Good Day Insightful Ones!
The strangest thing happens to me everyday, "wherever I go, there I am"!
"You are the common denominator in every relationship and every situation that creates your life". I guess this is why the author has us doing so much work initially looking at and into ourselves. All of the patterns, the reactions, the thoughts, the emotions, the behaviors, etc. all have a reference point that begins with us and if we hide from ourselves or deny certain parts, or remain unconscious, we cannot awaken to what drives us; healing and transformation are then delayed.
The questions for today are:
. Are you aware of how you drive or influence relationships and situations in your life?
. Where should you be looking at as it relates to events that happen in your life that see, to pose a challenge for you?
. What gifts from your own existence do you share with others on a daily basis?
For Extra Credit: Be aware of what you pay attention to; how you fill your time; how you nourish your mind; how you engage with the world around you; how enthusiastically welcome each new day; what you identify with most strongly; what gives your life its shape, meaning, and purpose, and what are you giving to others.
Wherever you go, there you are! Make it a great day!
Rev. Sylvia
I am painfully aware of how I influence my relationships. It has not always been positive influence and sometimes bordered on down right manipulation. I have chosen to remain single and unatached for several years now because of this. I needed to grow before I subject anyone else to "my stuff". In the past, I have not been so good at positively influencing my friendships, family relations, and evee co-workers. Remarkably, I am soooo much better at these things now. This class has shown me just how much work I still need to do. Thank you for that!
ReplyDeleteMy biggest challenge is my impatience and intolerance. Impatience with everything and everybody. Intolerant of other peoples "stuff". I am fighting this with my new found gift of EXPRESSIVE compassion. It's working!
Slowly, I am eliminating those things in my life which can negatively imprint on my mind. It's a slow process, because this is what I have fed my mind and ego for all of my adult life. Meaning and purpose are flowing into my life through giving now. Giving of my craftsman talents has brought me so much happiness this past year as I step back and look at what I have created for someone else. Recently, I was thanked with a gift that completely took me by surprise. Had my ego not been in "macho mode", I probably would have cried. It wasn't so much the gift itself, but the love in which it was given.
I pray that you all feel as blessed today as I do.
On most days, I awaken enthusiastic about being alive, connected to my Creator and open to being a vessel for God. I believe it is my loving, caring and giving nature that attracts people to me – I see and feel God in the connections. I see the glass as half full and gravitate towards those people, relationships and situations that have a similar perspective – the half full approach to living is not something I embrace.
ReplyDeleteWhere should I look as it relates to events that seem to challenge me? INSIDE!! I’m clear that this is all an inside job. I believe the challenging situations in my life are my lessons to focus on for my growth. I’m blessed to become aware of the lessons quicker and to see the common denominator in all of this – ME. What I’m working on now is being CONSISTENT in moving my ego of the way, learning the lessons, releasing any angst around an issue, applying the lessons learned and moving on. That’s what’s shaping my life and the gift I am giving to myself and others on a daily basis.
I am aware that I keep personal and impersonal relationships or situations at a distance due to fear of becoming disappointed at others who do not live up to my expectations. This to me is a form of selfishness on my part. In personal relationships, I find that I keep others at a distance for fear of losing my independence and being hurt. I would have to say, these are what influence my impersonal relationships and personal relationships,or a lack of personal relationships.
ReplyDeleteI should be looking at myself to discover what it is within me that has influence over my life experiences. Why do I continue to look at the past as an indicators of what the now will hold for me. Its a form of fear and laziness. I think it takes less work when you don't have to deal with relationships or unpleasant situations. Since I am retired, I can stay to myself and save myself from all the headaches and grief. I know I was not put here to be an island. I am in this world to grow. Interacting with others on a personal and impersonal level is what brings about great growth and expansion of consciousness. The test for me is to go boldly into the world and accept whatever will come; knowing that whatever, good or not so good, it will not be the end of me.
I do try to share my gifts of listening, compassion and encouraging others to go within for the answers to life situations. Something I have to keep reminding myself to do when faced with constant life challenges.
These first three questions have my head spinning just trying to put my answers into words. I will pass on the extra credit or I will be as dizzy as a fish for the rest of the day.
Fisher
I am aware of how I can influence relationships in positive and negative ways. Needless to say, I am trying to reduce (and eliminate) the negative influences. I realize that what I do and say are less filtered when I am dealing with family and close friends; therefore, they are more likely to get the direct, brutally honest, raw stuff. That’s where the impact is less kind. I also know that the intentions and information I share is generally forthright, but the delivery should be softer. Oh well, I’m still learning…
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I hope I am sharing my joy and creativity with those around me. Those characteristics, a love of music and a strengthening desire to represent God well - is what is paramount for me. I AM LOVING LIFE!
I forgot to add...
ReplyDeleteI realize I am my sole companion, but I am ready to share some of those waking and sleeping moments with another; one who can share in the experience of our lives. There, I've put it out there. (smile)
I have different affect in different situations. I believe I have a calming effect at work. I show-up as dependable and easy to get along with. My influence is one of order. This is achieved at the expense of my well being.
ReplyDeleteI can often be the mischievous wisecrack with my friends. I influence my family in one way my fellow artist in another. (No need to go through all that) I don't believe a cause any drama in any environment.
Right now I am most challenged by a lack of satisfaction. I need to look into trusting myself and God's ability to take core of me. I guess it's faith.
I share the gift of patience. I think I am too patience (That's not a victim mentality is it?) Maybe it is. See you tonight.
Quite late getting to post today but better late than not at all. When I got this lesson my life really really changed I recognize that everything and I do mean everything that happens in my life IAM the common denominator And you are so right Where ever I go there IAM, the good news I look a lot better than I use to THANK GOD!
ReplyDeleteIm not real happy where my recent relationships have gone. Its been a get ready to stop kind of behavior. When I thought I reached someone who was self aware and it realized it was only me manipulating the situation to get what I wanted. After the fog lifted, I was right back where I started. The last time it happened, I was worse. Well, it was me even after I say I picked wrong. Like Greg, I am choosing to remain single until I can figure this out. I know that I can influence situations with my aura/presence, lately it hasn't been good. I've been erupting daily (sometimes multiple times). This has been an outcome of my thoughts and feelings.
ReplyDeleteI have the ability to share my gift of imagination when I want to, but lately I haven't been that generous. I've got much more work to do, I will say that I am moving down the path.
Since everywhere I go I am there, I might as well heal and not hide.
ReplyDeleteI am keenly aware how I influence my inner circle and less aware how I relate to my outer circle, i.e. causal contacts, colleagues and acquaintances. With influence comes responsibility. I know I am to look within for: 1) God’s guidance, 2) beliefs/behaviors which originate in error consciousness and dispel them with Truth and 3) healing and forgiveness which allows me to know and express my true nature. My prayer is that my words are laced with truth, humor, wisdom and compassion for all. I share my analytical skills, empathetic ear, quick wit and creative cooking.
Powerful Questions!
ReplyDeleteI find that since the shift in the economy has occurred, I have been called to be present peace on a daily basis. This position helps me drive chaos into a place of reflective stillness where we can all get a good deserving ahhhhh...and relax in the midst of it all. This position is a gift and helps me to see beyond what is in front of others or myself and into what is really real.