Living authentically is a journey of remembrance, acknowledging that we are powerful spiritual beings, co-creators with the Universe. To remember this truth, we need to move away from our mind’s incessant chatter, and move directly into our hearts. This is the quiet space of our true essence, our knowing. Aligning our heart with the heart of God allows us to be in touch with our spirit. Each day we can request to see ourselves as God sees us, in all of our perfection, without judgment or expectations. We are no ordinary beings. We are powerful spirits destined to remember our greatness, our Divine connection.
When we are living our truth, we act on the guidance that we receive, even if our ego begins to question that guidance. Recently I attended a workshop in another state. I arrived early and looked forward to checking into a hotel to relax before the workshop. Suddenly I just knew that I was not to get a hotel; I would be invited to stay with another workshop participant. I experienced some resistance to the idea, since the workshop would end late in the evening and I didn’t want to be searching for a hotel at that hour. I let go of my ‘monkey-mind’ and allowed myself to move into trust. A kind family invited me to stay with them. To condense the story, I stayed with this family to bring up a feeling of shame, a feeling I had never been in touch with prior to this visit. As I meditated on the shame that came up for me, I discovered it went back to my two year old self. It was a wonderful, yet painful opportunity to learn a significant lesson. I was in awe of the power of this co-created lesson and how everything and everyone had to fall into place for this lesson to occur. Our wise self chooses the lessons we need to learn to remember the truth of who we are; lessons are wake-up calls for us. Trusting our guidance is essential.
Living authentically means that we continue our path regardless of the opinions and beliefs of others. Some of my friends drifted away as I pursued a journey that was not considered mainstream. My husband and I have been happily married for more that thirty years. But Tom is an engineer, relying much on the scientific proof of the Universe, and his perception of things is much different than mine. In the past I attended many spiritual growth workshops and witnessed couples sharing the same beliefs. I would visibly cry, feeling so alone, and wanting Tom to join me in my metaphysical journey. Then I realized that loving him meant accepting him just as he was, without judgment. He allowed me to have my beliefs, and even supported me in my personal, spiritual growth. He loved me unconditionally, and I realized that I needed to offer him that same kind of love instead of trying to change him. I know that Tom and I were meant to be together. Now I believe that we set it up this way as a test for me to take responsibility for myself. We were young when we married, and he was the extrovert. I looked to him for strength. We are both authentic beings, expressing Spirit in our own unique way. Relationships are our earthly assignments for mutual growth. Tom and I bring out the best in each other! The Course of Miracles states that the ego seeks intimacy through control and guilt. Holy Spirit seeks intimacy through acceptance and release. Today I can allow him to be who he needs to be without judgment or expectations. I can pursue my truth passionately, with or without approval of others.
Replacing fear with love allows us to replace the darkness with Light. I know that I am into my ego when fear comes up for me. It is my wounded child. Miracles happen for us when the ego steps aside and allows love to be present. Tom recently acquired a new job about seventy minutes away from our home. We are considering a move. The adult part of me is excited with anticipation, as I am ready for a change. I look forward to traveling a new highway. Yet, through introspection, I found that my little child felt threatened and afraid. It was the third grade child, the shy one, who once had a challenging move and transition. This child part just needed love and assurance that this move would not create chaos in her life. With love, compassion and understanding, the fear melts away.
Forgiveness is essential in an authentic life. I have never had much difficulty forgiving others because I realize that everyone is my teacher. Sometimes these teachers are disguised as a ‘challenge,’ but I love ‘getting it,’ and actually learn to appreciate and honor the role these souls have agreed to play in my script. My challenge has been forgiving myself. I deserve better from myself, and have expressed a willingness to enjoy this new journey.
Because our beliefs write our scripts, living authentically means releasing outdated, self-limiting patterns, moving into our greatness. I have spent years releasing beliefs that no longer serve me, and yet sometimes that need for perfectionism still lingers as a noose around my neck. My own expectations for myself put a lot of pressure on me, and I don’t always ‘fly lightly’ as I would choose. There is a feeling of inner peace when we can relinquish judgment of self and others.
Living authentically is being committed to the truth of who we are, pure consciousness. It is setting the intention to walk with God more fully and gratefully, experiencing love. This work is a lifetime process, but in each moment, we have a choice. What choices will you make to live authentically today?