Saturday, May 5, 2012

Creation: From Contemplation To Appreciation

May 6, 2012

Dear Friends,

For my entire adult life, my livelihood has been based on the written word—first, as an advertising writer for 30 years, and then as a spiritual author for the last 10 years.  So it should come as no surprise that I both notice and appreciate words that are used in clever ways, including witty word juxtapositions, substitutions, and even simple rhymes.

That will help explain my message for this week, because I couldn’t help but notice something word-wise: When it comes to the process of creating whatever it is you want to have, do, or be in life, many of the steps that are involved in that process can be expressed as words that rhyme with “creation.” Just off the top of my head, here are seven of those steps:

1. CONTEMPLATION.  The very first step in the creation process is deciding what you want. Do you know what would truly bring you the most peace, joy, or satisfaction in life—truly?  Spend some time in quiet contemplation thoughtfully reflecting on that, and see if you can discern one desire in particular that feels like it would be the most fulfilling goal for you to focus on at this point in your life.

2. VISUALIZATION.  Having chosen something that you believe is worthy of your time, attention, and energy, picture in your mind’s eye what it would be like to have that dream come true.  But don’t just see it . . . experience it!  Use all of your senses to “live the dream” in your mind.  What do your ears hear?  What do your fingers touch?  What does your nose smell?  What does your tongue taste?  Make your visualization as vivid as possible.

3. AFFIRMATION.  An affirmation is a positive statement declaring that what you desire is—in effect—already fulfilled!  When you affirm that what you want already is, you shift from a state of wanting to a much more powerful position—that of simply accepting what you desire into your life.  Accept it now!

4. MEDITATION.  Very little can be created in life without you, yourself, taking some direct action.  But how do you know what action is the best action to take?  That’s where meditation can help.  Meditation quiets the mind, creating a mental environment that is more open and receptive to divine guidance—the kind of guidance that may be as subtle as an inner sense of “rightness” about a particular course of action, or as obvious as a crystal clear thought that suddenly pops into your mind. Plus, meditation enhances present moment awareness, improving your ability to notice any signs or synchronicities that may be pointing you in a particular direction.  To realize your dream in the most beneficial way possible, it is wise to meditate on a daily basis, so you are always open and receptive to divine direction in all of its various forms.

5. RELAXATION.  This is a step that many people miss.  No matter what you have imagined in your visualization and claimed in your affirmation, it is important to relax and let go of any mental attachment you might have to what you specifically want.  Release your grip on the details, and allow the divine flow to lead you to whatever your highest good may be.  It is possible that your highest good may be something that is quite different from what you originally intended.  But rest assured, it will still give you the underlying experience that you are seeking.  In fact, that experience may be greater and grander than anything you ever imagined possible. If you want to allow an even greater miracle into your life, let go of your tenacious hold on what you believe is best for you.

6. MANIFESTATION.  Now—one small step at time—watch your desire begin to manifest!  As you act on the divine guidance that appears in your life, enjoy the sensation of moving closer and closer to the fulfillment of your dream, until one day—with miraculous ease—you arrive at your chosen destination . . . or its equivalent . . . or something even better!

7. APPRECIATION.  Last but not least, don’t forget to consciously appreciate this beneficent Universe we live in—a Universe that is always responding to our needs, wants, and desires, and is constantly guiding us to our highest good. As Meister Eckhart, the brilliant German philosopher and theologian once said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your life is ‘Thank You,’ that will be enough.” It is that kind of attitude of gratitude that will help you stay in life’s divine flow, continuing to experience its miracles freely and frequently.

And there you have it, my friends: The process of creation—from contemplation to appreciation. Remember that process, and you will be less likely to have things show up in your life “without rhyme or reason.”  Instead, what manifests in your life will be there for a very good reason . . . and a rhyme!

Steven

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© 2012 by Steven Lane Taylor
Steven Lane Taylor, LLC

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