Sometimes when the night is still, a wee
voice inside who once believed that the Universe or
God was a trickster, whispers, What if there is only
this? A question I asked very often in the midst of
my childhood, beer can filled life? My in-breath catches.
With a longer sigh, I wonder what would I do differently?
Would I be less concerned about my "waking up"?
Would I be more satisfied to sit with those who refuse
to spiritually dive deeper than a dime?
Would I fill my mind with chatter of acquisitions,
TV shows or other people's shortcomings? Would I plan
indiscretions? Would I become a thief, a scoundrel
or rogue? Would I be invested in controlling the behavior
or the path of others? Probably not. Clearly none of
that would feel good or satisfy me. It would not move
me toward love in any way. But, might I slow down to
watch a sunset, steal a kiss or go dancing? Would I
share every longing, vision and breath of my beloved?
Would I take the time to pause and be more tender,
more understanding in the face of human frailty? Would
I stop in awe more times to honor daring and bravery?
Would I take longer to swallow Cadbury Carmello? Hmmm.
Why should I do the right thing? She didn't. Why should I take the first step?
He didn't? Why should I have an open heart? They don't. Why should I be peaceful?
No one else is? Why should I be the one who creates more love in this relationship?
She doesn't. Because your journey on this planet is not about anyone else. It's
about you!
Too often, we feel that if we move to the open hearted, soft belly, receptive
mind, it is the same as whimping out, giving up or giving in. We might even think
that standing in our own integrity means condoning the bad behavior of the other
person. It's does not mean that. It's about taking personal responsibility and
being accountable for the quality of your own life and the state of your own
soul. What anyone else does with his or her life is not our business.
Taking the higher road is an act of love for oneself. It results in a greater
level of self-esteem and more trust. It says to the kid inside I have the ability
to stand up on our side. You are safe with me. Acting out of integrity or our
own inner wisdom give us a personal sense of being more aligned with the truth
of who we are and therefore a feeling of greater power in the world. How many
times have you walked away from a situation or a person and thought I wish I
had done that better. I know how I should and wanted to respond but I didn't.
I am disappointed in myself.
There is a golden thread that is at the very foundation of our effort to bring
the planet, our lives and relationships into alignment. That most important ingredient
is our personal integrity. Integrity allows us to connect deeper, move into intimacy
with each other and honor each person's uniqueness. Without a personal level
of integrity, a willingness to examine our own motives, we can't grow. Instead
we stand around blaming, shaming, controlling or projecting onto others all of
our own unhealed issues.
The new consciousness being birthed on the planet puts our personal integrity
at the very core of this birthing process. We can't wait for the next guy to
go first. We can't wait for the next person to stop the fighting. We can't wait
until someone else stops the name-calling or the abuse. These things must be
stopped in each of us or they will never be stopped in the world. Once you awaken
to this reality there is no way to be bored or find yourself asking Is this all
there is. If you are connected to yourself and life, this is a never-ending exercise
in becoming. Every day and every person you meet presents a new opportunity for
YOU to become your highest and best self. Get connected to your process. Get
connected to your life. Get connected to your loved ones. Get in the game. The
stakes are getting higher. So are the rewards.
Dr. Dina Bachelor Evan - Coaching
for Individuals and Couples Telephone: (602)997-1200 FAX: (602)997-0970
Call for appointments, schedule
of workshops and personal growth activities, or to be included
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