Are You Living In Your Spiritual Truth?

This is an image with the word TRUTH in bold with light shining behind it.

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If you were attracted to this blog, chances are that you have often read and heard of the importance of  “living in your spiritual truth.” You may be at a point in your spiritual evolution where you are contemplating these words carefully and wondering – where do you actually “find” your spiritual truth?

 

There is a Hindu legend which says that at one point in time humanity had abused its divine powers so greatly that the gods convened to discuss what to do about it. They decided the best course of action was to remove it and hide it–but where? After careful consideration, they unanimously decided there was one place where divine power could be hidden where humans would never even think to look–deep within ourselves!

 

This story calls attention to the fact that spiritual truth is within each one of us and is discovered through our personal soul connection to Spirit. For ages we have looked outside of ourselves to find it, when, indeed, we have always had it inside of our hearts. Spiritual truth is not something we need to be taught–it is the memory of who we truly are and why we are here.  We access our truth through our intuition.

 

What is Intuition?

 

Intuition is our direct communications link to divine love and wisdom.  It is the inner voice constantly whispering messages that guide us to make choices that are in alignment with unconditional love of self and others. Because we are all one Spirit, what is in the greatest good for one of us is also in the greatest good of all of us. Intuition is our innate human power to instantaneously access universal intelligence without conscious reasoning. In essence, we are each a conduit for a constant stream of limitless wisdom flowing to us from the Universe. Because intuition is a right-brain function, it isn’t something we can analyze with our minds; rather it is something we sense with our hearts. We sometimes refer to these feelings as gut level, sixth sense, inner wisdom, inner knowing, and flashes of imagination.

 

How Do We Sense Intuition?

 

Many of us actually experience physical sensations when we hear or see something that coincides with our truth. You may suddenly get goose bumps, feel a tingling sensation, spontaneously take a deep breath, feel an electrical current going up your back, or sense an overall wave of energy. These sensations are indications that your mind and body are literally resonating with the energetic frequency of the truth of Spirit. You might also get physical indications when you are experiencing something that is not aligned with your truth. Usually, it is a contracted feeling, such as a knot in the stomach, a tight throat, shortness of breath, or a sudden chill.

 

Although we all sense it in different ways, and some of us deny sensing it at all, every person has intuition – it is part of our human nature! The reason it appears that not all of us have intuition is simply because some of us listen to and act upon our inner messages; whereas others simply dismiss them as insignificant. We many times ignore our intuition because we want to validate our intuitive messages with our left-brain logic and analysis. When we attempt to do this, we choke the flow of intuitive information spontaneously coming through to us because messages of the Spirit are coming from an infinitely larger perspective than the logical paradigms of the human mind.

 

What is the Difference Between Intuition and Impulse?

 

When we get an impulsive message, it is usually initiated by our ego in the form of a whim to obtain quick gratification, whether it is constructive for us or not.  Impulsive behavior is usually a superficial reaction that does not address our underlying genuine needs.  Our impulse may be to indulge in an addictive behavior, such as overeating, or running out to buy something that we do not really need or cannot afford.  If we stop and take a deep breath, we may realize that the true feelings beneath our behavior might be loneliness or anger.  Be gentle with yourself.  Whatever you are feeling is OK. We all react impulsively at times in our lives.  What is quite amazing is that when you are completely honest with yourself about your true feelings, you automatically restore your intuitive connection with the flow of spiritual truth!  Another way to discern the difference between impulse and intuition is that impulses usually pass if we wait for a little while or sleep on an idea.

 

Intuitive messages, on the other hand, are messages of Spirit that come through the soul guiding us to make choices that are aligned with kindness and love.  Because they are rooted in truth, intuitive messages are relentless and persistent.  Even when we ignore them, they have the tenacious habit of resurfacing time and time again.  When we listen to and act upon our intuitive messages, we generally feel peaceful and like we are in our correct space even when our “spiritual assignments” are very challenging.

 

Our intuitive connection is unconditionally available to us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; yet we are sometimes so frenzied by outer stimulation that we have to create a personal space of silence in order to move into a receptive frame of mind that enables us to listen.  This can be done through prayer and numerous types of meditation, or by doing things that are as simple as taking a deep breath, sitting still and focusing on your breath, taking a walk in nature, or taking a soothing, warm bath. We can use any technique we choose – the important thing is that we find a way to balance ourselves and become centered in a peaceful frame of mind so that we that we can become conscious of our intuitive messages.

 

While it is very enlightening to become aware of our need to tune into our spiritual truth through intuition, what is even more important is to develop the habit to constantly forgive ourselves when we forget our ability to connect with our inner divine wisdom.    

 

By doing this, we automatically move back into alignment with the flow of spiritual truth.  Because intuition connects us with our Oneness of Spirit, the messages it reveals to us are always rooted in unconditional love and pure truth. You can develop a sensitivity to perceiving these internal messages by listening, trusting, and acting upon them. The more you do this, the more you empower yourself to live in your spiritual truth.

 

Love and Light

 

Sandra

 

A portion of this message is an excerpt from the book, The Power of Oneness, Live the Life You Choose.  To learn more about how you can align your life with spiritual truth, order the book at http://www.thepowerofoneness.com/products/ 
The e-book version, regularly priced at $9.99 is presently being offered for only $1.99.

 

Remaining Centered During the Holidays

Beautiful women doing a yoga pose

© Gelpi JM/shutterstock

 

Now that Thanksgiving has just passed, most of us are feeling the accelerated pace of the world around us as we enter the official holiday season.  It is very easy to become overwhelmed with shopping, visiting family and friends, preparing large family meals, attending special holiday performances, and traveling.  This is the time of year where all the intense activity, in addition to the emotional highs and lows that accompany the holidays, can really take a toll on our health – mentally, emotionally, and physically.

 

In order to truly enjoy the holidays, it is essential to take time to regenerate yourself and to keep your energy balanced.  The following are some ways to remain centered in the midst of all the hustle and bustle:

 

1.  Stay in touch with your feelings – It is so easy to get carried away with all the outer stimulation that you can lose perspective on the signals you are getting from your mind and body.  Periodically check in with your feelings and honor your needs.  For example, if you feel tired, rest; if you feel overwhelmed, slow down the pace; if you feel sad, allow yourself to express your true feelings.

 

2.  Determine what matters most to you – Quite often, we are so busy reacting to the demands of the holidays that we lose sight of what we most want to experience.  Write down a list of the people whom you most want to see and the activities that you enjoy the most and make them a priority.  You may discover that there are quite a few activities that had already been scheduled that you actually prefer not to have on your list.

 

3. Have reasonable expectations – The main reason that people become discouraged and disappointed with the holidays is that they have unrealistic expectations that are not met.  Thinking that every member of your family is going to get along at the family reunion, that you are going to cook a perfect meal that pleases everyone, and that you are going to be on an emotional high throughout the holidays is bound to create disappointment.

 

4.  Focus on the simple pleasures – The most fulfilling experiences frequently do not cost a lot of money.  Taking a walk with a friend or relative, making cookies with children, playing games, reading by the fireside, and volunteering at a local charity are but a few of the experiences that nurture the heart with little or no demand on the pocketbook.

 

5.  Express gratitude – Being thankful opens your heart and creates the opportunities to being in the flow and to savoring the positive within everyone and everything that you are experiencing, however it unfolds.  Accept that every holiday is different and perfect in its own way.

 

6.  Breathe, breathe, breathe – We all have a tendency to “hold our breath” when we are busy and under stress.  Simply creating frequent times throughout the day to take some deep breaths is a great way to diffuse stress.

 

Most importantly, the true meaning of the holiday season is to remember our heart connection with others through the power of love.   By being kind to yourself and honoring your own needs, you create a balanced foundation from which to share your love with others in a peaceful way.

 

Love and Light,

 

Sandra

 

The Power of Prayer

The image of a peaceful and beautiful woman praying with light streaming on her face

© Subbotina Anna/shutterstock

 

 

In the midst of a physical world in which we are all being tremendously challenged to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, there is nothing more effective in bringing us peace and balance than prayer.

 

 

“Prayer” is a word that is many times used in a completely religious context. 

 

 

While prayer is a part of most religions, it is so much more than a practice or ritual that is specific to any religion. Whatever differences we may have in our personal and religious perceptions, studies consistently show that the majority of our world population believes in a spiritual Supreme Being.  The terms we use to describe this Supreme Being are very personal and depend upon our individual beliefs. In religions, this life force is referenced by many names, some of which are God, Jehovah, Adonoi, Yahweh, and Allah. Some of the spiritual terms used to describe this creative life force are: Creator, Creative Source, Universal Love, Oneness, Supreme Being, Source of Unconditional Love, and Universal Source.

 

 

 
It does not matter what we choose to call this Source of Unconditional Love – We are all connected to it! 

 

 

As we awaken to our truth, we are remembering that we all have a direct soul connection with this Field of Unconditional Love. This awareness also helps us to realize that prayer is much more than a religious exercise – it is a human experience!  We do not need to do anything to “qualify” ourselves to be able to pray, nor do we need to be sanctified in any way. Our ability to pray is as natural as breathing. Since we cannot define it in human concepts, we can only experience it as a constantly emerging energy of life within and all around us. We can feel it in our hearts as unity, expansion, and wholeness. 

 

 

Prayer is the bridge that links each of our individual souls to each other and to the Source of Unconditional Love. 

 

 

When we pray, we are opening our hearts and minds to inviting the energy of unconditional love into our lives. I think of prayer as having a radar connection to “Home.” While we are immersed in darkness – it is our point of reference in the midst of confusion and chaos. Our prayers are always answered. Sometimes we don’t recognize the universal responses to our prayers because they do not manifest exactly in the ways that we are expecting from our individual perspectives. Because prayer links us into the “Power of Oneness,” it is our connection with Infinite Potential, so there is no limit to the blessings we can receive through prayer. Prayer is on a frequency that resonates with divine light – the same light that is the core essence of each one of us – and has the potential to transform any person and any situation in ways that far transcend our human rationale.

 

 

Ask and It Is Given

 

 

The essence of this immortal message has been echoed so many times, in so many ways, and in every language; and yet are we really listening to this message? It is such an awesome and wonderful truth that we find it difficult to believe: WE CAN ASK FOR ANYTHING WE NEED!  Indeed, the only reason we receive so few answers to our prayers is that we ask for so little!  It is through prayer that we can remember truth in a world of drama and illusion, receive inspiration even when we are totally discouraged, and ask for direction whenever we feel lost. The energy that comes into us through prayer gives us the strength to move forward even when we feel vulnerable and fragile.  As we perceive prayer in this light, we realize that it is not necessary to be in a state of panic or misery to justify praying, nor do we have to wait until we have free time or are in a special place.  In fact, prayer is so much a part of our nature that we can pray anytime and anywhere: in a church or in a sports stadium; alone or in a crowd; with our eyes open or closed; aloud or in silence.

 

 

Most importantly, prayer helps us to remember, at the deepest level of our being-ness, that no matter what we are seeing and experiencing, no matter how challenging our situations may be, and no matter what our human differences are, every one of us has the ability to access spiritual truth through our direct connection to Infinite Wisdom.  WHAT A POWERFUL REALIZATION!

 

 

Love and Light,

 

Sandra

How To Remain Balanced While Helping Others

Image of two men on a mountain - one trying to pull the other one to the top.

© ollyy/shutterstock

 

 

One of the most sensitive balancing acts we experience in our spiritual growth process is that of helping others in a way that supports them without decreasing our own energy.  There is so much suffering in the world, and most of us truly want to reach out and alleviate some of the pain–especially when we see it within our family members and friends.  However, unless we help others in a mindful way, we are likely to deplete ourselves by draining our own personal energy, rather than being a conduit for channeling the limitless energy of spirit through us and to those whom we are helping.

 

 

Odd as it may seem, we can best help others by first helping ourselves.  We do this by honoring our own needs for spiritual nourishment.  If we try to help someone without being in a position of emotional strength ourselves, we can quickly become drawn into someone else’s drama.  When this happens, not only can we not help anyone, we are actually adding to the collective pain of the world by taking on the negative issues of others.

 

 

When people share with me their pain and aggravation over complicated emotional issues in their lives, I frequently ask them, “What part of this belongs to you?”  While this may seem like a surprising question, it is astonishing how often we waste our energy by getting emotionally entangled in other people’s emotional dramas, rather than being a support system.  Of course, we are greatly impacted by the pain of people whom we care about, and we always have our own lessons to learn or we wouldn’t be involved at all.  But we need to remember that we support others by reinforcing them with our strength–not by imposing our judgment on them or participating in their anger and pain.

 

 

Trying to save someone by getting involved in their emotional issues is like trying to rescue a friend who has slipped onto the edge of a cliff by going out onto the edge with them.  When we do this, not only have we not helped our friend, we have actually added to the problem in that both of us are now in a precarious space and in need of assistance.  Of course, we want to help others, but helping others does not mean self-sacrifice.  There are other, much more effective ways by which you can support others without draining your own energy.

 

 

The following are some guidelines for remaining balanced while helping others:

 

 

1.  Regenerate Yourself – It is crucial that you remain balanced and centered by accessing the flow of spiritual energy that is always available to you at all times.  You can do this by consistently engaging in any practices that you find to be regenerating, such as:  prayer, meditation, yoga, walking in nature, spending time with positive people, playing with children and your animal friends.

 

 

2.  Ask Your Friend/Family Member If They Want Your Help – So many times we waste our time and energy trying to change someone’s situation because it is something WE want for them, not something they want for themselves.  It is pretty tough to assist someone’s recovery if they are resisting us while we are doing it.  You may find that the person to whom you are offering assistance is not ready to receive your help.  The time may not be correct or perhaps the person is simply not willing to embrace the lesson(s) at hand.  How and when we each learn our life lessons is a personal choice.

 

 

3.  Honor The Lessons of Others –  We each create our own reality.  It is important to remember that, at some level, our friend/family member created the situation with which they are struggling and that they need to learn from the painful issues they are experiencing.  We each have to discover our own personal lessons that come through in the form of life’s challenges.  When we try to short-circuit this process for someone else, we are robbing them of an opportunity to learn something they need to know for their own spiritual growth.

 

 

4.  Stay Out of the Drama –  Learn to be an unconditional observer of someone else’s drama, rather than getting emotionally trapped by your own fears.  Staying neutral and non-judgmental allows you to see the situation from a much higher perspective, which places you in a position of strength to offer guidance, compassion, and clear insights, and constructive choices.

 

 

5.  Offer Tools That Empower Others – The most constructive way to help someone else is not to do for them, but to empower them to do for themselves.  You can offer choices that will inspire your friend to help themselves, such as:  doing research on doctors or healers who could be of support, suggesting specific books, being a non-judgmental listener (you don’t have to provide the answers), providing ongoing encouragement of their healing.

 

 

Most importantly, we need to remember that the most powerful support we can give to anyone is by the way we model our own choices and behaviors.  The healing of others is not done by us but through us.  When we tap into our universal spiritual source, we receive all the energy, love, guidance, and strength we need to help others.  In fact, helping people in this way is actually energizing–not just for them, but for ourselves as well.

 

 

Do you have any suggestions or questions regarding how you have coped with helping others?

 

 

Love and Light,

 

Sandra

Gender Equality

 

This is an image in red of the gender symbols with text that says Gender Equality

©mypokcik/shutterstock

 

 

This past Sunday, we celebrated Mother’s Day, which we associate with the feminine role in our society.  We are now looking forward to Father’s Day on June 16, which we connect with the masculine role within our world.  Since we are presently in the gap between these two gender-associated holidays, it feels like the perfect time to discuss a topic which is currently getting a great deal of attention and publicity:  Gender equality.  

 

 

Gender equality, is also known as sexual equality, equality of the genders, and gender neutral. All of these terms imply that men and women should receive equal treatment. The concept is based on the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, and the ultimate aim is to provide equality in law and equality in social situations, especially in democratic activities and securing equal pay for equal work.

 

 

There are presently two books on the New York Times Best Seller List that are delivering powerful messages about the importance of gender equality: Lean In, by Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, urges women to pursue their careers without ambivalence. The other book, The Athena Doctrine, by John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio, discusses how the feminine values of nurturing, listening, and collaborating are redefining success for both genders. It is very interesting to note that Sheryl Sandberg is a woman advocating for females to invoke more masculine qualities; and John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio are men calling for business to incorporate what is viewed as feminine values.

 

 

Everyone has both a masculine and a feminine side

 

 

It is important that we do not confuse this topic with perceiving that this is a battle of male vs. female. Whether we are male or female, and no matter what our sexual preferences are, everyone has both a masculine and a feminine side. This is the yin/yang energy that has been referred to in Asian cultures for thousands of years.  There are certain characteristics that are inherent within both masculine and feminine energy.  Masculine energy (yang) deals with the strength of the self and the value of your own life.  Some of the qualities we attribute to being masculine are:  power, aggression, survival, focus, and decisiveness.  Feminine energy (yin) is more tuned into the value of the life of others and letting others take control of their own lives.  Some of the qualities we associate with being feminine are:  intuitive, gentle, nurturing, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of others.

 

 

For thousands of years, the collective energy of our world has been primarily masculine in nature.  Business, in particular, has been dominated by masculine energy because it has been focused on competition, power, and the bottom line. While up to this point in our evolution, this predominance of masculine energy has been appropriate in order to survive, an excess of masculine energy is being reflected in our social problems of greed, violence, and crime.  This is not to say that masculine energy is bad – far from it!  It is an extremely important component in our society, but we need to realize that it is imperative to maintain a balance of masculine energy as we bring in more feminine energy.  The key word here is BALANCE.

 

 

The fact that the issue of gender equality is moving to the forefront of our attention is an extraordinary sign that humanity is evolving to a much higher perspective than we have been in the past. We are being called upon to integrate the masculine qualities of focusing on the strength of self and being action oriented with the feminine qualities of being compassionate and responsive to the genuine needs of others.

 

 

The energy of Universal Love is a perfect balance of feminine and masculine energy.  While the world around us may seem pretty tumultuous right now, we can find great inspiration in knowing that we are beginning to integrate our masculine and feminine qualities internally and externally.  As we each discover the balance of masculine/ feminine energy within ourselves, it is being reflected in the conditions of our outer world.  Humanity is beginning to move out of polarity and into our spiritual truth of ONENESS!

 

 

I welcome any stories you choose to share regarding your struggles and successes on your personal journey toward gender equality.

 

 

Love and Light,

 

Sandra