April 17, 2011
Dear Friends,
As I mentioned in my last message, no matter how bad you perceive a situation to be, it can quickly become be a stepping-stone to your highest good . . . if you are willing to look at it that way. There is a fable I sometimes tell in my talks and workshops that is a wonderful illustration of this principle. And lately I have realized just how perfect this metaphorical tale really is.
Here’s the story:
“There was once a rancher who owned a donkey. This donkey was more of a pet than a work animal, and the rancher was sad to watch his beloved donkey grow increasingly feeble and blind as time went by.
One day, the rancher noticed the donkey hobbling across a field toward a bucket of oats. Between the donkey and the oats there was a dried-up well, which was encircled by a short stone wall.
The rancher was horrified when the donkey—being half-blind—stumbled over the wall and fell right into the well! The rancher ran out to the well, and looked down into the hole. But the hole was so deep, the rancher couldn’t see the bottom. So he listened carefully for sounds of suffering. But he never heard a thing.
The rancher finally assumed that the donkey must have died instantly in the fall. And although the rancher was very sad about what had happened, he felt like this terrible accident might be a blessing in disguise. The donkey’s life had ended quickly, and the donkey no longer had to suffer the ever-increasing aches and pains of aging.
Since retrieving the donkey from the well would be extremely difficult, the rancher decided to make the well the donkey’s final resting place. He would fill in the dangerous hole, and then erect a small monument to the animal on that very spot.
Requiring help with this, the rancher asked his friends to bring over some loads of dirt, which they did. And after conducting a short, but touching memorial service, the rancher and his buddies began to shovel dirt into the hole.
Well, guess what? Although the well no longer produced water, there was still six feet of wet mud in the bottom of the hole. And the mud had protected the donkey from harm. Other than being disoriented, and having his legs stuck in the mud, the donkey was perfectly fine—alive and well!
But then dirt starts falling on the donkey’s head! And on his back! And all around him! Until finally, the dirt had piled up past the donkey’s knees. And that’s when the donkey’s instinct took over.
First with one leg, and then with the others, the donkey slowly pulled himself out of the mud, and stepped up onto the dry dirt. As more dirt accumulated, the donkey stepped up again. And then again. And then again. Imagine how shocked the rancher was when the donkey suddenly appeared at the top of the well! What a delightful surprise that was!”
You get the point, right? Quite literally, the dirt that was supposed to bury the donkey became his “stepping stone to a higher good!” And the lesson for us should be equally obvious:
We, too, blindly fall into holes. And when we think we’ve hit bottom, sometimes the world adds insult to injury and throws dirt down on us. The difference between people and the donkey, though, is this: We often let the dirt pile up to our necks—or even over our heads—before we are open to seeing the next right step that is right in front of us.
Unlike the donkey, we spend all our time blaming the people who dug the hole, or shaming ourselves for stupidly falling into it. We rant and we rave about the injustice of it all, and in that judgmental state, we fail to notice that the very elements that make up our circumstance can provide us with a way out of our predicament.
But now I see that there is even more depth to this story than I originally thought. For when the donkey got to the top of the well, he was no closer to the oats than he was when he first fell into the hole. And friends, the same may be true for you.
Although it is possible for the divine flow to instantly open a portal that leads directly from the bottom of a hole to a goal that you are trying to reach, more often than not, the next right step that you will be divinely guided to take, will simply be a step that is designed to help lift you up and/or rectify the situation that you are in.
There may be a step that helps you heal emotionally, a step that helps you mature spiritually, or a step that helps restore something that was damaged or lost . . . but those steps won’t necessarily move you any closer to your original destination.
There are consequences to going through life blindly—that is, making choices based on fear and ego, rather than continually seeking divine guidance. And when you fall into a hole, there may be quite a few steps that have to be taken, and quite a bit of time that might have to pass, before you feel like you are once again heading toward your dream.
Whether it’s a step that heals something, reveals something, or repairs something, it’s a great comfort to know that the divine flow is continually providing you with what you need to learn and grow, so you can once again glide toward your goal with effortless ease. Remember, though, it’s up to you to recognize that step when it appears. And it’s up to you to take that step . . . and the one after that . . . and the one after that.
Steven
Share
© 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
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Turning Problems Into Possibilities
April 10, 2011
Dear Friends,
Every now and then, you will end up in a place that you don’t like. You won’t understand how the problem that you are facing could possibly be part of the divine flow for you, and you will try to figure out why you are experiencing that particular challenge. But, as I put it in my book . . .
Admittedly though—depending on the severity of the situation—quickly adopting that kind of positive outlook can be a challenge in itself. That’s why I recommend that you take the following four steps to help turn a problem into a possibility for good.
Step #1. Accept what is. That doesn’t mean that you have to like what’s going on. Acceptance is simply about allowing a current circumstance to be the way it is, and to stop resisting it. If you examine your resistance closely, you will see that it is not about moving beyond your present situation. It is just a futile effort to fight against the very existence of that situation. Friends, what is . . . is! All the resistance in the world is not going to alter that. Refusing to accept something the way it is will only subject you to needless suffering. And as long as you are trying to rewrite history in your head—vainly trying to arrive at a different outcome with thoughts like “This can’t be,” or “This shouldn’t be”—you will have little hope of moving to a place that you do like. As long as you are focused on how something should be, you will restrict the divine evolution of what can be. That is why it is said, “What you resist, persists.”
Step #2. Stop blaming others or shaming yourself for what has occurred. You cannot judge or hold a grudge, and, at the same time, be open and receptive to divine guidance. When you are in a judgmental state of mind, you are in ego. And the ego is the part of your mind that is not open to divine ideas and divine inspiration. To move forward you must stop looking backwards, trying to determine exactly who caused what. Keep in mind that every single person—including you—is doing the best he or she can according to his or her limited knowledge, imperfect understanding, and behavioral conditioning. To see the good that lies within a situation, you must also see the good that lies within each and every person involved in that situation. You must let go of your judgments and release your resentments by looking beyond people’s behavior to see the innocence that exists within them—the innocence of their true self . . . the innocence of their divine inner spirit.
Step #3. Adopt an expectation of good. Again, that doesn’t mean that you have to like your present circumstance. You don’t have to try to trick yourself into believing that your current situation is—in its present state—“good.” But you do have to be open-minded about what you are experiencing, and realize that—with the help of the divine flow—your situation can potentially be good . . . that it can be a stepping-stone to your highest good, a blessing about to bloom, and a miracle in the making. Remember that the divine flow can guide you to your good from wherever you are. You might think that you are “up the creek without a paddle,” but the infinite intelligence of the Universe can see an almost unlimited number of ways for you to get to your highest good from your current position in life. In fact, the very situation you are in may give rise to a divine opportunity that couldn’t have existed in any other environment . . . even if that opportunity is just a chance for you to learn a valuable lesson—a lesson that may serve you well in the future.
Step #4. Seek your next right step. Once you have accepted what is, stopped blaming others or shaming yourself for what has occurred, and have adopted an expectation of good, you are now in a position to be truly open to divine guidance. Generally, there will be some kind of step that you will be divinely directed to take. You might intuitively sense within yourself exactly what that step is. Someone else might be divinely inspired to suggest that step to you. Or, you might realize what that step is via a divine sign or a synchronistic encounter. Remember, though, to seek only your next right step—that one single step—because the divine flow only presents to you one step at a time. A daily practice of meditation is a great way to maintain a heightened sense of awareness, so you will more readily recognize that step when it presents itself.
And there you have it, friends: Four steps to help you turn a troublesome problem into a positive possibility for good. Four steps to help you become genuinely receptive to divine direction. Four steps to help you transform an unwanted situation into a stepping-stone to your highest good . . . which, as it happens, is always the highest good for all.
Steven
Share
© 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
Dear Friends,
Every now and then, you will end up in a place that you don’t like. You won’t understand how the problem that you are facing could possibly be part of the divine flow for you, and you will try to figure out why you are experiencing that particular challenge. But, as I put it in my book . . .
“You don’t have to know why things happen the way they do. Because it doesn’t make any difference! Regardless of where you are, regardless of how you got there, and regardless of how bad you perceive your situation to be, it can always be a stepping-stone to your highest good . . . if you are willing to look at it that way.”Why something happens is not nearly as important as how you respond to it. And the best way to respond to any undesirable situation is to see the potential for good that lies within that situation. It is that kind of positive attitude that keeps you open and receptive to divine guidance—the kind of guidance you will need in order to move beyond your current circumstance.
Admittedly though—depending on the severity of the situation—quickly adopting that kind of positive outlook can be a challenge in itself. That’s why I recommend that you take the following four steps to help turn a problem into a possibility for good.
Step #1. Accept what is. That doesn’t mean that you have to like what’s going on. Acceptance is simply about allowing a current circumstance to be the way it is, and to stop resisting it. If you examine your resistance closely, you will see that it is not about moving beyond your present situation. It is just a futile effort to fight against the very existence of that situation. Friends, what is . . . is! All the resistance in the world is not going to alter that. Refusing to accept something the way it is will only subject you to needless suffering. And as long as you are trying to rewrite history in your head—vainly trying to arrive at a different outcome with thoughts like “This can’t be,” or “This shouldn’t be”—you will have little hope of moving to a place that you do like. As long as you are focused on how something should be, you will restrict the divine evolution of what can be. That is why it is said, “What you resist, persists.”
Step #2. Stop blaming others or shaming yourself for what has occurred. You cannot judge or hold a grudge, and, at the same time, be open and receptive to divine guidance. When you are in a judgmental state of mind, you are in ego. And the ego is the part of your mind that is not open to divine ideas and divine inspiration. To move forward you must stop looking backwards, trying to determine exactly who caused what. Keep in mind that every single person—including you—is doing the best he or she can according to his or her limited knowledge, imperfect understanding, and behavioral conditioning. To see the good that lies within a situation, you must also see the good that lies within each and every person involved in that situation. You must let go of your judgments and release your resentments by looking beyond people’s behavior to see the innocence that exists within them—the innocence of their true self . . . the innocence of their divine inner spirit.
Step #3. Adopt an expectation of good. Again, that doesn’t mean that you have to like your present circumstance. You don’t have to try to trick yourself into believing that your current situation is—in its present state—“good.” But you do have to be open-minded about what you are experiencing, and realize that—with the help of the divine flow—your situation can potentially be good . . . that it can be a stepping-stone to your highest good, a blessing about to bloom, and a miracle in the making. Remember that the divine flow can guide you to your good from wherever you are. You might think that you are “up the creek without a paddle,” but the infinite intelligence of the Universe can see an almost unlimited number of ways for you to get to your highest good from your current position in life. In fact, the very situation you are in may give rise to a divine opportunity that couldn’t have existed in any other environment . . . even if that opportunity is just a chance for you to learn a valuable lesson—a lesson that may serve you well in the future.
Step #4. Seek your next right step. Once you have accepted what is, stopped blaming others or shaming yourself for what has occurred, and have adopted an expectation of good, you are now in a position to be truly open to divine guidance. Generally, there will be some kind of step that you will be divinely directed to take. You might intuitively sense within yourself exactly what that step is. Someone else might be divinely inspired to suggest that step to you. Or, you might realize what that step is via a divine sign or a synchronistic encounter. Remember, though, to seek only your next right step—that one single step—because the divine flow only presents to you one step at a time. A daily practice of meditation is a great way to maintain a heightened sense of awareness, so you will more readily recognize that step when it presents itself.
And there you have it, friends: Four steps to help you turn a troublesome problem into a positive possibility for good. Four steps to help you become genuinely receptive to divine direction. Four steps to help you transform an unwanted situation into a stepping-stone to your highest good . . . which, as it happens, is always the highest good for all.
Steven
Share
© 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
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Practicing Divine Discernment
April 3, 2011
Dear Friends,
Last week I suggested that you refrain from acting hastily whenever someone encourages you to “push through” a problem—to “force your way forward,” so to speak. Although the accomplishment of a goal or the realization of a dream may require a great deal of patience on your part, the divine flow will never ask you to “force” anything. Nor, usually, will it require you to endure extreme conditions of any kind. Generally speaking, the path of the flow is always one of grace and ease, even when it takes an unexpected turn.
That said, I am not asking you to always ignore the suggestions of others. In fact—in addition to divine signs and synchronicities—one of the primary ways that you receive divine guidance in life is through other people. But please remember, no matter what anyone encourages you to do, and no matter how much you respect his or her advice or opinions, it is up to you to decide what is best for you.
Never forget that your most valuable, reliable, and consistent source of guidance is always your own intuition. Even if someone makes a suggestion that sounds like it is “in the flow” and not at all forceful, it is still up to you to access you inner sense of “knowing” to decide whether that advice is right for you or not.
Regardless of what people say, or what the signs and synchronicities “seem” to indicate, it is always important to practice divine discernment—to get quiet, go within, and get in touch with that subtle, inner sense that helps you distinguish between “yes, this feels right for me,” or “no, this doesn’t feel like it is in my best interest.”
As Rev. Suzanne Bishop of Payson, Arizona wrote to me: “I have learned the importance of taking personal responsibility for my own well-being—to not allow anyone to override my internal guidance, and to resist the efforts of someone else to push me beyond what I intuit is good or safe for me at the time.”
Friends, it is helpful to receive guidance from “without”—from signs and synchronicities, and from friends, family members, teachers, and other leaders. But for the most part, that information should just be used to confirm what your own heart is telling you. In the end, every decision that you make, and every action that you take, should be based on the wisdom that lies “within”—on the wisdom of your very own spirit.
Steven
Share
© 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
Dear Friends,
Last week I suggested that you refrain from acting hastily whenever someone encourages you to “push through” a problem—to “force your way forward,” so to speak. Although the accomplishment of a goal or the realization of a dream may require a great deal of patience on your part, the divine flow will never ask you to “force” anything. Nor, usually, will it require you to endure extreme conditions of any kind. Generally speaking, the path of the flow is always one of grace and ease, even when it takes an unexpected turn.
That said, I am not asking you to always ignore the suggestions of others. In fact—in addition to divine signs and synchronicities—one of the primary ways that you receive divine guidance in life is through other people. But please remember, no matter what anyone encourages you to do, and no matter how much you respect his or her advice or opinions, it is up to you to decide what is best for you.
Never forget that your most valuable, reliable, and consistent source of guidance is always your own intuition. Even if someone makes a suggestion that sounds like it is “in the flow” and not at all forceful, it is still up to you to access you inner sense of “knowing” to decide whether that advice is right for you or not.
Regardless of what people say, or what the signs and synchronicities “seem” to indicate, it is always important to practice divine discernment—to get quiet, go within, and get in touch with that subtle, inner sense that helps you distinguish between “yes, this feels right for me,” or “no, this doesn’t feel like it is in my best interest.”
As Rev. Suzanne Bishop of Payson, Arizona wrote to me: “I have learned the importance of taking personal responsibility for my own well-being—to not allow anyone to override my internal guidance, and to resist the efforts of someone else to push me beyond what I intuit is good or safe for me at the time.”
Friends, it is helpful to receive guidance from “without”—from signs and synchronicities, and from friends, family members, teachers, and other leaders. But for the most part, that information should just be used to confirm what your own heart is telling you. In the end, every decision that you make, and every action that you take, should be based on the wisdom that lies “within”—on the wisdom of your very own spirit.
Steven
Share
© 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
Friday, March 25, 2011
Being In The Flow Is "No Sweat"
March 27, 2011
Dear Friends,
As I prepare this week’s message, James Arthur Ray, a popular self-help “guru,” is on trial for contributing to the deaths of three people who participated in a sweat lodge ceremony that he conducted here in Sedona in October of 2009. In addition to the three people who lost their lives, at least fifteen other people became seriously ill during this tragic incident.
Usually, a sweat lodge ceremony is reasonably safe, because the person in charge of this sacred ritual continually monitors the well-being of the participants, and allows anyone to leave the lodge if they are experiencing severe, physical discomfort. Although Ray did not physically restrain anyone from leaving, one survivor of the ordeal claims that those who did attempt to leave—or complained about their distress—were strongly encouraged to “push through it.” In other words, they were encouraged to endure their discomfort, to persevere, and to literally “sweat it out.” Regardless of whether Ray is found guilty of an actual crime or not, the outcome of his kind of mentality proved to be disastrous.
There are many lessons that can be learned from this unfortunate tragedy. But what it immediately brings to my mind—and is pertinent to the focus of my work—is the importance of knowing the difference between “flow” and “force” when it comes to pursuing your chosen destinations in life. When you ignore the divine flow of life, and choose, instead, to push ahead and force your way forward, there can be undesired consequences.
That’s not to say that being in the divine flow always feels completely comfortable. In fact, there may be times when the divine flow will purposely invite you to step out of your personal comfort zone. But if you look closely at what your personal comfort zone is, you will see that is usually a “box” that was artificially created by your own personal history and conditioning . . . and it feels good to finally move beyond that limited—and limiting—space.
It appears, though, that Ray was doing far more than asking people to move beyond their personal comfort zone. He was inviting them to tolerate extreme discomfort, and encouraging them to ignore what their bodies were trying to tell them. There are physical limits to what the body can endure, and to what the body can do. And even though professional athletes are continually stretching those boundaries, those expansions happen very gradually, and in very tiny increments.
Friends, there are going to be plenty of times in life when you will run into a formidable obstacle that seems to be blocking you from reaching your desired destination. And there will probably be well-meaning people around you who will encourage you to “push through it.” In those times, just remember to refrain from acting hastily, and—through prayer, meditation, and/or contemplation—try to discern if the next step that you are considering taking feels “fluid” or “forceful.”
Remember that being in the flow is not about taking a step just because you can. It’s about attuning yourself to divine guidance, and taking the step that you are being divinely directed to take . . . a step that is usually a tiny, little, baby step—one that is right in front of you, and relatively easy to do.
Remember that being in the flow is not about forcing your way through an obstacle. It’s about flowing around that obstacle, or sometimes—through the power of divine love—watching that obstacle dissolve right before your very eyes.
In other words, being in the flow is not about sweating it out. It’s about the grace and effortless ease you experience in life when all of your decisions and all of your actions are divinely inspired.
Do you have a particular goal or dream that you are pursuing right now? Then why not allow the divine flow to lead you to your desired destination. About the hardest thing you will have to do is exercise a little patience. Other than that, getting there should be . . . well . . . no sweat.
Steven
P.S. Discerning for yourself what is in your best interests—and what isn’t—is an important part of this topic. I will be focusing on that particular aspect of this subject in next week’s message.
Share
© 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
Dear Friends,
As I prepare this week’s message, James Arthur Ray, a popular self-help “guru,” is on trial for contributing to the deaths of three people who participated in a sweat lodge ceremony that he conducted here in Sedona in October of 2009. In addition to the three people who lost their lives, at least fifteen other people became seriously ill during this tragic incident.
Usually, a sweat lodge ceremony is reasonably safe, because the person in charge of this sacred ritual continually monitors the well-being of the participants, and allows anyone to leave the lodge if they are experiencing severe, physical discomfort. Although Ray did not physically restrain anyone from leaving, one survivor of the ordeal claims that those who did attempt to leave—or complained about their distress—were strongly encouraged to “push through it.” In other words, they were encouraged to endure their discomfort, to persevere, and to literally “sweat it out.” Regardless of whether Ray is found guilty of an actual crime or not, the outcome of his kind of mentality proved to be disastrous.
There are many lessons that can be learned from this unfortunate tragedy. But what it immediately brings to my mind—and is pertinent to the focus of my work—is the importance of knowing the difference between “flow” and “force” when it comes to pursuing your chosen destinations in life. When you ignore the divine flow of life, and choose, instead, to push ahead and force your way forward, there can be undesired consequences.
That’s not to say that being in the divine flow always feels completely comfortable. In fact, there may be times when the divine flow will purposely invite you to step out of your personal comfort zone. But if you look closely at what your personal comfort zone is, you will see that is usually a “box” that was artificially created by your own personal history and conditioning . . . and it feels good to finally move beyond that limited—and limiting—space.
It appears, though, that Ray was doing far more than asking people to move beyond their personal comfort zone. He was inviting them to tolerate extreme discomfort, and encouraging them to ignore what their bodies were trying to tell them. There are physical limits to what the body can endure, and to what the body can do. And even though professional athletes are continually stretching those boundaries, those expansions happen very gradually, and in very tiny increments.
Friends, there are going to be plenty of times in life when you will run into a formidable obstacle that seems to be blocking you from reaching your desired destination. And there will probably be well-meaning people around you who will encourage you to “push through it.” In those times, just remember to refrain from acting hastily, and—through prayer, meditation, and/or contemplation—try to discern if the next step that you are considering taking feels “fluid” or “forceful.”
Remember that being in the flow is not about taking a step just because you can. It’s about attuning yourself to divine guidance, and taking the step that you are being divinely directed to take . . . a step that is usually a tiny, little, baby step—one that is right in front of you, and relatively easy to do.
Remember that being in the flow is not about forcing your way through an obstacle. It’s about flowing around that obstacle, or sometimes—through the power of divine love—watching that obstacle dissolve right before your very eyes.
In other words, being in the flow is not about sweating it out. It’s about the grace and effortless ease you experience in life when all of your decisions and all of your actions are divinely inspired.
Do you have a particular goal or dream that you are pursuing right now? Then why not allow the divine flow to lead you to your desired destination. About the hardest thing you will have to do is exercise a little patience. Other than that, getting there should be . . . well . . . no sweat.
Steven
P.S. Discerning for yourself what is in your best interests—and what isn’t—is an important part of this topic. I will be focusing on that particular aspect of this subject in next week’s message.
Share
© 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
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Disasters and The Divine Flow
March 20, 2011
Dear Friends,
When a disaster occurs—like the devastating earthquake and tsunami that just struck Japan—we often turn our faces to the sky and cry, “Why, God? Why?” In our attempt to make sense out of what has happened, we desperately seek some kind of “divine” reason for it all. And that is completely understandable.
But in this physical world we live in—a world that is not only influenced by the choices of man, but also by the natural forces of wind and water and shifting ground—things happen . . . tragic things, sometimes. And the simple fact is, there may not be a “divine” explanation for it.
Perhaps a better question to ask right now is not why something has happened, but now that it has happened, what is our next right step? What is that divinely guided step that is not only in our own best interests, but in the best interests of all?
Remember that no matter what has happened or why it has happened, there can always be a divine flow from that point on . . . a healing flow that directs us and supports us in our return to health, wholeness, and an overall experience of well-being. The challenge, as always, is remaining open and receptive enough to hear that still, small voice that is continually telling us the best way to help ourselves, and to help each other.
In this time of shock and grief, confusion and sadness, let us send our love and light to all the people in Japan who are in too much pain right now to sense any kind of divine flow in their lives.
Or, better yet, let us offer those people our aid in whatever way we feel divinely inspired to . . . and be the divine flow in their lives.
Steven
P.S. If you would like to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross in Japan with a donation, click here.
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
When a disaster occurs—like the devastating earthquake and tsunami that just struck Japan—we often turn our faces to the sky and cry, “Why, God? Why?” In our attempt to make sense out of what has happened, we desperately seek some kind of “divine” reason for it all. And that is completely understandable.
But in this physical world we live in—a world that is not only influenced by the choices of man, but also by the natural forces of wind and water and shifting ground—things happen . . . tragic things, sometimes. And the simple fact is, there may not be a “divine” explanation for it.
Perhaps a better question to ask right now is not why something has happened, but now that it has happened, what is our next right step? What is that divinely guided step that is not only in our own best interests, but in the best interests of all?
Remember that no matter what has happened or why it has happened, there can always be a divine flow from that point on . . . a healing flow that directs us and supports us in our return to health, wholeness, and an overall experience of well-being. The challenge, as always, is remaining open and receptive enough to hear that still, small voice that is continually telling us the best way to help ourselves, and to help each other.
In this time of shock and grief, confusion and sadness, let us send our love and light to all the people in Japan who are in too much pain right now to sense any kind of divine flow in their lives.
Or, better yet, let us offer those people our aid in whatever way we feel divinely inspired to . . . and be the divine flow in their lives.
Steven
P.S. If you would like to support the relief efforts of the American Red Cross in Japan with a donation, click here.
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hold On To Your Dream
March 13, 2011
Dear Friends,
In my last message I wrote about the importance of letting go of any rigid attachment you might have to a specific destination you have in mind—to the fulfillment of a specific goal, dream, or desire that you believe is best for you. But please notice my use of the word “specific,” because that word is significant.
Letting go of what you want to have, do, or be in life does not necessarily mean letting go of your dream in its entirety. It’s about letting go of the “specifics” of that dream—of what you think it specifically has to look like.
Remember that the divine flow is rarely guiding you to exactly what you “think” you want. Instead, it is guiding you to what will fulfill you the most, which is usually an experience of life that your inner spirit wishes to have—such as an experience of love, healing, or creative self-expression. And that experience can be manifested in a myriad of ways . . . not just the one you’ve thought of.
Do I dream of being a New York Times Best Selling Author? Of course I do. I think that would be wonderful. But I avoid becoming overly attached to that one specific dream. Why? Because I really don’t know—with absolute 100% certainty—that being a best selling author is the “soul-satisfying experience” that I assume it would be for me.
What I do Know (with a capital K) is this: When I share my spiritual journey and understanding with others, I experience a profound sense of joy and satisfaction. And writing a popular book is not the only way for me to share my truths and have that experience. I can also do it as a public speaker, as a class leader, as a private instructor, as a minister, or even as an Internet blogger. My job, I believe, is to stay in touch with my underlying desire to share my spiritual insights, and to allow the divine flow to orchestrate the best outcome for that desire—the one that would truly be best for me according to my own personal makeup.
Friends, as long as you feel enthusiastic about a particular dream of yours, by all means, hold on to that dream . . . but hold on mainly to its “essence”—to the experience of life that dream elicits. Whether your dream is a certain kind of career, or a particular kind of relationship, hold on to how that dream makes you feel. Hold on to the tremendous joy it brings you. Hold on to the deep sense of accomplishment it offers you. Hold on to the extraordinary feeling of love it gives you. But let go of the specifics.
By holding on to the “essence” or your dream, and letting go of the particulars, you allow the divine flow to guide you to something that will be truly fulfilling for you—something that will not only be in your best interests, but in the best interests of everyone . . . and something that may even be better than anything you have ever imagined.
Here’s to having dreams and pursuing dreams. But most of all, here’s to allowing those dreams to come true in whatever way is the most beneficial way for you.
Steven
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
In my last message I wrote about the importance of letting go of any rigid attachment you might have to a specific destination you have in mind—to the fulfillment of a specific goal, dream, or desire that you believe is best for you. But please notice my use of the word “specific,” because that word is significant.
Letting go of what you want to have, do, or be in life does not necessarily mean letting go of your dream in its entirety. It’s about letting go of the “specifics” of that dream—of what you think it specifically has to look like.
Remember that the divine flow is rarely guiding you to exactly what you “think” you want. Instead, it is guiding you to what will fulfill you the most, which is usually an experience of life that your inner spirit wishes to have—such as an experience of love, healing, or creative self-expression. And that experience can be manifested in a myriad of ways . . . not just the one you’ve thought of.
Do I dream of being a New York Times Best Selling Author? Of course I do. I think that would be wonderful. But I avoid becoming overly attached to that one specific dream. Why? Because I really don’t know—with absolute 100% certainty—that being a best selling author is the “soul-satisfying experience” that I assume it would be for me.
What I do Know (with a capital K) is this: When I share my spiritual journey and understanding with others, I experience a profound sense of joy and satisfaction. And writing a popular book is not the only way for me to share my truths and have that experience. I can also do it as a public speaker, as a class leader, as a private instructor, as a minister, or even as an Internet blogger. My job, I believe, is to stay in touch with my underlying desire to share my spiritual insights, and to allow the divine flow to orchestrate the best outcome for that desire—the one that would truly be best for me according to my own personal makeup.
Friends, as long as you feel enthusiastic about a particular dream of yours, by all means, hold on to that dream . . . but hold on mainly to its “essence”—to the experience of life that dream elicits. Whether your dream is a certain kind of career, or a particular kind of relationship, hold on to how that dream makes you feel. Hold on to the tremendous joy it brings you. Hold on to the deep sense of accomplishment it offers you. Hold on to the extraordinary feeling of love it gives you. But let go of the specifics.
By holding on to the “essence” or your dream, and letting go of the particulars, you allow the divine flow to guide you to something that will be truly fulfilling for you—something that will not only be in your best interests, but in the best interests of everyone . . . and something that may even be better than anything you have ever imagined.
Here’s to having dreams and pursuing dreams. But most of all, here’s to allowing those dreams to come true in whatever way is the most beneficial way for you.
Steven
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Saturday, March 5, 2011
When The Flow Appeases You
March 6, 2011
Dear Friends,
One of the key principles for living life in the divine flow is letting go of what you think you know . . . and that includes letting go of any specific destination—any goal, dream, or desire—that you believe is best for you.
Any destination that you have in mind is, at best, just an approximation of what your heart desires—of what your inner spirit really wants to experience. And the fulfillment of that underlying desire is what the flow is continually trying to guide you to. If you remain rigidly attached to a goal that is different from what your heart wants, your journey is likely to be a difficult one, because the Universe is simply not supporting you in reaching that particular destination.
That doesn’t mean that it is completely impossible for you to reach a destination that is not divinely supported. You certainly can. If you row against the flow long enough—literally forcing your way forward—it is quite possible for you to wind up exactly where you want to be. But it is also quite possible that you will regret where you end up, because the destination you reach will turn out to be unfulfilling, or fraught with trouble.
Here’s an interesting question, though: What does it mean when you do seem to be rowing with the flow—when doors miraculously open for you, and opportunities miraculously appear—and yet the destination you reach still turns out to be extraordinarily challenging?
A few months ago I received that very question from Robin, one of my readers in Australia. Robin had fulfilled a dream of 25 years to own and operate a combination café/bookstore located in a small country town 360 miles from her longtime home in Sydney. Accomplishing her goal had been virtually effortless. Doors had divinely opened for Robin. And opportunities had appeared serendipitously. And yet, within one month, Robin knew that this was not what she wanted to be doing for the rest of her life. The work was repetitive and backbreaking. The locals preferred to give their business to other locals instead of an “out-of-towner.” And Robin greatly missed her daughter, her friends, and the culture of the city. Robin is now in the process of selling her business and moving back to Sydney.
So, paraphrasing Robin, I ask the question again: What does it mean when the Universe seems to be completely supporting your journey, and yet the destination you reach isn’t satisfying, or it creates a whole new set of problems for you?
One answer to this puzzling scenario is that you are, in fact, exactly where you need to be, because the challenges you are facing are something that—deep down inside—you do want to experience, so you can grow spiritually or mature emotionally.
The answer I want to focus on this week, however, is a slightly different one. It is the simple fact that sometimes the flow will help you get where you want to go, so you will finally let go of your fixation on that particular goal, and once again become willing to consider a different destination . . . a destination that is truly best for you.
You might think you know yourself pretty well, but there is always the possibility that you aren’t perfectly suited for the goal that you are pursuing. There is always the possibility that there is a destination out there that might be a much better match for your talents, abilities, and preferences—a destination that, in the end, would be much more rewarding for you.
Like I said at the beginning of this message, to row with the flow you have to be willing to let go of what you think is best for you. If you remain overly obsessed by one particular goal, the divine flow might eventually appease you. That is, the divine flow will help you get where you want to go, so you will find out—through firsthand experience—that you don’t really want what you think you do.
Sometimes, the best way to find out what truly makes you happy is to find out what doesn’t make you happy. And sometimes, that is exactly what the flow is doing. It is helping you become clearer about yourself—about what you truly do like, what you truly don’t like, and what you genuinely need out of life. And what a blessing that increased clarity can be.
Friends, as you row your boat down the stream toward the fulfillment of your dreams, please remember this. Whether you are experiencing turbulent waters and unexpected obstacles, or you are enjoying a journey of ease and grace, your job always remains the same: To spend a little time each day in prayer, meditation, and/or contemplation, seeking only your next right step, and then being willing to take that step . . . even if it becomes apparent that you are being divinely guided to a destination that is different from the one you originally thought was best for you.
Steven
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Dear Friends,
One of the key principles for living life in the divine flow is letting go of what you think you know . . . and that includes letting go of any specific destination—any goal, dream, or desire—that you believe is best for you.
Any destination that you have in mind is, at best, just an approximation of what your heart desires—of what your inner spirit really wants to experience. And the fulfillment of that underlying desire is what the flow is continually trying to guide you to. If you remain rigidly attached to a goal that is different from what your heart wants, your journey is likely to be a difficult one, because the Universe is simply not supporting you in reaching that particular destination.
That doesn’t mean that it is completely impossible for you to reach a destination that is not divinely supported. You certainly can. If you row against the flow long enough—literally forcing your way forward—it is quite possible for you to wind up exactly where you want to be. But it is also quite possible that you will regret where you end up, because the destination you reach will turn out to be unfulfilling, or fraught with trouble.
Here’s an interesting question, though: What does it mean when you do seem to be rowing with the flow—when doors miraculously open for you, and opportunities miraculously appear—and yet the destination you reach still turns out to be extraordinarily challenging?
A few months ago I received that very question from Robin, one of my readers in Australia. Robin had fulfilled a dream of 25 years to own and operate a combination café/bookstore located in a small country town 360 miles from her longtime home in Sydney. Accomplishing her goal had been virtually effortless. Doors had divinely opened for Robin. And opportunities had appeared serendipitously. And yet, within one month, Robin knew that this was not what she wanted to be doing for the rest of her life. The work was repetitive and backbreaking. The locals preferred to give their business to other locals instead of an “out-of-towner.” And Robin greatly missed her daughter, her friends, and the culture of the city. Robin is now in the process of selling her business and moving back to Sydney.
So, paraphrasing Robin, I ask the question again: What does it mean when the Universe seems to be completely supporting your journey, and yet the destination you reach isn’t satisfying, or it creates a whole new set of problems for you?
One answer to this puzzling scenario is that you are, in fact, exactly where you need to be, because the challenges you are facing are something that—deep down inside—you do want to experience, so you can grow spiritually or mature emotionally.
The answer I want to focus on this week, however, is a slightly different one. It is the simple fact that sometimes the flow will help you get where you want to go, so you will finally let go of your fixation on that particular goal, and once again become willing to consider a different destination . . . a destination that is truly best for you.
You might think you know yourself pretty well, but there is always the possibility that you aren’t perfectly suited for the goal that you are pursuing. There is always the possibility that there is a destination out there that might be a much better match for your talents, abilities, and preferences—a destination that, in the end, would be much more rewarding for you.
Like I said at the beginning of this message, to row with the flow you have to be willing to let go of what you think is best for you. If you remain overly obsessed by one particular goal, the divine flow might eventually appease you. That is, the divine flow will help you get where you want to go, so you will find out—through firsthand experience—that you don’t really want what you think you do.
Sometimes, the best way to find out what truly makes you happy is to find out what doesn’t make you happy. And sometimes, that is exactly what the flow is doing. It is helping you become clearer about yourself—about what you truly do like, what you truly don’t like, and what you genuinely need out of life. And what a blessing that increased clarity can be.
Friends, as you row your boat down the stream toward the fulfillment of your dreams, please remember this. Whether you are experiencing turbulent waters and unexpected obstacles, or you are enjoying a journey of ease and grace, your job always remains the same: To spend a little time each day in prayer, meditation, and/or contemplation, seeking only your next right step, and then being willing to take that step . . . even if it becomes apparent that you are being divinely guided to a destination that is different from the one you originally thought was best for you.
Steven
Share
© 2011 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
