Living Your Light - Even During These Times
As the pictures of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath dominate the
airwaves alongside the perpetual drone of other world conflicts
in the background, it is enough to make anyone veer off what is
still discernible of their spiritual path or to at least
question its relevance. These are understandably trying times
for many of us even if we haven't been directly affected by
recent hardships- aren't we all searching for the proverbial
magic wand that would make everything better all at once?
As difficult as it may be to find ourselves in this
uncomfortable space and energy, there are still ways to live out
the highest and best versions of ourselves even against a
backdrop that appears to be spiraling in the opposite direction.
Here are some ways to propel yourself forward even during these
times:
Re-evaluate your Values
The very real suffering that many of our brothers and sisters in
the Gulf Region are experiencing have made many of us stop and
think. As spiritual beings having a human experience we are all
in a continual process of evolution and healing. This is as good
time as any to take stock of what is presently on your life
"plate" and determine if you like what you see.
Are your long-held beliefs still in tune with what is really
important to you at this point in your life? Is the grudge
you've been nursing for as long as you can remember the best use
of your energy? Are you comfortable with your patterns of
consuming and giving? Your treatment of Mother Earth? Has the
world somehow become a better place because you have been here?
Let what you are seeing from without and coupled with the
insights you are receiving from within instigate a higher
response in the arenas of your life you can control.
Let Peace (Healing) Begin With You
Some would say that the world's challenges and conflicts are
just too big and overwhelming; leaving many to shrug their
shoulders in defeat stating, "I'm just one person." What if you
decided to get your "house" in order figuratively speaking-
(perhaps by the aforementioned recommendation of re-evaluating
your values) and made adjustments accordingly. What if you
continued to make these efforts to the point of creating a life
more to your liking and congruent with your cherished values?
What if another person, inspired by your example, did the same,
and then another and still another followed suit?
The combined efforts of many "one persons" can create a
(healing) momentum that is self-sustaining. It really only takes
one person to instigate broad shifts in thinking and perception
that can be beneficial to society as a whole.
Be a Blessing
I read a story once about a grandfather who counseled his young
grandson as an ambulance whizzed by them that every time he saw
one he should pray because people often forgot or were otherwise
unable to during stressful times. We can also heed such sage
counsel at this time by focusing our healing intentions towards
the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina.
We can silently pray for our leaders, encouraging them towards
enlightened action and decision-making. These options are always
available to us whether or not we know the recipient of our
efforts or even agree with their views or life choices.
Volunteering our time and gifts is similarly an equally valuable
way to expend our energies.
You are here on the earth at this juncture for a reason. If you
are reading this article (a blessing in and of itself) you have
accumulated a certain degree of knowledge, discernment and
brainpower that can assist you in regaining your footing (on
your spiritual path) regardless of the prevailing circumstances.
Even when we fall or lose hope, our connection to Spirit
continually sets us aright again and again.
Things may appear murky for some time, even downright
distasteful, but by availing ourselves of the unique gifts to be
found in weathering these times, we can serve as a healing light
for others wherever our paths take us.
2005