truth
How To Be A Good Friend
I just read a blog written by a spiritual person feeling angry and lonely. She had reached out to a trusted friend, but the friend only wanted to talk about her own problems. And when she did pay some attention to her plight, the best the friend could offer was to be judgmental and unsympathetic. The author then also reached out for support on a social media group for spiritually aware people. Again, all of the members did the same thing her friend did: they judged!
The woman was having problems with her abusive neighbor and many people on the forum were giving advice for her to leave. They told her to move, find a better place to live, relocate. “Moving is 100% your choice,” one person commented. The first thing I thought was no, it isn’t. This particular woman, for example, had bought the house and had put a lot of money into renovating the house. She would need to sell, at a time when not many things are selling, and possibly suffer a significant financial loss.
Some even told her to get more exercise, so that she can relax and focus on other things. They told her she was responsible for her own choice of reactions and feelings in the situation. The only insensitive, stereotypical thing they didn’t say was to take a breath and calm down. Don’t you just hate it when someone says that? It does everything, but calm you down!
The people responding, in their judgment, needed to feel superior. It was about them, not her. Her responses were defensive, understandably. I felt by her response, they made her feel more lonely. Poor woman.
The Pretense Of Hyper-Sensitivity
Once we realize we have been misunderstood in one of our casual remarks, we typically try to immediately turn it around,. We try to add a more agreeable flavor, in the hopes that the offended or confused person will take it as a well-intended supported compliment. It’s usually rather ridiculous, really, but nonetheless in these situations we continue to ‘make certain’ we are not seen in a controversial manner, or in a ‘bad light.’
When such an ambiguous occasion arises, we are perfectly aware of what we are doing and how we are doing it. But, does that make one bit of difference to us? No. If we were not nearly so phony and apologetic in our deference, we may even get a lucid glimpse of what we were really saying, along with the motivation behind our attempts to butter up the other.
What exactly is it that we are hoping to accomplish? Why is it important to remain on a level of satisfactory exchange with the other, in fear of upsetting them? Do not these innuendos ring a melody of falsity? Does not the planted, erect knife in the butter fall once the butter melts?
In other words, what is hidden in the relationships we feel so insecure about, and in need of continuing such a façade of nicety?
We work so hard to maintain the supposed idea of decency we have long since cherished, nurtured and polished in our own minds. We do nothing to upset the apple cart. And, when an unsuspecting, misunderstood statement is made, maybe even in jest, we immediately try to reabsorb the awkwardness left behind. We feel we must absolve ourselves in the light of the other, and will actually go out on a thin brittle limb of more flattery, in hopes it won’t snap to reveal our embarrassment.
Your Spirit Guides Are Always Listening
As the turmoil of this time on our planet is happening – the lockdowns, the frustrations, the fears and worries, the isolation, and the anger – you may feel lost, or all alone in this world. It may be affecting your mental and emotional state, as well as your physical well-being.
When the negativity of all that is happening starts to affect you, turn off the news and even more so, turn off all social media! There are too many ill-advised souls on social media that are experts at creating chaos and turmoil, and causing unnecessary anxiety about the pandemic.
Instead, when things are difficult, turn to your spirit guides. Take the time to spend a few minutes simply being in the moment and talking to spirit on a daily basis.
Your spirit guides hear you, as they are always listening. They will hold you in their arms and empower you with renewed courage and inner strength. But, you have to let them in, and trust that they are there for you.
Your angels and guides will never desert you. They are listening at all times. They hear every word you speak, as well as those that you don’t. They feel your energy and want you to lay your burdens on them, and not carry the burden all by yourself.
The Truth About Long-Lasting Relationships
The fact that we struggle to navigate our romantic relationships remains a topic of never-ending debate. Many of us are involved, entangled, enmeshed in some type of complicated, and sometimes confusing, relationship. Whether these relationships are satisfying or not, our mental, physical, emotional state is usually somewhat determined, or at least influenced by the nature and health of these precarious unions.
Many of us involved in some form of romantic relationship, often feel the constant tug and pull of its nebulous contradictions and challenges. Though the words are not always verbally expressed, the ensuing tension often results from a lack of intimacy that can only be created through authenticity and open communication.
Most people, however, interpret sexual closeness as the culminating epitome of true intimacy. But unless one is also able to openly communicate and authentically connect on other levels, even the most dazzling sex life will fizzle out eventually – and often sooner than later.
Sex alone never sustains a meaningful, long-lasting relationship! No matter how exciting or mutually satisfying it may be. Using sex as a clear, reinforcing sign that a relationship is going to endure, is never a reliable barometer.
Spiritual Awakening ‘Turns On The Light’
What exactly is a spiritual awakening, and is there a way you can tell if you are having one? Here are some ways to be aware of what is happening to you.
The first sign is usually when you are no longer living in a ‘dream world,’ where you used to see everything through your human ego and you were overly focused on the future and your past. This is a clear sign that you are becoming more spiritually aware. You have a greater awareness of your individual self and the connection between that and everything else. Things start to come into better focus in your life and make more sense.
When you closely examine various religions and faith traditions, there is usually a common thread that describes this state of heightened awareness as nirvana, enlightenment, or awakening. This new consciousness happens when you stop being the observer, and instead ask yourself, who is observing?
Many people go through life on ‘autopilot,’ because that is what they were taught, or they simply fell into a routine without giving much thought to who they really are, or what they truly need or desire to make their life meaningful. Asking such questions about yourself is important for your personal growth and self-realization. It is ‘turning the light on’ so to speak. The first step in growth is always the awareness of the present moment followed by an impulse to change something. Continue reading
The Spiritual Symbolism Of The Peacock
The masculine energy of the peacock emanates self-assurance and confidence, and also represents pride and vanity. In the spiritual context, masculine energy is understood to be the active and doing part of nature – it is the force that compels us forward.
Given the uncertainty we are currently facing our world climate, we could all call on the energy of this spirit animal to provide us with the courage to step forward in new ways.
The peacock was the first bird to every appear in my artwork. Each time I was drawn to paint the peacock, I experienced major changes in my life, which involved either moving home or relocation, or taking another step to progress in my career.
The peacock (Pavo cristatus), also known as the Indian peafowl, has a long tradition of spiritual symbolism in many cultures and belief systems. The peacock (in contrast to the peahen) is known for the beautiful array of iridescent colors in his tail feathers, featuring the well-known mystical designs that look like eyes. Some of the key spiritual messages of the peacock include:
Confidence
As the vision for the peacock came to life on that first canvas, I gained a renewed sense of confidence with my own artwork. He reminds us all of the need to feel free, joyful and confident in how we express ourselves. When we have appreciation for our abilities, it gives rise to self-confidence.
An ‘Awareness Yawn’ For The Whole Truth
The majority of human beings believe they tell the truth most of the time. Few will admit they lie. And none will disclose just how often, when, and how they twist the truth ‘a little’ to suit their needs. They convince themselves they are not really lying, when they know very well that their distorted versions of the truth are deceptive.
We are curious creatures. Adept at swindling ourselves to favor a certain idolized self-image we have created. One that we must maintain consistently in as much as our sovereign power allows. Hah! How utterly ridiculous and futile are our attempts to portray an untruth so vividly transparent. We can’t hide from our true self, for that’s who we live and die with.
It’s all a matter of unconscious perception. An awareness yawn would serve to do the trick of waking us up, but we’re simply not interested, especially if it involves ‘disturbing our self-indulgent illusions.’ We want to continue to believe how wonderful, well-informed, funny, intelligent, attractive, spiritually evolved, dedicated, hard-working, honest, caring, decent, committed and interested we are.
We walk around as if we not only have an ace up our sleeve (an extra added edge), but can make it magically appear at will. We sincerely think no one can see through our considerately, deceptively masked, incognito ‘what’s in it for me’ personality.
These deceptively constructed guises are particularly prevalent when we are entering into new relationships. That’s when we really put on the ‘dog and pony show.’ We come across so deliberately ‘put together’ and manicurely maintained. It matters not, if that ‘face of the hour’ is nowhere near the panoramic view of incalculable distortion occurring on the inside. We are on a personal quest; we want something. And, nothing will deter us from our conquest.