by Marcy Heller
Yes, there’s a place in the Sun where we can all learn to appreciate our amazing universe every day in every way and our presence in it! One of those places for me is the ‘Temple of the Universe’ located in Alachua, Florida near Gainesville; where I had the privilege of meeting Michael Singer, the author of the book, ‘Living Untethered’.
Speaking for myself, his teachings really resonated with me. Why? Because in my mind my life didn’t always work out exactly as I wanted it to! It was a wonderful experience to understand and to let go of the fact that we are not actually in control of our life’s experiences. It should be self-evident; nonetheless, I still tried to control what was happening in and around me! Even though it caused so much tension, anxiety, and fear, I still tried as hard as I could to change it to the way I wanted it to be. Like many others, I believed that things should be the way I wanted, instead of just surrendering to what was happening and allow creation to do what is does best. CREATE!
As he wrote in his book, “Every day, we give precedence to our mind’s thoughts over the reality unfolding before us. We regularly say things like, “It better not rain today because I’m going camping” or “I better get that raise because I really need the money.” Notice that these bold claims about what should and shouldn’t be happening are not based on scientific evidence; they’re based solely on personal preferences made up in our minds. Without realizing it, we do this with everything in our lives—it’s as though we actually believe that the world around us is supposed to manifest in accordance to our own likes and dislikes. If it doesn’t, surely something is very wrong. This is an extremely difficult way to live, and it is the reason we feel that we are always struggling with life.”
Being on the spiritual path is all about surrendering. Letting Go. It is not a mind game. You can’t get to know about life through your mind. It must come from the actual experience. That’s what happens when we go within and meditate. When we let go of our lower selves and drift into Oneness. Moreover, as we drift into Spirit, viola!, transformation take place. All we have to do is to be aware. The further back, the deeper you go, the more you will see these natural qualities unfolding inside yourself. With each breath we get a clearer picture of what it must be like to sit in that Divine State just like the Masters before us, experiencing the forces of Nirvana, the omnipotence of Spirit, universal consciousness. Where there was is no judgment, no preferences, you just Are! There’s just more beauty to see, love to feel, more compassion, more kindness, more understanding, and more admiration for all the different expressions of life. That is what it looks and feels like to be a Saint!
According to Singer, meditation is good, but it is not great! Until you understand why you don’t continue to stay in that state for the rest of the day you are not getting anywhere. At some point, it is more important to know what takes you out of that state then it is to do yoga to get back into that state. He invites us to keep asking “why don’t I stay in that state, what is pulling me out?”
You can’t stay in that state until you understand what it is pulling you out of that feeling. First, you have to fix what’s broken. You can’t just keep putting things on top of it. The depth of the state of true yoga is watching yourself in your day-to-day life, moment by moment! It is surrendering to what you are feeling. Whatever is coming up within you, you have to watch what is happening. When you find yourself in a certain situation, inquire within. Watch and see it, and realize this change that is happening inside is keeping you from feeling peace. What is that about?
The spiritual path is all about wanting to be at peace no matter what situations are happening outside. Simple. Just not easy! It is about being there with what’s happening no matter what it creates inside. Either way you are watching your inner state and learning to work with that shift of energy that starts to happen inside of you because of what’s happening outside of you. That is the first step in true spiritual growth. Working on the inside every single minute of every day whatever is happening outside of you so that you can work with the inside of You! In other words we have to feel it to heal it!
Equanimity is a Zen-like state in which you refrain from reacting to a situation out of fear and separation. It’s the ability to not get kicked off your center even when things are difficult and or very challenging. Especially even when we’re emotionally triggered and our circumstances are uncertain. And once we are not distracted by the outside world and can cultivate this quality we have a platform where we can begin to birth our creative genius.
It gives us freedom to BE, without being tethered to our emotional selves! Remember, the famous line by Janis Joplin, “Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.” If you don’t have anything to lose because you’ve already let go of everything, you’re free! Free to Be whatever and whomever you want!
The Spiritual Warriors within us all wants to rise up and fight, or at least prove our skills, talents and worth, when we feel threatened or don’t feel comfortable. We all want to be respected or heard in a certain way that we feel we deserve. However, wouldn’t it be nice if we could all practice and learn to compose ourselves before proceeding down that path? To compose our thoughts and energy. To retreat, refuel and regain our composure. That’s when that incredible force of love eclipses everything else and we trust that living with integrity will always lead us to the greatest possible unfolding of our life and is the best gift that we can give to ourselves and the world at that time.
This is the most amazing time to start a new story. A new You. To finally accept that you are all truly magnificent beings of love, light and magical power. Everything we do as we co-create our new world is based on our intention and our attention to our own worthiness to receive. Change your thinking, and you change your world!
And, even though your journey may be silent, invisible or indescribable, just know that at the end of the day, the world is different just because of your Light! As Ramana Maharshi wrote, “Your own Self-realization is the greatest service you can render the world.” And when you align with this energy it is exhilarating, inspiring and contagious! After all, what can be more uplifting than the profound up-leveling of our humanity
We are the dreamers, way-showers, starseeds and rebels! Let your imagination soar! Let Go of what was and become spiritually naked and from a place of love and beauty take your light and illuminate it far and wide into the world. I promise you that your heart will expand and open wider than ever before, your divine destiny will be revealed and your soul will simply soar.
I cannot language all I want for all of you now and forever more. Outstanding Abundant Health, Infinite Glorious Prosperity and Unconditional Love that surrounds and embraces you through and through. Let’s decide, declare and decree that this is our birthright! Let’s hold the vision for all of us to experience more love, compassion and truth and most importantly a world that works for everyone!
There will always be times when you feel discouraged. I too have felt much sadness and despair; however, I am still asking and praying each day ‘How can it get better’? And, it usually does!
