August 2, 2009
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about meditation, and how it helps you live life in the divine flow by opening up tiny gaps between your thoughts. It is through those gaps—as small as they may be—that you are able to sense divine direction, and recognize your next right step.
But that’s not the only value of meditation. There is another benefit that I would like to share with you, as well: A daily practice of meditation helps you respond to situations rather than react to them.
Do you know the difference between responding and reacting?
Reactions are automatic and robotic. They are instantaneous thoughts and actions that are triggered by personal programming and conditioning. These thoughts and actions are not divinely derived, but are, for the most part, ego-based and fear-driven. And they are usually accompanied by feelings of tension and anxiety.
A response, on the other hand, is based on the wisdom of your spirit. It is not self-serving, but is always in the best interests of all involved . . . and that includes you. Even when time is of the essence, and a decision must be made quickly or an action must be taken immediately, when you are coming from spirit you will still experience an underlying sense of peace.
A regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—is helpful because it enables you to stay more connected to your spirit throughout the day. And because of that, you are better equipped to appropriately and effectively respond to situations, rather than rashly react to them.
This can be true even when you are in immediate physical danger, and you need to protect yourself. For example, on a road trip to Las Vegas in 2007, I suddenly noticed that a tire had flown off of an approaching truck, and the tire was now in my lane and hurtling straight at me! Instead of hastily reacting to the situation, I found myself actually taking the time to more accurately assess which way I should steer my car in order to avoid a collision . . . which—contrary to my first impression—turned out to be to the left. The entire incident only spanned a few seconds, but when you are open to the calming influence of your spirit, that is more than enough time to make a more thoughtful choice.
If you want to experience life as an effortless flow of major and minor miracles—instead of an endless, arduous struggle—remember that, to a great degree, it is a matter of personal responsibility. That is, it’s a matter of your response ability.
Commit yourself to a daily practice of meditation and you will find your ability to respond greatly enhanced, and your tendency to react greatly reduced. And that’s a good thing. That’s a God thing.
If you are new to meditation and would like more detailed instructions, here is a link to a webpage that will answer most of your questions:
www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Meditation and The Divine Flow, Part 1
July 26, 2009
NOTE: During my Divine Flow Retreat in July, I spent a fair amount of time emphasizing the value of a daily practice of meditation. I feel that the time has come to repeat my thoughts on this important subject. Similar to my series on Freedom and The Divine Flow, this message will also be delivered in three parts. I trust that you will find this series to be of value.
Dear Friends,
In my experience, just becoming aware of the ways that I receive divine guidance, and becoming aware of the ways that I block or limit my experience of that guidance, has been enough to greatly enhance my ability to live life in the divine flow . . . and fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.
Most people are looking for more than “awareness,” though. They want something concrete that they can “do” to be in the flow. They are looking for some kind of technique or tool that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently.
Well, there is one thing that you can do that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the practice of meditation, there is nothing really mystical or magical about it. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, or a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image.
As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them, or get carried away by them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.
And how, exactly, does this enhance your ability to be in the flow? Meditation dramatically increases your ability to “hear” G.O.D.—the Guidance Of the Divine.
It is difficult to hear that still, small voice when your mind is always full of noisy self-talk . . . that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so divine guidance can come through.
That guidance may not come to you during the meditation itself. But a regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—can help you maintain a state of mind that is much more open and receptive to divine direction throughout the day.
When you start your day in a meditative way, thoughts that enter your mind later that morning, or in the afternoon, are much less likely to immediately take hold, take over, and consume you. Instead of automatically connecting one thought to another, and to another, and to another, you are more readily able to leave a little room between your thoughts.
It is through those open spaces that Spirit speaks to you. It is through the gaps between your thoughts that divine insights and divine inspiration can make their way into the world.
In short, a daily practice of meditation helps you become more "open minded," so you can be more receptive to divine direction all day long. And, in the end, that’s what living life in the divine flow is really all about.
If you are new to meditation and would like more detailed instructions, here is a link I found that will answer most of your questions:
www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
NOTE: During my Divine Flow Retreat in July, I spent a fair amount of time emphasizing the value of a daily practice of meditation. I feel that the time has come to repeat my thoughts on this important subject. Similar to my series on Freedom and The Divine Flow, this message will also be delivered in three parts. I trust that you will find this series to be of value.
Dear Friends,
In my experience, just becoming aware of the ways that I receive divine guidance, and becoming aware of the ways that I block or limit my experience of that guidance, has been enough to greatly enhance my ability to live life in the divine flow . . . and fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.
Most people are looking for more than “awareness,” though. They want something concrete that they can “do” to be in the flow. They are looking for some kind of technique or tool that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently.
Well, there is one thing that you can do that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the practice of meditation, there is nothing really mystical or magical about it. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, or a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image.
As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them, or get carried away by them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.
And how, exactly, does this enhance your ability to be in the flow? Meditation dramatically increases your ability to “hear” G.O.D.—the Guidance Of the Divine.
It is difficult to hear that still, small voice when your mind is always full of noisy self-talk . . . that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so divine guidance can come through.
That guidance may not come to you during the meditation itself. But a regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—can help you maintain a state of mind that is much more open and receptive to divine direction throughout the day.
When you start your day in a meditative way, thoughts that enter your mind later that morning, or in the afternoon, are much less likely to immediately take hold, take over, and consume you. Instead of automatically connecting one thought to another, and to another, and to another, you are more readily able to leave a little room between your thoughts.
It is through those open spaces that Spirit speaks to you. It is through the gaps between your thoughts that divine insights and divine inspiration can make their way into the world.
In short, a daily practice of meditation helps you become more "open minded," so you can be more receptive to divine direction all day long. And, in the end, that’s what living life in the divine flow is really all about.
If you are new to meditation and would like more detailed instructions, here is a link I found that will answer most of your questions:
www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Freedom and The Divine Flow, Part 3
July 19, 2009
Dear Friends,
This week’s message concludes a three-part series on the relationship between freedom and the divine flow.
Two weeks ago I wrote about the freedom that you have as a child of the divine to choose what you want to have, do, or be in life . . . and the freedom that you have to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
Last week I wrote about the freedom you experience when you let go of your attachment to a specific outcome, and when you realize that your happiness does not rely on reaching any destination at all.
This week I want to remind you that you are still not truly free as long as you are subject to the tyrannical rule of ego—of that “little, limited self” that tells you that you don’t have enough, and that you need more; that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are not good enough, and that you need to be better; or that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are better than everyone else, and they are simply not good enough for you.
As long as you are subject to the rule of ego, your ability to experience a joyful and fulfilling life is restricted and constricted in almost every single way.
So—right here and right now—I invite you to declare your freedom from ego’s oppressive and dictatorial rule. It is the freedom that comes from recognizing that you have enough because you are enough. You are holy child of the divine . . . of divine birth, and divine worth . . . free of all limits, and free to receive all that the universe so freely offers you.
Remember that every day is Independence Day, whenever you get in touch with your Higher Self . . . with that divine spirit that freely lives—and freely loves—at the core of your being.
Here’s to the gift of absolute freedom!
Steven
© 2009 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,
This week’s message concludes a three-part series on the relationship between freedom and the divine flow.
Two weeks ago I wrote about the freedom that you have as a child of the divine to choose what you want to have, do, or be in life . . . and the freedom that you have to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
Last week I wrote about the freedom you experience when you let go of your attachment to a specific outcome, and when you realize that your happiness does not rely on reaching any destination at all.
This week I want to remind you that you are still not truly free as long as you are subject to the tyrannical rule of ego—of that “little, limited self” that tells you that you don’t have enough, and that you need more; that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are not good enough, and that you need to be better; or that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are better than everyone else, and they are simply not good enough for you.
As long as you are subject to the rule of ego, your ability to experience a joyful and fulfilling life is restricted and constricted in almost every single way.
So—right here and right now—I invite you to declare your freedom from ego’s oppressive and dictatorial rule. It is the freedom that comes from recognizing that you have enough because you are enough. You are holy child of the divine . . . of divine birth, and divine worth . . . free of all limits, and free to receive all that the universe so freely offers you.
Remember that every day is Independence Day, whenever you get in touch with your Higher Self . . . with that divine spirit that freely lives—and freely loves—at the core of your being.
Here’s to the gift of absolute freedom!
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Friday, July 10, 2009
Freedom and The Divine Flow, Part 2
July 12, 2009
Dear Friends,
Last week I wrote about the freedom you have as a child of the divine to choose what you want to have in life, to choose what you want to do in life, and to choose what you want to be in life. And I wrote about the freedom you have to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
This week I want to expand on that message. I want to point out that you are never truly free as long as you remain overly attached to one specific outcome. Nor are you truly free if you believe that you must achieve that outcome in order to be happy.
Always keep in mind that no matter what it is you “think” you want, the divine flow may be guiding you to something even better—something that may be greater and grander than you anything you ever imagined possible, and something that will always fulfill your desire in a truly deep, lasting, and meaningful way. True freedom comes from letting go and allowing the divine flow to lead you to that destination—to a destination that may be quite different from the one you planned on or expected.
And even then, you are not truly free if you believe that you can’t be happy until you reach that destination . . . or any destination. As the saying goes, “It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.” And happiness, my friends, is found in the journey—not the destination.
Happiness comes from realizing that the manifestation process is just that—a process! Just as an artist must create a painting one stroke of the brush at a time, you must create your life one stroke of your “oars” at a time. And you are not truly free until you can enjoy the process as much as the finished product.
In fact, when all is said and done, you are not truly free until you can momentarily forget your goals and dreams altogether, and just appreciate what life has to offer you right here, and right now!
You are not truly free until you remember that nothing outside of yourself has the power to make you happy—nothing that you acquire, and nothing that you achieve.
You are not truly free until you recognize that happiness is fundamentally a choice. It is something that you allow yourself to feel, and something can only come from that innately joyful place within you—from that inner sanctum where your spirit resides.
So, my friends, here’s to letting go of attachments! Here’s to finding happiness within! And here’s to experiencing the true freedom that comes from that.
Steven
© 2009 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,
Last week I wrote about the freedom you have as a child of the divine to choose what you want to have in life, to choose what you want to do in life, and to choose what you want to be in life. And I wrote about the freedom you have to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
This week I want to expand on that message. I want to point out that you are never truly free as long as you remain overly attached to one specific outcome. Nor are you truly free if you believe that you must achieve that outcome in order to be happy.
Always keep in mind that no matter what it is you “think” you want, the divine flow may be guiding you to something even better—something that may be greater and grander than you anything you ever imagined possible, and something that will always fulfill your desire in a truly deep, lasting, and meaningful way. True freedom comes from letting go and allowing the divine flow to lead you to that destination—to a destination that may be quite different from the one you planned on or expected.
And even then, you are not truly free if you believe that you can’t be happy until you reach that destination . . . or any destination. As the saying goes, “It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey.” And happiness, my friends, is found in the journey—not the destination.
Happiness comes from realizing that the manifestation process is just that—a process! Just as an artist must create a painting one stroke of the brush at a time, you must create your life one stroke of your “oars” at a time. And you are not truly free until you can enjoy the process as much as the finished product.
In fact, when all is said and done, you are not truly free until you can momentarily forget your goals and dreams altogether, and just appreciate what life has to offer you right here, and right now!
You are not truly free until you remember that nothing outside of yourself has the power to make you happy—nothing that you acquire, and nothing that you achieve.
You are not truly free until you recognize that happiness is fundamentally a choice. It is something that you allow yourself to feel, and something can only come from that innately joyful place within you—from that inner sanctum where your spirit resides.
So, my friends, here’s to letting go of attachments! Here’s to finding happiness within! And here’s to experiencing the true freedom that comes from that.
Steven
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Freedom and The Divine Flow
July 5, 2009
Dear Friends,
July 4th is Independence Day, the day that we in the United States celebrate our right as a people to create our own futures and pursue our own dreams . . . free from oppressive and dictatorial rule.
But let us remember, too, that when it comes to our relationship with that Divine Intelligence that is commonly called God, every day is Independence Day . . . and should be recognized and celebrated as such.
Each and every day, you have the freedom to choose what you want to have in life, what you want to do in life, and what you want to be in life. And you have the freedom to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
That doesn’t mean that accomplishing those goals is totally up to you—and you alone. Quite the contrary. You are continually receiving divine assistance. You are constantly being divinely guided and supported in fulfilling your heart’s desires in the most beneficial way possible. But you will never be forced to do anything that you don't choose to do.
You always have the freedom—the independence—to follow divine guidance . . . or not. You can choose to row with the divine flow, and reach your chosen destinations with effortless ease. Or, you can choose to take a more arduous route, and row against the flow by ignoring or resisting divine direction. It's up to you.
The wonderful thing about your freedom of choice is this: Every choice you make in life—whether it is guided or unguided, divinely inspired or ego-driven—gives you an opportunity to learn from your experience, grow in wisdom and compassion, and ultimately discover more about your own divinely loving and creative nature.
But again, it's your choice. You can choose to learn and grow from the experiences you create . . . or not.
Here's to the joy that comes from creating our lives and living our lives by choice. May we always be grateful for the freedom we have to do that.
Steven
© 2009 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,
July 4th is Independence Day, the day that we in the United States celebrate our right as a people to create our own futures and pursue our own dreams . . . free from oppressive and dictatorial rule.
But let us remember, too, that when it comes to our relationship with that Divine Intelligence that is commonly called God, every day is Independence Day . . . and should be recognized and celebrated as such.
Each and every day, you have the freedom to choose what you want to have in life, what you want to do in life, and what you want to be in life. And you have the freedom to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit.
That doesn’t mean that accomplishing those goals is totally up to you—and you alone. Quite the contrary. You are continually receiving divine assistance. You are constantly being divinely guided and supported in fulfilling your heart’s desires in the most beneficial way possible. But you will never be forced to do anything that you don't choose to do.
You always have the freedom—the independence—to follow divine guidance . . . or not. You can choose to row with the divine flow, and reach your chosen destinations with effortless ease. Or, you can choose to take a more arduous route, and row against the flow by ignoring or resisting divine direction. It's up to you.
The wonderful thing about your freedom of choice is this: Every choice you make in life—whether it is guided or unguided, divinely inspired or ego-driven—gives you an opportunity to learn from your experience, grow in wisdom and compassion, and ultimately discover more about your own divinely loving and creative nature.
But again, it's your choice. You can choose to learn and grow from the experiences you create . . . or not.
Here's to the joy that comes from creating our lives and living our lives by choice. May we always be grateful for the freedom we have to do that.
Steven
© 2009 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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