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I LOVE reading spiritual texts from various faith traditions. Peering into the spiritual minds of the writers and witnessing how they viewed and interacted with the Divine, feeds the Seeker within me. Though some of the messages seem almost “other worldly” others are quite practical. The Bible verse: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17) is one such example. I find in it a very practical lesson:
I can have all the faith in the world but if I’m not willing to put one foot in front of the other… make a plan… MOVE... Something…ANYTHING, then my faith is as good as dead.
A Vision Without A Plan Is A Wish
To be clear, I am a HUGE fan-a-faith but have come to believe that faith as a destination is a “dead” end. As a travel companion, however, faith continuously reminds me: if you can perceive it, you can receive it [1]. I am aware that faith also carries another message: when you do receive “it,” you MUST work to grow and maintain “it.”
For instance, the book, My Forgotten Self, effortlessly poured through me and onto the paper, however, I’ve had to put energy, time and money into cultivating this literary gift. I do not expect it to edit, illustrate, print and market itself. My faith that God is guiding this book’s publication, has helped me hold the vision but faith will not publish it for me.
Take Home Message: Act On All Visions We Receive!
Woah, horsey! I believe that Divinely-inspired ideas are to be explored, but I also believe in Divine-like ideas—those ideas that pose as Divinely-led but are really Ego-led. I am not saying “Ego is bad.” When our ego becomes the co-pilot to our Spirit, the ego can provide the motivation and focus to pull us towards our goal. However, when our ego is given pilot status, the wisdom, creativity and peace of our Divine Self is quieted; obsession, fear, anger or even jealousy can become the driving force of our vessel.
For example, not too long ago, I learned of a POTENTIAL, career-transforming media position. I fantasized, talked and even dreamed about it. At a certain point, I realized that I was obsessing over a position that technically didn’t exist. My ego was wrapped so tightly around the outcome; if things didn’t go my way, pain and disappointment were surely on my horizon.
The Paradox Of Stillness
I needed guidance regarding my media obsession; my favorite Bible verse entered my mind, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). As I became still through meditation, a prayer entered my mind:
God, if this is not for me, please remove the desire from my heart.
Almost instantly, my desire for the position faded. I was later informed that the position had been dissolved. Through stillness, the appropriate course of action was laid before me— Prayer. The decision would have been the same (no media for me!), but I rested in my faith in Divine guidance and was reminded of the power of stillness.
Through stillness, an action (prayer) was revealed that lessened my ego’s grip on the outcome. My ego’s release eliminated my potential pain.
Step Towards Your Vision
1. Perceive your vision—what ideas keep popping up in your mind? What are you passionate about? Write down, draw out or talk about what you perceive. Next, write one or two steps you feel Spirit is leading you to take towards your vision.
2. Determine your pilot--become aware of your emotions and determine your motivation. What’s driving your vessel to accomplish this vision: Divine Self or Ego?
3. Meditate with expectancy—when confusion or fear crosses your path, enter stillness with the belief that peace, wisdom and guidance will join you there.
For our faith to be useful and not “dead,” we should open ourselves to receive the vision and with faith, be willing to take Divinely ordered and supported steps towards the destination.
Namaste!
[1] Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)
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Copyright © My Forgotten Self Blog, 2014-2015. All rights reserved
I can have all the faith in the world but if I’m not willing to put one foot in front of the other… make a plan… MOVE... Something…ANYTHING, then my faith is as good as dead.
A Vision Without A Plan Is A Wish
To be clear, I am a HUGE fan-a-faith but have come to believe that faith as a destination is a “dead” end. As a travel companion, however, faith continuously reminds me: if you can perceive it, you can receive it [1]. I am aware that faith also carries another message: when you do receive “it,” you MUST work to grow and maintain “it.”
For instance, the book, My Forgotten Self, effortlessly poured through me and onto the paper, however, I’ve had to put energy, time and money into cultivating this literary gift. I do not expect it to edit, illustrate, print and market itself. My faith that God is guiding this book’s publication, has helped me hold the vision but faith will not publish it for me.
Take Home Message: Act On All Visions We Receive!
Woah, horsey! I believe that Divinely-inspired ideas are to be explored, but I also believe in Divine-like ideas—those ideas that pose as Divinely-led but are really Ego-led. I am not saying “Ego is bad.” When our ego becomes the co-pilot to our Spirit, the ego can provide the motivation and focus to pull us towards our goal. However, when our ego is given pilot status, the wisdom, creativity and peace of our Divine Self is quieted; obsession, fear, anger or even jealousy can become the driving force of our vessel.
For example, not too long ago, I learned of a POTENTIAL, career-transforming media position. I fantasized, talked and even dreamed about it. At a certain point, I realized that I was obsessing over a position that technically didn’t exist. My ego was wrapped so tightly around the outcome; if things didn’t go my way, pain and disappointment were surely on my horizon.
The Paradox Of Stillness
I needed guidance regarding my media obsession; my favorite Bible verse entered my mind, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). As I became still through meditation, a prayer entered my mind:
God, if this is not for me, please remove the desire from my heart.
Almost instantly, my desire for the position faded. I was later informed that the position had been dissolved. Through stillness, the appropriate course of action was laid before me— Prayer. The decision would have been the same (no media for me!), but I rested in my faith in Divine guidance and was reminded of the power of stillness.
Through stillness, an action (prayer) was revealed that lessened my ego’s grip on the outcome. My ego’s release eliminated my potential pain.
Step Towards Your Vision
1. Perceive your vision—what ideas keep popping up in your mind? What are you passionate about? Write down, draw out or talk about what you perceive. Next, write one or two steps you feel Spirit is leading you to take towards your vision.
2. Determine your pilot--become aware of your emotions and determine your motivation. What’s driving your vessel to accomplish this vision: Divine Self or Ego?
3. Meditate with expectancy—when confusion or fear crosses your path, enter stillness with the belief that peace, wisdom and guidance will join you there.
For our faith to be useful and not “dead,” we should open ourselves to receive the vision and with faith, be willing to take Divinely ordered and supported steps towards the destination.
Namaste!
[1] Faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1)
Don’t forget to subscribe to this blog. Also, check out my Facebook page and "Like" it if you don't mind!
Copyright © My Forgotten Self Blog, 2014-2015. All rights reserved
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