November 30, 2008
Dear Friends,
Two weeks ago I wrote about your “calling,” and why you will experience the divine flow in a heightened way when you are actively engaged in that calling. A calling, as I pointed out, is something that adds meaning and purpose to your life. It is something that you are so passionate about, you would do it even if you were not paid for it.
That makes a calling different from a job, because—strictly speaking—a job is something you do solely for the income it provides. A calling is different from a career, too, because—again, strictly speaking—a career is also something you do for the income it provides, but it happens to be something that you are very interested in, and you are perfectly content doing that same thing for years on end.
Have you discovered your calling yet? Perhaps it is to bring harmony into the world as a peacemaker. Perhaps it is to bring wholeness into the world as a healer. Perhaps it is to bring understanding into the world as a spiritual guide. Or perhaps you have not yet found your calling. Perhaps you are still just holding down a job, or perhaps you are in the middle of a long career, and are still happy in that career. The point of this week’s message is this: In the big picture, it really doesn’t make any difference what you are engaged in—a job, a career, or a calling—as long as you are doing it with love.
You see, although we may have different callings in life, and may spend our days engaged in very different occupations, there is one thing that we all have in common. And that is our underlying mission. It is a “Mission from God,” so to speak. And what exactly is that shared mission? It is simply the mission to discover, express, and experience the Truth of who we really are at the core of our being—the divine essence of love itself.
As Marianne Williamson said in her classic book, A Return to Love: Knowing who you are and why you really came here is more important than knowing what you want to do. What you want to do is not the important question. The question to ask is, “When I do anything, how should I do it?” And the answer is, “With loving kindness.”
Whether you spend your day behind the counter of a retail store, under a car at an automotive repair shop, or you oversee the work of dozens of people at a large corporation, always remember to spread love, be love, and let love lead the way. That, my friends, is the real key to living life in the divine flow . . . and it is the key to living a joyful and fulfilling life.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Thanks For Everything!
November 23, 2007
Dear Friends,
On Thursday, November 27th, citizens of the United States will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. It’s a day when we express gratitude for all the things in our lives that we really do appreciate, but often forget to be consciously thankful for . . . such as food, family, and friends.
Well, here’s a challenge for you: Can you also be thankful for the things in your life that you do not appreciate? Can you be thankful for the people in your life that you hold resentments against? Can you be thankful for the circumstances in your life that have brought you discomfort . . . or even pain?
Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to discover what your blocks to loving are. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to heal wounds you may have forgotten you have. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to remember how precious life is, and to renew your appreciation for it.
When you look at the challenges in your life as opportunities to mature emotionally and spiritually, everything that occurs in your life can be viewed as a blessing. And blessings are something that you are thankful for, right?
So this coming Thanksgiving—and throughout the year—be thankful not only for the “good” in your life, but also for what you judge to be “not so good.”
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in wisdom and compassion.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in your ability to love others—and to love yourself —unconditionally.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to remember that life itself is a sacred gift . . . a gift that is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest, and never taken for granted.
Giving thanks today and every day . . . for everything . . .
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
On Thursday, November 27th, citizens of the United States will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day. It’s a day when we express gratitude for all the things in our lives that we really do appreciate, but often forget to be consciously thankful for . . . such as food, family, and friends.
Well, here’s a challenge for you: Can you also be thankful for the things in your life that you do not appreciate? Can you be thankful for the people in your life that you hold resentments against? Can you be thankful for the circumstances in your life that have brought you discomfort . . . or even pain?
Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to discover what your blocks to loving are. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to heal wounds you may have forgotten you have. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to remember how precious life is, and to renew your appreciation for it.
When you look at the challenges in your life as opportunities to mature emotionally and spiritually, everything that occurs in your life can be viewed as a blessing. And blessings are something that you are thankful for, right?
So this coming Thanksgiving—and throughout the year—be thankful not only for the “good” in your life, but also for what you judge to be “not so good.”
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in wisdom and compassion.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in your ability to love others—and to love yourself —unconditionally.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to remember that life itself is a sacred gift . . . a gift that is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest, and never taken for granted.
Giving thanks today and every day . . . for everything . . .
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
What Is Your Calling?
November 16, 2008
Dear Friends,
When I was inspired to write my book and get it published, I experienced the divine flow like never before. With incredible ease and grace, I was unmistakably directed to the publisher of my book; the cover photo was divinely delivered to me; three of the notable people who first endorsed my book literally showed up on the doorstep of my church; and my first significant speaking engagement was a rare opportunity that just came my way. Even when I was writing my book, I received extended, unexpected income to help support me during that lengthy process.
The reason, I believe, that the flow was so consistent and obvious in this instance, was simply because the activity that I was engaged in was directly related to my “calling.” A calling is something that you are extremely passionate about. It is something that adds purpose and meaning to your life. It is something that you have an innate talent for, find extremely fulfilling, and would do even if you received no income for doing it.
I found my calling when I was first invited to teach a weekly class to a group of adults at a Unity church in Dallas, Texas. I had never done anything even remotely like that before. But I found it to be the single most fulfilling experience of my life. Within a very short amount of time, I knew that I had found my life’s purpose. I knew that I was on this earth to use my skills and ability as a communicator to deliver a message. And that message was that we live in an incredibly beneficent universe—a universe that is continually working on our behalf to help us fulfill our heart’s desires.
So why—once I found my calling—would I have noticed the flow to such an elevated degree? It is simply because a calling is a true desire of the heart. And being aware of that calling meant that I was consciously aligned with that desire—that my head was aligned with my heart, and that every part of me was open and receptive to moving in the same direction.
One of the main obstacles to living life in the divine flow—in all areas of life—is that your heart may be encouraging you to go in one direction, while your head is looking in another direction. This makes it extremely difficult for you to see the divine signs that are pointing you toward your highest good, and toward your greatest joy.
Have you found your calling yet? If not, begin by asking yourself a few simple questions. What are you good at? What unique combination of talents, skills, or abilities do you have? What brings you the most joy? What have you been fascinated with your whole life?
Remember that your calling is not always something that becomes your career. It may simply be something special that you have to share with this world, no matter what activity you are engaged in.
Here’s to finding your passion in life . . . your purpose . . . your calling. And more than that, here’s to answering that call. When you do, I guarantee you this: It will feel as if the entire universe is bending over backwards to support you in your endeavor. Because it is!
Steven
P.S. I know that getting in touch with one’s passion and purpose is not always simple. If you feel challenged in this area, you might want to investigate the program offered at this site: PassionTestOnline.com. I have not enrolled in this program myself, so I cannot personally vouch for it. But I did notice that the initial cost is minimal—a $2 donation for a 30-day trial—so perhaps it would be well worth your time.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
When I was inspired to write my book and get it published, I experienced the divine flow like never before. With incredible ease and grace, I was unmistakably directed to the publisher of my book; the cover photo was divinely delivered to me; three of the notable people who first endorsed my book literally showed up on the doorstep of my church; and my first significant speaking engagement was a rare opportunity that just came my way. Even when I was writing my book, I received extended, unexpected income to help support me during that lengthy process.
The reason, I believe, that the flow was so consistent and obvious in this instance, was simply because the activity that I was engaged in was directly related to my “calling.” A calling is something that you are extremely passionate about. It is something that adds purpose and meaning to your life. It is something that you have an innate talent for, find extremely fulfilling, and would do even if you received no income for doing it.
I found my calling when I was first invited to teach a weekly class to a group of adults at a Unity church in Dallas, Texas. I had never done anything even remotely like that before. But I found it to be the single most fulfilling experience of my life. Within a very short amount of time, I knew that I had found my life’s purpose. I knew that I was on this earth to use my skills and ability as a communicator to deliver a message. And that message was that we live in an incredibly beneficent universe—a universe that is continually working on our behalf to help us fulfill our heart’s desires.
So why—once I found my calling—would I have noticed the flow to such an elevated degree? It is simply because a calling is a true desire of the heart. And being aware of that calling meant that I was consciously aligned with that desire—that my head was aligned with my heart, and that every part of me was open and receptive to moving in the same direction.
One of the main obstacles to living life in the divine flow—in all areas of life—is that your heart may be encouraging you to go in one direction, while your head is looking in another direction. This makes it extremely difficult for you to see the divine signs that are pointing you toward your highest good, and toward your greatest joy.
Have you found your calling yet? If not, begin by asking yourself a few simple questions. What are you good at? What unique combination of talents, skills, or abilities do you have? What brings you the most joy? What have you been fascinated with your whole life?
Remember that your calling is not always something that becomes your career. It may simply be something special that you have to share with this world, no matter what activity you are engaged in.
Here’s to finding your passion in life . . . your purpose . . . your calling. And more than that, here’s to answering that call. When you do, I guarantee you this: It will feel as if the entire universe is bending over backwards to support you in your endeavor. Because it is!
Steven
P.S. I know that getting in touch with one’s passion and purpose is not always simple. If you feel challenged in this area, you might want to investigate the program offered at this site: PassionTestOnline.com. I have not enrolled in this program myself, so I cannot personally vouch for it. But I did notice that the initial cost is minimal—a $2 donation for a 30-day trial—so perhaps it would be well worth your time.
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, November 8, 2008
A Charmed Life
November 9, 2008
Dear Friends,
Several months ago, Carol and I entertained a couple from Dallas, Texas, who had come to Sedona for a short vacation. We took them on one of our favorite hikes . . . a hike that leads to a relatively small plateau that has some natural caves near the top.
As we relaxed at the mouth of one of these caves, we began to discuss our various philosophies of life. Although Carol and I had known the gentleman for many years, we didn’t know his fiancé very well, and she was unfamiliar with my particular focus in life. When I described some of the miracles in my life that have led me to believe in what I call the divine flow, she replied, “Wow, Steve, you have certainly lived a charmed life.”
Charmed life? It was at that point I realized that she didn’t fully grasp what I was trying to communicate to her. “Being charmed” has nothing to do with being in the divine flow of life. Nor does “luck” or “good fortune.” For the most part, the ability to live life in the divine flow depends on how well you practice certain principles. When you practice those principles, your life will, indeed, feel “charmed.” But when you don’t practice those principles, your life may feel like one, long, uphill battle.
In other words, living a “charmed life” is something that you can consciously create, which means it’s not about “being charmed” at all. It’s about being attentive, flexible, loving, and positive. It’s what occurs naturally when you:
There are other principles involved, too, of course. In fact, I could write a whole book on the subject—and did! My point for today is just to remind you that when you fail to practice any of the above ways of being, you may be instantly limiting your ability to experience the divine flow in your life, and your life will be more of a struggle than it has to be.
Here’s to consciously creating your own “charmed life,” by learning how to recognize and cooperate with the divine flow of life. It’s a flow that is continually guiding you toward the effortless fulfillment of your heart’s desires . . . whether you are aware of it or not.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
Several months ago, Carol and I entertained a couple from Dallas, Texas, who had come to Sedona for a short vacation. We took them on one of our favorite hikes . . . a hike that leads to a relatively small plateau that has some natural caves near the top.
As we relaxed at the mouth of one of these caves, we began to discuss our various philosophies of life. Although Carol and I had known the gentleman for many years, we didn’t know his fiancé very well, and she was unfamiliar with my particular focus in life. When I described some of the miracles in my life that have led me to believe in what I call the divine flow, she replied, “Wow, Steve, you have certainly lived a charmed life.”
Charmed life? It was at that point I realized that she didn’t fully grasp what I was trying to communicate to her. “Being charmed” has nothing to do with being in the divine flow of life. Nor does “luck” or “good fortune.” For the most part, the ability to live life in the divine flow depends on how well you practice certain principles. When you practice those principles, your life will, indeed, feel “charmed.” But when you don’t practice those principles, your life may feel like one, long, uphill battle.
In other words, living a “charmed life” is something that you can consciously create, which means it’s not about “being charmed” at all. It’s about being attentive, flexible, loving, and positive. It’s what occurs naturally when you:
- Pay attention to your intuition
- Try to discern the meaning in signs and synchronicities
- Treat others with loving kindness
- Let go of your preconceived ideas and plans
- See everything that happens as a stepping stone to your highest good
- Release your attachment to specific outcomes
There are other principles involved, too, of course. In fact, I could write a whole book on the subject—and did! My point for today is just to remind you that when you fail to practice any of the above ways of being, you may be instantly limiting your ability to experience the divine flow in your life, and your life will be more of a struggle than it has to be.
Here’s to consciously creating your own “charmed life,” by learning how to recognize and cooperate with the divine flow of life. It’s a flow that is continually guiding you toward the effortless fulfillment of your heart’s desires . . . whether you are aware of it or not.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, November 1, 2008
The Paradox of Love
November 2, 2008
Dear Friends,
Once again, I just noticed that the messages I have been inspired to deliver to you lately are part of a series—a series that focuses on the power of love. Today’s message completes this unintentional 3-part series. This one is about the paradox of love.
Before I get to the paradox, however, I need to spell out three ways that love enhances your ability to live life in the divine flow, and reach the destinations you choose in life with effortless ease.
First, love amplifies your ability to be divinely directed. This arises from the fact that love is your divine essence. It is the very nature of your spirit—of your higher self. This higher self, however, is also your source of divine guidance. That means that whenever you express love, you are not only a more compassionate person, you are also a more divinely guided one . . . because you are directly connected to your spirit, and to the wisdom of your spirit.
Second, love brings out the divine wisdom in others. This arises from the fact that whenever you treat others with loving kindness, they are much more likely to respond with love. And just as it is with you, when people come from love, they become open channels for divine ideas to flow through them—and those ideas may turn out to be extremely helpful to you.
Which brings us to the third way that love enhances your ability to live life in the divine flow, or said more accurately, enhances the way you experience the flow. . . and this is what creates the paradox:
Love feels good! This arises from the fact that nothing feels better in life than simply being true to your self. And since—at the core of your being—you are the very embodiment of love, it feels good to express that love. When you love, you feel happy. And when you feel happy, is there anywhere else you’d really rather be at that moment? When you feel happy, aren’t you okay right where you are?
Do you see the paradox here? It’s the fact that love helps you get where you want to go in a more divinely inspired manner, yet at the same time, you are perfectly happy right where you are—whether you are just about to reach your dream, or whether you are still miles away from it.
So, my friends, here’s to following the divine flow to the effortless fulfillment of your heart’s desires. But even better than that, here’s to being happy right where you are—wherever you are—by simply being the love that you are.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
Once again, I just noticed that the messages I have been inspired to deliver to you lately are part of a series—a series that focuses on the power of love. Today’s message completes this unintentional 3-part series. This one is about the paradox of love.
Before I get to the paradox, however, I need to spell out three ways that love enhances your ability to live life in the divine flow, and reach the destinations you choose in life with effortless ease.
First, love amplifies your ability to be divinely directed. This arises from the fact that love is your divine essence. It is the very nature of your spirit—of your higher self. This higher self, however, is also your source of divine guidance. That means that whenever you express love, you are not only a more compassionate person, you are also a more divinely guided one . . . because you are directly connected to your spirit, and to the wisdom of your spirit.
Second, love brings out the divine wisdom in others. This arises from the fact that whenever you treat others with loving kindness, they are much more likely to respond with love. And just as it is with you, when people come from love, they become open channels for divine ideas to flow through them—and those ideas may turn out to be extremely helpful to you.
Which brings us to the third way that love enhances your ability to live life in the divine flow, or said more accurately, enhances the way you experience the flow. . . and this is what creates the paradox:
Love feels good! This arises from the fact that nothing feels better in life than simply being true to your self. And since—at the core of your being—you are the very embodiment of love, it feels good to express that love. When you love, you feel happy. And when you feel happy, is there anywhere else you’d really rather be at that moment? When you feel happy, aren’t you okay right where you are?
Do you see the paradox here? It’s the fact that love helps you get where you want to go in a more divinely inspired manner, yet at the same time, you are perfectly happy right where you are—whether you are just about to reach your dream, or whether you are still miles away from it.
So, my friends, here’s to following the divine flow to the effortless fulfillment of your heart’s desires. But even better than that, here’s to being happy right where you are—wherever you are—by simply being the love that you are.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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