Resist or Surrender

"...to offer no resistance to life is to be in a state of grace, ease and lightness." Eckart Tolle I love to randomly open an inspirational book and read whatever my eye falls upon first.  There are no accidents. The above quote was just what I needed to read yesterday morning.  "To offer no resistance." That seems a pretty tall order these days. Everyone on the planet is in their own personal struggle to adapt and ultimately accept. As emotional beings we cling to what we know. We live in the illusion that we have control over our lives. Then something big happens. An unexpected breakup, a death, disease, or the life-changing Coronavirus.  As you observe your reactions to this unprecedented time, first don't beat up on yourself. It is normal to feel fear. Strive to be mindful of the tendency to stay mired in that emotion. It is understandable to feel anxious. We have no touchstone, no comparison to equate this to in our lives.  We are grappling to develop the tools to maneuver through a completely new reality. As we gain footing I would like to make a request: Be highly aware of what makes you anxious and where your thoughts are taking you.  When we cease to resist we may make room for inner peace. This occurs when we surrender. That inner peace is the state of grace that Eckart Tolle is suggesting.  Surrender does not create victimhood.  Surrender is spiritual action. It frees us from the impossible belief that we can push and shove life to where we want it to be. Start to develop the ability to surrender by watching your thoughts. Be aware when your mind is filled with imagined horrors and decide not to live in future fear. We are in this together. We always have been. The veil of separation is being exposed for what it truly is. An illusion. As we are forced to actually physically separate we will have an opportunity to appreciate how much our connections truly mean to us. How much we need and love others. Surrender can open pathways to creativity. We begin to adapt by living in the moment. This crisis may lead people to recognize their true purpose and contribution. What if an outcome of this pandemic means more people go into medicine or science? What if a love of teaching emerges through home schooling? What if broken families heal when individuals see the fragility of life? What if Coronavirus shines a light on the insignificance of our petty emotions, grudges and attachments? I have no doubt that good will come as a result of this global crisis. Perhaps we will begin to understand the truth. Our value has nothing to do with what we own, drive or live in. It has to do with how we think, act, and be. You can do your part by surrendering your worry and fear and deciding that you will create love and magic by using your unique gifts. Find a way to laugh each day. Use FaceTime to visit with friends and family, take advantage of the links available to visit art museums and virtually wander through their exhibitions. But mostly commit to love. Help in whatever way you can. Breath. That is probably the most impactful thing you can do for stress. Meditate on what is meaningful to you and know this too shall pass.   Here is an affirmation for today Today I connect with my inner core of strength, love and joy. I spread love and light with each breath I take. I am safe, loved and loving. Sending you love and light.

Don't Water the Weeds

My client beamed as she described the steps she took in taking charge of her happiness. "You know," she explained, "I don't water the weeds."

I had never heard that expression and immediately fell in love with it.  What I especially enjoy is the concept that you are holding the watering can. You control what thoughts you nurture. Cultivate negativity and it will govern your perspective. Choose to nourish kindness and your world will bloom from the inside out.

Life is full of proverbial weeds. They illuminate the places within that need healing. Through practice and awareness we can become adept at recognizing when we are watering them and begin to create pathways to a more loving, creative and peaceful mind.

This simple adage is a wonderful way to remind ourselves that we govern our thoughts. As we practice listening to our inner monologue we gain wisdom and the freedom to direct our lives with intention. Make a vow to become your own spiritual gardener and grow a world of happiness and love.

Holding you in love and light,
Nora 

Words from a Dying Teenage Idol

Wasted Time

 'So much wasted time.' These were the words uttered by the dying teenage idol David Cassidy. His powerful message caught me off guard as I flipped through a gossip magazine at my hair salon. The impact of his statement stayed with me throughout the day as I contemplated "wasted time". To be clear, I am not referring to an hour in front of the TV or time perusing Facebook, but rather the more regrettable and detrimental time wasters sprang to mind.

I saw hours lost in worry or anger and days consumed by a refusal to forgive. A life exhausted by low self esteem or entrenched in addiction joined the list.  The negative power of gossip materialized in my thoughts while self-righteousness took its place among the tally of time wasters. With each impression I became deeply aware of the destructive power of squandered time. 

If you think wasting time takes no effort think again. The energy one expends in worry, anger, bitterness, resentment or self-abuse is entirely depleting. Next time an emotion or drama steps in to rule your day ask yourself,  "Do I really have time for this?" In doing so you may discover your own inner guide to letting go and living in love.

When We "Do a Bad Thing"

"We're not bad people but we did a bad thing."

A recent show on Netflix ended with the line above. It stayed with me the following day as I examined my own actions and reflected on recent events in the lives of my clients, family and friends. Haven't we have all done something we regret, something thoughtless, mean or cruel? Each and every one of us has acted in a way that has been hurtful to another. By recognizing ourselves in the statement above we initiate forgiveness. Through atonement we begin to understand ourselves as well as absolve others. Only then can we be free to love.

Part of forgiving ourselves is to recognize that we have made choices and hold ourselves responsible for them. When we blame others for our actions we become victims. Unforgiving judgement fuels a culture of contempt and self-hatred. What if we chose to rejoice in our mistakes? For aren't they truly the anvil on which our wisdom is shaped and formed? Never miss an opportunity to learn from them.

As we stumble so do we grow. Forgive and be free from painful thoughts that lead to living in the past. Cultivate profound healing and love through forgiveness. 

"Was it you or I who stumbled first? It does not matter. The one of us who finds the strength to get up first, must help the other."

Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration