“Harper was suddenly overwhelmed with the need to make an impression. She didn’t want to be forgotten, even if it was for all the wrong reasons.” 

~ Elizabeth Craft, Bass Ackwards and Belly Up

 

With change so prominent today many struggle with what is their place in the world and their life—in their job, community, relationships, etc. This often manifests itself in some looking for answers, solutions and direction from others, and the associated behaviors often get misconstrued as being entitled, “owed,” and demanding.

Relevance is defined as the quality of state of being closely connected or appropriate. In a world where the aspirational “American Dream” mentality has essentially trained us to want the “best,” to want instant gratification and service and where household debt is rising, are signs of peoples’ struggle with being relevant.

Some people want “important” titles, promotions and raises. Some want designer clothes, fancy cars and big houses. This list of wants can go on, but these wants and sometimes the sense of entitlement that often accompanies them have their roots in people wanting to be relevant—to be connected, to belong and to be recognized.  People feel lost and untethered and they don’t quite understand why—which leads to external blame, projection and loss of being genuine or true to oneself.  

In a world where institutions set the “rules of the game” and where the masses unconsciously buy into these rules, the values and beliefs of many are derived from unrealistic and unfounded expectations or fear that if they do not follow the rules or meet the expectations they are no longer relevant. Somehow being relevant got blended with one’s purpose, and one’s purpose got viewed through a concocted formula for success and happiness.

In reflecting upon this I started to contemplate how do we transcend this—how do we find our relevance outside of the labels and categories we put upon ourselves that are influenced by others? How do we change our thinking that fulfilling our superficial wants will make us relevant as defined by others?

A first step is to check in with yourself regarding your wants and demands and to explore their origins. What is driving them—is it really a feeling of inequity or injustice?  Do they stem from fear, jealousy or anger? Are they driven by wanting to fit in or to illustrate success?

Next is to examine them from a want and a need perspective. Yes, we all like nice things and to live comfortably, but are you overextending yourself for something that is more a desire vs a necessity?

Being relevant is being grounded in you—in being true to yourself. Your relevancy is already built into you. But there are times we often lose sight of that and when we succumb to the expectations and pressures being promoted by others.

Being relevant is not wrapped up in titles, where one lives, what one does and how much one has.  Being relevant is about being true to the very best that is in you and living your life consistent with your highest values and aspirations.

“At times the whole world seems to be in conspiracy to importune you with emphatic trifles. Friend, client, child, sickness, fear, want, charity, all knock at once at thy closet door and say,—’Come out unto us.’ But keep thy state; come not into their confusion. The power men possess to annoy me I give them by a weak curiosity. No man can come near me but through my act.”

― Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Essays of Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Increasingly today we get to choose our distractions. We intentionally choose to check our text messages, email and who is following us or “liked” us on any social media app. For some there is a pleasure in being able to take action and “freeing’ themselves from daily worries, work, boredom and routine. This is one level of personal intentional distraction.

There is another type of intentional distraction that is created and perpetrated by others in which we willingly engage, thinking it is by our own choice and under the guise that we are paying attention—paying attention to something bigger than ourselves, something important, etc.

This art of intentional distraction has been in practice for centuries, if not millennia. Consider this. Distraction is defined essentially as the process of diverting the attention of an individual or group from the desired area of focus and thereby blocking or diminishing the reception of desired information.

There is distraction that is caused by the lack of ability to pay attention or a lack of interest, and then there is distraction of great intensity or attractiveness of something other than the object of attention. This is intentional distraction driven by the elitist-run institutions, ranging from the media, finance, education to governments and international organizations, that is in place to keep us compliant, mindlessly occupied under the illusion that we are doing something or caring about something important or even causing us to doubt ourselves.

These are intentional distractions that are established so that the masses focus on a topic, idea or activity that the “compliance leader” feels supports their mission. The intention of these large scale, institution-driven intentional distractions are essentially to keep us occupied while hidden agendas are driven. These so called leaders do not want all to evolve or change—to ascend—since they believe that they are more entitled to advancement, wealth, success, etc., than what they may consider the average citizen, under the guise that they know what is best for the general population. 

These “leaders” create whole ecosystems of rules, criteria, policies and processes rooted in expectation and fear to keep the “average citizen” out or keep people second-guessing themselves—and sometimes it is done under the veil of entertainment or to keep people safe.

These distractions can take many forms in which most people get entangled.  Think about it—social media, reality TV, smart phones, over-priced sporting events and concerts, over-priced college education—not to mention now fake news, and the list can go on. Some of these “things” become obsessions and some become aspirations. We probably all know of someone who waited in line for hours to get the next i-gadget, who go into extreme debt for higher education to get that dream job, or who want to be like a deemed celebrity, or believe everything of what they hear or read on established news outlets.

Now is the time to wake up and question everything and to examine the distractions in your life and why you are participating in them. Now is the time to question the allure of them. Everything going on today is not what is appears to be. Great change is happening and the power and information brokers, the elitists and those in the institutional establishment want to control the message, to preserve what they believe is their earned right or stature and resist a change where all ascend.

There is a great enlightenment unfolding. We see real-world signs of it everyday—protests, debates, up-risings; discomfort with the establishment; the questioning of duality: and the rise of paradox. It is so important in the midst of this, to center yourself, reflect and to be careful not to get distracted from what is really important to you and your values–and to question everything.

“. . . And we are enabled to apprehend at all what is sublime and noble only by the perpetual instilling and drenching of the reality which surrounds us. The universe constantly and obediently answers to our conceptions; whether we travel fast or slow, the track is laid for us.”

~ Henry David Thoreau, Walden

 

Omnipresence. The concept alone can be overwhelming based on its traditional definition of being present everywhere at the same time.  And we struggle with how to be in multiple places at the same time. It seems elusive since we are overlaying our current perception of literally being physically in many places at the same time.

The other lens through which we view omnipresence is that of mind and emotion, where we want to be wholly in the moment of the mind, body and soul. Simply put to not be distracted and to be in a state of mindfulness where we let thoughts flow in and out of our minds with no judgement.

The concept of omnipresence that I would like to explore with you is the omnipresence of you. We are all divine beings that possess omni-attributes. These are all-knowing, all-powerful and present everywhere. The Universe—you—knows the track laid out, where you have been, where you are and where you are going. 

You know what needs to be done or not done, where to be or not to be, who to be with or not to be with; what feels “right,” or not right for you; and when to take a risk or try something new or not. These are your instincts and they make you all knowing. Plus, all your experiences in this lifetime and others have given you infinite wisdom.

You are all-powerful. You have the power to do—to follow your instincts, make decisions and take action. And you will always be wherever you need to be to put your actions into motion, therefore omnipresent.  We sometimes lose sight of the omni-presence of ourselves since we view ourselves as being restricted to a given place at a given time.

As part of the Universe and being divine you are present everywhere. You are pervasive and infinite. Your mind, body and soul cannot be confined to one place or one time. You are not limited by time and space. You/your energy is constant. It dwells where you have been and with people you have met. The impact of you is forever lasting.

You are completely present in the Universe.  You will draw near to anyone who draws near to you. On your path or track—past, present and future, and all the moments of your daily existence—you are present as if you were nowhere else.

“A bird that fears turbulence will never know how high it can fly.”

― Matshona Dhliwayo

 

When you fly a plane through the clouds, turbulence often occurs. The plane starts trembling and bouncing. You see people grabbing a loved one’s hand or the arm rest, closing their eyes and praying, or even the look of panic comes across their face. But once the aircraft breaks through the clouds or the pilot adjusts the plane’s altitude, sighs of relief are heard and felt.

As a passenger on that plane, especially if the turbulence is more severe, frequent or long lasting, it can be an unnerving, even frightening experience. Thoughts of maybe this is not normal begin to dominate the mind, you feel air sick or you may begin to think the worst.

Many will have enlightened moments during these experiences making commitments to change—to not work so many long hours, to spend more time with friends or family, to take that vacation, work toward well being and a healthier life, to be more in the moment, etc.  But inevitably once the turbulence has passed and the plane has landed safely people resort back to the way they were and often the resolutions, commitments and intentions are left behind.

This happens in everyday life as well. Many times we have a scare, be it personal health situation, a close call driving on the highway, an argument or misunderstanding over which we lose a friend, a sickness or death in the family, a layoff threat at work, etc., that makes us evaluate our lives and how we can be better or change.  But often as time passes and the adrenaline from the scare subsides or as time passes and emotions stabilize, we resort back to old habits, routines and comfort zones and the promises we made to ourselves and even to others disappear.

In times of turbulence in our lives we are making promises to ourselves when we are in distress, when there is noise and even fear.  They are reactionary and therefore are difficult to sustain. Further, it sometimes feels easier to go through your life not being an active participant, to just live in your comfort zone although you are not happy or seem to want to make change or to be driven by the noise and the fear.

It takes effort to truly reflect and understand yourself, including what motivates you and what you really love to do; to accept where you are now and to envision where you would like to be; to let go of the past and the people or things that are not working in your life; and to be clear on your intentions.

In the moment of turbulence there are moments of clarity and the commitments and promises you make to yourself are meaningful and true. They present to you what is important to you and provide you insight into the change you would like to make in your life.  But all too often we think there will be other opportunities or time to keep those promises or at least work towards them.  At best we keep them on a to-do list and at worst we let them fade away.

Turbulence in our lives—although most often not life threatening—is normal but more so it is a wake up call or reminder to pay attention to you, your life and to be an active participant in your life. They bring with them experiences that call upon you to reflect and to sort through emotions. They challenge you to live your life and experience some of the choices you have been making, and to make course corrections. They help you see the power in your abilities, to break cycles and evolve.

Embrace turbulence, but when the dust has settled and calm seems to have been restored, remember your moments of clarity during the turbulent times and put them into thoughts, words and action.

“The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” 

― Jalaluddin Rumi

 

Sometimes in our lives we need to let ourselves collapse into immobilization as part of our natural healing process. Letting yourself become immobilized is an important step in the healing process, be it from a physical injury, an emotional hurt or both.

After an injury or sickness or a frightening, disturbing, upsetting or traumatic experience, the mind and body need time to rest and recover, and it is best to allow this process to unfold uninterrupted.  The amount of time will be different for everyone. You need not compare yourself to others or put undue pressure and timelines on yourself.

Through this time of immobilization you do need to be kind to yourself and remove any thoughts steeped in should haves, ifs, and or buts. Replaying over and over in your head scenarios with different outcomes or what you did or did not do to cause the situation in a mindset fueled by low vibrating energies and emotions will hinder the ability for you to move forward. 

An immobilization period does help protect you as you heal, and provides you with time to reflect and do energetic grounding. Energetic grounding will help you get in touch with your body and your emotions.  It will help loosen the tight and constricted muscles and clear your mind.  It will help the energy flow more freely through your body.

When you are in your immobilization period it is important to know what you want as an outcome and to set your intentions.  It is best to let the wisdom of your brain and the power of your body set the direction for your recovery and healing.  With this it is so important to listen to your mind, body and soul. It is important to remove the noise and distractions and to focus on your healing and envisioning yourself healthy and strong.

Through this process your mind and body need to go where they need to go.  Do not let an inner voice of doubt, fear or uncertainty dissuade this.  It is also wise not to let external influences or expectations of others interfere with your healing process.

As your mind and body recover there will be times that, yes, you will need to push yourself through feelings of frustration, sadness and pain.  But you do have inner strength to do this, guided by your angels and the Universe. Never lose sight that you are here to experience, to learn, to grow and evolve.  Sometimes our paths are not easy and hurdles are put in front of us, but so are horizons.

“To ask me to verify my life by giving you my statistics is like using science to validate sorcery. It robs the world of its magic and makes milestones out of us all.”

― Carlos Castaneda

 

Happy New Year to all. As we line up on the starting line of 2017 with new or renewed resolutions, aspirations and intent, but at the same time settle back into our routines and pick up where we left off last year, it is important to consciously channel your energies into your intent and not get distracted by the noise of expectations or milestones artificially created and imposed by institutions and society.

Since so ingrained in this physical space of our current life, we sometimes mindlessly accept rules, prerequisites and the “shoulds,” “ifs,” and “buts” laid out before us by education systems, financial systems, work force systems, governments, etc.  Think about it.

Who decided what grades you need in school in order to advance to the next grade, what GPA or number of credits you need for a degree, what performance review rating you must have to get a raise or to be promoted, what credit rating you need to have to get a loan, and what events or milestones must sequentially be achieved to be recognized or acknowledged among peers or in certain circles?  I know that some of you may debate my examples, but I do want you to contemplate and question why you may let such things hold you back, as well as to consider your level of acceptance of them, and why you accept them. 

Having milestones or targets initially established by such institutions or systems can be viewed as frameworks or structures to help people in mass to progress, evolve and even ascend. They served as goals to inspire people to advance in large numbers. But over time they became tools of power brokers and elitists to monitor and control, fueled by their greed and fear.

In these times of great change where we do see old paradigms being shaken, where we see, hear and feel growing agitation, many of these established markers will be increasingly questioned and evolve or fade away. Having awareness of your belief system and use of milestones and markers will become even more important in your personal and collective journey of ascension.

When reflecting on your markers—those created by others that you still may accept and those that you create for yourself—remember that each marker is entangled with experiences, and that experiences provide lessons that expand our consciousness, awaken us and inspire us. And be careful not to let the markers of others define who you are and your path.

“You are one thing only. You are a Divine Being. An all-powerful Creator. You are a Deity in jeans and a t-shirt, and within you dwells the infinite wisdom of the ages and the sacred creative force of All that is, will be and ever was.”
― Anthon St. Maarten, Divine Living: The Essential Guide To Your True Destiny

 

As we evolve and experience personal ascension (which is an ongoing event) we can sometimes feel like we moved to a place where we are on the outside looking in. As we let go of the past and move forward on new paths, as we begin to vibrate at higher frequencies and gain clarity about ourselves and the world around us it can sometimes feel like we do not fit in and the places we are in seem familiar but strange at the same time.

We may feel that others do not understand us and frustrated that we find it difficult to find a place where we can make a difference, impart knowledge and be a change agent—because still (although it is changing) the majority of those on this planet earth have not yet ascended. We may not have tolerance for noise and distraction, and we may be increasingly ultra-sensitive to what seems like chaos and disruption. The latter can be viewed as happening because many are having their “distortions” (low vibrating emotions, thoughts, beliefs, etc.) rising to the surface and being released.

This process can cause irritation, frustration, anger, confusion and emotional instability. We who are ascending rapidly are experiencing a purification while we still live in a 3^rd dimension of duality and along side others who have not ascended or are still early in their ascension. 

One can say that the old us is fading away, and as our old us fades away there is now room for a tremendous download of information that greatly expands and enlightens us. Our roles are transcending to being of service or help to those who have not yet ascended. Part of this role includes balancing the energy of higher vibrations of our new selves with the lower vibrations of others.

But finding the place or the environment for this service can be daunting or sometimes feel challenging at best since we know we cannot go “back” into certain places and environments. We have made new commitments to our selves that we will not put ourselves in situations that have catapulted us forward and that have hastened our ascensions.

But at the same time we feel a want and even a need to engage in a place and time where we can contribute. It is as if our new found knowledge and vibration so wants to be shared, and the struggle enters when that place and time does not seem to exist. But it does.

It may feel like we may be putting ourselves back into an old paradigm or a paradigm (or institution) that is breaking, but the people in that paradigm need service. Sometimes even just being present with little physical or verbal engagement—where your vibration or energy is simply present—makes the difference.

And being in old, breaking or changing paradigms or places as an ascended individual can carve paths for new paradigms and places that assist you personally with the merger of your physical self with your spiritual self, to find others who have ascended and continue through gateways of ascension with others.

“The world is not ready for some people when they show up, but that shouldn’t stop anyone.”

― Ashly Lorenzana

 

Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like we are in-between—in-between where we came from and where we will be. Yes, out of the quiet of this in-between come our true selves, especially as we check in with our souls and allow ourselves time to breath and think. But this in-between can be a trying and awkward place to be—between where you are “now” and where you will be “soon.” Some call this being in limbo. Another way of looking at it is as being in the middle.

This middle assigns the things in the world around it a greater or lesser degree of relevance or validity. It can start to form a center which all else is measured and can seem daunting when the measure is on what has been (since these are our physical experiences), and the measure can become misconstrued and influence our thinking and feeling about what will be. It can be difficult to imagine oneself in a new space—being somewhere different, doing something different, being with someone different, etc.

Some may feel not in “control” and with this their ego is threatened. The ego’s “job” is to make us believe that we are in control and to scare us into taking action to prove that we are. This threat to the ego makes us feel unsure, unfulfilled, frustrated, etc. It is hard to have patience with the unresolved state of our future and to appreciate the doors yet to open. 

We know that we do not want to go back to where we were and, more so, that we cannot go back since our prior Selves and circumstances no longer exist. We have more insight and knowledge about our Selves. We have clarity. But where we see our Selves being in this physical world, and where we will make an impact, is not ready for us yet. So we feel like we are on the sidelines watching the world flow by, and can even feel a lack of self-fulfillment.

We wait for our “soon” to happen and can become disheartened as the wait elongates. Being in the middle—far away from either shore of what was and what will be—is a brave but challenging place to be. When in this state, be open to the confusion, frustration, rawness and all the emotions it brings. Be willing to experience the discomfort for your new level of thinking to emerge.

The middle is an experience and place to be. Contrary to what you may feel or think, the middle is not empty or stagnate. The middle is a transitional season in our lives. It is a place to be present and an experience that evolves us. Don’t let the middle stop you from living and from being. Keep showing up even if the world is not quite ready for you because this is how you will make a difference in the world and flow into your “soon.”

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.”

~ Nelson Madela

 

For most of us in this physical time and place we have had seasons where we detach or remove ourselves from what some would say are daily routines, environments or circumstances—where we take a break from our life. The catalyst for this detachment or removal could be a loss (job, loved one), a change (move, new job, relationship), a health scare or self-imposed deep reflection. Our bodies may be tired and sore, our minds overwhelmed and our souls needing nourishment and respite. For some the break is long or extended, for others short-lived. Regardless, a point of re-entry happens.

Re-entry is the act of reentering. Two definitions that can help set perspective on re-entry are:

The return from outer space into the earth’s atmosphere by an earth-orbiting satellite or spacecraft

The retaking of possession under a right reserved in a prior conveyance

Re-entry does not necessarily mean going back to your “old” life—the one that you were “living” before. Your “old” life is not there and it is not coming back. You may be entering back into your life’s atmosphere, but your orbit has changed. The experience of the impetus for the break or the change and the break itself impacted and evolved you. 

Think for a moment if you could somehow travel back to that old life, it really would not fit any longer because you are not that same person. Whatever triggered the break—be it a sudden loss or a convergence of untenable circumstances—it has reshaped you. It has made you wiser and stronger. It has given you clarity.

Taking a break, regardless of the circumstances, is courageous. It takes courage to stop doing the familiar for the unknown and trust that everything will work out fine. It can rejuvenate you emotionally, physically and spiritually.

At first thought, re-entry can be daunting, but it also can be invigorating and fresh. Re-entry into a next phase or season of your life is natural. One perspective on re-entry into your life is that you are taking possession of your life as the right reserved to you by the Universe.  The re-entry can take many forms. It can be a new job, a new or renewed relationship, a new passion or cause or a different life-style. It can be subtle in terms of a fresh attitude, clear mind or healthier body.

Re-entry can also be viewed as finding your home again. When circumstances happen that cause us or inspire us to take a break from our “old” life, we can feel homeless or in limbo. We may feel like we are on leave from the life we once knew.

Part of re-entry is letting the Universe guide you and letting yourself find the devotion of your energies. It is also about sharing yourself with the world. This is your gift, and sharing your gift connects you to the world, to the people who will be put on your path and in contact with your gift, as well as it will connect you to you.

As you re-enter your life’s atmosphere, stand in awe of the brilliance of your light at that point of re-entry.

“. . . Some of it’s magic. Some of it’s tragic. But I had a good life all the way.”

Jimmy Buffet, He Went to Paris

During our time in this physical world we often move through it not being in tune with the significance of ourselves. Some lose sight of the wonder of who they are and the life they live. Many get distracted with thinking that their lives are ordinary, feeling like their lives are not turning out to be what they may have envisioned, or longing for experiences they desire.

They stoically brush it off or make the excuse that this is “just life,” putting on the mental list all the reasons why—bad luck, being obligated or tied to someone, something or somewhere, less than optimal relationships, missed opportunities, or their social or economic standing. If they reflect and search for the answers, the voice of their ego starts to negate that inner dialogue. This voice speaks from fear, distress or limitations, and keeps one diverted. For many this leaves them stuck in the mindset that they or their lives are not significant, and they go through the motions of living not receiving the world around them, themselves included.

There is the cliché that life is a journey or about the journey—meaning the experiences. We are here in this physical time and space to experience. But often we let those experiences go unnoticed or let them lose their luster. By human nature, we tend to let the difficult and challenging experiences linger or stay more prominent in our bank of memories, where we draw upon them more than upon the joyful or pleasant experiences. 

For the most part, people have no idea how incredible they truly are. One way of looking at it is they get too close to themselves, and their sense of self is influenced by expectations ingrained in them from when they are very young on what is success or happiness—and measures or milestones that must be met so one can consider oneself significant. And the sadness is that often it is only when one is fortunate to have lived a long life that the realization of the significance of one’s life is realized, when one realizes that they are exactly who they were intended to be.

As we walk on this earth in these amazing times of change, we should not do so in fear or self-doubt, or thinking that our lives are ordinary or less than ordinary. We should not be walking around in a trance, thinking about what we need to do or have done—spinning stories about what is happening. If our minds are full of stories already, we cannot notice the present moments.

We cannot see what is all around us and the significance of ourselves. If an emotional state or story has filled our minds, it prevents us from seeing what is in front of us. I read somewhere about this imagery of not being able to fill a cup with the present moment when it is already full.

Indeed, life is full of experiences that our human mind or state will classify as happy or sad, magical or tragic, energizing or deflating, etc. These are often fueled by us seeking love, wealth, success, fulfilment or even enlightenment, or as the Jimmy Buffet song goes “looking for answers to questions that bothered him so.” In efforts to find these things or answers, and attempts to change, we sometimes ignore who we really are and the wordless intimacy of and with ourselves.

Although there are days or seasons of our lives where we may not feel or think it so, each one of our lives is magical. I say do not wait to your later years to reflect on your life and in a melancholy state realize the significance of you. Reflect daily. Cherish who you are. Know when to empty your cup so you can fill it with new stories from being present and mindful, and know that the answers you seek are within you.