Tag Archive | self reflection

Joy and Light are within you!

Sep23

DSCN2674We have so many opportunities to “Practice the Presence” in our lives.  Gratefully the world is awakening to these practices more and more each day.  When I first heard the  term of “Practicing the Presence” it awakened something in me that held the power and consciousness that keeps giving and grows and support the deepening of my daily spiritual practice a little more each day.

When I decided to move to a spiritual community five years ago, I made that decision so that I could be in an environment that is in a continuous practice through out my day.  I invite you to join (Ananda Sanga Worldwide Community) in the practice of “Reawakening the consciousness of light and joy” by using the following technique: (whenever possible – try to do this in a quiet place- never in a moving vehicle)  Stop, close your eyes, and bring your energy to the spiritual eye, at the point between the eyebrows. You may find it helpful to place your fingertip there to help you focus. Now become aware of light and joy at that point. Do this for at least fifteen seconds. This is a technique that Jyotish and Devi, the Spiritual Leaders from the Ananda World Wide Community sent out in their weekly letters.  Join us in lifting up our consciousness five times a day, into the light and joy and make it another way that you can “Practice the Presence” through-out your day.

Know that you are Loved,  Rev. Barb

Responding or Reacting

Jun4

DDSCN2674o you know where your last thought came from?  After many years of study I have come to believe that most of our thoughts and feelings are rooted in the subconscious mind.   Everything that is hidden within us comes from the past, from our history in this life or a past life.  All automatic thoughts, attitudes and related feelings are rooted in the subconscious mind.  The ancient yogic teachings reveal that we bring many of our life patterns into this life, to overcome, to release, and to help us gain the lessons that those patterns reveal to us.  They are all automatic behaviors, likes and dislikes, wants and don’t want.

If someone says something to you that pushes a button in you, you can guarantee it is coming from the subconscious.  The conscious mind is not as reactive as the subconscious, that is endlessly repetitive and reveals itself in the reactive thoughts, attitudes and beliefs we have.  When you feel triggered, do you ask… where did this come from? Why do I feel so bothered by this situation, whether a comment someone says, or a behavior they express, or any situation that comes up that you have a charge about.  It is all coming up from the unconscious mind.

What I see from the patterns in my life, is that I have a reactive part of me that I want to eliminate so that I can live more freely.  We are not really free if the least little thing can push us over the edge emotionally and trigger a whole lot of thoughts and feelings that disturb our well being in a nano-second.

Learning to respond instead of reacting is a huge leap into greater spiritual freedom.  Our greatest growth comes from being more attuned to what is real and what is true.   The Master Jesus reminds us that “the truth shall set you free.”   Within that journey we will find greater joy and well being.

Know that you are Loved,  Rev. Barb

Love you Through It

Apr16

Prakriti 7

If you are having a challenging time, perhaps you are feeling down and don’t know where to turn, always remember that there is a very loving Source of Life that will lead you through it.  When our hearts are stretched as far as we think it can and we cannot make any sense of the life we are living, the compassion and love of Spirit through our loved ones, will guide us to a safe landing.

This morning I listened to a very touching song that a group of children sang to their teacher who is dealing with cancer.  They very passionately and lovingly sang this songs with their hearts open wide.  It is on YouTube, and the song is… “I’m gonna love you through it.”

Someone very close to my heart is having a very tough time for the past year.  I want to take her pain away and make sure that she lands safely on the other side of her sadness. When I heard the song that the children sang, “I’m gonna Love you Through It,” it was exactly how I am feeling.  I will be a safe place for her when she needs me.  I am going to love her through it.

When our emotions are so intense and we find that we cannot see the goodness and love that is in our lives, regardless of what else is going on, that is when we are so blessed to reach out to a power greater than ourselves.  Our limitations are our own, and the tangled strings of thoughts and memories are plugging us into a pain body that is lodged in our hearts and brains and at the moment we cannot see past them.

There is a Way!  There is a loving Presence that will help us beyond any of our thoughts or fears.  We just have to reach out and take one step at a time.  There is a Loving Presence that knows you better than you know yourself and you are never alone.

Know that you are deeply Loved,   Rev. Barb