The above title is a quote from Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer and is related to the 34th verse of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu, which advises us not to tell others who are responsible for making their own choices on how we think that they should make their choices.
In years past I was probably one of the worst offenders of this action. I was very opinionated on just about everything, offering my opinion whether it was solicited or not, often interrupting people and totally pissing them off. However, I was in such an egotistical fog that I did not know, or care, what they thought of my rudeness.
When I was a teen I became intrigued with Eastern philosophies and religions, although not realizing that these philosophies are not of the egoic thoughts that plague our brain, but of the spirit, the One Source that rules the universe. I had always approached my new "learning" academically as I had been taught not to question the Bible, but to dress up on Sunday to go to church listening to judgemental comments about anyone and everyone, experiencing intolerance of different races, cultures, and lifestyles in the home and at church. All of this was okay because we went to church on Sunday. There was never any explanation of spiritual development, perhaps because it had never been experienced; because if it had, the intolerance, prejudice, and judging would not have existed or it would have been addressed properly.
I was enthralled with Oprah and the journey that she offered on her show over the years, sharing new authors with "new to me" experiences to read about. I became aware of quantum physics and read several books on that seeing the relativity of the One Source but not grasping how I could share that journey. However, not giving up, I perservered as I knew that there was something out there that would touch my life someday and sensed that I was on the correct path. I began to sense the acceptance of the spiritual connection in baby steps as time creeped by on this journey. Often reading books repetetivily hoping that something would pop for me I continued searching.
About four years ago I discovered two books and, in addition to a third, my life has changed. Not that it has been an overnight sensation, but a slow and wonderful experience as one door after another opens allowing me to see new perspectives on so many levels. Often reading the Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle) and Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life (Dr. Wayne Dyer) in tandem I discovered that both of these teachers were teaching me the same substance; however, in varying ways, both were on the same path and I wanted to be there with them. As I have progressed on this journey my biggest fault has been trying to keep my thoughts and judgements to myself and dealing with retrospect of the change that is happening in me because of the awareness and enlightenment that is transpiring.
I know that there will be judgements cast toward me on my decision to share these thoughts as it will be construed as being against the mainstream of the religious community of how I was raised and what is popular today in this country; however, it is as it is and I am going where I wish to travel on this spiritual journey. I am finally liking who am as each day brings a new release of spiritual growth, happy to be unencumbered with the anger, the frustrations, the bitterness, the unforgiving nature, the hatred, and resentement that has previously consumed me. Happy to be free of the "stuff" that has weighted me down most of my life. Free of hoarding "stuff", simplifying my life and being given space in this time to enjoy my family.
As noted previously, this sometimes is not easy as perodically there is a slip back to the old self; however, as time progresses that state of "mind" quickly dissipates when, suddenly I take a breath and, outloud, state, "stop"! Living without that frustration of thinking that I can control everything and just allow things to flow and let be what is happening just be is so much easier. So I just get on my imaginary surf board and ride the wave. (Some who know me may think that this is a humorous metophor for me to use as I do not swim and of course do not surf. However, I have seen it and it looks awsome, just have not tried it. Perhaps someday.)
I am very blessed to have a wonderful family who enrich my everyday. I take time to enjoy my my son Scott, his wife Veronica and my outragiously beautiful, intelligent, and fun grandchildren Josh and Alyssa. It is very difficult not to be the "pest" that I was once was with them, I curb my time as they have so many things going on their lives. In the day, I would not think twice about just popping in on them. I have learned that we do not own our children; as Khalil Gibran states " Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but not from you."
Other blessings are my other families, my sister, Martha, her husband Jerry and their daughters and families - Stephanie and Kelly Abbott, David and Will; and Heather and Jason Nicol, Micaela and Morgan. My other "sister", Jan Jones has been inspirational to me for many years and I love her very much.
I no longer live in monetary wealth but am experiencing so many more riches that has far surpassed that old life.
Namaste my friends.
Notes:
The books referenced:
Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life, 2007, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The Power of Now, 1999, Eckhart Tolle
A New Earth, 2005, Eckhart Tolle
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