Just a thought... Releasing the past.

My personal life situation is currently undergoing some pretty large changes. I know that change is simply an aspect of life and that all things are transient. But the biggest question I've been asking recently is, "Why can letting go of good things in the past be so hard?" In asking this question in my prayers and meditations, these are the answers I've received:

The main reason we refuse to let go of the good in the past, is we doubt we'll find something just as good or better in the future. It's this fear of scarcity that creates the inner-resistance. Life is eternal. There are infinite amounts of beautiful experiences and relationships to be had in our future. However, it is our openness in the Now that allows them into our life.

Letting go of good things in the past does not diminish their meaning or value in any way, but liberates them to contain more.

It sort of goes along with the old saying, "When God closes a door, somewhere he opens a window." If our main focus is on the closed door, we will never notice a new opportunity. Don't fear change, and be patient with it. As ACIM says, "Infinite patience produces immediate results." Embrace the Now fully, and you'll discover that the door to life, peace, and possibility is always open and waiting. There are infinite amounts of beautiful experiences and relationships to be had in your future. Be present, and they'll discover you.

AFRM: I love and am grateful for _______. I embrace the new and do so now. More good is coming my way.

Focus: Live Stress-Free!

Is this REALLY what I want?

A lot of the time in life, when we are not clear on what we want, we can tend to settle for something less. Subconsciously we realize we are not aligned with what we truly desire, and this shows up in our lives as an unpleasant background emotional nuisance or stress. Oftentimes when we are complaining about a situation in our life, it is totally within our power to change it and do something about it! But so often we'll settle for something else because it seems easier. Check yourself anytime you feel like complaining about your situation and ask, "Is this REALLY what I want?" After reasoning, you may realize that it is the best situation for you, and then acceptance can enter. But if not, you can begin changing the situation. The emotional resistance will dissolve once clarity is reached. It's really quite simple. Decide and become clear on what is most important to you in life. Nothing feels more stress-free than when you know your actions are aligned with what you value the most.

Meditation: You Are Powerful.

"Act as if what you do makes a difference.

It does." ~William James

"If you want to feel your power, use your power." ~Marianne Williamson

I love both of these statements. No matter how small or insignificant you may think you are at times - you are powerful. Every thought you think, every word you speak, every action you take sends out a ripple into the world. Unseen it may be, but do not undervalue it's power. Imagine the type of direction your personal expression would take if you lived out this realization: that every single thought, word, and action you make, directly affects and changes the world. Today, recognize your power by consciously using your power. You are powerful.

Presence Tip: One Conscious Breath.

This video is a short, but powerful reminder. Never undervalue the present moment - for in reality, it contains all value. If you are viewing this message in an e-mail, CLICK HERE to view the video. Have a present weekend.

Quotes: Radiance!

"All things radiate forth an intense aliveness." ~ David R. Hawkins

"It is a realm of deep stillness and peace, but also of joy and intense aliveness. Whenever you are present, you become "transparent" to some extent to the light, the pure consciousness that emanates from this Source. You also realize that the light is not separate from who you are but constitutes your very essence." ~ Eckhart Tolle

Today take time to connect with the energy of life. Consider how you would act as a completely vibrant and radiant person. Watch children, as they tend to possess this trait naturally. Present yourself and feel the infinite amount of energy that is life. Then put that vibrance and energy into all of your action, and be a light unto the world. Be radiant!

Focus: Life Is A Mirror

"He who experiences the unity of life sees his own Self in all beings, and all beings in his own Self, and looks on everything with an impartial eye." ~Buddha

A close friend recently declared to me, "I love my judgements! They are great learning tools for me. They show me how I'm holding back the love in my life, for myself and others." I really enjoyed her perspective. Every time you realize you are are having judgmental thoughts, instead of turning them inwards, ask yourself what part of another are you refusing to accept? The essence behind non-judgment is forgiveness. Normally what we refuse to forgive in others, is something we ourselves are guilty of. Outward condemnation is a sign of inward condemnation. A good way for me to dissolve my judgments of others is to put myself in their shoes - to remind myself that, no matter how well I think I know them, I never have the full the story. Once judgment and unforgiveness is dissolved, love can flow freely. No one enjoys the feeling of being judged by another. Today, "do unto others, as you would have them do unto you."

Affirmation: I Always Have A Choice.

"I can elect to change all thoughts that hurt" ~ ACIM.

This is yet another superb Course in Miracles exercise. All of our emotions are directly connected to our thoughts - conscious or subconscious. Every time we are feeling an emotion that we do not like, we should consider the thoughts we are choosing to think. There are definitely some thoughts that hurt - that may seem to come unwanted and from outside sources. But we must always remember still, that they are a choice. If certain thoughts are hard to relinquish, seek Divine Guidance and listen. Always remember to never enter a state of resistance. Do not fight your thoughts. How insane it is, when the mind attacks itself. Choose to be the silent observer and awareness. If we realize we are thinking thoughts that do not serve us, we should either change them, or simply allow them to play out and pass. For we know that they are only thoughts. Peace and joy are your natural state to claim, and they are always only a thought away.

Quote: Believe Your Growth!

No mirror ever became iron again;
No bread ever became wheat;
No ripened grape ever became sour fruit.
Mature yourself and be secure from a change for the worse.
Become the light.

~Rumi.

So much of the time in self-growth, we tend to sabotage our own progression by clinging to our past experience. As soon as positive growth begins to emerge, we stamp it out and say, "No, no, that's not me. That's not the me I know." And we deny the change. This is the ego at work.

Your self-image is only a result of past experiences and the way you perceive them. Only your beliefs make up who you think you are or aren't. Know that you can choose to believe differently at any moment. You are not your past.

Because change is normally an evolutionary process, it's important to notice every small change for the better, and celebrate it! Make a strong point to do this. And say to yourself, "See? I can change! I perfectly love and accept myself exactly where I am. I am always becoming."

Louise Hay Affirmations - A New Day

In the infinity of life where I am, all is perfect whole and complete.
My life is ever new. Each moment of my life is new and fresh and vibrant.
I use my affirmative thinking to create exactly what I want.
This is a new day - I am a new me. I think differently; I act differently.
Others treat me differently. My new world is a reflection of my new thinking.
It is a joy and a delight to plant new seeds, for I know these new seeds will become my new experiences.
All is well in my world.