Happy "Now" Year!

January 1, 2012

Happy Now Year, Friends!

Yes, you read that right. I wrote Happy "Now" Year instead of Happy "New" Year. It’s not a typo. It's just my way of reminding you about the important part that the present moment plays in the manifestation process.

As I frequently mention, fulfilling your heart’s desires effortlessly depends upon your ability to recognize and follow divine guidance. But that guidance only comes to you in “the now”—through what you are intuitively feeling now, through what others are telling you now, and through the signs and synchronicities that you are noticing now.

That doesn’t mean that there isn’t value in spending some time visualizing what you want to have, do, or be in the coming year. In fact, that’s important. Focusing on a destination is what sets the whole flow in motion in the first place. But after that, you must return your attention to the present moment, so you can sense the next right step that the divine flow is directing you to take.

It’s sort of a back-and-forth thing: You visualize your goal, then return your awareness to the present moment. You picture your dream, then come back to the here and now. If you are continually focused on the future—continually daydreaming about where you are headed—you may miss the very step that is leading you there.

To live life in the divine flow, you must let go of your projections into the future—as well as your reflections on the past—so can be present for the doors that are being divinely opened for you right here, and right now.

Do you have a particular desire that you would like to fulfill in 2012? A goal that you would like to accomplish? A dream that you would like to realize? You do? Terrific! Then tell the Universe exactly what it is you would like to achieve this year, and pay keen attention to what starts to show up in your life.

But please remember this: Although having desires and pursuing desires is an inescapable part of your innately creative nature, you never have to fulfill a desire in order to be happy; you never have to accomplish a goal in order to be happy; and you never have to realize a dream in order to be happy. Remember that real happiness—true, long-lasting happiness—only comes from accepting and appreciating the current moment for whatever it is offering you . . . and from opening up your heart and being the love that you are in that moment. That, my friends, is the real key to having a happy new year—from the first day of the year to the very last.

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

The Secret for a Merry Christmas

December 25, 2011

Dear Friends,

December 25th is the day that many people celebrate the birth into this world of the being called Jesus. There are many different opinions about the exact nature of this extraordinary man’s mission on this planet. But I do believe there is one aspect to his life that most people can agree upon: Jesus was the perfect example of living a life of unconditional love. And he made it quite clear that we would all benefit greatly by living our lives in the same loving way.

Fortunately, loving others is one of the most natural things in the world for you to do. For I believe that love is not only in your nature, it is your nature. Like I mentioned in last week’s message, as an individual expression of Universal Divine Love, love is the essence of who you truly are at the core of your being. And you know what? It feels good to express the truth of who you are! It feels good to love!

Many people believe that being loved is what feels good, but that’s only how it appears. The fact is, when someone extends love to you, you don’t automatically feel good. What you feel is safe enough to love that person back. And loving that person back is what feels good. It is being love—not being loved—that is the real source of your happiness.

Conversely, when you perceive that someone has attacked you in some way, it’s not what that person has done that makes you feel bad. What feels bad is judging that person for what has occurred, and no longer extending love to him or her. It is not being yourself—not being the love that you are—that is the real source of your unhappiness.

When you experience all the good feelings that come from loving, you experience one of life’s greatest truths: the truth that love is its own reward. When you love, you feel happy. When you love, you feel joyful. When you love, you feel downright . . . well . . . merry!

So, do you want to have a truly merry Christmas this year—and every year? Then be true to yourself! Be the love that you are this season, and a merry Christmas will be yours, indeed.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Our Shared Mission

December 18, 2011

Dear Friends,

For the last two weeks, I have been focusing on the relationship between your “calling” and the experience of the divine flow in your life. Your calling, as I pointed out, 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.

The point of this 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 we 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.

To paraphrase Marianne Williamson, from 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.”

Friends, whether you spend your day in front of a computer, 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 be love, spread love, and let love lead the way. That is the real key to living life in the divine flow . . . and it is the key to living a life that is full of joy and meaning.

Steven

P.S. If you have never read Marianne Williamson's classic book, A Return to Love, I highly recommend it. You will find it on the Helpful Links page on my website, along with many other books I recommend. Just click on www.rowrowrow.com/links.html.

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© 2011 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

Your Calling and The Flow, Part 2

December 11, 2011

Dear Friends,

In my last message I described what a “calling” is, and I pointed out that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, while—at the same time—you are involved in other activities to generate an income. One of my readers just shared the following personal story with me, and it is a great example of how the divine flow supports us in a heightened way whenever we are following our passion . . . even if the support we receive is somewhat indirect.

This man and his wife—a lovely couple that I will refer to as John and Linda—feel called to help people learn, grow, and heal through a variety of spiritual services that they offer . . . including a church service they conduct every Sunday morning, and a spiritual education center they operate during the week. Although John and Linda’s ministry is well loved, the main source of John and Linda’s income has always been through a client that John provides advertising services to.

Recently, John’s relationship with his longtime client ended, and John and Linda wondered how they would be able to continue offering their spiritual services without that substantial financial support. They decided that downsizing their personal life would probably be a good idea.

Their first step in that direction was a decision to sell their vacation condo on the Gulf Coast. John and Linda made that decision on a Thursday. On Sunday—just three days later—a couple walked up to John and Linda’s condo and offered to buy it. But get this—at that point, John and Linda had not yet listed the condo for sale, nor even put up a sale sign! Out of 40 condos in that development, this couple had somehow been drawn to John and Linda’s place, and had knocked on the door just to see if it was available for sale. Which, of course, it was! Amazing!

John and Linda’s second step toward downsizing was a decision to move into a smaller, less expensive home, and lease out their current one. Well, guess what? The same thing happened again! Before John and Linda had time to list their home, put up a sign, or place an ad, some neighbors came over while they were having a garage sale, and—right on the spot—offered to lease their home for the next three years. As John put it, “Once again, the Universe brought the people we needed right to our door, and we didn’t have to do a single thing!”

Even John and Linda’s decision to downsize from two vehicles to one was “in the flow.” After selling Linda’s Trailblazer for way more money than they were told they could get for it, they decided they would like to replace that vehicle with a Kia Soul—appropriate considering John and Linda’s spiritual focus! When they looked in the paper, they immediately found one. It was the color they wanted, the price was fantastic, and it only had 500 miles on it. While Linda was driving the Kia home, she looked for a sign to confirm that what she and John were doing was, indeed, divinely supported. And guess what she noticed? The State Inspection Sticker on the Kia was dated October 20th—John’s birthday. That was confirmation enough for Linda!

As for John’s car—a Yukon—it sold via Craig’s List in less than one day. And just like the Trailblazer, the cash John received for the car was much more than he had originally been told it was worth.

Paraphrasing John’s summation of this wonderful stream of events: “Maybe I am reading too much into this, but the way things worked out for us so effortlessly seemed nothing less than miraculous. The quick and easy sale of our condo could have been a coincidence. But to have that same kind of thing happen over and over and over again? No way! Plus, before I lost my lucrative client, Linda and I were going to trade in our cars for one that would have ended up really hurting us financially. Thankfully, that deal fell through at the last minute. Throughout this entire experience, Linda and I have felt the ‘Hand of God’ at work on our behalf. Every step of the way, we have felt divinely protected, divinely directed, and divinely supported. And we thank you, Steven, for helping us learn how to be—and stay—in the divine flow.”

Steven

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© 2011 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

Your Calling and The Flow

December 4, 2011

Dear Friends,

When I was inspired to write and publish my book, 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 while I was writing my book, I received unexpected income to help support me during that lengthy process.

The reason, I believe, that the flow was so consistent and so 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 inborn 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 for 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 abilities 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 consciously aware of that calling meant 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 is that your heart may be encouraging you to go in one direction, while your head is looking in another direction. That 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?

Keep in mind that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, no matter what kind of other activities you are engaged in to generate an income. Perhaps your calling is to bring more harmony into the world as a peacemaker. Perhaps it is to bring more wholeness into the world as a healer. Or perhaps it is to bring more understanding into the world as a spiritual guide.

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

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© 2011 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

Don't Believe Everything You Think!

November 27, 2011

Dear Friends,

I have noticed a new trend on Facebook. People are posting witty and inspiring statements in the form of graphic images. Here’s one I saw recently:

The very first time I saw this admonition, it was on a bumper sticker on the car in front of me. I love this sentiment, because it perfectly captures the essence of one of the most important principles for living life in the divine flow: You must let go of what you “think” you know.

One of the most common ways that we interfere with the flow is thinking that we know best, and overruling the divine guidance that we are continually receiving through various sources, such as our own intuitive sense. I’m certainly not suggesting here that you forget everything you think you know. I’m just reminding you of the obvious truth that there is always more to know than you currently know. And when you keep an open mind to new and different information—even when it conflicts with your current understanding—your ability to receive divine direction will be greatly enhanced.

Remember, too, that most of your thoughts are either reflections on the past or projections into the future. And since divine guidance always comes to you in the present, the very act of thinking can limit your ability to be in the flow.

The phrase, “being lost in thought,” is very appropriate in this case, because whenever you are not consciously in the “now,” you are much more likely to miss the divine signposts that can show you the best way to get where you’re going. You become unguided or misguided by your lack of present-moment awareness, and thus, lost!

Even the way you think can limit your experience of the flow. When you are fearful, for instance, you may connect one thought to another so quickly, you create a block that prevents divinely inspired ideas from entering your conscious mind.

The phrase, “a train of thought,” comes to mind here, because that is exactly what a lot of fear-based thinking resembles—a train . . . one car closely coupled to another, and to another, and to another. And often, that train of thought gains so much momentum as it moves along, it is extremely difficult to slow it down, change tracks, and move in a more beneficial direction.

That is why I recommend a daily practice of meditation. Meditation not only slows down your thinking, it helps open up “gaps” between your thoughts, so it is easier for divine insights and intuitive guidance to get through.

So, dear friends, do you want to live life in the divine flow? Yes? Then I suggest you heed the following three suggestions—suggestions that I am going to express here as “bumper stickers:”

DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK!

DON’T GET LOST IN THOUGHT!

And finally,

BEFORE THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT
GOES TOO FAR . . . GET OFF!

Steven

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© 2011 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

Thanks for Everything!

November 20, 2011

Dear Friends,

The fourth Thursday in November is when citizens of the United States celebrate 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 Thanksgiving, next Thanksgiving, and every day in between, 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.

I invite you to join me in giving thanks today and every day . . . for everything.

Steven

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© 2011 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

You Are Worthy!

November 13, 2011

Dear Friends,

Sunday, November 13th, is the birthday of my lovely and loving partner, Carol. Although some people pay little attention to birthdays, to Carol that once-a-year occasion is very significant. She not only enjoys people recognizing and celebrating her own birthday, but she is extremely diligent in honoring the birthdays of others, as well. Through cards, gifts, and telephone calls, she makes sure that all of her close friends and family members know that their existence on this earth is cherished and valued.

And so it is when it comes to our relationship with The Divine—with that loving and creative energy that many of us call God. As Children of The Divine, our existence in this world is similarly cherished and valued. But our lives are not just honored once a year. In the eyes of The Divine, every day of our lives is a cause for celebration.

We may not get a card or a call, but we are always being presented with some heavenly gifts—gifts of divine love, divine protection, and divine support as we pursue our goals and dreams in life. And we don’t have to do a single thing to “earn” those gifts. As Children of The Divine, we are divinely entitled to those gifts. Just the fact that we exist—just being—is reason enough for those blessings to be bestowed upon us.

Unfortunately, we don’t always feel this sense of “divine entitlement,” do we? Instead of feeling that we have a divine right to whatever it is we want to have, do, or be in life, we may feel that we don’t deserve to have our dreams come true. We may feel that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or capable enough. In a word, we may feel that we are not “worthy.”

That is a huge issue, because our thoughts about ourselves influence the choices that we make in life. And choices based on feelings of low self-worth can quickly sabotage our ability to fulfill our heart’s desires.

I wish there was a magic wand I could wave that would cause every single person on this planet to immediately recognize his or her innate worth as a beloved Child of The Divine. Obviously, I don’t have a wand like that. However, I do have a helpful tool. It’s an Affirmation of Worth that “wrote itself” through me a number of years ago.

Even though I shared this Affirmation with you last May, as far as I’m concerned, this is one message that cannot be repeated too often. If you are struggling with your sense of worthiness, I hope you find this Affirmation to be helpful.

AN AFFIRMATION OF WORTH

God is All That Is.
And I am part of All That Is.
I now acknowledge my innate worth
as a vital part of The Divine Whole.

It is through me that God knows God’s Self
in a way that no other experience can duplicate.
God cherishes my existence,
and it is God’s great pleasure
to help me fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.

It doesn’t matter to whom I was born,
or what circumstances followed.
Nor does it matter
how anyone else perceives my value.

I know that I am a precious and essential
part of this Universe . . .
that I have a right to be here,
and that I have a special purpose to fulfill
in this time and place.

I am wanted.
I am needed.
I am worthy and deserving.

I am a Holy Child of The Divine.
Peace, joy, and prosperity
are mine by divine right.
And I claim my divine inheritance now!

Steven

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© 2011 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

The Many Benefits of Meditation

November 6, 2011

Dear Friends,

One of the most common questions I am asked about living life in the divine flow is this one: “What can I do to improve my ability to be in the flow?”

Notice the word, “do,” in that question. These people aren’t necessarily seeking a better understanding of the flow. Rather, they are looking for some kind of specific tool or technique that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently, and to fulfill their heart’s desires effortlessly.

Well, as it turns out, there is something 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.

There is nothing really mystical or magical about meditation. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, 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. 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 that enhance your ability to be in the flow? Being in the flow is primarily about recognizing and cooperating with divine guidance. And meditation dramatically increases your ability to be in direct contact with the guidance of your inner Divine Spirit.

Your Spirit is the most valuable and reliable source of divine guidance you have. You can always trust your Spirit to know what your next right step should be. And—through what is commonly called your intuition—your Spirit is always attempting to “tell” you what that step is. The trouble is, it is difficult to “hear” that still, small voice of your Spirit when your mind is 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 the guidance of your Spirit can get through.

But the benefits of meditation don’t stop with enhancing your ability to receive divine guidance. When you meditate on a daily basis, your entire experience of life is dramatically improved. What follows is a short summary of some of the benefits you reap when you maintain conscious contact with your inner Spirit.

1. You are more intuitive. As I already mentioned, when you are in touch with your inner Spirit, you can sense divine direction much more easily. So your next right step becomes much more obvious.

2. You are more responsive. Instead of hastily judging and rashly reacting to something unexpected in life, you calmly respond from the wisdom within. You know what is best to do, when to do it, or if you should do anything at all.

3. You are more present. Your Spirit is always in the now moment. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you are less likely to be lost in thought—that is, reflecting on the past or projecting into the future. That means you are better able to notice the miracles that are happening all around you, right here, right now.

4. You are healthier. Many health issues are either caused by, or aggravated by, stress. And for the most part, stress comes from fearful thoughts. When you are in touch with your all-knowing, indestructible Spirit, fearful thoughts are either greatly diminished or completely removed.

5. You are more creative. True creativity comes from the Divine Creator within. When you are in touch with that Divine Creator, you automatically become more inspired and more insightful.

6. You are more patient. Being in the eternal now, your Spirit never feels bound by time. And being all-knowing, your Spirit sees countless ways for you to move successfully through life. When you are in touch with your Spirit, possibilities seem unlimited, and time stands still. The result is infinite patience.

7. You are more peaceful. As an indestructible, eternal being, your Spirit knows nothing of fear, and it is always at peace. When you are in touch with that eternal, indestructible essence, you, too, will be at peace—no matter what is disturbing others.

8. You are more loving. Your Spirit is love itself—unconditional divine love. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you can’t help but be more compassionate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving.

Here’s to the many benefits of meditation—of going within, getting in touch with the Divine Spirit that resides there, and allowing that divine essence to express itself throughout the day.

Steven

P.S. If you are new to meditation, and would like detailed instructions about how to meditate, here is a webpage that describes the simple technique that I use: www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation.

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© 2011 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

Moving Beyond Reasons

October 23, 2011

Dear Friends,

In response to extremely challenging situations, one of the things you commonly hear people say is this: “Everything happens for a reason.” Well, I agree . . . in part.

I say “in part,” because when people say, “Everything happens for a reason,” they are usually referring to a “divine reason.” They are indicating that everything that happens—including every circumstance that seems unwanted—has been divinely orchestrated for our benefit . . . even though that benefit cannot be readily seen at the moment. But is every challenge we encounter in life actually there by divine design? Every single one?

Some challenges, no doubt, are divinely directed. As I mentioned in my last message, when your inner Divine Spirit purposely guides you into a challenging situation so you can heal or grow in some way, yes, that situation is certainly part of the divine flow for you. There are also situations that you may perceive to be unwanted challenges, but they transform on their own into something beneficial so quickly, you can easily see how those situations were little more than misunderstood “bends in the stream.”

But again, I ask, is there a divine reason for every single challenge you experience in your life?

What about the consequences you suffer when you continually ignore or overrule divine guidance—when you make misguided choices influenced by your ego, or make unguided choices because you are not paying attention to the divine signs. In that case, there is certainly a reason for what is happening. But is it a divine reason? I don’t think so.

What about the consequences you suffer when other people make misguided choices that ultimately affect your life. What happens is certainly happening for a reason. But again, is that reason of divine origin? Not the way I see it.

And what about natural disasters, such as a tornado that ravages one half of a town, but leaves the other half untouched? Or a light fixture that suddenly falls from the ceiling and injures the one person who happens to be standing underneath it? Personally, I believe that natural disasters are just that—natural, and not divinely governed. And freak accidents? Odd, but not orchestrated by God.

Friends, in a world where troublesome things often seem to happen randomly, trying to make sense out of it all is completely understandable. And to draw the conclusion that everything happens for a divine reason is also completely understandable. But the point I am building up to is this: Searching for reasons—divine or otherwise—is not always constructive . . . especially if turns into blaming others or shaming yourself for what has occurred.

If you can easily see the reason why something has happened, and you—or others—can learn a valuable lesson from that, terrific! But it is often difficult—if not impossible—to know with complete certainty why things happen the way they do. “Why?” is rarely the most important question you need to be asking. The most important questions you need to be asking are “How?” and “What?” How can I heal, grow, or benefit from this experience? And what is my next right step to help bring that good about?

Remember that no matter what has happened or why it has happened, there can always be a divine flow from that point on . . . a flow that directs you and supports you in a return to an overall experience of well-being, or even enhances your life in some way. Your job, as always, is remaining open and receptive enough to hear that still, small voice that is continually telling you the best way to help yourself, and to help all involved.

May you be positive enough to see the potential for good in everything that happens. May you be present enough to participate in the unfolding of that good. And may you be patient enough to allow that good to manifest in its own right time.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Challenges Are "Par For The Course"

October 16, 2011

Dear Friends,

The home that Carol and I rent here in Sedona is in the middle of a large golf resort. When some friends of ours in Texas found out that we were living in a golfing community (even though we don’t play the game), they gave us a book called “Golf for Enlightenment” by Deepak Chopra.

One of the most interesting points that Chopra makes in his book is this: No matter how skilled and experienced you are at golf, there will always be days when you are just plain lousy at it. Instead of holding yourself up to an impossibly high standard of perfection, a more “enlightened” approach is to recognize that disappointing days are inevitable, and to keep those challenging times in their proper perspective.

And so it is with living life in the divine flow. No matter how good you think you are at following divine direction, there will always be days when you will not glide down the stream toward your dream with effortless ease. Instead, you will find yourself running into rocks or getting tied up in the reeds.

Why? There are numerous reasons why you might encounter uncomfortably challenging circumstances in your life. Here are five:

First, you have to remember that many of the situations in life that you consider to be undesirable are only undesirable from your personal point of view. Someone else who has a different history or belief system might easily take that very same challenge in stride. In other words, your situation may not be—in and of itself—particularly challenging. It just looks that way to you, and what you are actually experiencing may simply be a “bend in the stream”—a bend that may quickly transform into something very beneficial.

Second, some of the challenges you face in life are there because—on the level of your Spirit—you have specifically chosen to experience them. In other words, you may actually want these particular challenges to be in your life, so you can heal a long neglected emotional wound, or expand a limited way of being that is preventing you from living a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Third, quite a few of life’s challenges are simply the natural consequence of making too many misguided choices . . . choices made from fear instead of faith . . . choices that are not divinely guided or inspired, but are, in fact, ego-driven. Even if those choices were made with the best of intentions, decisions made from the ego—or based on the ego-advice of someone else whom you are “blindly” following—will never be in your best interest.

Fourth, many challenges you face in life are actually the result of misguided choices made by other people. I’m referring here to “the ripple effect.” Keep in mind that we are all interrelated and interconnected in ways that we can’t even begin to conceive of. So, when even one of us does not follow the Guidance of The Divine, and, instead, makes a choice out of fear or frustration, judgment or jealousy, that decision can possibly affect you and many others. It’s a simple matter of cause and effect.

And finally, some challenges are the natural result of going through life unguided—that is, you are just not paying attention. The divine signs and synchronicities are there, but you’re not present enough to notice them. Other people have been divinely inspired to guide you, but you’re ignoring them. Even your own intuition may be clearly speaking to you, but you’re not listening to it. Obviously, you are bound to get a little lost in life when you don’t know the best way to go!

Are you experiencing a trying time in your life right now? Rest assured, I am not going to tell you to think of this painful period as just “a bad round of golf.” No matter what is going on in your life, the discomfort you are experiencing is real, and I certainly don’t want to make light of that, or summarily dismiss it.

However, I do invite you to keep in mind what I suggest again and again in these messages: Every challenge you experience in your life—no matter what it is, or why it is there—can be a stepping-stone to your highest good. With the help of The Divine, it can become an opportunity for you to move closer to your dream . . . a chance for you to grow in compassion and wisdom . . . an occasion for you to heal what needs healing . . . or all of those things.

When it comes to living life in the divine flow, it helps to remember that disappointing days and trying times—when seen in their proper perspective—are “par for the course.”

Steven

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© 2011 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

Your Creative Spirit

October 9, 2011

Dear Friends,

Like most people in the world, I was deeply saddened by the premature passing of Steve Jobs. Not since the death of John Lennon have I felt this kind of loss. It reminded me how much I value creative expression, and how much I admire those who tap into that inner source of pure inspiration, and pursue their dreams with both passion and patience.

There are those who point out that Steve Jobs was best at improving products that already existed. Perhaps so. But the innovations he introduced went way beyond tweaks and nudges. He had a way of looking at commonplace things like phones and music players and seeing their possibilities in radically new and inventive ways.

I think Steve Jobs is a wonderful example of how creative we can be, inspiring each of us to live our lives to their fullest creative potential. What’s that you say? You’re not creative? I beg to differ. As an individual expression of what many call “The Great Creator,” you are—at the heart of your being—nothing less than a Divine Creator in your own right. Creativity is as much a part of your innate nature as love is.

You don’t have to be an author, a painter, a musician, or an inventor to express your divinely creative nature. Everything in life can be used as a creative outlet. Whether you are decorating a house, raising a family, landscaping a yard, or developing a new business, nothing satisfies the soul more than creating something new in this world that didn’t exist before.

The challenge is letting go of all those limiting thoughts about yourself—and your perceived potential—that are confining you. Remember that your combination of talents, gifts and abilities is unlike anyone else’s . . . and you have something unique to contribute to this world in a way that absolutely nobody else can. Your job is to quiet your mind long enough to hear that inner creative Spirit that speaks to you through your intuition, and blesses you with divine insights and inspiration.

To quote Steve Jobs, himself:

“Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Here’s to quieting your mind, following your heart, and becoming an open channel for divine ideas to make their way into the world. Thank you, Steve, for reminding us what that looks like.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Intuition or Impulse?

October 2, 2011

Dear Friends,

Have you ever had an extremely strong feeling that you needed to take immediate action on some kind of opportunity? Sure you have. We all have. And you may have assumed that this urgent, demanding feeling was your intuition speaking—that it was you inner Divine Spirit telling you the next right step to take.

But was it your intuition? Or was it just an impulse? To live life in the divine flow, it helps to distinguish between intuitive guidance and impulsiveness. Here’s a general rule of thumb to help you discern the difference: Your intuition persists. An impulse insists.

Generally speaking, an impulse is motivated by an underlying thought of lack or limitation. It tells you that if you don’t act right now, the opportunity in front of you will be gone forever! Underlying every impulse is a subtle feeling of fear—of tension or anxiety—and you may feel like your very happiness hinges on taking this particular action.

Intuitive guidance, on the other hand, is never based on thoughts of lack or limitation. In fact, being intimately connected to the Omniscient Mind of The Divine, your Spirit is aware of an almost infinite number of beneficial possibilities for you. So, for a time, your Spirit may persist in nudging you in one particular direction, but it will never insist that you must take advantage of any single opportunity.

If you miss one opportunity, your Spirit will simply lead you to another one. And if you miss that opportunity, it will lead you to yet another. And so on. The opportunities to which you are being intuitively guided may change in form and nature, but they will always satisfy whatever it is your heart is seeking to experience.

But what if you are in immediate physical danger? Wouldn’t your intuition try to protect you through a very insistent message in that circumstance? That depends on how you interpret the word insistent. Will the message be clear and direct? Yes. But will it demand? No. Nor will the message itself be infused with fear. Generally speaking, your intuition will simply give you a positive action-step to take.

I know two people whose lives were saved by a very clear inner voice. But both times, that voice spoke in a very simple and direct manner. One message was simply “Get off the road now,” which prevented that person from colliding with another vehicle. The other message was “Quit what you are doing and leave the river,” which saved that person from drowning in a flash flood.

The still, small voice of your Divine Spirit does not always have to be still and small. It can be obvious and unmistakable—even powerful. But behind that voice there will always be a basic, underlying sense of eternal well-being. Because that is all your Divine Spirit knows.

Is there something in your life right now that you are considering doing? How do you feel about it? If, over time, there is a persistent feeling of peace about it—or even better, a quiet sense of surety—that is probably your intuition speaking. If, on the other hand, your inclination is insistent at first, but later begins to diminish, that is probably an impulse.

Here’s to acting on intuition, passing on impulses, and developing the wisdom to know the difference.

Steven

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© 2011 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

When It's Time To Make A Decision

September 25, 2011

Dear Friends,

In my last message, I encouraged you to accept uncertainty instead of resisting it. I reminded you that even when you do your very best to discern divine direction, it is not uncommon to still be confused. But that state of uncertainty rarely persists for any great length of time. Eventually, mixed signals will give way to clear signals, and you will be able to sense in advance if a step you are considering taking is the most beneficial one for you to take, or not.

But what if the time has come when—because of circumstances beyond your control or influence—you have to make a decision, and yet, you are still unclear about how you are being divinely directed. What then?

I think you know the answer. When that moment arrives, you simply have to make a decision one way or the other, and then see how things feel . . . afterwards. Understandably, waiting to find out if a decision feels right after the fact is not especially desirable. But that situation does not have to be a source of undue stress for you, if you keep in mind one of the fundamental principles for living life in the divine flow—the principle I mention the most in these messages: Everything can be a stepping-stone to your higher good, if you look at it that way.

Even if you inadvertently make a decision based on the fears of your ego rather than the inspiration of your Spirit, the Universe can still guide you to your highest good from wherever you wind up. Your job is simply to remain open and receptive to divine direction by maintaining a positive outlook.

This process is not unlike what happens when you have a navigation device in your car, but you miss the exit it was directing you to take, or you turn the wrong way. It simply offers you a brand new route from wherever you now happen to be.

Remember, too, that there are always valuable lessons to be learned from whatever circumstance you find yourself in . . . which means that every decision you make—divinely inspired or not—gives you an opportunity to gain further clarity about yourself, and to grow in wisdom, compassion, and so on.

So, friends, before you take any step, do your best to discern whether that step truly is your next right step, or not. But if you are still not completely sure, don’t worry too much about that. Living life in the divine flow is not about being 100% certain, 100% of the time. It’s about making the best choice you can with the information and experience you currently have, knowing that—no matter what decision you finally make—the Universe can always “make it right” in the end.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Accepting Confusion

September 18, 2011

Dear Friends,

Even when you do your very best to get in touch with your intuitive guidance, and when you sincerely try to pay attention to the divine signs and synchronicities that are leading you forward in life, there will be plenty of days when you will still feel uncertain—confused, even.

Should you go this way or that way? Should you do this thing or the other? Often the answer just isn’t clear. And as your confusion continues, you may feel increasingly frustrated.

Do you know why confusion is frustrating? Because you believe that you shouldn’t be confused! Actually, it is only your resistance to your state of confusion that is causing you to feel frustrated, and causing you to suffer needlessly.

A little confusion is common! It is something that we all experience every now and then. But rarely does it persist for any great length of time. Eventually, mixed signals will give way to clear signals, and you will feel comfortable enough to make a choice.

The key to more rapidly reaching that state of divine certainty is to accept your confusion when it arises. Instead of hastily and unwisely forcing yourself to make a decision, simply acknowledge the fact that—at the moment—you are too unsure to make a decision . . . and be okay with that!

Remember, to be able to discern your next right step, you must be genuinely open and receptive to divine guidance. And a mind that is in resistance is rarely relaxed enough for that guidance to be readily apparent. In other words, your resistance to your confusion is the very thing that may keep you stuck in that uncertain state!

Are you a little confused right now? Is there somewhere you want to go but you don’t know which way to row? Then repeat this mantra: “I’m confused. But that’s okay. I will not always feel this way.”

Simplistic? Maybe. But it works for me. And it may offer you a little relief, as well.

Steven

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© 2011 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

The Challenge of Change

September 11, 2011

Dear Friends,

September 11, 2011 marks the 10th anniversary of an event that—for many of us—greatly altered the way we live our lives.

I, for one, was laid off from a 30-year career in advertising as a direct result of what took place that fateful morning. American Airlines was one of my advertising agency’s principle accounts, and American decided to suspended advertising for an indefinite period following the attack that used their planes. My agency had to cut its budget. People were laid off. And I was among those people.

It was a dramatic change in my life, but just one of many changes over the years. And I’m sure that you have experienced quite a few radical shifts in your life, as well. Some of those changes may have felt like they were thrust upon you. Others may have been changes that you, yourself, consciously chose to make.

No matter what initiates it, a change of any kind can always be a source of tension and anxiety. Even when a change is obviously for the better, you may still resist it—clinging to a familiar past for comfort. Even when the future seems ripe with positive possibilities, you may still feel uneasy about stepping into the unknown.

If you are going through a major change in your life right now, or—even ten years later—you are still actively dealing with the aftermath of 9/11, take a moment to reaffirm what you know to be the Truth. It is the Truth that—with the help of The Divine—everything can be a stepping-stone to your highest good. It is the Truth that you are continually being divinely supported in your return to a sense of well-being, and continually being divinely guided to a life of even greater happiness and satisfaction.

The challenge—for you, for me, and for all of us—is remaining open and receptive enough to hear that still, small, divine voice that is continually telling us the best way to help ourselves, and to help each other.

And even more than that, the challenge is remembering that the only constant in life is change. And if we want to experience more peace in our lives, it is up to us embrace change instead of resisting it. It is up to us to “row with the flow,” and consciously cooperate with life . . . even when life takes a sudden and dramatic turn.

Steven

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© 2011 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

T.R.U.S.T.I.N.G.

September 4, 2011

Dear Friends,

As a person whose livelihood depends primarily on the written word, I always appreciate clever wordplays and creative phrases, including what some people call “backronyms” . . . that is, appropriate phrases formed from letters of an existing word (the reverse of an acronym). For example:

EGO = Edging God Out
FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real
HOPE = Holding Onto Positive Expectations

A while back, the minister at a Unity church that Carol and I attend, mentioned this backronym during his talk:

TRUST = Totally Relying Upon Spirit’s Timing

In these messages I often mention the part that divine timing plays in the manifestation of your desires, and how that requires a fair amount of patience on your part. If you try to force something into being before the Universe has gotten all the “ducks in row,” you may complicate things and delay that manifestation even further. Or, you may create something that is a poor imitation of what the Universe was originally lining up for you. Or, you may fulfill your desire before you are the kind of person you need to be in order to maintain that manifestation for any length of time.

However, living life in the divine flow—and fulfilling your heart’s desires effortlessly—is not just about timing.

It’s also about inspiration . . . about being open and receptive to divine ideas—the kind of thoughts and insights that fill you with great enthusiasm, and give you a clue as to what you were born on this planet to do.

It’s about nurturing . . . knowing that the Universe is always supporting you in your emotional development and spiritual growth, by giving you the opportunity to benefit from every single thing that you experience in life.

And it’s about guidance . . . remembering that the Universe is continually directing you toward your highest good in a myriad of ways, and it is up to you to constantly be on the lookout for that guidance—whether it comes from your own intuition, the intuitive wisdom of others, or the divine signs and synchronicities that are all around you.

Put all of these things together, and you wind up with this expanded backronym:

TRUSTING = Totally Relying Upon Spirit’s Timing,
Inspiration, Nurturing, and Guidance

T.R.U.S.T.I.N.G. It’s a way of being that I constantly try to practice. And I invite you to join me in practicing this way of being, too . . . not just sometimes and in some situations, but—as the first letter in this backronym suggests—all the time and in all situations. That is, Totally!

S.T.E.V.E.N.
(Simply Trusting Everything Very Easily Now)
Okay . . . maybe that’s a bit of a stretch!

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© 2011 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

The Estate of Your Spirit

August 28, 2011

Dear Friends,

One of the things that Carol and I enjoy doing in Sedona is going to estate sales. Because of the large senior population in Sedona, there is an estate sale here almost every weekend.

From a strictly practical standpoint, Carol and I save a lot of money by going to these sales. There is usually something at these sales that we really need, and more often than not, that item is either brand new or in pristine condition. We have found everything from a large patio set, to a bee-proof hummingbird feeder, to a chiminea . . . plus lots of standard—but useful—household items.

You can’t help but feel like you are “in the flow” when something you intended to buy at a retail outlet shows up at an estate sale at a fraction of the cost. But that’s not what this message is about.

Attending these sales is fun, yes, but it can also be a bittersweet experience. It is quite obvious that the owners of these estates have had to severely downsize. Some have moved into assisted living centers. Some have moved into nursing facilities. But most have left this planet altogether. Although family members have removed all of the really personal items—such as framed family photos—so much remains behind, it often feels like the former residents have just stepped outside for a quick walk around the block.

There is a popular saying that goes, “You can’t take it with you.” And the truth of that statement is glaringly apparent when you attend an estate sale. However—and this is the point I am getting to—just because you can’t take it with you, is no reason to refrain from acquiring it in the first place.

It’s true that most of us tend to accumulate too much “stuff” throughout our lives. I still remember George Carlin’s hilarious comedy routine about our “stuff.” And yes, too much “stuff” can become a burden, and it can be financially irresponsible, too. Some people, in fact, cross the line from collecting into hoarding, and that’s a very real problem. But that’s not what I mainly see when I attend these estate sales.

By and large, what is usually on display at these sales is artwork of all kinds, and exotic items acquired in far-off places. There are beautiful paintings, unique statuettes, and creatively fashioned furniture and musical instruments. There are masks from Africa, glass vases from Italy, and tapestries from China.

What I see when I look at these things is not just a bunch of “stuff.” What I see is a record of what that person’s Divine Inner Spirit experienced in its time here on Earth. What I sense is that person’s Spirit saying, “Look at all the interesting places I visited while I was here! Look at the beauty I was able to see, acquire, and enjoy on a daily basis!”

It’s easy to look at all the things that someone collects, and draw the conclusion that this person was overly materialistic. But you know what? As the popular singer/songwriter called Sting once sang, “We are Spirits in the material world!” And I, for one, believe that the material world is a source of great joy to the Spirit within.

As an individual expression of what is sometimes called, “The Great Creator,” your Spirit is in this life to create, and to appreciate creativity in all of its various forms. When I see a man who has a great love for his classic car, for example, I don’t see a man obsessed with a material object. I see the Spirit of that man appreciating a beautiful sculpture that has been formed out of metal . . . a sculpture that moves . . . and a sculpture that can take you to places on this planet you have never been to before. I see the Spirit of that man enjoying the experience of being alive and in this physical world.

So, dear friends, can you accumulate too much “stuff” in life. You bet. Can you become too attached to some of that “stuff?” Certainly. It almost goes without saying that it is very important for you to not let your possessions possess you. And it is wise to keep a close eye on that potential issue, and clear out those things that you don’t really need, or no longer appreciate. But, that said, don’t be too hard on yourself about what you choose to hold on to . . . especially if it is mostly cherished artwork or treasured souvenirs from your wonderful trip to planet Earth.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Divine Procrastination

August 21, 2011

Dear Friends,

Have you ever had something on your “To Do List” that you knew was important for fulfilling a particular desire, but—for some reason—you kept putting off doing it? Then, one day, you just suddenly felt like taking that action? And when you did, you discovered that your timing was absolutely perfect, and everything flowed beautifully?

I’ve had that happen quite a bit. And I’ve coined a phrase for it. I call it “divine procrastination.”

As a rule, procrastination is not a constructive behavioral trait. But occasionally, there’s a very good reason why you don’t feel like doing something. Your inner Spirit is telling you that the timing just isn’t right!

Sometimes, your part of the manifestation process needs to be delayed until other pieces of the puzzle are put into place—until other people do what they are being divinely directed to do, or obstacles that you are unaware of are removed from your path.

Sometimes, too, you may not feel motivated to act, because your Spirit knows that it would be premature for you to accomplish a particular goal right now. There might be a few things that you need to learn first.

Or, if you have a dream to bring a brand new product or service into this world, perhaps your Spirit knows that your product or service will be much easier to produce or provide at a later date, or the additional time will give you the opportunity to make your offering an even better one.

That said, please don’t use this idea of divine procrastination as a flimsy excuse for continually dragging your feet, or for avoiding something that is outside of your personal comfort zone. You’ll know when you are doing that, because you will feel a subtle sense of guilt about your procrastination, instead of feeling perfectly okay about it. Just be aware that, on any given day, some things on your “To Do List” will elicit more positive and peaceful feelings than others. And pay attention to that.

Rest assured, that when the time is right, your Spirit will give you the nudge you need. All of a sudden you will just feel like taking a step that may have been on your list for days, weeks, or even months.

What’s on your “To Do List” right now? Is there something that seems to stand out today, that didn’t yesterday? Is there a subtle sense of “rightness” about doing something in particular on your list, or a new sense of urgency about it? Perhaps your Spirit is trying to tell you something. Perhaps the time has finally come for you to take that action you have been putting off for so long.

Steven

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© 2011 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

Divine Encounters

August 14, 2011

Dear Friends,

In last week’s message, I wrote about the people you “attract” into your life, and how those people are often there to help you accomplish a goal or realize a dream. These divinely orchestrated relationships—no matter how brief—are always beneficial to both parties. And usually, the mutual benefits are obvious. But not always.

Sometimes, the Universe brings two people together for a purpose that is far more significant than either person recognizes or realizes. In 2007 I met a man in Quincy, Illinois who shared his story with me, and it is a perfect example of what I am talking about.

This man, Mac, is fascinated with antique farm equipment, and he has an entire barn—a museum really—filled with inventions that have made farming more efficient and less physically demanding.

One day, Mac attended a farm equipment exhibition in a town in far eastern Iowa. Out of all the people who were there, Mac felt “compelled” to introduce himself to one man in particular. This man’s name was Skip, and Mac learned that Skip lived clear across Iowa in the border town of Omaha, Nebraska—the same town that Mac’s daughter, Connie, happened to live in.

After a few minutes, Mac asked Skip if he knew anyone who had a particular antique grain conveyor for sale. Surprisingly, Skip told Mac that his own family had that very piece of equipment sitting unused on a farm in northwestern Iowa, and they would be happy to sell it.

Delighted by this happy coincidence, Mac offered to purchase the conveyor. The two men arranged to meet in Omaha a few weeks later, and drive up to the farm together to pick it up . . . which is just what they did.

After putting the conveyor on a trailer, Mac and Skip began the long, slow drive back to Omaha. During the course of their conversations, Mac revealed that ten years earlier his granddaughter—Connie's child—had lost her life in a car accident when she was just a teenager. Skip asked where the accident had happened, and when Mac told him, Skip grew very quiet.

Mac went on to explain that another teenager—a boy—was driving Mac’s granddaughter home that night, and they were hit by a car that ran a red light. The boy survived, but Mac’s granddaughter didn’t. When Skip heard this, he became quieter still.

After several miles of silence, Skip finally asked Mac what his granddaughter’s name was. When Mac told him, Skip paused, then quietly replied: “The boy who was driving your granddaughter home that night was my son.”

Naturally, Mac was stunned by this amazing coincidence, and he wondered what the significance of this divinely orchestrated encounter was. The answer came quickly enough. Although Mac, Connie, and the rest of their family had made peace with this tragedy long ago, Mac had the definite feeling that it still troubled Skip—that there was some kind of unfinished business that he had never attended to. And when Mac found out that Skip had never met Connie, Mac felt guided to ask Skip if he wanted to visit her when they got back to Omaha. Skip said yes.

What transpired between Connie and Skip—the mother of one child, and the father of the other—is between them. Mac only knows that hugs were exchanged, tears were shed, and some kind of needed closure was reached.

What I find particularly beautiful about Mac’s story is this: There are plenty of things in life that we consciously know we want—like a new car, a bigger house, or a better job. But there are also plenty of things we deeply need, which we may not be fully aware of—like complete recovery from an old emotional wound. How comforting it is to know that the divine flow can bring us together in ways that not only give us what we wish for on a surface level, but can also—at the very same time—take care of a desire that lies beneath . . . such as a desire to be healed, or a desire to be returned to a state of peace.

What a blessing that is! Is it not?

Steven

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© 2011 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

Networking and The Divine Flow

August 7, 2011

Dear Friends,

In 2001, when I was laid off from my 30-year career in advertising, one of my friends in the business said to me, "You'd better start networking!" I cringed when I heard that. Why? Well, for a couple of reasons:

First, I wasn't sure I wanted to stay in the advertising business any longer. And second, the whole idea of "networking" had always made me feel very uncomfortable. At the time, networking felt to me like something that only high-pressure salesmen did . . . you know, passing out their business cards right and left—often inappropriately.

However, as I began my new career as a spiritual author, speaker, and teacher, it didn't take me very long to realize that networking—if seen in the proper perspective—is actually an important part of living life in the divine flow.

Rarely, if ever, do you get anywhere in life completely on your own. Usually, you need the help of at least one other person to get where you want to go. In fact, quite often, the assistance of several people, or more, is required for you to reach your chosen destination.

When you tell the Universe what it is you want to have, do, or be in life, you attract these people to you. The Universe literally sends them your way to assist you in fulfilling your desire. These are the people who have the leads, contacts, information, and inside scoop that you don't have. And, as part of your divine flow, they have been divinely inspired to share what they know with you . . . or, to direct you to others who might be of assistance to you . . . or, to take direct action themselves on your behalf.

When you recognize these people for who they are, or who they might be, and—with an open heart and an open mind—you engage them in conversation, isn't that networking?

Of course, like most anything, networking can be misused—especially when the relationship is one-sided and you are just trying to "get something" from the other person. But when you enter into any relationship—even the briefest of encounters—seeking ways that the two of you can be of mutually beneficial service to each other, that's networking as it is divinely designed to be done.

Many of my speaking engagements have come about by just that kind of networking. My first home in Sedona was the result of networking. And networking is responsible for much of the prosperity I have enjoyed in my life.

So, my friends, do you have a dream that you want to realize? Do you have a goal that you want to accomplish? Then, as my advertising friend said to me ten years ago, "You'd better start networking!" Or, as I am more inclined to say: Pay attention to the people who come into your life, and treat them with the honor, respect, and gratitude they deserve as your brothers and sisters in spirit. Who knows . . . they may be divinely guided "Earth Angels" who have crossed your path for the sole purpose of helping you fulfill your heart's desires effortlessly.

To all the people who have been part of the divine flow in my life, thank you all!

Steven

P.S. On August 11th, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, I will be conducting a one-hour Teleclass on the four main ways you may be inadvertently interfering with the divine flow in your life. This class is $15, and it will be recorded so you can listen to it later. To register for this event, go to www.rowrowrow.eventbrite.com.

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© 2011 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

One Step At A Time

July 31, 2011

Dear Friends,

One of my favorite quotations is this one by the ancient Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu:

“A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.”

I was originally planning to use that quotation to punctuate a particular point I made in my message for the week of June 26th. In that message I pointed out that you generally get where you are going in life by taking one step at a time. And when you focus only on the step that is right in front of you—the step that is right here, right now—it is almost impossible for you to feel overwhelmed . . . no matter how far away your chosen destination is.

But I didn’t use that quotation. Why? Because when I researched it on-line, one source said that a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be:

“The journey of a thousand miles
begins beneath one’s feet.”

The source of this alternative translation suggested that rather than emphasizing the first step, Lao-Tzu regarded action as something that arises naturally from stillness.

Hey! As far as living life in the divine flow goes, that fits too! As I have said many times, “being in the flow” is about taking action . . . but not just any action. It’s about taking divinely inspired action! And for the most part, that inspiration arises from deep within you—guiding you forward from wherever you happen to be standing. You may be inspired to take a step in one particular direction. Or, you may be inspired to take no immediate action at all, giving the Universe time to forge a new opportunity for you out of the very circumstance you are experiencing.

Yes, living life in the divine flow is about actively taking steps to get where you want to go in life. But I cannot emphasize enough the importance of pausing long enough between each and every single one of those steps to get in touch with the wisdom of your inner Spirit. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being quiet long enough to hear that still, small voice of divine direction. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of being still long enough to attune yourself to the feel of the flow, and—if so directed—to step back and allow the flow to work is magic without your interference.

Do you have a journey of a thousand miles ahead of you? Then before you take that first step, be still! And after you take that first step, be still again! Remember that a journey of a thousand miles not only begins with a single step, it ends with a single step. And if you want that journey to be a virtually effortless one—from beginning to end—I encourage you to take only one step at a time . . . allowing the next step to arise naturally out of the stillness.

Steven

P.S. On August 4th, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, I will be conducting a one-hour Teleclass on the three main ways you receive divine guidance in life, and how to enhance your ability to receive that guidance. This class is $15, and it will be recorded so you can listen to it later. To register for this event, go to www.rowrowrow.eventbrite.com.

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© 2011 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

The Power of Divine Dreams

July 24, 2011

Dear Friends,

Of all the ways that your inner Spirit can speak to you, perhaps the most interesting one is through your dreams. Although it is common for me to experience the guidance of my Spirit through a thought that suddenly pops into my head, or through a subtle—but telling—feeling or physical sensation, divine dreams are rare for me. And by “divine dreams,” I mean dreams that are so clear, so meaningful, and so helpful, there is little doubt that they are “heaven sent.”

What follows are three dreams that helped Carol and me deal with some troubling issues in a manner that was remarkably direct and effective:


Dream #1

I had this dream about 20 years ago, when I was working at an advertising agency in Dallas, Texas. There was one man at this agency with whom I was always butting heads. We could never see eye to eye, and we argued about almost everything incessantly.

One night I dreamed that this man and I were at it again—yelling and screaming and stomping our feet. Suddenly, another person entered the room, looked around, and said, “Oh, I’m sorry. I was looking for some adults.”

When I woke up the next morning, not only was that dream still clear in my mind, but its meaning was also crystal clear. I was behaving like a little child! My heated exchanges with this man were little more than childish temper tantrums I was throwing because I couldn’t get my way!

After that dream, I am happy to say that I finally began to act my age, and behave like the 40-year-old professional I was. I finally grew up a little!

Dream #2

This dream also occurred while I was working at the advertising agency I just mentioned. I had been assigned a permanent partner to work with—a lovely lady I’ll call Linda. Our partnership was supposed to be ideal, because we were both very much alike—perfectionists.

Can you see the potential problem here? Two perfectionists don’t work well together when their ideas about perfection aren’t the same! On a personal basis, I really liked Linda, because I could relate to her persnickety ways. But our professional relationship was quickly growing tense and uncomfortable.

Then, one night, I dreamed that Linda walked up to me in the lobby of our office building, and we embraced. And as we did, I felt genuine love for Linda. I didn’t feel like I was “in love” with her exactly, but I certainly felt a deep sense of compassion for this lady.

And guess what? When I woke up the next morning, that warm, tender feeling stayed with me. And from that point on, I was able to treat Linda with the loving kindness that she deserved. Sure, we still had our differences of opinion. But after that dream, I was able to work things out with Linda in a much more patient and respectful way. My heart had opened up, and our troubled relationship was healed.

Dream #3

If you have heard the “Dragonfly Story” that Carol and I often tell, you may remember that after her mother passed away, Carol was disturbed by the last image she had of her mother—that of a withered and lifeless body. Although Carol knows that our Spirits live on, she just couldn’t get that painful picture out of her mind. But Carol was finally relieved of that burden due to the miraculous appearance of some dragonflies. These dragonflies—which symbolize transformation—appeared at such a unique and meaningful time and place, it was clearly a divine reminder for Carol that her mother was not that lifeless form. Her mother was transformed! She was now a beautiful Spirit—lively, loving, and flying free!

But there’s more to the story than that. Because shortly after Carol’s burden was lifted, she had a dream. In this dream Carol was looking over an audience seated in a large auditorium. Suddenly, Carol heard a voice whisper, “Your mother is here.” Excited, Carol quickly responded, “Where?” At that moment, Carol’s mother—now looking very happy and very healthy—stood up in the center of the crowd and loudly proclaimed, “I’m right here! And I’m not dead!”

Thanks to that divine dream (and those dragonflies) the image that Carol now holds of her mother is strictly a beautiful one—a vibrant picture of everlasting life and unending love.

Friends, have you ever had a dream that helped you recover from something painful? Have you ever had a dream that helped you heal a relationship? Have you ever had a dream that answered a pressing question that you had, told you your next right step, or guided you to something you greatly needed?

Whether your answer is yes or no, I invite you to nurture your ability to have divine dreams. Before you go to bed each night, take some time to affirm for yourself that you are open to receiving a message from your Spirit, and that you will clearly remember that message and completely understand it. It also helps to have a pen and paper nearby, so you can write down your dream the moment you wake up.

Here’s to receiving divine assistance from your inner Spirit . . . not only when you are awake, but also when you are asleep! Here’s to the healing and revealing power of divine dreams!

Steven

P.S. If you are new to my work and you missed my free, one-hour Teleseminar last Thursday, you will find a recording of it on this page of the host’s website: www.joyandsuccess.com/register.html.

P.P.S. If you are planning to participate in both of the follow-up Teleclasses I am conducting on August 4th and August 11th, you can receive a discount for these events if you register before this coming Thursday, July 28th. For information and/or to register, please visit www.rowrowrow.eventbrite.com.

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© 2011 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

Freedom and The Divine Flow, Part 3

July 17, 2011

Dear Friends,

Two weeks ago I wrote about the freedom you have as a Child of The Divine to choose what you want to have, do, or be in life . . . and the freedom 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 achieving that particular outcome . . . or any outcome.

To conclude this three-part series on freedom and the divine flow, 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 others 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 a glorious Child of The Divine . . . equal at birth and equal in worth to every other person on this planet . . . free of all limits . . . and deserving of all that the Universe so freely offers you!

Remember that every day is Independence Day, whenever you get in touch with that Divine Spirit that freely lives—and freely loves—at the core of your being.

Here’s to experiencing true independence—that sense of absolute and unconditional freedom that originates deep within yourself.

Steven

© 2011 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

Freedom and The Divine Flow, Part 2

July 10, 2011

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 that is even better—to something that may be greater and grander than anything you ever imagined possible, and to 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.

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 that can only come from that innately joyful place within you—from that inner sanctum where your Spirit resides.

Here’s to letting go of attachments to things that lie outside of yourself. Here’s to finding the happiness that lies within yourself. And here’s to experiencing the true freedom that comes from doing that.

Steven

© 2011 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

Freedom and The Divine Flow

July 3, 2011

Here in the United States, July 4th is Independence Day, the day we 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—the independence—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—ever—be forced to do anything that you don't choose to do.

You always have the freedom 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 divinely 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

© 2011 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

Feeling Overwhelmed?

June 26, 2011

Dear Friends,

Fairly often, people will tell me how overwhelmed they feel by everything that they need to do—and want to do—in their lives. Their day-to-day responsibilities, combined with all the things they think they need to do to accomplish their goals and dreams, is just too much. Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by it all?

The way I look at it, there are three main reasons why you may, at times, feel overwhelmed . . . but unnecessarily so!

The first is laboring under the impression that it’s up to you—and you alone—to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. If that’s what you think, then yes indeed, completing your “To Do List” will not only feel like a daunting task, it will be a daunting task.

Never forget that you have celestial assistance in life! It’s the kind of assistance that comes mainly through divine guidance—through steps that are suggested to you by your own intuition, by divine signs and synchronicities, and by others who are divinely inspired to share their wisdom with you. When you remember to consciously look for—and be open to—divine direction, you will find that you can accomplish a multitude of tasks in an incredibly effective and efficient manner.

The second reason you may feel overwhelmed is because you are simply not in the now moment. You are looking way too far ahead and imagining—all at once—every step you will “probably” have to take to fulfill your desires. Do you know with absolute certainty that you will really have to take all of those steps? And even if you do, keep in mind that you generally get where you are going in life by taking one step at a time. And when you focus only on the step that is right in front of you—the step that is right here, right now—it is almost impossible to feel overwhelmed.

Which brings me to the final reason you may feel overwhelmed. You believe that you have identified your next right step, but you are feeling anxious about taking that step because it is a really big step. Hey, if you are feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of a step, then that step is probably not your next right step! Why? Because the divine flow never requires you to “bite off more than you can chew.”

One of the telltale signs of a next right step is that it is relatively easy to do. The divine flow does not ask you to take giant leaps. Instead, it offers you tiny little baby steps that—when taken one right after another—move you effortlessly down the stream in the direction of your dreams.

Think small! Maybe there is a step that you are completely overlooking because it seems so insignificant . . . like visiting a certain website to get a little more information about something. Or, perhaps there is a step that you are not noticing because it doesn’t even look like a step to you . . . like accepting that invitation to a friend’s party. Who knows what helpful person you might meet there?

If you want to stay in the flow, be sure to pay attention to—and take care of—all of those “little” things that seem to just “pop up” in life. Stay in the present moment and concentrate only on the task at hand. And continually seek—and be receptive to—divine direction in all of its various forms. Do those things, dear friends, and instead of feeling overwhelmed by it all . . . you will feel overjoyed by it all!

Steven

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© 2011 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