
Dear Friends,
In my last message, I wrote about the therapeutic effect of non-resistance, and how it is possible to reduce the severity of any pain that you may be experiencing by allowing yourself to feel your pain just as it is . . . instead of resisting it. Sometimes, it is your resistance to pain that causes it to increase in intensity and become unbearable.
However—as I pointed out at the end of that message—non-resistance may lessen the severity of your pain, but it might not eliminate it altogether, or remove its cause. This is especially true with a serious physical condition. And that is why I also recommend seeking the assistance of a certified health professional. That said, though, is there anything that you—yourself—can do to help heal a physical problem at its source? Yes, there is. Here are three suggestions:
First, affirm in your mind what you Know to be True in your heart: that your body is already at work to cure your illness or repair your injury. Remember that your body is continually in the healing mode, and—within certain limits—it is a very powerful healer all by itself. The main thing that slows down that natural healing process is stress. When you consciously affirm the healing power of your body—and are grateful for that—the peace and comfort you feel helps ease the tension within your body, and creates a relaxed environment that is more conducive to healing.
Second, enhance your body’s healing response through the power of visualization. A number of years ago, I created a visualization that continues to be particularly effective for me. In a light state of meditation, I picture my True Body as a Body of Light—a translucent, three-dimensional, “spiritual blueprint” of my body. Then I imagine my material body continually attempting to match that spiritual blueprint—removing what is not on the blueprint, and restoring what is on it. Don’t underestimate the power of visualization. I once developed a small cyst on my thumb, and a much larger one on my scalp. But both completely disappeared in a matter of weeks when I spent some time each morning visualizing the healing process I just described.
Finally, make sure that you are being completely open and receptive to divine guidance—the kind of guidance that may lead you to something else that is essential for your healing. Through divine signs, synchronicities, or people who appear in your path, you may be divinely directed to a specific health professional, or guided to a particular kind of medicinal herb. Or, through your own intuitive sense, you may become aware of some other way that you can directly promote your recovery, such as changing your diet or revising your exercise regimen. Remember, though, if you want to be truly open and receptive to divine counsel, it necessary to maintain a present and positive state of mind . . . and, yes, that can be somewhat of a challenge—especially if your illness or injury is particularly distracting or disturbing.
Regardless of how you are divinely guided in your healing—whether you are directed to consult a traditional medical specialist, led to a homeopathic healer or an acupuncturist, inspired to alter your diet, or guided to pursue any combination of these things and more—keep in mind that every health challenge can offer you some kind of gift. Your illness or injury may help you live a more balanced life by reminding you of what is truly important in this world. Or, it may simply serve to renew your appreciation for the gift of good health. Whatever challenge you face, I invite you to look for the blessing in it.
Here’s to your health, your healing, and your wholeness.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
Dear Friends,
In my last message, I wrote about the therapeutic effect of non-resistance, and how it is possible to reduce the severity of any pain that you may be experiencing by allowing yourself to feel your pain just as it is . . . instead of resisting it. Sometimes, it is your resistance to pain that causes it to increase in intensity and become unbearable.
However—as I pointed out at the end of that message—non-resistance may lessen the severity of your pain, but it might not eliminate it altogether, or remove its cause. This is especially true with a serious physical condition. And that is why I also recommend seeking the assistance of a certified health professional. That said, though, is there anything that you—yourself—can do to help heal a physical problem at its source? Yes, there is. Here are three suggestions:
First, affirm in your mind what you Know to be True in your heart: that your body is already at work to cure your illness or repair your injury. Remember that your body is continually in the healing mode, and—within certain limits—it is a very powerful healer all by itself. The main thing that slows down that natural healing process is stress. When you consciously affirm the healing power of your body—and are grateful for that—the peace and comfort you feel helps ease the tension within your body, and creates a relaxed environment that is more conducive to healing.
Second, enhance your body’s healing response through the power of visualization. A number of years ago, I created a visualization that continues to be particularly effective for me. In a light state of meditation, I picture my True Body as a Body of Light—a translucent, three-dimensional, “spiritual blueprint” of my body. Then I imagine my material body continually attempting to match that spiritual blueprint—removing what is not on the blueprint, and restoring what is on it. Don’t underestimate the power of visualization. I once developed a small cyst on my thumb, and a much larger one on my scalp. But both completely disappeared in a matter of weeks when I spent some time each morning visualizing the healing process I just described.
Finally, make sure that you are being completely open and receptive to divine guidance—the kind of guidance that may lead you to something else that is essential for your healing. Through divine signs, synchronicities, or people who appear in your path, you may be divinely directed to a specific health professional, or guided to a particular kind of medicinal herb. Or, through your own intuitive sense, you may become aware of some other way that you can directly promote your recovery, such as changing your diet or revising your exercise regimen. Remember, though, if you want to be truly open and receptive to divine counsel, it necessary to maintain a present and positive state of mind . . . and, yes, that can be somewhat of a challenge—especially if your illness or injury is particularly distracting or disturbing.
Regardless of how you are divinely guided in your healing—whether you are directed to consult a traditional medical specialist, led to a homeopathic healer or an acupuncturist, inspired to alter your diet, or guided to pursue any combination of these things and more—keep in mind that every health challenge can offer you some kind of gift. Your illness or injury may help you live a more balanced life by reminding you of what is truly important in this world. Or, it may simply serve to renew your appreciation for the gift of good health. Whatever challenge you face, I invite you to look for the blessing in it.
Here’s to your health, your healing, and your wholeness.
Steven
Share
© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC
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