Manage the internal

Notice when discomfort arises inside and creates restlessness, let it go. Everything comes up to be acknowledged and validated. As disturbances arise, relax inside. Leave it alone. Release it when u see it. Let the moment pass by. Train yourself to create space inside. Allow stuff to come up and transmute. Growth is when you let go of the root cause, inner disturbances not the reaction itself. This is inner work. Things happen around us that tend to pull us into a disturbance. Its wise to stay an observer.

Consciousness or focus is drawn to the point of maximum disturbance. Recall your will is stronger than the unconscious flow of attention. Want liberation? Are you willing to relax and let go, come what may? This is not a question of physical strength. Retrain the mind. Relaxation is always the answer-regardless of jealousy, insecurity, fear, anger arising, bring consciousness to it. This is not about suppressing, fixing or blocking discomfort. Simply sit with it, relax and release the blockage that caused the reaction. Transmute energy that blockage had over you. The power comes back to you. Reclaim that inner power. We either give our will (power) away to what is pulling on it or not. We are building the centre of Being to let go of the pull. We cannot deal effectively with the external til we manage the internal.

Do inner work, reap the benefits

Doing inner work on ourselves guides us to insights about the idea of God, the divine or sacred. The word is less important than the process of going iinward, feeling into what this is for yourself. What does it mean to grow personally? It implies you grow in maturity and awareness of issues you have inside of yourself: fears, desires, insecurities, needs, wants, self-consciousness, shame, embarassment, guilt, anger, resentment, the list goes on. These words refer to sample currents of energy unfolding within.

Consider the analogy of rocks creating disturbance or current in the flowing river. Simply removing individual obstacles to spirituality reveals the natural state of things. So why are we taught to make complicated what is simple? Obstacles we face are the roadmap to spiritual states of expanded consciousness. They are the pointers to a more peaceful existence, a completley new perception and vibrational sense of reality.

At the perfect moment, it dawns no recipe or technique exists to meet or get us to God or magically make us divine. Disturbances within invite us to see them as they are. This requires sheer honesty about what we are looking at and projecting into the external world. We have to be willing to see clearly. The path to liberation begins with our willingness to see the the nature of rocks which represent our own shadows.

We can evolve to look at ourselves objectively. This requires we rise above judement, complaint, self criticism. Changing our attitude about ourselves and what we see inwardly is a huge step to transforming our lives in ways that benefit Soul growth. To see the obstacles (garbage) within ourselves as they are is to reduce suffering around us. The bigger the obstacle we face, the more we reduce suffering.

Normally, those who are not awake are unaware of the nature of their thoughts and feelings and get lost in their emotions. They are unwilling to face truth, or take full responsibility for what they create. Rather than see what causes the disturbances in their lives, they may get stuck in survival mode, simply taking action the best they can to keep their head above water. IN order to get beyond this state, we must be willing to get out of the water, be the witness and see deeper into what is unfolding.

Notice to be aware is an ongoing process. Awareness is not an end goal. Time is illusion so beginning, middle, end are illusions. As we develop mindfulness, purify thoughts and feelings within, we grow aware of the present personality and the core along with all the influences, distractions, distortions. As deeper energy discernment arises, sources of influence within and beyond our own energy field, are felt. Many stages exist in awakening. It is not a single "event."

At some stage, it dawns spiritual growth and personal growth are the same. This is a purification and process of rediscovery of who we truly are.  We are constantly interfacing with other versions of Self in parallel timelines and worlds. Expansion of consciousness allows for non-verbal, energetic and telepathic exchanges unaffected by space-time. Accelerating changes in the physical world echo ongoing internal structural transformation and transmutation. Coming to adapt and accept conditions beyond our control is a learned skill, part of the journey to self-mastery.

Live the Hero's Journey

(Visionary art- "Soul's Journey by Rassouli)

Notice ongoing upheavals mean we each encounter challenges and are confronted with some very tough decisions. Some view this as opportunity for soul growth. Old mindsets or thinking may be threatened. Intuition or spirit within compels us to take steps to move ahead. These situations are meant to test us, strengthen us, and hone our complete trust or surrender to the unknown.

Although yoga echoes we each embody all we need, much like genetic material in a seed only unleashed in proper conditions, core knowing arises in stages based on evolving consciousness.

So, according to Joseph Campbell, we are on a Hero's journey. That is, we are each the hero of our own epic tale. At pivotal moments, we get calls to action, such as direct threats to our safety, family, ethics, way of life or to peace of our community. Our comfort zone is disrupted to prompt us to go on a quest. This compels automatic writing to join dots of our unique journey.

If we refuse the call to take steps the heart knows are necessary to be in harmony with our core essence, we are repeatedly prompted with situations that evoke our discomfort. Still, if we doubt our abilities to move forward, or make excuses, refuse to take full and complete responsibility, resist change, buy into fear, we suffer, until we get the message to let go of the familliar, trust ourselves more.

At key stages, we invite mentors into our lives to guide us back on track, to see and accept our own light. They could give us an object, insight into issues we face, wise advice, practical training, even inspire self-confidence. Whatever the mentors provide, this serves to dispel our doubts and fears, give us strength, courage, humour to propel ahead through stages of our soul journey. As a teaching resonates, this moves us forward, gives us confidence to rise to the next level, take the next step of our path or destiny.

As we integrate new energy, our focus of attention and priorities shift. Ready to act on a call to adventure, we recognize the physical, spiritual or emotional, or multidimensional nature of our journey. Each of us may go willingly or may be pushed. Either way, we must cross the threshold between the familiar and unfamilliar worlds. It may be leaving home, a relationship or job or just doing something else we fear. However, as new thresholds present, taking action to face fear signifies our commitment to the unknown journey and whatever it may have in store for us.

Once out of our comfort zone, we are confronted with an ever more difficult series of challenges that repeatedly test us. Obstacles are thrown across our path; whether they be physical hurdles or people presenting to thwart our progress. We must overcome each challenge that arises on the journey towards the ultimate goal or transmutation of energy.

Its tricky at times, but we must learn who can be trusted and who can't. We may earn allies and meet enemies who will, each in their own way, help prepare use for the greater ordeals. This is the stage where our skills and/or powers are tested and every obstacle that we face helps us gain deeper insight into our patterns, character and ultimately deeper soul insight.

At some stage, we encounter unforeseen danger or magnify an inner conflict which up until now, we have not had to face. Through the course of experience, we prepare before taking that final leap into the great unknown. We may once again face some of the doubts and fears that first surfaced during our original call to adventure. We may take time to reflect on the sensitive nature of our journey and the treacherous road ahead to find courage to continue. This magnifies tension in view of the ultimate test.

The Supreme Ordeal may be a dangerous physical test or a deep inner crisis that we must face to survive or for the world in which we live to continue. Whether it be facing his greatest fear or most deadly foe, we must draw upon all of our skills and experiences gathered upon the path to overcome this difficult challenge.

Only through some form of "death" can we be reborn, know the symbolic resurrection that somehow grants us greater power or insight necessary in order to fulfill our destiny. This is the high-point of our story and where everything we value is put on the line. If we fail, we will either die or life as we know it will never be the same.

After defeating the inner enemy, reframing death and overcoming our greatest personal challenge, we are ultimately transformed into a new state, emerging from battle as a stronger person and often with a symbolic transformation.

What we gain may present as an object of great value or power, a secret, greater knowledge or insight, or even reconciliation with a loved one or self and existence. Whatever form or state the treasure is, it facilitates our return to and focus on a new World.

At this point in the Hero's journey, its like a reverse echo of the Call to Adventure. We come full circle, create a new sense of "home" with an earned reward. Anticipation of danger is replaced with that of acclaim, vindication, absolution or even exoneration of self or someone close to us, the external. The moment arises when we must choose between personal gain and Higher Cause.

This is the climax in which the Hero must have his final and most dangerous encounter with symbolic death. The final battle also represents something far greater than our physical existence with its outcome having far-reaching consequences to our Ordinary World and the lives of those we left behind on our quest.

If we fail, others will suffer and this places more weight upon our shoulders. Ultimately we will succeed, move through obstacles and emerge from battle purified and reborn. We emerge as a mature, enlightened being. Through the course of our journey, we learn and unlearn, face dangers, even death but start a new life. Our return may inspire hope to those once forgotten, offer a direct solution to their problems or perhaps a new perspective.

The final reward may be literal or metaphoric. It could be a cause for celebration, self-realization or an end to strife. Whatever it is, it represents three things: change, success, proof of our journey. The return "home", to true nature, signals things will never be the same

10 Ways to Take Responsibility for Your Life

Many people say they would like to change their lives or make positive changes but seem to encounter obstacles, complain, feel restless or postpone taking decisive action.  Now is the moment to be more pro-active.  Consider 10 ways to take greater responsibility for your life:

1. Prioritize Yourself

To take more control of life, deep down, we must feel worthy, deserving of good things, better decisions. Holding self-limiting beliefs, perpetuating negative self-talk ("I can't or won't...")  causes us to avoid responsibility.  Thus, we may feel undeserving of better. Thing is, we can only love and support others if we love and support self first, practice self-love and self-care.

2. Stop Blaming the External

Although common practice, blaming others for our conditions is a form of self-sabotage, an unconscious attempt to escape from growing up (maturing as a soul). Society teaches us to and judge others rather than address our own actions. When we are hyper-focused on other people’s behaviours, we often overlook signs and signals we give ourselves and available big life lessons.

3. Develop Self-Awareness

To take responsibility for our thoughts and actions, we must grow self-aware. Self-reflection allows us to deepen awareness.  To grow mindful of feelings, thoughts as they arise, helps us understand our actions,  patterns and reasons behind the things we do.

4. Be Accountable

Being responsible entails being accountable to yourself.  Some people love external praise and their own positive feelings and yet find it hard to realize they are the source of all their behaviour, perception, feelings, or results. Pride blocks growth.  To be accountable is to accept and understand our role in each situation.  How we are treated depends on how we treat ourselves. The key is self-honesty, not avoiding transparency. Of course, self-pity and guilt are not helpful.

5. Get to Know Yourself

Turns out, we are conditioned to adopt other people’s beliefs about us.  Beyond external conditioning, we all have our own sense of success and happiness.  Though family and peers may have good intentions, we cannot act to appease others and live in integrity.  If parents may want their child to look a certain way, choose a specific training, career, or partner. We would not blindly listen if we took steps to get to know self, our version of happiness and success. This requires self-honesty.  We may even need to separate from people who constantly impose their views.  This can create internal conflict, complicating our decision-making.

6. Love Yourself

Taking responsibility can be difficult until we love ourselves enough to get that every moment, we control our thoughts, feelings and life direction. Realizing this changes things.  When we judge ourselves harshly, we throw off our inner balance. We feel ungrounded, unsupported, unsustainable, and very discouraged. Self-love guides us to the wisdom within the self. A mere shift in perspective is a potent action in the name of love.

7. Eliminate Excuses

To make excuses is not responsible, like denying you are the captain of your ship. An irresponsible person may say they want to eat healthier but say they don’t have time. However, to be responsible, accountable, and honest, is to prioritize creating time. We can find many reasons not to make life changes.  Yet, this is giving our power away. We all have the same 24 hours per day. We are all responsible for how we choose to use it.

8. Remove Toxic People

Toxic people enable us to continue unhealthy habits and toxic behaviour. People who genuinely care for us and love us will hold you accountable.  They want to see us achieve our dreams. Other individuals want to keep us  co-dependent.  To take responsibility for life means taking responsibility for our entourage, and relationships. People who frequently complain, self-loathe, self-deprecate, and speak down on your progress do not benefit our growth.  Creating distance brings us inner strength. Nourish healthy and supportive interaction. Also, seek to establish emotional independence to make better decisions from an objective stance and attract authentic people into our life experience.

9. Eradicate Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk can arise from childhood trauma inflicted by abuse or bullying. These negative, self-limiting beliefs we have of ourselves usually originate from the projections and judgments other people throw at us. When we are younger, we tend to internalize these words, and they become ingrained. It takes time to un-condition such negative ideas about Self. However, it’s possible by doing activities aimed at self-love and self-care. We come into this world with a very clean slate.  As we grow, we begin to take on our personality. Much of this has to do with the environments. However, we can take responsibility for our lives and reclaim our full potential.

10.  Take Quantum Leaps outside Comfort Zones

The only way to truly take full and complete responsibility for our lives is to rediscover what it is to experience examples of fearlessness. This may begin in a playground swing,  allowing ourselves to fear the wind in our hair as we pump the swing higher.  As we gain courage and confidence, we increasingly make choices to do what we have not done before, confront our fears and see where assertiveness and adventurousness take us.  This may guide us to new job, new relationships, new entourage, new pastimes and ways to spend out time.  Remind yourself the five people you spend the most time with are the five people you are becoming.