December 18, 2011
Dear Friends,
For the last two weeks, I have been focusing on the relationship between your “calling” and the experience of the divine flow in your life. Your calling, as I pointed out, is something that you are so passionate about, you would do it even if you were not paid for it.
That makes a calling different from a job, because—strictly speaking—a job is something you do solely for the income it provides. A calling is different from a career, too, because—again, strictly speaking—a career is also something you do for the income it provides, but it happens to be something that you are very interested in, and you are perfectly content doing that same thing for years on end.
The point of this message is this: In the big picture, it really doesn’t make any difference what you are engaged in—a job, a career, or a calling—as long as you are doing it with love.
You see, although we may have different callings in life, and we may spend our days engaged in very different occupations, there is one thing that we all have in common. And that is our underlying mission. It is a “Mission from God,” so to speak. And what exactly is that shared mission? It is simply the mission to discover, express, and experience the Truth of who we really are at the core of our being—the divine essence of love itself.
To paraphrase Marianne Williamson, from her classic book, A Return to Love: Knowing who you are and why you really came here is more important than knowing what you want to do. What you want to do is not the important question. The question to ask is, “When I do anything, how should I do it?” And the answer is, “With loving kindness.”
Friends, whether you spend your day in front of a computer, behind the counter of a retail store, under a car at an automotive repair shop, or you oversee the work of dozens of people at a large corporation, always remember to be love, spread love, and let love lead the way. That is the real key to living life in the divine flow . . . and it is the key to living a life that is full of joy and meaning.
Steven
P.S. If you have never read Marianne Williamson's classic book, A Return to Love, I highly recommend it. You will find it on the Helpful Links page on my website, along with many other books I recommend. Just click on www.rowrowrow.com/links.html.
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, December 17, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Your Calling and The Flow, Part 2
December 11, 2011
Dear Friends,
In my last message I described what a “calling” is, and I pointed out that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, while—at the same time—you are involved in other activities to generate an income. One of my readers just shared the following personal story with me, and it is a great example of how the divine flow supports us in a heightened way whenever we are following our passion . . . even if the support we receive is somewhat indirect.
This man and his wife—a lovely couple that I will refer to as John and Linda—feel called to help people learn, grow, and heal through a variety of spiritual services that they offer . . . including a church service they conduct every Sunday morning, and a spiritual education center they operate during the week. Although John and Linda’s ministry is well loved, the main source of John and Linda’s income has always been through a client that John provides advertising services to.
Recently, John’s relationship with his longtime client ended, and John and Linda wondered how they would be able to continue offering their spiritual services without that substantial financial support. They decided that downsizing their personal life would probably be a good idea.
Their first step in that direction was a decision to sell their vacation condo on the Gulf Coast. John and Linda made that decision on a Thursday. On Sunday—just three days later—a couple walked up to John and Linda’s condo and offered to buy it. But get this—at that point, John and Linda had not yet listed the condo for sale, nor even put up a sale sign! Out of 40 condos in that development, this couple had somehow been drawn to John and Linda’s place, and had knocked on the door just to see if it was available for sale. Which, of course, it was! Amazing!
John and Linda’s second step toward downsizing was a decision to move into a smaller, less expensive home, and lease out their current one. Well, guess what? The same thing happened again! Before John and Linda had time to list their home, put up a sign, or place an ad, some neighbors came over while they were having a garage sale, and—right on the spot—offered to lease their home for the next three years. As John put it, “Once again, the Universe brought the people we needed right to our door, and we didn’t have to do a single thing!”
Even John and Linda’s decision to downsize from two vehicles to one was “in the flow.” After selling Linda’s Trailblazer for way more money than they were told they could get for it, they decided they would like to replace that vehicle with a Kia Soul—appropriate considering John and Linda’s spiritual focus! When they looked in the paper, they immediately found one. It was the color they wanted, the price was fantastic, and it only had 500 miles on it. While Linda was driving the Kia home, she looked for a sign to confirm that what she and John were doing was, indeed, divinely supported. And guess what she noticed? The State Inspection Sticker on the Kia was dated October 20th—John’s birthday. That was confirmation enough for Linda!
As for John’s car—a Yukon—it sold via Craig’s List in less than one day. And just like the Trailblazer, the cash John received for the car was much more than he had originally been told it was worth.
Paraphrasing John’s summation of this wonderful stream of events: “Maybe I am reading too much into this, but the way things worked out for us so effortlessly seemed nothing less than miraculous. The quick and easy sale of our condo could have been a coincidence. But to have that same kind of thing happen over and over and over again? No way! Plus, before I lost my lucrative client, Linda and I were going to trade in our cars for one that would have ended up really hurting us financially. Thankfully, that deal fell through at the last minute. Throughout this entire experience, Linda and I have felt the ‘Hand of God’ at work on our behalf. Every step of the way, we have felt divinely protected, divinely directed, and divinely supported. And we thank you, Steven, for helping us learn how to be—and stay—in the divine flow.”
Steven
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,
In my last message I described what a “calling” is, and I pointed out that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, while—at the same time—you are involved in other activities to generate an income. One of my readers just shared the following personal story with me, and it is a great example of how the divine flow supports us in a heightened way whenever we are following our passion . . . even if the support we receive is somewhat indirect.
This man and his wife—a lovely couple that I will refer to as John and Linda—feel called to help people learn, grow, and heal through a variety of spiritual services that they offer . . . including a church service they conduct every Sunday morning, and a spiritual education center they operate during the week. Although John and Linda’s ministry is well loved, the main source of John and Linda’s income has always been through a client that John provides advertising services to.
Recently, John’s relationship with his longtime client ended, and John and Linda wondered how they would be able to continue offering their spiritual services without that substantial financial support. They decided that downsizing their personal life would probably be a good idea.
Their first step in that direction was a decision to sell their vacation condo on the Gulf Coast. John and Linda made that decision on a Thursday. On Sunday—just three days later—a couple walked up to John and Linda’s condo and offered to buy it. But get this—at that point, John and Linda had not yet listed the condo for sale, nor even put up a sale sign! Out of 40 condos in that development, this couple had somehow been drawn to John and Linda’s place, and had knocked on the door just to see if it was available for sale. Which, of course, it was! Amazing!
John and Linda’s second step toward downsizing was a decision to move into a smaller, less expensive home, and lease out their current one. Well, guess what? The same thing happened again! Before John and Linda had time to list their home, put up a sign, or place an ad, some neighbors came over while they were having a garage sale, and—right on the spot—offered to lease their home for the next three years. As John put it, “Once again, the Universe brought the people we needed right to our door, and we didn’t have to do a single thing!”
Even John and Linda’s decision to downsize from two vehicles to one was “in the flow.” After selling Linda’s Trailblazer for way more money than they were told they could get for it, they decided they would like to replace that vehicle with a Kia Soul—appropriate considering John and Linda’s spiritual focus! When they looked in the paper, they immediately found one. It was the color they wanted, the price was fantastic, and it only had 500 miles on it. While Linda was driving the Kia home, she looked for a sign to confirm that what she and John were doing was, indeed, divinely supported. And guess what she noticed? The State Inspection Sticker on the Kia was dated October 20th—John’s birthday. That was confirmation enough for Linda!
As for John’s car—a Yukon—it sold via Craig’s List in less than one day. And just like the Trailblazer, the cash John received for the car was much more than he had originally been told it was worth.
Paraphrasing John’s summation of this wonderful stream of events: “Maybe I am reading too much into this, but the way things worked out for us so effortlessly seemed nothing less than miraculous. The quick and easy sale of our condo could have been a coincidence. But to have that same kind of thing happen over and over and over again? No way! Plus, before I lost my lucrative client, Linda and I were going to trade in our cars for one that would have ended up really hurting us financially. Thankfully, that deal fell through at the last minute. Throughout this entire experience, Linda and I have felt the ‘Hand of God’ at work on our behalf. Every step of the way, we have felt divinely protected, divinely directed, and divinely supported. And we thank you, Steven, for helping us learn how to be—and stay—in the divine flow.”
Steven
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, December 3, 2011
Your Calling and The Flow
December 4, 2011
Dear Friends,
When I was inspired to write and publish my book, I experienced the divine flow like never before. With incredible ease and grace, I was unmistakably directed to the publisher of my book; the cover photo was divinely delivered to me; three of the notable people who first endorsed my book literally showed up on the doorstep of my church; and my first significant speaking engagement was a rare opportunity that just "came my way." Even while I was writing my book, I received unexpected income to help support me during that lengthy process.
The reason, I believe, that the flow was so consistent and so obvious in this instance, was simply because the activity that I was engaged in was directly related to my “calling.” A calling is something that you are extremely passionate about. It is something that adds purpose and meaning to your life. It is something that you have an inborn talent for, find extremely fulfilling, and would do even if you received no income for doing it.
I found my calling when I was first invited to teach a weekly class for a group of adults at a Unity church in Dallas, Texas. I had never done anything even remotely like that before. But I found it to be the single most fulfilling experience of my life. Within a very short amount of time I knew that I had found my life’s purpose. I knew that I was on this earth to use my skills and abilities as a communicator to deliver a message. And that message was that we live in an incredibly beneficent Universe—a Universe that is continually working on our behalf to help us fulfill our heart’s desires.
So why—once I found my calling—would I have noticed the flow to such an elevated degree? It is simply because a calling is a true desire of the heart. And being consciously aware of that calling meant that my head was aligned with my heart, and that every part of me was open and receptive to moving in the same direction.
One of the main obstacles to living life in the divine flow is that your heart may be encouraging you to go in one direction, while your head is looking in another direction. That makes it extremely difficult for you to see the divine signs that are pointing you toward your highest good, and toward your greatest joy.
Have you found your calling yet? If not, begin by asking yourself a few simple questions. What are you good at? What unique combination of talents, skills, or abilities do you have? What brings you the most joy? What have you been fascinated with your whole life?
Keep in mind that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, no matter what kind of other activities you are engaged in to generate an income. Perhaps your calling is to bring more harmony into the world as a peacemaker. Perhaps it is to bring more wholeness into the world as a healer. Or perhaps it is to bring more understanding into the world as a spiritual guide.
Here’s to finding your passion in life . . . your purpose . . . your calling. And more than that, here’s to answering that call. When you do, I guarantee you this: It will feel as if the entire Universe is bending over backwards to support you in your endeavor. Because it is!
Steven
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,
When I was inspired to write and publish my book, I experienced the divine flow like never before. With incredible ease and grace, I was unmistakably directed to the publisher of my book; the cover photo was divinely delivered to me; three of the notable people who first endorsed my book literally showed up on the doorstep of my church; and my first significant speaking engagement was a rare opportunity that just "came my way." Even while I was writing my book, I received unexpected income to help support me during that lengthy process.
The reason, I believe, that the flow was so consistent and so obvious in this instance, was simply because the activity that I was engaged in was directly related to my “calling.” A calling is something that you are extremely passionate about. It is something that adds purpose and meaning to your life. It is something that you have an inborn talent for, find extremely fulfilling, and would do even if you received no income for doing it.
I found my calling when I was first invited to teach a weekly class for a group of adults at a Unity church in Dallas, Texas. I had never done anything even remotely like that before. But I found it to be the single most fulfilling experience of my life. Within a very short amount of time I knew that I had found my life’s purpose. I knew that I was on this earth to use my skills and abilities as a communicator to deliver a message. And that message was that we live in an incredibly beneficent Universe—a Universe that is continually working on our behalf to help us fulfill our heart’s desires.
So why—once I found my calling—would I have noticed the flow to such an elevated degree? It is simply because a calling is a true desire of the heart. And being consciously aware of that calling meant that my head was aligned with my heart, and that every part of me was open and receptive to moving in the same direction.
One of the main obstacles to living life in the divine flow is that your heart may be encouraging you to go in one direction, while your head is looking in another direction. That makes it extremely difficult for you to see the divine signs that are pointing you toward your highest good, and toward your greatest joy.
Have you found your calling yet? If not, begin by asking yourself a few simple questions. What are you good at? What unique combination of talents, skills, or abilities do you have? What brings you the most joy? What have you been fascinated with your whole life?
Keep in mind that your calling is not always the same thing as your career. It may simply be a special gift that you have to share with this world, no matter what kind of other activities you are engaged in to generate an income. Perhaps your calling is to bring more harmony into the world as a peacemaker. Perhaps it is to bring more wholeness into the world as a healer. Or perhaps it is to bring more understanding into the world as a spiritual guide.
Here’s to finding your passion in life . . . your purpose . . . your calling. And more than that, here’s to answering that call. When you do, I guarantee you this: It will feel as if the entire Universe is bending over backwards to support you in your endeavor. Because it is!
Steven
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
Monday, November 28, 2011
Don't Believe Everything You Think!
November 27, 2011
Dear Friends,
I have noticed a new trend on Facebook. People are posting witty and inspiring statements in the form of graphic images. Here’s one I saw recently:
The very first time I saw this admonition, it was on a bumper sticker on the car in front of me. I love this sentiment, because it perfectly captures the essence of one of the most important principles for living life in the divine flow: You must let go of what you “think” you know.
One of the most common ways that we interfere with the flow is thinking that we know best, and overruling the divine guidance that we are continually receiving through various sources, such as our own intuitive sense. I’m certainly not suggesting here that you forget everything you think you know. I’m just reminding you of the obvious truth that there is always more to know than you currently know. And when you keep an open mind to new and different information—even when it conflicts with your current understanding—your ability to receive divine direction will be greatly enhanced.
Remember, too, that most of your thoughts are either reflections on the past or projections into the future. And since divine guidance always comes to you in the present, the very act of thinking can limit your ability to be in the flow.
The phrase, “being lost in thought,” is very appropriate in this case, because whenever you are not consciously in the “now,” you are much more likely to miss the divine signposts that can show you the best way to get where you’re going. You become unguided or misguided by your lack of present-moment awareness, and thus, lost!
Even the way you think can limit your experience of the flow. When you are fearful, for instance, you may connect one thought to another so quickly, you create a block that prevents divinely inspired ideas from entering your conscious mind.
The phrase, “a train of thought,” comes to mind here, because that is exactly what a lot of fear-based thinking resembles—a train . . . one car closely coupled to another, and to another, and to another. And often, that train of thought gains so much momentum as it moves along, it is extremely difficult to slow it down, change tracks, and move in a more beneficial direction.
That is why I recommend a daily practice of meditation. Meditation not only slows down your thinking, it helps open up “gaps” between your thoughts, so it is easier for divine insights and intuitive guidance to get through.
So, dear friends, do you want to live life in the divine flow? Yes? Then I suggest you heed the following three suggestions—suggestions that I am going to express here as “bumper stickers:”
DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK!
DON’T GET LOST IN THOUGHT!
And finally,
BEFORE THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT
GOES TOO FAR . . . GET OFF!
Steven
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,
I have noticed a new trend on Facebook. People are posting witty and inspiring statements in the form of graphic images. Here’s one I saw recently:
The very first time I saw this admonition, it was on a bumper sticker on the car in front of me. I love this sentiment, because it perfectly captures the essence of one of the most important principles for living life in the divine flow: You must let go of what you “think” you know.
One of the most common ways that we interfere with the flow is thinking that we know best, and overruling the divine guidance that we are continually receiving through various sources, such as our own intuitive sense. I’m certainly not suggesting here that you forget everything you think you know. I’m just reminding you of the obvious truth that there is always more to know than you currently know. And when you keep an open mind to new and different information—even when it conflicts with your current understanding—your ability to receive divine direction will be greatly enhanced.
Remember, too, that most of your thoughts are either reflections on the past or projections into the future. And since divine guidance always comes to you in the present, the very act of thinking can limit your ability to be in the flow.
The phrase, “being lost in thought,” is very appropriate in this case, because whenever you are not consciously in the “now,” you are much more likely to miss the divine signposts that can show you the best way to get where you’re going. You become unguided or misguided by your lack of present-moment awareness, and thus, lost!
Even the way you think can limit your experience of the flow. When you are fearful, for instance, you may connect one thought to another so quickly, you create a block that prevents divinely inspired ideas from entering your conscious mind.
The phrase, “a train of thought,” comes to mind here, because that is exactly what a lot of fear-based thinking resembles—a train . . . one car closely coupled to another, and to another, and to another. And often, that train of thought gains so much momentum as it moves along, it is extremely difficult to slow it down, change tracks, and move in a more beneficial direction.
That is why I recommend a daily practice of meditation. Meditation not only slows down your thinking, it helps open up “gaps” between your thoughts, so it is easier for divine insights and intuitive guidance to get through.
So, dear friends, do you want to live life in the divine flow? Yes? Then I suggest you heed the following three suggestions—suggestions that I am going to express here as “bumper stickers:”
DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK!
DON’T GET LOST IN THOUGHT!
And finally,
BEFORE THAT TRAIN OF THOUGHT
GOES TOO FAR . . . GET OFF!
Steven
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, November 19, 2011
Thanks for Everything!
November 20, 2011
Dear Friends,
The fourth Thursday in November is when citizens of the United States celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s a day when we express gratitude for all the things in our lives that we really do appreciate, but often forget to be consciously thankful for, such as food, family, and friends.
Well, here’s a challenge for you: Can you also be thankful for the things in your life that you do not appreciate? Can you be thankful for the people in your life that you hold resentments against? Can you be thankful for the circumstances in your life that have brought you discomfort, or even pain?
Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to discover what your blocks to loving are. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to heal wounds you may have forgotten you have. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to remember how precious life is, and to renew your appreciation for it.
When you look at the challenges in your life as opportunities to mature emotionally and spiritually, everything that occurs in your life can be viewed as a blessing. And blessings are something that you are thankful for, right?
So this Thanksgiving, next Thanksgiving, and every day in between, be thankful not only for the “good” in your life, but also for what you judge to be “not so good.”
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in wisdom and compassion.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in your ability to love others—and to love yourself—unconditionally.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to remember that life itself is a sacred gift—a gift that is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest, and never taken for granted.
I invite you to join me in giving thanks today and every day . . . for everything.
Steven
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,
The fourth Thursday in November is when citizens of the United States celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s a day when we express gratitude for all the things in our lives that we really do appreciate, but often forget to be consciously thankful for, such as food, family, and friends.
Well, here’s a challenge for you: Can you also be thankful for the things in your life that you do not appreciate? Can you be thankful for the people in your life that you hold resentments against? Can you be thankful for the circumstances in your life that have brought you discomfort, or even pain?
Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to discover what your blocks to loving are. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to heal wounds you may have forgotten you have. Yes, you can . . . if you see those challenges as opportunities to remember how precious life is, and to renew your appreciation for it.
When you look at the challenges in your life as opportunities to mature emotionally and spiritually, everything that occurs in your life can be viewed as a blessing. And blessings are something that you are thankful for, right?
So this Thanksgiving, next Thanksgiving, and every day in between, be thankful not only for the “good” in your life, but also for what you judge to be “not so good.”
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in wisdom and compassion.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to grow in your ability to love others—and to love yourself—unconditionally.
Be thankful for the entire experience of life, including the opportunities it gives you to remember that life itself is a sacred gift—a gift that is meant to be enjoyed to its fullest, and never taken for granted.
I invite you to join me in giving thanks today and every day . . . for everything.
Steven
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, November 12, 2011
You Are Worthy!
November 13, 2011
Dear Friends,
Sunday, November 13th, is the birthday of my lovely and loving partner, Carol. Although some people pay little attention to birthdays, to Carol that once-a-year occasion is very significant. She not only enjoys people recognizing and celebrating her own birthday, but she is extremely diligent in honoring the birthdays of others, as well. Through cards, gifts, and telephone calls, she makes sure that all of her close friends and family members know that their existence on this earth is cherished and valued.
And so it is when it comes to our relationship with The Divine—with that loving and creative energy that many of us call God. As Children of The Divine, our existence in this world is similarly cherished and valued. But our lives are not just honored once a year. In the eyes of The Divine, every day of our lives is a cause for celebration.
We may not get a card or a call, but we are always being presented with some heavenly gifts—gifts of divine love, divine protection, and divine support as we pursue our goals and dreams in life. And we don’t have to do a single thing to “earn” those gifts. As Children of The Divine, we are divinely entitled to those gifts. Just the fact that we exist—just being—is reason enough for those blessings to be bestowed upon us.
Unfortunately, we don’t always feel this sense of “divine entitlement,” do we? Instead of feeling that we have a divine right to whatever it is we want to have, do, or be in life, we may feel that we don’t deserve to have our dreams come true. We may feel that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or capable enough. In a word, we may feel that we are not “worthy.”
That is a huge issue, because our thoughts about ourselves influence the choices that we make in life. And choices based on feelings of low self-worth can quickly sabotage our ability to fulfill our heart’s desires.
I wish there was a magic wand I could wave that would cause every single person on this planet to immediately recognize his or her innate worth as a beloved Child of The Divine. Obviously, I don’t have a wand like that. However, I do have a helpful tool. It’s an Affirmation of Worth that “wrote itself” through me a number of years ago.
Even though I shared this Affirmation with you last May, as far as I’m concerned, this is one message that cannot be repeated too often. If you are struggling with your sense of worthiness, I hope you find this Affirmation to be helpful.
AN AFFIRMATION OF WORTH
God is All That Is.
And I am part of All That Is.
I now acknowledge my innate worth
as a vital part of The Divine Whole.
It is through me that God knows God’s Self
in a way that no other experience can duplicate.
God cherishes my existence,
and it is God’s great pleasure
to help me fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.
It doesn’t matter to whom I was born,
or what circumstances followed.
Nor does it matter
how anyone else perceives my value.
I know that I am a precious and essential
part of this Universe . . .
that I have a right to be here,
and that I have a special purpose to fulfill
in this time and place.
I am wanted.
I am needed.
I am worthy and deserving.
I am a Holy Child of The Divine.
Peace, joy, and prosperity
are mine by divine right.
And I claim my divine inheritance now!
Steven
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,
Sunday, November 13th, is the birthday of my lovely and loving partner, Carol. Although some people pay little attention to birthdays, to Carol that once-a-year occasion is very significant. She not only enjoys people recognizing and celebrating her own birthday, but she is extremely diligent in honoring the birthdays of others, as well. Through cards, gifts, and telephone calls, she makes sure that all of her close friends and family members know that their existence on this earth is cherished and valued.
And so it is when it comes to our relationship with The Divine—with that loving and creative energy that many of us call God. As Children of The Divine, our existence in this world is similarly cherished and valued. But our lives are not just honored once a year. In the eyes of The Divine, every day of our lives is a cause for celebration.
We may not get a card or a call, but we are always being presented with some heavenly gifts—gifts of divine love, divine protection, and divine support as we pursue our goals and dreams in life. And we don’t have to do a single thing to “earn” those gifts. As Children of The Divine, we are divinely entitled to those gifts. Just the fact that we exist—just being—is reason enough for those blessings to be bestowed upon us.
Unfortunately, we don’t always feel this sense of “divine entitlement,” do we? Instead of feeling that we have a divine right to whatever it is we want to have, do, or be in life, we may feel that we don’t deserve to have our dreams come true. We may feel that we are not good enough, or smart enough, or capable enough. In a word, we may feel that we are not “worthy.”
That is a huge issue, because our thoughts about ourselves influence the choices that we make in life. And choices based on feelings of low self-worth can quickly sabotage our ability to fulfill our heart’s desires.
I wish there was a magic wand I could wave that would cause every single person on this planet to immediately recognize his or her innate worth as a beloved Child of The Divine. Obviously, I don’t have a wand like that. However, I do have a helpful tool. It’s an Affirmation of Worth that “wrote itself” through me a number of years ago.
Even though I shared this Affirmation with you last May, as far as I’m concerned, this is one message that cannot be repeated too often. If you are struggling with your sense of worthiness, I hope you find this Affirmation to be helpful.
AN AFFIRMATION OF WORTH
God is All That Is.
And I am part of All That Is.
I now acknowledge my innate worth
as a vital part of The Divine Whole.
It is through me that God knows God’s Self
in a way that no other experience can duplicate.
God cherishes my existence,
and it is God’s great pleasure
to help me fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.
It doesn’t matter to whom I was born,
or what circumstances followed.
Nor does it matter
how anyone else perceives my value.
I know that I am a precious and essential
part of this Universe . . .
that I have a right to be here,
and that I have a special purpose to fulfill
in this time and place.
I am wanted.
I am needed.
I am worthy and deserving.
I am a Holy Child of The Divine.
Peace, joy, and prosperity
are mine by divine right.
And I claim my divine inheritance now!
Steven
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, November 5, 2011
The Many Benefits of Meditation
November 6, 2011
Dear Friends,
One of the most common questions I am asked about living life in the divine flow is this one: “What can I do to improve my ability to be in the flow?”
Notice the word, “do,” in that question. These people aren’t necessarily seeking a better understanding of the flow. Rather, they are looking for some kind of specific tool or technique that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently, and to fulfill their heart’s desires effortlessly.
Well, as it turns out, there is something that you can “do” that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.
There is nothing really mystical or magical about meditation. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image. As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.
And how, exactly, does that enhance your ability to be in the flow? Being in the flow is primarily about recognizing and cooperating with divine guidance. And meditation dramatically increases your ability to be in direct contact with the guidance of your inner Divine Spirit.
Your Spirit is the most valuable and reliable source of divine guidance you have. You can always trust your Spirit to know what your next right step should be. And—through what is commonly called your intuition—your Spirit is always attempting to “tell” you what that step is. The trouble is, it is difficult to “hear” that still, small voice of your Spirit when your mind is full of noisy self-talk—that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so the guidance of your Spirit can get through.
But the benefits of meditation don’t stop with enhancing your ability to receive divine guidance. When you meditate on a daily basis, your entire experience of life is dramatically improved. What follows is a short summary of some of the benefits you reap when you maintain conscious contact with your inner Spirit.
1. You are more intuitive. As I already mentioned, when you are in touch with your inner Spirit, you can sense divine direction much more easily. So your next right step becomes much more obvious.
2. You are more responsive. Instead of hastily judging and rashly reacting to something unexpected in life, you calmly respond from the wisdom within. You know what is best to do, when to do it, or if you should do anything at all.
3. You are more present. Your Spirit is always in the now moment. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you are less likely to be lost in thought—that is, reflecting on the past or projecting into the future. That means you are better able to notice the miracles that are happening all around you, right here, right now.
4. You are healthier. Many health issues are either caused by, or aggravated by, stress. And for the most part, stress comes from fearful thoughts. When you are in touch with your all-knowing, indestructible Spirit, fearful thoughts are either greatly diminished or completely removed.
5. You are more creative. True creativity comes from the Divine Creator within. When you are in touch with that Divine Creator, you automatically become more inspired and more insightful.
6. You are more patient. Being in the eternal now, your Spirit never feels bound by time. And being all-knowing, your Spirit sees countless ways for you to move successfully through life. When you are in touch with your Spirit, possibilities seem unlimited, and time stands still. The result is infinite patience.
7. You are more peaceful. As an indestructible, eternal being, your Spirit knows nothing of fear, and it is always at peace. When you are in touch with that eternal, indestructible essence, you, too, will be at peace—no matter what is disturbing others.
8. You are more loving. Your Spirit is love itself—unconditional divine love. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you can’t help but be more compassionate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving.
Here’s to the many benefits of meditation—of going within, getting in touch with the Divine Spirit that resides there, and allowing that divine essence to express itself throughout the day.
Steven
P.S. If you are new to meditation, and would like detailed instructions about how to meditate, here is a webpage that describes the simple technique that I use: www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation.
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,
One of the most common questions I am asked about living life in the divine flow is this one: “What can I do to improve my ability to be in the flow?”
Notice the word, “do,” in that question. These people aren’t necessarily seeking a better understanding of the flow. Rather, they are looking for some kind of specific tool or technique that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently, and to fulfill their heart’s desires effortlessly.
Well, as it turns out, there is something that you can “do” that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.
There is nothing really mystical or magical about meditation. Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image. As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.
And how, exactly, does that enhance your ability to be in the flow? Being in the flow is primarily about recognizing and cooperating with divine guidance. And meditation dramatically increases your ability to be in direct contact with the guidance of your inner Divine Spirit.
Your Spirit is the most valuable and reliable source of divine guidance you have. You can always trust your Spirit to know what your next right step should be. And—through what is commonly called your intuition—your Spirit is always attempting to “tell” you what that step is. The trouble is, it is difficult to “hear” that still, small voice of your Spirit when your mind is full of noisy self-talk—that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so the guidance of your Spirit can get through.
But the benefits of meditation don’t stop with enhancing your ability to receive divine guidance. When you meditate on a daily basis, your entire experience of life is dramatically improved. What follows is a short summary of some of the benefits you reap when you maintain conscious contact with your inner Spirit.
1. You are more intuitive. As I already mentioned, when you are in touch with your inner Spirit, you can sense divine direction much more easily. So your next right step becomes much more obvious.
2. You are more responsive. Instead of hastily judging and rashly reacting to something unexpected in life, you calmly respond from the wisdom within. You know what is best to do, when to do it, or if you should do anything at all.
3. You are more present. Your Spirit is always in the now moment. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you are less likely to be lost in thought—that is, reflecting on the past or projecting into the future. That means you are better able to notice the miracles that are happening all around you, right here, right now.
4. You are healthier. Many health issues are either caused by, or aggravated by, stress. And for the most part, stress comes from fearful thoughts. When you are in touch with your all-knowing, indestructible Spirit, fearful thoughts are either greatly diminished or completely removed.
5. You are more creative. True creativity comes from the Divine Creator within. When you are in touch with that Divine Creator, you automatically become more inspired and more insightful.
6. You are more patient. Being in the eternal now, your Spirit never feels bound by time. And being all-knowing, your Spirit sees countless ways for you to move successfully through life. When you are in touch with your Spirit, possibilities seem unlimited, and time stands still. The result is infinite patience.
7. You are more peaceful. As an indestructible, eternal being, your Spirit knows nothing of fear, and it is always at peace. When you are in touch with that eternal, indestructible essence, you, too, will be at peace—no matter what is disturbing others.
8. You are more loving. Your Spirit is love itself—unconditional divine love. When you are in touch with your Spirit, you can’t help but be more compassionate, understanding, accepting, and forgiving.
Here’s to the many benefits of meditation—of going within, getting in touch with the Divine Spirit that resides there, and allowing that divine essence to express itself throughout the day.
Steven
P.S. If you are new to meditation, and would like detailed instructions about how to meditate, here is a webpage that describes the simple technique that I use: www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
