A Love-based Approach

Tonight I was reading in National Geographic about efforts that are being made all over the globe to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability and to be more responsible in the use of resources, even at the expense of a short-term increase in cost, very refreshing.  It is clear that short term material gain or other selfish motives frequently do not increase the integrity of the universe and result in the long-term destruction of the planet.  When I meditate the approach I read about feels more love-based.

Acting Out of Love

In terms of the promotion of my book I really just need to pay attention to the three questions that I outlined yesterday and act accordingly, particularly the third question; Will this increase the integrity of the universe.  It is clear to me that any action motivated by the prospect of material gain or other selfish motive does not increase the integrity of the universe.  On the other hand, motivations such as being of service or serving the greater good fit the criteria.  If I take that approach, I just assume that my material needs will be taken care of, which has always worked in the past.

Acting In a Sacred Manner

I attempt to do everything I do in what a Lakota would say was a sacred manner, which, for me, means that I act according to the three questions (1. Would I do this in front of God?; 2. Is my name really on it?; 3. Will this increase the integrity of the universe?).  These questions lead me to act in a loving manner with respect for everything and everybody.  Acting in this manner initially required a great deal of focus but has now become a habit or natural for me.  I find living in this manner to be very fulfilling.  I also will admit quite freely that I often have selfish or self-centered thoughts, which I usually do not act on and, when I do, I apologize.

The Spirit World

In my book I speak of “being in the world but not of it” and I also frequently comment that “I walk in two worlds”, meaning I am conscious of existing within what is commonly called the spirit world and also the material/physical or mundane world.  I am comfortable with my orientation and I am very much aware that each world nourishes and supports the other.  I understand that most people get what I call “glimpses” of the spirit world or eternal and that I get a great deal more than that.  Recently, due to the necessity of promoting my book, my focus has been more on the material world than I am used to, requiring an adjustment.  I am attempting to make that shift while maintaining the unconditional love I found in the eternal.

Letting Go

We had a meeting of our writing/spirituality group at the Friend’s meeting house today.  At the meeting there was a great deal of talk about the sweat lodge we used to have on our property.  That lodge was a major part of our lives for about fifteen years and during that time the experiences around the lodge and associated spirits taught me a great deal about unconditional love and healing.  Taking down that lodge and moving on was difficult and necessary.  I suspect it will be time for another lodge soon.  I need not totally understand the process but moving on and letting go is an important part of growth.

Judging

The other day I attended a staff meeting at the place that gives me most of the referrals I work with.  During the meeting my conclusions and observations concerning one of my clients were questioned.  I did not say anything, other than indicating that they were valid questions.  However, inside I was on the attack, questioning the importance of the questions, thinking “how dare they” and judging them harshly.  I am not the person I would like to be, yet, but at least I remained quiet.

Change

My body seems to know that changes are approaching in my life.  My body feels like it is standing on shifting sands, a feeling that could be exciting but right now I just feel uneasy.  I suspect that my unconscious mind knows what is going on, while my conscious mind does not.  I have attempted to find out through meditation and I do get the sense that my book is at the center of the change, but other than that I just get a strong feeling that the “universe is unfolding as it should”, a very reassuring feeling.

Maintaining Resolve

In my recovery meeting tonight the question came up of how we maintain our resolve or intent.  I realized that my main tool for maintaining my resolve is that I don’t participate in behaviors that pull me away or compromise that resolve.  I lead a very spiritually focused life of peace, love, connectedness and compassion, which I really like.  I can’t say that I resolve or have resolved to lead that sort of life, I just realize what I need to do and then do it.  Meaning I stay detached from unnecessary personal drama, choose to not own a TV or listen to much radio and practice a lot of prayer and meditation.

Gratitude

This morning I was walking from my car to the Sunday morning Friend’s (Quaker) meeting and I paused to feel the light cool fall breeze, smell the Fern bush and feel the warm Flagstaff (7,000 ft. altitude) sun.  I felt a lot of gratitude for the moment.  It’s not that I do not have physical challenges, I do, but even they could be and have been a lot worse.  It has been a quiet day of gratitude, paying a few bills, exercise, cooking and interacting with others, primarily, Maria, my wife.

Self-care

  For some reason, which I am still not totally clear of, I felt off kilter or off balance for much of the day today.  Nothing particular happened to throw me off, though I have been stirred up over the requirements of book promotion lately.  For today my response was to have a lot of alone time in order to meditate and sort things out.  I noted some tendency to find a distraction like facebook so that I did not have to simply feel the discomfort.  Self-care requires that I be present for myself.