Judge not…

29 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Practicum

If you are like most spiritual practitioners, you judge the quality of your spiritual Connection randomly throughout the day.  Sometimes this happens precisely during a moment of contraction (“Why can’t I stop thinking while I lie here in Shavasana?”  “I know I should be patient with my children, but all I want to do is scream!”).  Other times we judge our spiritual integrity after the fact (“I can’t believe I let my coworker pull me into that old gossip habit again!”  “Why didn’t I see that angry outburst building inside me ahead of time?”)

The judging voice within works overtime, day in and day out.  Whether we are at work, with family or enjoying leisure time we are constantly judging not only our spiritual practice but almost everything else in our lives.  From physical appearance and personal success to the way others live their lives, judgment is a pervasive part of the human experience.

Yet, when it comes to spiritual practice it is critical we learn to release judgment.  Why?  Because our Connection informs every other area of our lives.  In keeping with the Angels’ Wisdom shared in “The Ebony Fan,” consider taking some time this month to observe just how much the voice of judgment blares through your mind.  One friend of mine calls this voice The Ridiculer; the Guides have referred to my inner critic as Mr. Blackheart.  No matter what you call it, if you listen for that familiar voice you will find it is almost always belittling and degrading your spiritual progress.

If you are lucky enough to notice judgment as it happens this month, try simply observing it.  This is the best place to begin since, initially, it will be almost impossible to silence the inner critic.  Start with the small step of noticing that your judging voice is present.  Ask yourself if there is even a tiny bit of wiggle room: Is it possible to divert your attention to something else in the room?  Could you just get yourself to think of someone who loves you or makes you smile?  If not, fine…just keep observing.  But if you are able to get that tiny bit of wiggle room, you might be able to slither out from under the judging voice that has you pinned to the ground.

If you find yourself judging a spiritual shortcoming after the fact, spend some time with a journal this month noting what happened and what the judging voice in your mind had to say about it.  For example you may note, “Last Thursday I was unkind to a friend and I am sitting here now judging that action.  I should have been more patient and kind and I am judging myself for not being so.”  Then brainstorm about what may have triggered your negative response at the time–as well as why you feel the need to judge it now.  Investigating judgment after the fact is like entering a doorway: it opens up an opportunity to examine, from a less combustible frame of mind, what our motivations may have been and how we can make leaps in our understanding for future encounters.

Over time, you may be able to catch yourself in a judging moment as it unfolds.  Although examination after the fact can be helpful, true progress is made when we begin to act more skillfully in the challenging moment itself.  Progress begins with noticing the voice of judgment, then gaining what little wiggle room we can by diverting our attention.  Mindfulness then deepens as we learn to wiggle more fiercely, perhaps using a deep breath, a prayer for help or an affirmation of gratitude to shift ourselves out of judgment and into expansive awareness.  Eventually, we watch the whole cycle of judgment diminish in scope as we offer ourselves compassionate affirmation that–more and more–we are doing our very best.

Once we come to that point, we are less likely to have anything at all to judge later.  The whole spiderweb of dark, condemning energy naturally shrinks back until it is more manageable.  We intuitively avoid wasting our spiritual vitality on cannibalistic judging habits and instead practice the forgiveness, encouragement and compassion which help us grow and awaken to our Highest Selves.

The Ebony Fan

27 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Wisdom

Journey along the spiritual Path for any length of time and you quickly realize that it is not a flat, featureless trail.  The Path to self-awareness usually presents us with alternating hills of challenge and cool valleys of repose.  Often referred to as the spiritual roller-coaster, these are the fluctuations associated with fading in and out of spiritual awareness.  One moment we are compassionate and wise, the next moment we are suspicious, resentful and afraid.  A wonderfully down-to-Earth spiritual teacher named Adyashanti calls this the “I got it, I lost it” experience.

For many seekers, especially those just starting out, there is an unfortunate misunderstanding about this naturally undulating experience.  It is the myth that in a “real” spiritual practice there are no longer such variations; all is peaceful within us and we are forever content.  But this is nothing more than a fallacy.  Even the masters affirm that contracted emotions can continue after realization–they are simply not invested with meaning or allowed to sever one’s Connection with the Divine Reality.

For many years I, too, believed that the back and forth of my spiritual state was a sign that my Journey was hopelessly flawed.  Recently I asked the Angels and Guides about this roller-coaster phenomenon.  Here is the encouraging explanation They shared with me regarding the spiritually elevated state:

“The problem is not that you cannot sustain it.  The problem is that you resist that its nature is not to be sustained.”

These eloquent words simply mean that the problem is not my spiritual condition, it is the fact that I judge my spiritual condition as unacceptable.

The Angels immediately reminded me that change is the nature of all things.  It does not really matter if we accept it or not, the nature of the Universe is to ebb and flow.  Please be aware that in the spiritual context, ebb and flow do not mean “good” and “bad.”  Rather, ebb refers to Reality in Its state of rest or potentiality while flow indicates activity or manifestation.  It is the nature of the Universe in all areas–including physical manifestation, mental understanding and spiritual Evolution–to ebb and flow.

The invitation, then, is to acknowledge that the ebb and flow of our spiritual condition is not the problem.  The problem is that we believe it should be different.  Therefore, instead of judging the ebb and flow of our spiritual state, the Angels encourage us to see that there is no “better” or “worse” in our inner condition.  Everything simply is.

To illustrate this point, the Angels used the analogy of an ebony fan.  Imagine that the spiritual experience is like a woman’s ebony fan, ornately decorated by hand.  Sometimes it is closed, sometimes partially open and sometimes it is fully expanded.  It does not matter whether the fan is open or closed, it is still an exquisite work of art.  You would not judge it to be better or worse when open as opposed to being closed; regardless of its condition, it simply is. 

Most seekers judge their spiritual experience vertically: an illuminated state is imagined to be higher on the “spiritual scale” and therefore better, while a state of contraction is lower on the spiritual scale and therefore worse.  Make no mistake: there are more and less skillful ways to live.  There are states of being that incur fewer ramifications later (more skillful) and states of being that create a lot of drama and many ramifications later (less skillful).  But in Universal Reality, these are not considered to be better or worse than one another, they are simply more or less complex or efficient.

The Angels encourage us to throw away the old vertical spiritual paradigm and open our minds to a whole new way of viewing our spiritual experience: Is it more or less skillful?  When we are filled with an Energy of compassion, we are in a more efficient and skillful state; we do not say or do things we will have to apologize for later.  This expansive state should not be considered “better,” it is simply more efficient than a contracted state, wherein we may say or do something we will later regret.  Just like a fully opened fan is no better than a partially opened one so, too, is our expansive state no better than our contracted one.  It is simply more skillful in its use of Energy.

If we will accept this new paradigm we can begin to adopt a new, non-judgmental perspective: “I simply am.  This is what is today.”  Can we take steps to be more skillful?  Absolutely–and we should, any time we can.  Can we use the tools in our spiritual tool box to create a more efficient spiritual condition?  Indeed.  But it is important that we slowly shift our belief system away from the sense that “I am ‘good’ when I am expanded and I am ‘bad’ when I am not.”  The tension that arises from such judgments only creates more problems.  In the end, judging our spiritual progress just means that we are piling more snow on top of the mountain we are trying to shovel through as we grow and evolve.

So give yourself a break.  Commit to seeing your practice as a constantly flowing work of art, like a dancer’s fan opening and closing with  symbolism.  Some days you will be proud as you look back, some days maybe not so much.  But what matters is that we are trying, all of us, to make a difference as we grow.  What matters is that we see the beauty and artistry in the ongoing dance–regardless of the step we are on at the time.

“When Truth is Heard,” elaboration

17 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Wisdom

It is a tremendous challenge to try to distill down the wisdom of the Higher Realms so that it may be ingested by the human mind and heart.  Seeking to do so is kind of like trying to describe a sunrise to a person who has lost his or her sight later in life.  That person is capable of resonating with a memory of what a sunrise might look like, but it takes some effort to pull up long dormant information.

The same is true when discussing the Words of Wisdom shared by Angels and Guides.  It is difficult to communicate the depth and profundity of the energies and meanings conveyed.  I believe all people possess the ability to hear as I hear or see Energy as It truly is, but to do so asks us to call upon long dormant soul-skills.  To help others harmonize with the meanings presented by the Guides’ Energy, I sometimes expand upon a statement so that it may be properly understood.  Today, I would like to share a bit more of the Guides’ meaning regarding Their most recent words:

“When Truth is heard It must be lived.  And when it is not, it is a disgrace.”

It is important to understand what is meant by the word, “disgrace.”  Disgrace as used here does not mean that we should be ashamed, that we have let down some judging God somewhere, that the Angels are dissatisfied with our progress.  What the Guides are trying to convey here is best grasped by first understanding the tremendous value of this human reality.  The Angels and Guides tell us that the human existence is a rare and profound arena for learning, dissolving old energetic patterns and healing wounds.  It takes extraordinary amounts of evolution to advance to the level where a human experience is warranted.  Therefore, a human incarnation is considered to be a treasure and should be recognized as a remarkable opportunity for growth, allowing us to leapfrog ahead spiritually.

When we receive spiritual insight–which is one of the main triggers which allow us to leapfrog forward–we have a choice: we can either act upon what we have learned or let the insight remain dormant within ourselves.  If we do not live what we learn, we essentially turn a blind eye to our very reason for being on this Earth.  To put it bluntly, we miss the point of why we are here: to evolve spiritually.

The human experience if filled with pains, challenges and difficulties.  Every time we receive wisdom which would allow us to rise out of the mire of human confusion and we do not follow it, we are devaluing every one of the challenges we have laboriously surmounted.  Simultaneously, the human experience is filled with joys, moments of epiphany and deep communion with other forms of life.  Every time we hear Truth and we do not live by It, we likewise dishonor the gifts we have received.

It is by our actions that we reveal our true state of spiritual attainment.  In the Christian tradition it is said, “Faith without works is dead.”  Indeed, in all traditions we are taught that it is our actions which reveal if we have grown; through our actions we see ourselves maturing and we finally inherit the fullness of what we truly are.  When we only think about the opportunity to become compassionate or wise, we do not automatically become those things.  We must act according to our Highest Truth if we wish to physically manifest those potentialities.  We cannot actualize our Highest Potential until we live our Truth, moment by moment.

The word “disgrace,” then, is understood not as a judgment or value statement upon the human condition.  Rather, it is an acknowledgment of the depth of import that this human existence represents.  It is an extraordinary and rare opportunity to leapfrog ahead in our spiritual evolution.  Every time we receive an insight that allows us to grow and we do not live by it, we devalue the powerful and precious existence we hold in our hands.

Grounding your Energy

16 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Try this!

At this time of year, many of us feel the change in seasons affecting our well-being in various ways.  Gray skies make us feel lethargic, windy  days may cause tempers to flare and family gatherings can share as many germs as they share love.  But there are simple things you can do to take charge of your Energy and get grounded, even as things around you change this holiday season.

If you haven’t already done so, start stocking your pantry with foods that are healthy and grounding.  In the Indian science of health called Ayurveda, it is commonly known that foods which are warm and heavy help ground your Energy.  These include many Thanksgiving favorites like yams, cooked green beans and whole wheat rolls warm from the oven.  Also consider cooking with ghee this winter–a lactose-free butter derivative that warms the body and tastes great for sautéing, baking or even slathered on those warm rolls.  Foods with moderate salt and healthy fat are also grounding, like home-baked french fries or organic sweet corn and butter.  Note: processed foods, frozen foods, carbonated beverages, dry and crunchy snacks and meat products are all considered to be upsetting to grounding Energy–and your digestion.  Steer clear or at least minimize your intake of these during seasonal changes or busy times like holidays.

Another great way to get grounded is to use aromatherapy to your advantage.  Warm, earthy smells are always a good bet.  Whether you like the smell of cedar, pine, patchouli or sage these natural fragrances draw your Energy to center in an instant.  Also good are cinnamon, vanilla, lavender and amber.  You can find aromatherapy oils at most health food stores, along with tools for their use.  Oils can be applied to the skin like perfume (when properly diluted–check the package), added to a shower or bath, spritzed on linens or burned in an oil diffuser.  Welcoming aroma into your life more fully allows you to enjoy the winter season in a cozy, grounding way.

Practically speaking, winter naturally means less sunlight.  You can supplement your intake of the sun’s rays by sitting near a window on sunny days, bundling up for a sunny winter walk or using an SAD light.  SAD (or Seasonal Affective Disorder) affects millions of people in the areas of the country experiencing a majority of cloudy, overcast days each year.  The result is a feeling of lethargy, depression or even more serious mental health complications.  An SAD lights allow you to take in the important vitamin D from the sun in the comfort of your own home.  People who have struggled with SAD swear by them; just be sure you do some research online for the best price and buy one with a minimum of 10,000 lux.  Also remember: SAD can be a serious problem.  Consult a professional if depression worsens or does not go away.

Finally, you can use your baubles to ground your Energy!  If you have jewelry in darker hues, you can bet they will likely help you stay calm in the chaotic and snowy holiday season.  Consider wearing your black onyx, jet or obsidian pieces at this time to help stay centered as you celebrate.  These stones can also help release the old as you seek to ring in the new year.  If the winter blues are your problem, yellow citrine invites uplifting, sunny Energy into your space and fortifies the centering solar plexus chakra.  Some people find the holidays to actually be the most difficult time of year; it that is you, try purple amethyst to release grief and loneliness or turquoise to help voice personal boundaries in chaotic family situations.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Pancha Ganapati or the Solstice, the holidays are a busy time of year.  Be prepared as you approach this joyful season and you may just find yourself starting 2012 as the best new year yet!

Celebrating Thanksgiving with Consciousness

16 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Practicum

Gratitude is in high supply at this time of year and it gives us the perfect opportunity to shine our Light of compassion and consciousness into the world.  Consider making your contribution personal–whether you are concerned with social responsibility, animal rights or family bonding there is a way you can share your unique Light with others.  Here are some ways you can make a difference this Thanksgiving season:

  • Donate items to a food pantry–To make it even more special, make them items needed for a holiday feast like stuffing, scalloped potatoes or canned veggies.  Shop together as a family and educate your children as to the importance of giving to those in need.
  • Teach your children about the first Thanksgiving–Even if you have discussed it before, our common history bears repeating!  Talk about where the pilgrims may have feasted with the American Indians, what foods they might have eaten and how they were generously shared from one culture to another.
  • Sponsor a feathered friend–If animal rights is your passion, you can adopt a turkey for just $30- and save an innocent life!  At http://www.adoptaturkey.org/  you can sponsor a feathered friend, get great vegetarian recipes and hear from others who support cruelty-free holidays.
  • Invite others to share your joy–If you have a friend without family nearby, consider inviting him or her to join you for dinner.  Often those spending a holiday alone won’t want to intrude on your gathering.  By extending an offer first, you can help others know that when it comes to celebrating, it’s truly “the more, the merrier!”
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen–People who have made this a family tradition swear by it as one of the most fulfilling ways to celebrate.  Simply contact your city’s homeless shelter or Mission and inquire as to how you can help.  Whether you serve alongside your family or volunteer solo, the lives you touch will make it worth every minute–and remind you of how much you have to be grateful for this year!
  • Opt for a vegetarian feast–Going vegetarian for Thanksgiving means enjoying tasty new recipes, contributing to animal welfare and easing the stress of the animals-for-food industry on our environment.  Your simple choice can make a difference in our ecology and in the life of an innocent animal.  What a loving way to celebrate!
  • Take a meal to an elderly neighbor–Many senior citizens spend the holidays alone and most will not bother to cook a holiday feast for one.  You can share the love by inquiring ahead as to whether or not they will be receiving a meal for Thanksgiving.  If they will not, you can brighten someone’s holiday by simply making an extra plate and taking it to them in time for lunch or supper.  What else were you going to do with all that extra stuffing, anyway?!

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, be sure to always focus on the theme of the day: gratitude.  Take time with you loved ones to share what you are most grateful for whether you do so around the table, over the phone, or at bedtime that night.  We all know that the more we give the more we get, so affirming our blessings not only opens the heart, it assures there is always an abundance of goodness to come!

Happy holidays from our family to yours!

“When Truth is Heard…”

15 Nov 2011 Leave a comment

by graceandclarity in Wisdom

While spending time in Communion recently, I heard an important message regarding our responsibility to live wisdom when it is shared with us.  It has become commonplace for spiritual seekers to take classes, read books and attend workshop wherein real wisdom and Truths are presented.  Yet sadly, many of us fail to actually incorporate these insights into our lives as powerful and life-changing actions.  Today the Universe reminded me what it takes to live an authentic spiritual life.

Hearing Truth and letting It pass us by is kind of like being an actor in a play.  We may wear a spiritual wardrobe or recite spiritual words, but if the Truth is not taken out into our lives and enacted beyond the venue of public affirmation and adulation, It is nothing.  It is in the privacy of our own minds and hearts that Truth is tested and given the opportunity to flourish daily.  When others are not watching, when there is no way for them to know what we are thinking, will we still uphold the Highest Truth in our thoughts and actions?

I invite you to write these words in your heart, for they are the guidance of the Guides and Angels who wish to see us our most radiant, spiritual selves.  They remind us:

“When the Truth is heard It must be lived.  And when It is not, it is a disgrace.”

I must ask myself, am I living the Truth as I know It in this moment? If not, I can still take heart: it is never too late to get back on track.  This very moment we have the power to pause and redirect our Energy for the rest of the day into the Highest Truth in everything we do, think and say.

Today I invite you to be more than just an actor playing the role of a spiritual seeker.  Embody your spiritual Understanding fully and live what you know to be Truth–whether anyone else is watching or not.