free will
Why Curiosity Is Essential For Spiritual Growth
These days, it is customary to access information instantly using various modern technologies. All kinds of knowledge are at our fingertips whenever we need it.
While some research is required for school or work projects, and other inquiries are made to simply satisfy a general “need to know,” Spirit challenges us to view our world differently and conduct a different kind of search.
Take time to be still every now and then. Extend your curiosity internally. Go within and take time to reflect on your past decisions, your current situation, and your potential future.
The past is a wonderful place to visit to reminisce about great experiences, evaluate decisions, and learn from events.
Note: This must only be temporary. It does not mean that you should constantly “live” in the past or obsess over what might have been, because there is no present or future in the past. There are only lessons and insight to be found there.
When considering some of the questionable choices you may have made in the past, be kind to yourself as you ponder the decisions you made and why you made them. Remember that your younger self did not have the benefit of the experience, wisdom, and insight that you have now.
Also, be kind to others who might have influenced you in a negative fashion or hurt you to the core, whether it seemed to be intentional or not at the time. Understand that their chosen paths may have intersected with yours for a specific reason but that you now have the ultimate control over your present actions and future dreams.
When Your Man Is Not Ready To Commit
I often hear how wonderful the guy is that she is dating… if only he would commit to taking their relationship to the next level!
If a woman is not satisfied with the way things are going and what she is getting from the relationship, should she continue to wait for him?
By patiently waiting for him against your better judgment, he only learns that he can get away with his lack of commitment, especially if he feels comfortable with what he is getting from the relationship. This way a pattern is formed.
So, how do you avoid wasting some of the best years of your life waiting on a guy that is never going to commit?
Well, right from the start you tell him what your looking for and what your expectations are. But handle it carefully, after all you don’t want to scare him away before things even get off the ground!
But do let him know how you feel about dating, long-term relationships, commitment, marriage, children, and whatever else may be important to you.
This will inform him, so that you have a better shot at being on the same page. If he starts to make excuses, or says that he is not interested in a long-term commitment, at least not right now, then accept his words as the truth.
If you are looking for long-term, committed relationship, then spend time with a guys who shares the same values and expectations. Watch his actions – they do speak louder than words!
Learning To Say Yes To Yourself
It is in the empath’s nature to say ‘yes’ to just about anything requested of them. It goes against our grain. For some of us, saying ‘no’ also brings on fears of rejection, abandonment or letting someone down when it may be important to support them.
Rather than finding an excuse, or simply telling the truth, many of us give in and just go along. It just feels easier in the moment, and even validating or satisfying.
But when you end that phone call, or respond to another text, and you feel anxious and panicked, while you start going over all the other things that will have to fall to the wayside by saying yes, then you really are saying no to yourself.
Self-care requires that we sometimes say no to others, in order to say yes to our own well-being and peace of mind. Consequently, the person that you said yes to won’t be getting the best of you. If you have said yes at your own expense, then what you bring to the table for that person is stress and anxiety. Your best self will not be fully present.
Saying yes, when you really want to say no, can also lead to resentment that you then attach to the person who asked for your assistance.
Here the responsibility lies with ourselves. We teach people how to treat us and many times we don’t give others enough credit for understanding when we say no. Most people would rather hear. “No thanks, that time doesn’t work for me” or “I have other commitments,” instead of having to sense a half-hearted or less than enthusiastic yes.
The Magicless Misery Of ‘Compare And Despair’
I once attended a Toastmasters meeting where a gentleman was delivering his first speech to this specific group. It was an ice breaker to have us get acquainted with him. Instead of the typical short autobiographical introduction this speaker chose to give us an overview of his philosophy of life.
He told his audience that he sees himself entering a new phase of his life right now. He spoke about how important it is to get to know yourself and to take care of yourself first and foremost, and to always live in the moment.
After the speech and applause, the toastmaster reflected briefly on what the talk meant to him as he had listened. He said it reminded him of a mentor who had once, many years ago, said to him, “Compare… and despair”. If in life you are constantly comparing yourself to others, or comparing what you have with what others have, or what you feel you lack, or need to achieve, then all that will do is bring yourself unnecessary despair.
The only thing you should ever compare yourself against, his mentor added, is yesterday. Today did you do something constructive or grow in some way that makes you a better person than you were yesterday?
Too often we compare ourselves with our peers, both in our personal and professional lives. Why did he get a raise and not me? Why can I not find a soulmate like she did? Why can’t I be a successful entrepreneur like him? How come they get to have all these wonderful vacations?
Moving Forward After A Breakup Or Divorce
Going through a divorce, or the end of a long relationship, can feel like your world has come crashing down. The dreams you shared, the life you pictured together, and all the emotional energy you invested can suddenly seem lost.
It’s not just about losing a person; it’s also about letting go of a future you once hoped for. It can be difficult to know how to move forward.
However, even in the midst of any ending, there’s an opportunity for a fresh and meaningful new beginning.
Accepting that your relationship has ended is one of the most important steps in the healing process. It’s normal to grieve what could have been, but don’t dwell on the past. The past is a place to learn from, not a place to stay.
True acceptance means letting go of blame, resentment, and regret. This isn’t because the hurt didn’t happen, but because holding on keeps that hurt alive.
Acceptance can be difficult. It means accepting that your life will look different than you expected, and trusting that there’s still joy and beauty ahead. Many spiritual traditions remind us that everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t understand it right away. When we reach acceptance, our heart chakra can open again, releasing stuck emotions and making room for healing. Continue reading

