June 15, 2008
Dear Friends,
I frequently mention in these weekly messages that one of the keys to living life in the divine flow (and fulfilling your heart’s desires effortlessly) is maintaining a positive attitude. But I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for that positive attitude to be genuine.
In recent weeks, thousands of people across the U.S. and in China have lost cherished loved ones and treasured possessions because of devastating floods, horrendous tornados, and destructive earthquakes. The grief, sadness, and sorrow that these tragic events elicit is completely understandable. And these feelings must be allowed to run their natural course before there can be an authentic return to a more optimistic outlook.
Living life in the divine flow is not about stuffing your feelings to maintain an "appearance" of positivity. There is such a thing as legitimate suffering in life. It is not the kind of suffering that you bring upon yourself through needless worry or thoughtless actions. It is the kind of suffering that occurs most often with the sudden and unexpected loss of something, or someone, that you deeply love.
If you are dealing with a loss in your life right now, it is okay to go ahead and let yourself feel your feelings about it. In fact, it is necessary. Give yourself permission to experience all of your feelings freely and fully. Allow them to come, and go . . . and come again . . . and go again. It is the only way that they will eventually dissipate.
If, instead, you attempt to suppress those feelings, they will continue to exist at a subconscious level. And, in the end, that will just delay your ability to heal and feel joy again. And by "joy" I mean that underlying sense of appreciation for the total experience of life . . . a joy that embraces all of life’s twists and turns . . . a joy that may be best described as "bittersweet."
To each of you who have recently lost a loved one, a beloved pet, or anything else that occupies an important place in your heart, please know that kindred spirits the world over are supporting you in the restoration of your sense of wholeness, and the recovery of your sense of peace.
Blessings to you all.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Friday, June 13, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
From Anger to Anticipation
June 8, 2008
Dear Friends,
One of the major turning points in my life occurred when I discovered that I had a rather uncomplimentary reputation at the advertising agency where I worked. I found out that I was one of three men called “The Angry Guys.”
Normally, I would have gotten angry over being critically labeled like that (how fitting), and I would have vehemently defended myself. But this time I didn’t . . . for one simple reason: It was true. I was angry. I was constantly hitting my fist on the desk or kicking trashcans across the room. But why? Exactly what was I so angry about? To my credit, I became willing to find out.
After doing a little soul-searching, reading a few self-help books, and seeking some professional counseling, I began to get to the core of my issue. I learned that anger is almost always a secondary emotion. Beneath anger, there is usually a primary feeling . . . and beneath that, there is always an underlying thought.
In my case, I realized that I was angry because I was chronically frustrated. And I was frustrated because things didn’t always turn out the way I wanted them to . . . and I thought that they always had to. Why did I think that? Because I had never believed that anything “good” could just happen on its own. And I had never believed that something “bad” could, in the end, turn out to be beneficial.
In short, I didn’t believe in the basic beneficence of the universe. And I certainly didn’t believe there was a higher intelligence in this universe that was always working for good on my behalf. Instead, I believed that if I wanted anything good to occur in my life, then it was up to me—and me alone—to make that happen.
Eventually, though, I grew so tired of trying to control every single aspect of my life, I finally became willing—as many people put it—to “let go and let God.” For the first time in my life I stopped trying to force the outcomes I desired, and I became willing to consider the possibility that something good could arise out of something I initially thought was “bad.” Through prayer and meditation I began to seek divine guidance before acting. And I became more lovingly responsive instead of fearfully reactive to the challenges that arose in my life.
The result? Miracles began to occur in my life immediately. It seemed like the second I let go of the idea that everything had to go my way, everything did go my way—maybe not in the way that I planned, or in a way that I expected, but definitely in a way that was to my benefit, and to the benefit of all involved.
I let go, and I discovered “The Divine Flow.” Since that time, I have devoted my life to learning how to better recognize that flow, and cooperate with it.
These days, I rarely get angry. Frustrated at times, yes. Disappointed, sure. Uncertain once in a while, of course. But I don’t stay in those states for very long. I simply remember what my experience has proven to me time and time again: That I do, indeed, live in a beneficent universe, and this universe is always guiding me to my highest good . . . from wherever I happen to be.
Here’s to trusting in the divine flow, and moving from a state of anger to a place of peace . . . and even better, to a positive anticipation of something really good happening.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
One of the major turning points in my life occurred when I discovered that I had a rather uncomplimentary reputation at the advertising agency where I worked. I found out that I was one of three men called “The Angry Guys.”
Normally, I would have gotten angry over being critically labeled like that (how fitting), and I would have vehemently defended myself. But this time I didn’t . . . for one simple reason: It was true. I was angry. I was constantly hitting my fist on the desk or kicking trashcans across the room. But why? Exactly what was I so angry about? To my credit, I became willing to find out.
After doing a little soul-searching, reading a few self-help books, and seeking some professional counseling, I began to get to the core of my issue. I learned that anger is almost always a secondary emotion. Beneath anger, there is usually a primary feeling . . . and beneath that, there is always an underlying thought.
In my case, I realized that I was angry because I was chronically frustrated. And I was frustrated because things didn’t always turn out the way I wanted them to . . . and I thought that they always had to. Why did I think that? Because I had never believed that anything “good” could just happen on its own. And I had never believed that something “bad” could, in the end, turn out to be beneficial.
In short, I didn’t believe in the basic beneficence of the universe. And I certainly didn’t believe there was a higher intelligence in this universe that was always working for good on my behalf. Instead, I believed that if I wanted anything good to occur in my life, then it was up to me—and me alone—to make that happen.
Eventually, though, I grew so tired of trying to control every single aspect of my life, I finally became willing—as many people put it—to “let go and let God.” For the first time in my life I stopped trying to force the outcomes I desired, and I became willing to consider the possibility that something good could arise out of something I initially thought was “bad.” Through prayer and meditation I began to seek divine guidance before acting. And I became more lovingly responsive instead of fearfully reactive to the challenges that arose in my life.
The result? Miracles began to occur in my life immediately. It seemed like the second I let go of the idea that everything had to go my way, everything did go my way—maybe not in the way that I planned, or in a way that I expected, but definitely in a way that was to my benefit, and to the benefit of all involved.
I let go, and I discovered “The Divine Flow.” Since that time, I have devoted my life to learning how to better recognize that flow, and cooperate with it.
These days, I rarely get angry. Frustrated at times, yes. Disappointed, sure. Uncertain once in a while, of course. But I don’t stay in those states for very long. I simply remember what my experience has proven to me time and time again: That I do, indeed, live in a beneficent universe, and this universe is always guiding me to my highest good . . . from wherever I happen to be.
Here’s to trusting in the divine flow, and moving from a state of anger to a place of peace . . . and even better, to a positive anticipation of something really good happening.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Life's Challenges
June 1, 2008
Dear Friends,
Have you heard the story about the gambler who dies and finds himself in a very peculiar afterlife? He discovers that—at least for him—the afterlife consists of an eternal game of poker that he will be playing with several other deceased gamblers.
He is elated by this prospect, and is delighted when he easily wins the first hand. He is even more excited when he wins the second hand. And when he wins the third hand, he is absolutely ecstatic. However, when he also wins the fourth hand, he is more surprised than happy. And when he wins the fifth hand, he is downright puzzled. Finally, after winning the sixth hand, seventh hand, and eighth hand, the gambler exclaims: “Hey, this isn’t any fun! I don’t think I’m going to like it here in Heaven.” To which, one of the other gamblers replies: “What made you think this was Heaven?”
I chose to tell this story because I think it makes a good follow-up to last week’s message. Last week, if you recall, I wrote about all the pleasures that life has to offer you, if you will just pause long enough—and be present long enough—to notice and appreciate them.
But life is not always one pleasure after another, is it? As we row our boats down the stream toward the fulfillment of our dreams, we also encounter rocks and reeds, sandbars and whirlpools, unexpected turns and dead-end tributaries—often as a direct result of our own freewill choices. Can you appreciate those experiences also? Can you appreciate life’s challenges as well as life’s pleasures?
The wonderful thing about life is that it is the turbulent parts of the stream that enable you to truly appreciate the more peaceful parts. You cannot fully appreciate experiences like comfort, freedom, and ease, unless you also know their opposites. As I have said before, the true joy of living comes from learning how to appreciate life as a whole—including any rapids or waterfalls you might encounter along the way.
Like the gambler realized in the afterlife, you can’t enjoy winning unless you also experience losing. Here’s to enjoying the game of life, and remembering that it’s the bad hands, as well as the good hands, that keep the game interesting . . . and ultimately, fulfilling.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
Have you heard the story about the gambler who dies and finds himself in a very peculiar afterlife? He discovers that—at least for him—the afterlife consists of an eternal game of poker that he will be playing with several other deceased gamblers.
He is elated by this prospect, and is delighted when he easily wins the first hand. He is even more excited when he wins the second hand. And when he wins the third hand, he is absolutely ecstatic. However, when he also wins the fourth hand, he is more surprised than happy. And when he wins the fifth hand, he is downright puzzled. Finally, after winning the sixth hand, seventh hand, and eighth hand, the gambler exclaims: “Hey, this isn’t any fun! I don’t think I’m going to like it here in Heaven.” To which, one of the other gamblers replies: “What made you think this was Heaven?”
I chose to tell this story because I think it makes a good follow-up to last week’s message. Last week, if you recall, I wrote about all the pleasures that life has to offer you, if you will just pause long enough—and be present long enough—to notice and appreciate them.
But life is not always one pleasure after another, is it? As we row our boats down the stream toward the fulfillment of our dreams, we also encounter rocks and reeds, sandbars and whirlpools, unexpected turns and dead-end tributaries—often as a direct result of our own freewill choices. Can you appreciate those experiences also? Can you appreciate life’s challenges as well as life’s pleasures?
The wonderful thing about life is that it is the turbulent parts of the stream that enable you to truly appreciate the more peaceful parts. You cannot fully appreciate experiences like comfort, freedom, and ease, unless you also know their opposites. As I have said before, the true joy of living comes from learning how to appreciate life as a whole—including any rapids or waterfalls you might encounter along the way.
Like the gambler realized in the afterlife, you can’t enjoy winning unless you also experience losing. Here’s to enjoying the game of life, and remembering that it’s the bad hands, as well as the good hands, that keep the game interesting . . . and ultimately, fulfilling.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Pleasures of Life
May 25, 2008
Dear Friends,
For the past week, I have been in Dallas, Texas for the birth of my oldest daughter’s first child, a beautiful baby boy named Cole. When Cole opens his eyes and looks around, the expression on his face makes it look as if he is thinking, “Where in the world am I?” As Cole begins to explore this world he now finds himself in, his parents are in for a great treat. It is so much fun to watch a child discovering and enjoying the pleasures of life.
Not too long ago, I remember watching a toddler eating in a restaurant. It was a joy to observe this little girl eating her dinner with such relish. She was absolutely thrilled by each and every bite, and she kept trying to steal more food off her mother’s plate.
And then there was the time I watched another little girl—this one about four years old—dancing to some music being played by a street musician. What was particularly interesting about this child was the way she “observed herself” as she danced. She would look at her arms as she waved them in the air. She would look at her feet as she shuffled them across the ground. And she would look at her waist as she swiveled her hips around and around.
I felt like I was witnessing that little girl’s soul—her divine, eternal spirit—being fully aware of its presence in this material world, and consciously enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer. “Look, I have a body!” “Look, I can move it all around!”
So, you may ask, what does all that have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: Always remember that your enjoyment of life has little to do with reaching the destinations you are “rowing” toward.
Sure, fulfilling a desire or realizing a dream feels great! But that is just the icing on the cake. The real, deep-down enjoyment of life comes from allowing yourself to appreciate the entire journey, and all the wonderful things that journey presents to you along the way.
As you pursue your goals in life, be sure to pause for a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a tiny flower, and the majesty of a mighty tree. Notice the refreshing feel of a cool, spring breeze . . . the pure, clean scent of approaching rain . . . and the sound of a bird as it sings its splendid song.
Remember that living life in the divine flow is not just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about how you live as you row. Remember to take the time to laugh, sing, dance, and read . . . to eat your favorite foods . . . and to listen to your favorite music.
Make sure that you take the time to allow your spirit to do what it really came here to do in the first place—just to enjoy the experience of being alive and in the world!
Steven (Also known as Cole’s Grandaddy!)
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
For the past week, I have been in Dallas, Texas for the birth of my oldest daughter’s first child, a beautiful baby boy named Cole. When Cole opens his eyes and looks around, the expression on his face makes it look as if he is thinking, “Where in the world am I?” As Cole begins to explore this world he now finds himself in, his parents are in for a great treat. It is so much fun to watch a child discovering and enjoying the pleasures of life.
Not too long ago, I remember watching a toddler eating in a restaurant. It was a joy to observe this little girl eating her dinner with such relish. She was absolutely thrilled by each and every bite, and she kept trying to steal more food off her mother’s plate.
And then there was the time I watched another little girl—this one about four years old—dancing to some music being played by a street musician. What was particularly interesting about this child was the way she “observed herself” as she danced. She would look at her arms as she waved them in the air. She would look at her feet as she shuffled them across the ground. And she would look at her waist as she swiveled her hips around and around.
I felt like I was witnessing that little girl’s soul—her divine, eternal spirit—being fully aware of its presence in this material world, and consciously enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer. “Look, I have a body!” “Look, I can move it all around!”
So, you may ask, what does all that have to do with living life in the divine flow? Simply this: Always remember that your enjoyment of life has little to do with reaching the destinations you are “rowing” toward.
Sure, fulfilling a desire or realizing a dream feels great! But that is just the icing on the cake. The real, deep-down enjoyment of life comes from allowing yourself to appreciate the entire journey, and all the wonderful things that journey presents to you along the way.
As you pursue your goals in life, be sure to pause for a moment to appreciate the simple beauty of a tiny flower, and the majesty of a mighty tree. Notice the refreshing feel of a cool, spring breeze . . . the pure, clean scent of approaching rain . . . and the sound of a bird as it sings its splendid song.
Remember that living life in the divine flow is not just about getting where you want to go. It’s also about how you live as you row. Remember to take the time to laugh, sing, dance, and read . . . to eat your favorite foods . . . and to listen to your favorite music.
Make sure that you take the time to allow your spirit to do what it really came here to do in the first place—just to enjoy the experience of being alive and in the world!
Steven (Also known as Cole’s Grandaddy!)
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Transforming Negativity
May 18, 2008
Dear Friends,
As I often mention, one of the primary keys for living life in the divine flow is maintaining a positive frame of mind. For many of us (perhaps most of us) that can be quite a challenge, because we have been conditioned for much of our lives to automatically doubt and distrust. Unfortunately, that negative mind-set makes us less open to divine direction, and so we often miss or dismiss the divine opportunities that the flow is attempting to present to us.
I wish there was a simple switch that I could flip that would instantly transform negativity into positivity—darkness into light. But I haven’t found that “light switch” yet. For me, transforming a thought based on fear into a thought based on faith is a process. And as I examine that process, I can see that there are several identifiable steps that I usually take.
Today, I offer you my personal process for regaining a positive attitude. If you are plagued by chronic worry and negativity, perhaps it is because you not taking one or more of the following steps:
1. I accept the fact that I am having a negative thought, and I don’t judge myself harshly for that. Judging myself just keeps me in that part of my mind—the ego—that thrives on fear and worry. Like I mentioned earlier, considering the way that many of us have been conditioned, a less-than-positive outlook on life is understandable.
2. I move into a more objective frame of mind by literally saying to myself, “Oh, I’m having a thought that (fill in the blank).” In other words, I don’t resist the thought, which just causes it to persist. Instead, I simply observe the thought without becoming attached to it.
3. In that more objective frame of mind, I am usually able to see the extreme, false, or unfounded nature of my thought, and easily discard it.
4. If the thought continues to remain with me because it still seems reasonable or likely, then I judge its reality based on my past experience. When I do that, I usually realize I have had a thought like this before, and what I feared did not actually happen . . . or it did not happen to the degree that I imagined. Often, in fact, my most fearful moments have set the stage for something really good to occur, instead.
5. Based on my experience, I then replace my negative thought with a more positive one. But more importantly, I affirm for myself what I know to be true in both my experience and in my heart: That I live in a beneficent Universe that is continually supporting me, protecting me, and guiding me to my highest good. I remind myself that I am constantly being offered celestial assistance, and I remember that my job is mainly to be open and receptive to divine direction.
6. Finally, I recognize that it is impossible for me to control every single aspect of life. So I simply return my attention to whatever is right in front of me at the moment—like driving the car or working in the yard—and I give thanks that while I am taking care of what is in my control, the Universe is handling everything else on my behalf.
All steps aside, there is only one thing you ever really need to remember, and that is this: “Everything can be a stepping stone to your highest good, if you are willing to look at it that way.” But if that is simply not enough to instantly “turn on the light” for you, then I hope the steps I have outlined above—like turning up a dimmer switch—will at least help you shed more and more light on any negative or worrisome thought you are currently struggling with.
Blessings!
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
As I often mention, one of the primary keys for living life in the divine flow is maintaining a positive frame of mind. For many of us (perhaps most of us) that can be quite a challenge, because we have been conditioned for much of our lives to automatically doubt and distrust. Unfortunately, that negative mind-set makes us less open to divine direction, and so we often miss or dismiss the divine opportunities that the flow is attempting to present to us.
I wish there was a simple switch that I could flip that would instantly transform negativity into positivity—darkness into light. But I haven’t found that “light switch” yet. For me, transforming a thought based on fear into a thought based on faith is a process. And as I examine that process, I can see that there are several identifiable steps that I usually take.
Today, I offer you my personal process for regaining a positive attitude. If you are plagued by chronic worry and negativity, perhaps it is because you not taking one or more of the following steps:
1. I accept the fact that I am having a negative thought, and I don’t judge myself harshly for that. Judging myself just keeps me in that part of my mind—the ego—that thrives on fear and worry. Like I mentioned earlier, considering the way that many of us have been conditioned, a less-than-positive outlook on life is understandable.
2. I move into a more objective frame of mind by literally saying to myself, “Oh, I’m having a thought that (fill in the blank).” In other words, I don’t resist the thought, which just causes it to persist. Instead, I simply observe the thought without becoming attached to it.
3. In that more objective frame of mind, I am usually able to see the extreme, false, or unfounded nature of my thought, and easily discard it.
4. If the thought continues to remain with me because it still seems reasonable or likely, then I judge its reality based on my past experience. When I do that, I usually realize I have had a thought like this before, and what I feared did not actually happen . . . or it did not happen to the degree that I imagined. Often, in fact, my most fearful moments have set the stage for something really good to occur, instead.
5. Based on my experience, I then replace my negative thought with a more positive one. But more importantly, I affirm for myself what I know to be true in both my experience and in my heart: That I live in a beneficent Universe that is continually supporting me, protecting me, and guiding me to my highest good. I remind myself that I am constantly being offered celestial assistance, and I remember that my job is mainly to be open and receptive to divine direction.
6. Finally, I recognize that it is impossible for me to control every single aspect of life. So I simply return my attention to whatever is right in front of me at the moment—like driving the car or working in the yard—and I give thanks that while I am taking care of what is in my control, the Universe is handling everything else on my behalf.
All steps aside, there is only one thing you ever really need to remember, and that is this: “Everything can be a stepping stone to your highest good, if you are willing to look at it that way.” But if that is simply not enough to instantly “turn on the light” for you, then I hope the steps I have outlined above—like turning up a dimmer switch—will at least help you shed more and more light on any negative or worrisome thought you are currently struggling with.
Blessings!
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Day, Mother!
May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day, Friends!
Sunday, May 11th is the day we celebrate the women in our lives who conceived us, gave birth to us, and nurtured us as we began to establish our own individual identities in the world.
As I contemplate the beauty of motherhood on this special day, I can't help but notice the similarity between motherhood and manifesting.
What similarity, exactly?
Well, as I have mentioned many times before, you are an innately creative being. No matter how happy and fulfilled you are, you will always be conceiving of things you want to have, do, or be in your life. Through your words and your actions you will constantly be giving birth to your ideas—to your desires, goals, and dreams. And by giving them your love and attention, you will continually be in the process of nurturing your creations—of helping them to grow into full expression.
In other words, whether you are male or female, whether you have brought a child into this world or not, in many respects you are—at the core of your being—a mother . . . someone who is divinely designed to bring something new and beautiful into this world.
As you pay tribute to your mother (or mothers), and to all the mothers living in the world around you, I invite you to take a moment to also honor the mother living in the world within you.
Take a moment to celebrate that motherly part of you that is an open chamber for receiving divine ideas, and an open channel for bringing those beautiful ideas into the world, and giving them life.
Here's to the joy of motherhood!
And here's to the peace that comes from knowing that the whole universe is willing to help you with that wonderful and immensely fulfilling work.
Happy Day, Mother!
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Happy Mother's Day, Friends!
Sunday, May 11th is the day we celebrate the women in our lives who conceived us, gave birth to us, and nurtured us as we began to establish our own individual identities in the world.
As I contemplate the beauty of motherhood on this special day, I can't help but notice the similarity between motherhood and manifesting.
What similarity, exactly?
Well, as I have mentioned many times before, you are an innately creative being. No matter how happy and fulfilled you are, you will always be conceiving of things you want to have, do, or be in your life. Through your words and your actions you will constantly be giving birth to your ideas—to your desires, goals, and dreams. And by giving them your love and attention, you will continually be in the process of nurturing your creations—of helping them to grow into full expression.
In other words, whether you are male or female, whether you have brought a child into this world or not, in many respects you are—at the core of your being—a mother . . . someone who is divinely designed to bring something new and beautiful into this world.
As you pay tribute to your mother (or mothers), and to all the mothers living in the world around you, I invite you to take a moment to also honor the mother living in the world within you.
Take a moment to celebrate that motherly part of you that is an open chamber for receiving divine ideas, and an open channel for bringing those beautiful ideas into the world, and giving them life.
Here's to the joy of motherhood!
And here's to the peace that comes from knowing that the whole universe is willing to help you with that wonderful and immensely fulfilling work.
Happy Day, Mother!
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of, Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Saturday, May 3, 2008
G.U.I.L.T.Y. or Guilty?
May 4, 2008
Dear Friends,
In the mid-nineties, I read and studied a book called A Course in Miracles. One of the points that this book makes repeatedly (as I understand it) is that whenever we are coming from ego—that is, whenever we are coming from a sense of self that is separated and isolated from the Divine—we feel guilt.
Guilt? At that time in my life, I definitely felt a certain sense of separation and isolation, but I couldn’t really relate to the deep and chronic feeling of guilt that the Course seemed to be referring to.
And then one day, something occurred to me. As I have said many times, the true you is not your body, your mind, or even your personality. The true you is spirit—an individual expression of the Divine that exists at the core of your being. And that spirit—that Higher Self—is evident whenever you express certain qualities . . . qualities such as love, trust, and understanding. Don’t you think that you feel guilty whenever you are not expressing those qualities, and may be expressing the exact opposite? Don’t you think you feel guilty when you are disconnected from your own divinity, and are not being true to your Self?
We may not have identified it, but I suspect that there is, indeed, a sense of guilt that is always present whenever we are not fully expressing our divine nature. It’s a subtle sense of guilt that we feel so consistently, we have probably become accustomed to it.
Today I would like to put a positive spin on this rather unpleasant topic of guilt, by transforming that very word itself into a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness of your spirit. I have created an acronym for guilt that describes some of the wonderful qualities of your divine essence, and I present that acronym to you now in the form of a question:
Are you G.U.I.L.T.Y?
G is for Giving. And your spirit is here to give. Are you giving? Do you freely share your God-given gifts with others without demanding something in return?
U is for Understanding. And your spirit is always understanding. Are you understanding? Can you see that everyone is doing the best they can with the limited knowledge, skills, and history that they have?
I is for Inspired. Are you inspired? Are you willing to open your mind and open your heart to the divine insights and intuitive directions that come directly from your spirit . . . even if that divine guidance doesn’t seem to be “logical?”
L is for Loving. And your spirit loves unconditionally. Are you loving? Are you willing to look beyond appearances and beyond behavior to behold the inner perfection and inner beauty that reside within everyone?
T is for Trusting. Are you trusting? Are you willing to let go of control long enough to let the universe show you what it can do on your behalf? Are you willing to let your spirit guide you down a path that is different from what you planned on or expected?
Y is for Young at heart. Your spirit always approaches life with the innocence, enthusiasm, and wonder of a child. Are you young at heart? Can you enjoy this world as if it’s your own personal playground?
I ask you again, my friends: Are you G.U.I.L.T.Y?
I certainly hope so! Because the more Giving, Understanding, Inspired, Loving, Trusting, and Young at heart you are, the more you will be coming from spirit, instead of ego . . . and the more your life will be in the flow.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
Dear Friends,
In the mid-nineties, I read and studied a book called A Course in Miracles. One of the points that this book makes repeatedly (as I understand it) is that whenever we are coming from ego—that is, whenever we are coming from a sense of self that is separated and isolated from the Divine—we feel guilt.
Guilt? At that time in my life, I definitely felt a certain sense of separation and isolation, but I couldn’t really relate to the deep and chronic feeling of guilt that the Course seemed to be referring to.
And then one day, something occurred to me. As I have said many times, the true you is not your body, your mind, or even your personality. The true you is spirit—an individual expression of the Divine that exists at the core of your being. And that spirit—that Higher Self—is evident whenever you express certain qualities . . . qualities such as love, trust, and understanding. Don’t you think that you feel guilty whenever you are not expressing those qualities, and may be expressing the exact opposite? Don’t you think you feel guilty when you are disconnected from your own divinity, and are not being true to your Self?
We may not have identified it, but I suspect that there is, indeed, a sense of guilt that is always present whenever we are not fully expressing our divine nature. It’s a subtle sense of guilt that we feel so consistently, we have probably become accustomed to it.
Today I would like to put a positive spin on this rather unpleasant topic of guilt, by transforming that very word itself into a beautiful reminder of the inherent goodness of your spirit. I have created an acronym for guilt that describes some of the wonderful qualities of your divine essence, and I present that acronym to you now in the form of a question:
Are you G.U.I.L.T.Y?
G is for Giving. And your spirit is here to give. Are you giving? Do you freely share your God-given gifts with others without demanding something in return?
U is for Understanding. And your spirit is always understanding. Are you understanding? Can you see that everyone is doing the best they can with the limited knowledge, skills, and history that they have?
I is for Inspired. Are you inspired? Are you willing to open your mind and open your heart to the divine insights and intuitive directions that come directly from your spirit . . . even if that divine guidance doesn’t seem to be “logical?”
L is for Loving. And your spirit loves unconditionally. Are you loving? Are you willing to look beyond appearances and beyond behavior to behold the inner perfection and inner beauty that reside within everyone?
T is for Trusting. Are you trusting? Are you willing to let go of control long enough to let the universe show you what it can do on your behalf? Are you willing to let your spirit guide you down a path that is different from what you planned on or expected?
Y is for Young at heart. Your spirit always approaches life with the innocence, enthusiasm, and wonder of a child. Are you young at heart? Can you enjoy this world as if it’s your own personal playground?
I ask you again, my friends: Are you G.U.I.L.T.Y?
I certainly hope so! Because the more Giving, Understanding, Inspired, Loving, Trusting, and Young at heart you are, the more you will be coming from spirit, instead of ego . . . and the more your life will be in the flow.
Steven
© 2008 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
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