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Lately, a number of people in my life have discovered that the person they thought was totally devoted to them has been unfaithful. It has caused great pain for them. Each of us looks for love and when we think we have found it, we can often be later disappointed when we learn that our significant other has sought companionship elsewhere.
Law of Attraction Many of you wish to manifest something more constructive in your life, such as finding joy through love or gaining financial independence. The Law of Attraction, made popular by Rhonda Byrne's book, The Secret, defines this law as simply focusing all your energy and thought on your desired wish, and soon the universe will deliver your wish to you. More Clarification Needed Quantum physics supports this premise, validating that your thoughts do define your world.
The Premise Many instances exist in our society where children are hurt because of the lack of parental protection or control. Often, it seems obvious to us, as rape victims and sexual abuse survivors, that with more parental involvement that those tragic events may have been avoided completely. We may ask, "Why didn't my parent or guardian protect me?" The answer may lie in the fact that a pattern of abuse can follow from generation to generation, affecting our parent's actions.
From the moment you are born, two parts of you battle. It is the oldest struggle in creation. One part is the intellect and the other is our inner self, also known as the spirit or soul. The intellect's main job is to protect the body at all costs so an individual can function in this world. It does this by using the five senses of taste, smell, sight, hearing, and feeling. The intellect represents the physical side of you. The sixth sense, or your intuition, corresponds to the ethereal side of you, your spirit or soul.
I have a habit of meditating the minute I wake up in the morning. I always begin by giving thanks to the universe for the many blessings and gifts in my life. I have found this practice to be very beneficial. By giving thanks, you are inviting blessings, and you will receive more gifts. Making a List
Many of us communicate with God.
In numerology, a tradition bound by spiritual evidence—the relationship between numbers and living things, all of us have three cycles, or Life Path Periods in our lifetime. To determine a person's three Life Path Periods, one simply needs a person's date of birth. Furthermore, if someone's 3rd Life Path Period is 22, they are in rare company. Life Path Periods Based upon a person's full date of birth, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Life Path Periods are derived from an individual's month, day and year of birth, respectively.
Have you been dealing with low energy? You may have noticed the strong power being output in the universe and therefore, perhaps it is taking a toll on you. None of us is exempt from the energy in the universe. Each human is made of not only a physical body, but also a spiritual soul that emits an oftentimes, unnoticed energy. That energy is the life force of the Creator. Looking above to the stars and planets many times reminds you of the energy you have within your body.
Have you ever noticed that depending from what vantage point you are looking at something, it appears differently? For instance, have you noticed that when pictures of earth are taken from far out in space that you cannot see most things that actually exist on earth? The surface of the earth appears smooth, yet, in reality, wide-ranging texture covers the earth's surface in the form of mountains, hills, valleys, rivers and lakes. When you move in closer, you see other details, such as houses, streets, and people.
Do you agree that the spirit of God is everywhere, and includes all? If this is so, you cannot hide from it, no matter what. In addition, if the spirit includes everything, then it would have to encompass both light and dark.
Child abuse stories, including those by victims of physical abuse, rape and sexual abuse, can be very compelling. Others are likely to be shocked when you tell them about your story of abuse. However, if you take an attitude of observation, instead of judgment, you too can write about your experiences and heal from them. During the summer of 1966, while throwing the Sunday newspaper, a stranger raped me. Many years later, I decided to start jou aling my experiences, which turned out to be very beneficial in helping me to heal. It was a cathartic, healing process. However, it was not easy.
How many people believe they have limits? On a physical level, perhaps that has been the case. However, are you really limited from achieving anything, despite what you may currently believe? Why do you believe you are limited? Why are most children so joyous? Could it be that they do not see danger and live without limits? What changed? Do you remember, as a child, your parent stopping you from touching fire or putting your finger in an electrical socket? They did not want you to burn or shock yourself. Am I right?
Everyone has experienced some form of hardship in his or her life. How do you deal with hardships? Are you still suffering, even though some trial, challenge or event occurred many eons ago? If this is so, why is it that time has not healed your pain? Furthermore, is there an effective way to speed the process? From my personal observations, there is a way to deal with hardships and hasten the process of recovery. My childhood was fraught with horrific pain. When I was only nine years old, a stranger raped me.
Many of us choose to live by certain attributes of love, understanding, compassion, honor, honesty and humility. However, some people regard these attributes as good while others choose to call them constructive. Is there a difference, and if so, what is it? It may be beneficial to understand the terminology in order to realize your spiritual being more completely.
We have all heard stories about mysterious angels who have appeared in times of crisis, helping humanity with support or constructive messages. According to a recent Washington Post article, which cited a 2008 survey by Baylor University's Institute for Studies of Religion, over half of Americans believe in heavenly angels, including one in five of those who say they are not religious. Are there such cherubim? Where do they come from? What is their purpose? Most of us, at one time or another, have thought that we were all alone.
Many of us suffer from pain, either physical or emotional. Usually, we define pain as anything that causes hurt, aching, soreness, or tende ess. Essentially, we associate it with something that is not pleasing. However, what exactly is pain? Furthermore, is there a way to successfully overcome it? True Definition of Pain You may not know the original derivation of the word pain, but it comes from the Greek word poine. If you look up the word in the dictionary, it will state the word is derived from the Latin word poena.
Many of you may have had experiences with intuition. Perhaps in the form of a 'gut' feeling or picture in your mind. Maybe you do not really give them much thought or understand the source of those unexpected impulses. The question: Is it better to ignore that unexpected flash of light, or act upon it? Perhaps you can disce the answer to that question yourself. For instance, what have you encountered?
All of us want love. We will do just about anything to obtain it. Many of you are in dead-end relationships, but remain in those situations despite the fact that there is abundant evidence that the relationship is doomed. Why do you stay, despite opposing data? Furthermore, how can you determine when and if it would be more beneficial to end the relationship and look elsewhere for love? Why Do We Stay Despite Evidence to the Contrary? Each of us is a spiritual being living in a physical body.
You are never too young or too old to benefit from meditation. With the increasing pace of life, having quiet time each day can be very beneficial. You may have noticed the increasing market of numerous and different meditation techniques, including guided meditation books, CDs and DVDs. I have found the most effective form of meditation is not complex and needs no manual—the best approach to keep it simple. Benefits of Meditation
As we begin the month of July, we are reminded of our country's bid for independence that began over 200 years ago after the American revolutionary war. In 1776, there was no balance of power; Great Britain controlled everything. A general feeling of inequality set the stage for life-changing events. Americans were much oppressed and therefore, the thirteen original colonies decided it was time to separate from the Kingdom of Great Britain. They signed The Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, commemorating America's first year of independence from destructive forces.
A saturation of cries for help from many friends and family who need my support to overcome adversity has setback my progress in many areas of my life right now. It seems many people are feeling overwhelmed---having relationship issues, work problems or plain general havoc in their lives. No one is immune to these situations. We all may feel as if the sky is falling and our world is collapsing at some point in our lives. Perhaps that is the time to listen to the complete healing messages provided to you by the universe.
Are you having trouble finding commitment in a relationship? I have heard of many people who are very unhappy with a current association or situation in their life. It is not what they want. These people continually go around asking others for their opinion as to how to get the conditions changed to meet their expectations. Some are interested in someone already committed to another—the person of interest is married, or living with another. For others, the other person is so entangled with a family member or other friend that they offer inadequate support or time.
All of us want peace and happiness. We look outside for the answers. However, the bottom line is that our happiness is up to us. We must choose to release old habits, destructive thoughts and patterns to be happy. No one can do it for us. Everyone can realize many exciting hopes and wishes. All of us have the ability to create our own world with our thoughts. This is a principle defined under the laws of quantum physics. It is the Law of Attraction and Manifestation getting so much press in the last few years. Therefore, if you want a better life, just ask and you shall receive.
All of us long for a loving mother. Many of you may feel like abandoned children, having grown up with mothers who did not cater to your needs properly. Therefore, you may be continually searching for nurturing from others. Some of you may even be mothers yourself, and are struggling with your duties as parents. Outside forces may easily distract you for caring for your children. However, when you look at the dove, you can gain insight into how to be a successful mother. I have always loved birds, especially doves.
What is the definition of true love? I think most people tend to think of true love as that one soul mate that 'completes' them. However, using a quote from Shaman Charles Crooks, "We are all part of the whole and not separate" creates a dilemma when it comes to this perception of true love. How can one be incomplete when we are all part of the whole? Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that true love may be something quite different. When we expect another to complete us, we are in essence stating that we are inferior. We are looking out for ourselves only.
In scientific terms, 'Spring Fever' is defined as the time when many are filled with an increase in energy, vitality and sexual appetite. How many of you can say that you have experienced such? In addition, why may you ask does the search for love seem to run amok with Spring Fever? It is my opinion that most of us are constantly looking for love. With increased energy, that search for love is multiplied. Many people will do just about anything to obtain the love they perceive they are missing. However, are you really lacking love?
The Premise: The Search for Love Everywhere I look, I see so many people searching for love. I know people who either have a boyfriend or a girlfriend, or a significant other whom they are intimate with, yet they tell me they feel lonely and without love. I even have friends who are married who inform me they feel no one loves them. Do you feel you are in this same predicament, searching for love? Why Answers Cannot Be Found I have found that many times, the answers to our most fundamental questions are in plain sight. However, distractions blind us.
In spring, we often see very strong storms. Many times, the wind blows so hard that trees topple over. This is especially true if the tree is already old, weak or has no foundation of firm roots. I have a beautiful tree in the middle of my backyard. Last year, while having an annual tree trimming, the service informed me of a deep crack in the middle of the tree. The tree service also told me there was no way to save the tree. Therefore, they suggested I cut the huge tree down. However, my instincts told me differently.
Recently, many friends have expressed the pain and turmoil they have been experiencing as of late. They are struggling financially, emotionally and in their relationships. Each feels as if severe storms are occurring in their lives. I myself have had many doubts and frustrations that seem to be hitting me from out of the blue. These things are no different than they were a year ago, yet it seems worse now. Does this scenario of doubt and fear sound familiar to you? How many of you have heard that the year 2012 is the year the world will end? It seems that theme is very prolific today.
How many of you have had dreams that made you so mad when you awoke that your whole day seemed to be wrecked? Do you understand how to analyze such a dream? Do you think those dreams can influence how you act the rest of the day? Furthermore, have you noticed that such dreams can oftentimes occur whenever you are already coping with stress and unrest in your life? A few days ago, I woke up with a doozy of a dream. In the dream, I was going about my business, working hard. Each day that passed, I felt I was making more and more progress in my business.
Many friends that I know are miserable. They are unhappy with a current situation in each of their lives. However, not one of them will ever take steps to alleviate the problem because they are always fearful of hurting others. They base all their actions upon that premise. Each friend keeps asking me what to do to change. Have you been in a similar situation? Do you continue to, effectively, hurt yourself because you are too afraid you may hurt someone? My philosophy is that when we are in turmoil, it is best to listen to ourselves.
The Situation Many people can be lonely, depressed and feel they are without friends. Rape victims and sexual abuse survivors are very prone to such feelings. In addition, they may subconsciously feel shame and guilt. This is not a fault issue...it is a matter of learned behaviors due to other people's reactions to a person's horrific events. Others reactions can cause you to feel less than you are. You feel inferior. In addition, an 'ingrained' perception of God, in which each of us is separate from Him, can add to this opinion.
Have you experienced pain in your life? As a result, have you fallen into destructive behaviors of anger, depression, guilt or shame? Is there an easy way to end pain and any associated emotional responses? What is one such practical solution? The physical body operates on impulses received from the brain. According to scientific research, the brain is similar to the electric circuitry in your home. There are lines, or pathways, on which the current runs and connects to other lines, providing great sources of energy, and in turn, lighting up different areas of the home.
Are invisible forces guiding you in your life? Imagine an angel of God sitting on your shoulder. What do you think that angel would say? Would he or she offer constructive or destructive help? Well, from my own personal experiences, it does appear an angel—the inner spirit of God—has been providing me constructive aid during my life. Even through extreme difficulties, that angel of God never left me.
From the moment Michael Jackson stepped into the limelight, we all knew he was something special. Now that he is dead at age 50, everyone is recounting what great talent he possessed, and specifically, his top-notch singing and dancing. He was the proclaimed King of Pop and a legendary performer. However, what people may have forgotten is that he had a great love for humanity and worked to make the world a better place. Michael Jackson's life was often clouded in controversy and gossip.
How many of you have been so angry that you could not see straight? Perhaps you are upset with another or have stressful relationships. If you would like to create more harmony with others, it is possible. I have a family member who used to get under my skin so badly that I never wanted to pick up the phone. I would literally cringe when I recognized who was on the other end of the line. Oftentimes, I simply ignored her. She was not a bad person.
Have you ever seen the movie, Contact? It is one of my favorite movies, because not only has it a great, talented cast and fantastic visual effects, but also because it is a highly spiritual movie, demonstrating that we are not alone in the universe. From a spiritual standpoint, most of you may believe that God is always with you. However, there are skeptics out there, including the main character of the movie, Ellie Arroway. Her mother died when Ellie was just an infant. She is a highly intelligent child, excelling in science and technology.
How many of you have wonderful feelings of unconditional love when someone judged you or whenever you judged another? A good way to gauge the answer is by your reaction to it. From my own observations, whenever someone judged me, I became angry or upset.
How many of you have trouble forgetting emotional pain? Perhaps you were upset with another or even, with yourself, for events that occurred in your life that were tragic. It is often hard to release the destructive emotions caused by others. There is a way to achieve freedom and change your reality, making your life much happier. You can do so by dissolving the pain.
How many of you are unattached, single or just plain feeling you are in a loveless relationship? Do you feel your life is empty? Are you seeking love? Authors, poets, songwriters, and the like from every age, have written more about love than any other emotion. Why do you suppose? Could it be because love is the most sought-after aspect of the human condition? Many believe that their first emotion in life is love, beginning when someone holds or touches them. Would you agree that someone, for instance, the doctor, touches anyone the minute he or she is born?
Feeling empty or spiritually unfulfilled How many of you often feel empty, or spiritually unfulfilled, as though something is missing, despite going to church on a regular basis? Have you found that you have drifted from one church or religion to another, searching for one that can meet your needs? Perhaps you find one, but it only fills the void temporarily. What does it mean to be 'saved' anyway? From my own experiences, I became dissatisfied with each new religion that I embraced, stemming from one fact.
Have you ever questioned why you went through a difficult situation in your life? Most of us consider that such events are bad luck. However, I would like to offer an alte ative approach to understanding obstacles. To keep your physical body in shape, what have you found most beneficial? Do you work out with weights? The resistance of the weight causes your muscles to build, making you more fit, does it not? In addition, have you discovered the process to be hard and painful?
How many of you have experienced something very painful? Have you been too ashamed or guilty to discuss your unpleasant issue with others? If so, why do you think that has been the case? Would you agree that everything we learn in life comes from the teaching of others and our own experiences? Therefore, could it be that the reactions of others have programmed you to feel ashamed, guilty or angry? Furthermore, have you noticed that you are unhappy?
Have you found that your life has not turned out as idyllic as you once imagined? Is it not working? Are you unhappy, feeling sad, depressed, unloved, unfulfilled, angry or all alone? Moreover, do you think you are the only one who feels life is not working? The media gives overwhelming evidence of the degree of unrest in the world today. As each individual is a reflection of its society, it is safe to say that you are not the only one who is feeling out of sorts.
If you believe that God encompasses everything, is it not true that His spirit also resides within you? It has to be somewhere in us, but where does the spirit reside within? Charles Crooks is a shaman and healer/teacher. In his teaching he asks, "What is the component of breath that we find so valuable to ourselves?" The vital life force is a concept often discussed and many times portrayed in various forms in movies. Do you suppose your breath contains this force?
Many people question their life purpose after enduring something very painful or surviving a horrific event. Any number of things can trigger the question.
How many of you have received one of those ominous emails from another proclaiming if you ignore their request to forward, then some misfortune will befall you? We have all seen them, ranging from 'the money angel' to 'Help! My child is dying of some terrible disease' to the ubiquitous 'send if you love Jesus or God.' Each begins with some sappy story, used to tear at your heartstrings and to guilt you into responding. They then end with a warning if you do not forward, and sometimes, a promise of good fortunes if you comply.
Today I was deeply hurt by someone I thought loved me unconditionally. It happens to all of us. We become estranged from friends or family members because we discover that an action we took did not meet with the other person's approval: estranged to the point of cutting themselves off completely from us. It is at this time that we question whether that person ever really loved us or not. It could appear by their recent action that they do not. We may become miserable because we seek love from outside of us—looking for it from another.
There is an enormous amount of violence against women. After such trauma, many of these women may feel there is no good within them. Therefore, healing from abuse may be necessary. Specifically, rape victims, sexual abuse survivors and/or domestic violence victims may require help to improve their self-esteem.
How many of you have gotten sick when your doctor's office was closed? Do you not agree that many times our bodies need attention either late at night, on the weekend, or during a vacation—all times when your doctor may be off-call? When a doctor is not easily available, is there an effective and easy way to ease your pain? Could it be that using the energy within you is helpful for spiritual healing? Might a holistic approach be beneficial to clear pain and suffering?