July 27, 2008
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about those occasional times when the flow seems unbearably slow—when nothing “seems” to be happening, and you do not clearly sense what your next right step is. My suggestion was to simply enjoy the break, and allow the divine flow some time to work its magic.
One reader in Oklahoma (who described herself as “Ms. Whirlwind USA”) found my message to be particularly timely, and she wondered if it was a divine sign for her to slow down, relax, and just enjoy “the still, calm waters” that she appeared to be in.
Was it, indeed, a divine sign? Most assuredly! Because, within just a few short hours of writing to me, she experienced three synchronistic events that all pointed toward the exact same thing.
First, she drove by a billboard at a church that read, “It’s Summer—A Time To Relax And Spend Time With God.”
Then, a friend called her and asked, “Why do you feel that you always have to be busy? Why not just relax and enjoy the quiet time?”
And finally, she received an email from her daughter inviting her to come over for a night or two and just relax.
Could the message for this woman have been any clearer? And what a perfect example of the way that we receive divine guidance!
You see, the divine rarely speaks to you in one single way, one single time. When you are truly being guided by the divine, you are likely to receive multiple messages that all point in the same direction.
You may hear the still, small voice of your intuition, and then have it confirmed by an article you see in a magazine, or by something a stranger tells you. You may read something particularly inspirational, and then have it confirmed by a song you hear, or by a sign you see on the highway.
I call this kind of corroborating evidence “Divine Confirmation.” And what a relief it is, because it means that you get more than one chance to receive the message.
So, my friends, do you sense that there is a step that you are being divinely guided to take (or not take), but you’re not absolutely positive about it yet? That’s okay! Just wait!
If there is something that you are meant to know—really meant to know—it will become obvious soon enough. You just have to keep paying attention.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
When The Flow Seems Slow
Please note: The following message is one that I wrote less than a year ago. I am already repeating it because, frankly, I need to hear it again . . . and I'm sure that many of you will welcome the reminder, as well.
July 20, 2008
Dear Friends,
Most of the time, I can sense the divine flow in my life quite easily. I notice a steady stream of signs and synchronicities—as well as intuitive nudges—that are all pointing me in one particular direction. And when I head in that direction, I feel like I am in a quickly moving current that is helping me get where I want to go with effortless ease.
Often, I experience unexpected twists and turns along the way. But those surprising detours will quickly transform into stepping stones to a higher good, so I can easily see the divine flow at work in those circumstances, as well.
Whether the flow takes a direct route, or a more circuitous one, some kind of divine movement in my life is usually fairly obvious. And I can generally discern what I am being divinely directed to do to cooperate with that movement.
But not always.
Occasionally, I experience periods in my life where it feels like the flow is hardly moving at all, leaving me in still waters for days or weeks on end with no clear guidance or direction. I do not see any signs, or experience any meaningful coincidences. Doors are not opening. And I simply don't know what my next right step is.
Those are the occasions that test my patience the most. Like most people, I always feel like there is something I should be doing to bring me one step closer to my chosen destinations in life. And doing nothing feels uncomfortable. But one of the first lessons I ever learned about living life in the divine flow is this one: Doing nothing is doing something . . . and quite often that is exactly what is called for.
Sometimes, your job is just to wait patiently while the divine flow works its magic. Yes, you may be waiting quite a while. But it won't be forever. Eventually, clear guidance will come. Your next divinely directed step will appear. And helpful doors will open. And when that happens, there is a good chance that you will be able to see the perfect timing in it all.
If you feel like you are truly open and receptive to divine direction, and yet the flow in your life seems to have slowed down dramatically, I suggest that you simply enjoy the break. Take care of all the little details in life that are calling for your attention. Enjoy the time that you have been given to partake of life's many simple pleasures. And take advantage of this opportunity to just "be."
Don't worry about how slow the flow may seem. The current will pick up soon enough.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
July 20, 2008
Dear Friends,
Most of the time, I can sense the divine flow in my life quite easily. I notice a steady stream of signs and synchronicities—as well as intuitive nudges—that are all pointing me in one particular direction. And when I head in that direction, I feel like I am in a quickly moving current that is helping me get where I want to go with effortless ease.
Often, I experience unexpected twists and turns along the way. But those surprising detours will quickly transform into stepping stones to a higher good, so I can easily see the divine flow at work in those circumstances, as well.
Whether the flow takes a direct route, or a more circuitous one, some kind of divine movement in my life is usually fairly obvious. And I can generally discern what I am being divinely directed to do to cooperate with that movement.
But not always.
Occasionally, I experience periods in my life where it feels like the flow is hardly moving at all, leaving me in still waters for days or weeks on end with no clear guidance or direction. I do not see any signs, or experience any meaningful coincidences. Doors are not opening. And I simply don't know what my next right step is.
Those are the occasions that test my patience the most. Like most people, I always feel like there is something I should be doing to bring me one step closer to my chosen destinations in life. And doing nothing feels uncomfortable. But one of the first lessons I ever learned about living life in the divine flow is this one: Doing nothing is doing something . . . and quite often that is exactly what is called for.
Sometimes, your job is just to wait patiently while the divine flow works its magic. Yes, you may be waiting quite a while. But it won't be forever. Eventually, clear guidance will come. Your next divinely directed step will appear. And helpful doors will open. And when that happens, there is a good chance that you will be able to see the perfect timing in it all.
If you feel like you are truly open and receptive to divine direction, and yet the flow in your life seems to have slowed down dramatically, I suggest that you simply enjoy the break. Take care of all the little details in life that are calling for your attention. Enjoy the time that you have been given to partake of life's many simple pleasures. And take advantage of this opportunity to just "be."
Don't worry about how slow the flow may seem. The current will pick up soon enough.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Quick Decisions
July 13, 2008
Dear Friends,
Earlier this year, a reader from Australia wrote to me with the following question and comments:
"Steve, could you please tell me what you think is the best way to choose between two or more equally good options, when you don't have much time to think about it, and you need to make a quick decision? I know that if I have a week or more, I can just leave a problem on the 'back-burner' of my mind, and a perfect solution will usually arise out of the blue. One time, for example, I was contemplating buying a run-down house that needed a huge amount of work, and then I saw a billboard that had these four words printed on it in big, blue letters: ‘You can do better!’ I took that as a divine sign. When I don't have much time, though, I find myself weighing all the pros and cons, and getting so stressed out that my mind freezes up and I just can't think about it anymore. How can I avoid getting stuck like that?"
Friends, since this is an issue that we all face---especially with the countless number of small decisions that we have to make on a daily basis---I thought it would be helpful for me to share with all of you an enhanced version of my reply:
"Dear Reader . . . first of all, I commend you for the way you generally go about making decisions. When you stated that 'time' usually solves your issue, with an answer arising 'out of the blue,' that is exactly what I tell my workshop participants. We often receive divine guidance through signs and synchronicities, and it helps to be patient and give those divine signposts some time to show up. In fact, over time you might receive so many similar messages that the answer you seek is absolutely unmistakable.
When you don't have much time, however, what then?
You may be surprised to know that---as a perfectionist---I also tend to weigh all the pros and cons to help me make the "perfect" decision. But that thought process doesn't always prove helpful.
That's when I do something that it sounds like you are not doing: I get quiet, go within, and try to gauge my 'feelings' about my options. This is a subtle art that requires some practice, but these days I can quickly tell the difference between a path that 'feels' good/peaceful/flowing, versus one that doesn't 'feel' as desirable. This is my divine intuition speaking to me through my feelings (instead of my mind, because it is too busy thinking!).
From your note, dear reader, it sounds like you may be spending too much time in your head, instead of trying to access the wisdom of your heart . . . that divinely insightful part of you that speaks to you through intuition nudges. You are trying to "think quickly," when thinking is actually part of the problem! It is much quicker to get in touch with the guidance of your intuition, which is immediately available to you, and more reliable, too.
I suggest that you focus on nurturing your intuitive abilities, and learning how to distinguish between that subtle feeling that says 'yes, do this,' versus that subtle feeling that says, 'no, this is not the ideal course of action.'
If you have trouble with this, I recommend a daily routine of meditation in the morning, which helps you stay more in touch with your intuitive nature throughout the day.
Finally, please remember this: When the deadline has arrived, and you have to make a decision, but you are still not confident about what your best course of action is, make any decision and don't worry about it!
It is comforting to remember that the divine flow can take whatever decision you make, and ultimately transform that decision into a beneficial choice . . . as long as you remain open to your divine guidance and continue to follow its direction from that point on. As I often say, 'Everything can be a stepping stone to your highest good . . . if you want it to be.'
Thank you for your question, dear reader. I hope my answer was helpful to you."
. . . and friends, I hope you found my reply to be of value, as well.
Blessings!
Steven
P.S. For more information about intuition, I recommend a book called Divine Intuition. You will find it on the Helpful Links page of my website. For more information about the form of meditation that I personally practice, I invite you to visit www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
Earlier this year, a reader from Australia wrote to me with the following question and comments:
"Steve, could you please tell me what you think is the best way to choose between two or more equally good options, when you don't have much time to think about it, and you need to make a quick decision? I know that if I have a week or more, I can just leave a problem on the 'back-burner' of my mind, and a perfect solution will usually arise out of the blue. One time, for example, I was contemplating buying a run-down house that needed a huge amount of work, and then I saw a billboard that had these four words printed on it in big, blue letters: ‘You can do better!’ I took that as a divine sign. When I don't have much time, though, I find myself weighing all the pros and cons, and getting so stressed out that my mind freezes up and I just can't think about it anymore. How can I avoid getting stuck like that?"
Friends, since this is an issue that we all face---especially with the countless number of small decisions that we have to make on a daily basis---I thought it would be helpful for me to share with all of you an enhanced version of my reply:
"Dear Reader . . . first of all, I commend you for the way you generally go about making decisions. When you stated that 'time' usually solves your issue, with an answer arising 'out of the blue,' that is exactly what I tell my workshop participants. We often receive divine guidance through signs and synchronicities, and it helps to be patient and give those divine signposts some time to show up. In fact, over time you might receive so many similar messages that the answer you seek is absolutely unmistakable.
When you don't have much time, however, what then?
You may be surprised to know that---as a perfectionist---I also tend to weigh all the pros and cons to help me make the "perfect" decision. But that thought process doesn't always prove helpful.
That's when I do something that it sounds like you are not doing: I get quiet, go within, and try to gauge my 'feelings' about my options. This is a subtle art that requires some practice, but these days I can quickly tell the difference between a path that 'feels' good/peaceful/flowing, versus one that doesn't 'feel' as desirable. This is my divine intuition speaking to me through my feelings (instead of my mind, because it is too busy thinking!).
From your note, dear reader, it sounds like you may be spending too much time in your head, instead of trying to access the wisdom of your heart . . . that divinely insightful part of you that speaks to you through intuition nudges. You are trying to "think quickly," when thinking is actually part of the problem! It is much quicker to get in touch with the guidance of your intuition, which is immediately available to you, and more reliable, too.
I suggest that you focus on nurturing your intuitive abilities, and learning how to distinguish between that subtle feeling that says 'yes, do this,' versus that subtle feeling that says, 'no, this is not the ideal course of action.'
If you have trouble with this, I recommend a daily routine of meditation in the morning, which helps you stay more in touch with your intuitive nature throughout the day.
Finally, please remember this: When the deadline has arrived, and you have to make a decision, but you are still not confident about what your best course of action is, make any decision and don't worry about it!
It is comforting to remember that the divine flow can take whatever decision you make, and ultimately transform that decision into a beneficial choice . . . as long as you remain open to your divine guidance and continue to follow its direction from that point on. As I often say, 'Everything can be a stepping stone to your highest good . . . if you want it to be.'
Thank you for your question, dear reader. I hope my answer was helpful to you."
. . . and friends, I hope you found my reply to be of value, as well.
Blessings!
Steven
P.S. For more information about intuition, I recommend a book called Divine Intuition. You will find it on the Helpful Links page of my website. For more information about the form of meditation that I personally practice, I invite you to visit www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Possibility of Good
July 6, 2008
Dear Friends,
Many of you (if not most of you) have probably heard one or more versions of the following story . . . supposedly a Zen fable:
There was once a wise old farmer who owned a prize horse. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came over to offer their condolences. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "Maybe," was all the farmer replied. A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "Maybe," replied the old man again. The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors offered their sympathy, saying "How awful." "Maybe," answered the farmer one more time. The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son of the farmer had a broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors once again congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “What good fortune,” they said. The farmer replied yet again, “Maybe.”
I appreciate this story for one reason in particular. It illustrates the fact that we rarely, if ever, know enough to be able to accurately judge any circumstance as either good or bad. With all due respect to the farmer in this famous fable, however, I wonder if there isn’t a more positive way to respond to the circumstances that we encounter in life.
I realize that the farmer’s response was objective and non-resistant. And that certainly elicits a feeling of peace, which is wonderful. But to me, the farmer’s “maybe so, maybe not” attitude eliminates the possibility of feeling anything beyond peace . . . such as joy. And I believe that our spirits are in this world—and in these bodies—to experience happiness and joy, as well as peace.
If something happens that I think is good (even though I know it is just a subjective judgment on my part), I want to be able to experience all the good feelings that come along with that. And when things don’t seem to be going very well, I still want to experience good feelings! So how do I do that?
The answer is something that I have been mentioning in my messages a lot lately. I simply look at every situation that “appears” to be bad, and see it as a stepping stone to my highest good. That’s not just wishful thinking on my part. Similar to the circumstances described in the fable, it has been my experience time and time again that the possibility for good exists within every situation . . . and the divine flow is continually working on my behalf to manifest that good.
If you want a more positive and uplifting way to respond to life’s circumstances—a way that promotes feelings of happiness and joy, gratitude and thanksgiving—then I invite you to approach life differently than the farmer did in the version of the fable that you just read. I invite you, instead, to consider the example set by the farmer is this alternate version of the story:
There was once a wise old farmer who owned a prize horse. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came over to offer their condolences. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "I believe there can be good in this," the farmer replied. A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "Yes, it is good," replied the old man. The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors offered their sympathy, saying "How awful.” “I believe there can be good in this," answered the farmer one more time. The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son of the farmer had a broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors once again congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “What good fortune,” they said. "Yes, life is good," the farmer replied. “Very good indeed!”
Here’s to thoroughly enjoying all the good things that happen in life . . . and even more than that . . . here’s to appreciating the constant possibility of good.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
Many of you (if not most of you) have probably heard one or more versions of the following story . . . supposedly a Zen fable:
There was once a wise old farmer who owned a prize horse. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came over to offer their condolences. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "Maybe," was all the farmer replied. A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "Maybe," replied the old man again. The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors offered their sympathy, saying "How awful." "Maybe," answered the farmer one more time. The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son of the farmer had a broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors once again congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “What good fortune,” they said. The farmer replied yet again, “Maybe.”
I appreciate this story for one reason in particular. It illustrates the fact that we rarely, if ever, know enough to be able to accurately judge any circumstance as either good or bad. With all due respect to the farmer in this famous fable, however, I wonder if there isn’t a more positive way to respond to the circumstances that we encounter in life.
I realize that the farmer’s response was objective and non-resistant. And that certainly elicits a feeling of peace, which is wonderful. But to me, the farmer’s “maybe so, maybe not” attitude eliminates the possibility of feeling anything beyond peace . . . such as joy. And I believe that our spirits are in this world—and in these bodies—to experience happiness and joy, as well as peace.
If something happens that I think is good (even though I know it is just a subjective judgment on my part), I want to be able to experience all the good feelings that come along with that. And when things don’t seem to be going very well, I still want to experience good feelings! So how do I do that?
The answer is something that I have been mentioning in my messages a lot lately. I simply look at every situation that “appears” to be bad, and see it as a stepping stone to my highest good. That’s not just wishful thinking on my part. Similar to the circumstances described in the fable, it has been my experience time and time again that the possibility for good exists within every situation . . . and the divine flow is continually working on my behalf to manifest that good.
If you want a more positive and uplifting way to respond to life’s circumstances—a way that promotes feelings of happiness and joy, gratitude and thanksgiving—then I invite you to approach life differently than the farmer did in the version of the fable that you just read. I invite you, instead, to consider the example set by the farmer is this alternate version of the story:
There was once a wise old farmer who owned a prize horse. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came over to offer their condolences. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "I believe there can be good in this," the farmer replied. A few days later the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild horses. "How wonderful," the neighbors exclaimed. "Yes, it is good," replied the old man. The following day, the farmer’s son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Once again, the neighbors offered their sympathy, saying "How awful.” “I believe there can be good in this," answered the farmer one more time. The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army. Seeing that the son of the farmer had a broken leg, they passed him by. The neighbors once again congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned out. “What good fortune,” they said. "Yes, life is good," the farmer replied. “Very good indeed!”
Here’s to thoroughly enjoying all the good things that happen in life . . . and even more than that . . . here’s to appreciating the constant possibility of good.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
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