tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89326980911235825122024-03-12T17:23:51.956-07:00Doorway to FreedomThis blog is intended to be a discussion about life. It is about my realisations and you might like to think about them too. It's about the inner path to greater awareness of patterns, habits, and emotions. And then on to enlightenment. You might like to also check out www.theinnerpath.co.nz and if you are interested in receiving my communique called Echoes of the Heart, please let me know your email address. Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-47900230279196607332019-10-17T19:49:00.003-07:002019-10-17T19:49:57.532-07:00Taking care of your body<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Taking care
of our body.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We think we
are doing the right things by our bodies, but it’s all a bit abstract really.
You know; follow this idea for fitness, follow this idea for healthy food,
follow this idea for care. Until something crops up that’s not an easy fix.
Then it becomes real. Suddenly, dropping into the fear of what could be
happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>The mind
jumps in, a million miles ahead, bringing up trillions of possibilities, and
just as many worse case scenarios!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The body
works so beautifully and so hard, at making everything cooperate together.
There are so many processes going on inside that we are not aware of, so many
organs working interdependently. It’s an amazing miracle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>And yet we
drive it and control it</b>. Do we respect it? Really care for it? Or just want the
easy fix so it will work the way we want it to. So that we don’t have to spend
time, or change habits, or interrupt our lives. There is so much else that we
want to do with our time, so much out there things to think about and do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do we really
listen to it? To our body? Do we stop long enough to know? And even when we do,
how do we know what it wants? Would we believe any message it gives or do we
override that inner message because it doesn’t suit? Or doesn’t feel
comfortable?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And maybe
the fear gets in the way, anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>How would it
be……….to stop and listen?</b> How would it be to magically drop into the part of
the body that is crying out for help? What would be revealed? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>How would it
be to trust whatever message is revealed? </b>No matter if it agrees with whatever
professional person you are having appointments with, or not. Go deeper in,
embrace the fear and go deeper. Be aware of each part of your body, internally,
and explore. Be aware of how all the parts work together and integrate – there is
too much information to know with your mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be floaty
and relax. Stop and stay in this moment. <b>Your body wants the best for you so
listen to it. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-60527217130005230142019-07-06T03:05:00.000-07:002019-07-06T03:05:07.338-07:00The Unknown<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The unknown</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A new job, a new house, temporary living arrangements,
living on own after leaving a relationship, selling my house, buying a piece of
land…..……I’ve done all of those in the last 3 years. Stepping into the
unknown?? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure these things were all new and unknown. Before that,
Christchurch earthquakes, leaving my husband of 42 years, leaving a job I had
been in for 25 years, shifting to another part of the country. Quite a series
of changes actually over the past few years. And they all triggered emotions
and awareness of patterns of behaviour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I<b>t’s been an ongoing process of exploring the unknown and
how I am with it.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day, <b>I felt like I was floating in a deep unknown
place.</b> Freely in freedom. Perfectly safe. Totally supported. Totally knowing.
Rather nice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So you might ask what was happening to get to this. Well, it
was nothing like the above mentioned happenings….nothing that the experts would
say is a major stressful experience. It was a simple old pattern of mine of
feeling scared of meeting new people. So, I was going to visit a Dad and his
child regarding possible teaching of the child. And I could have said, that’s
stupid to feel scared about that. I’ve done this lots of times. But scared I
did feel. It was bubbling for a couple of days before. But somewhere in the
couple of hours before I left home, I was aware that I<b> was making a choice
(below mind level)</b> that I would go on the visit, without going over what I
would say, without thinking of what I should say, without running possible
scenarios over in my head, without working it out beforehand. That<b> I would be
open and present in the moment.</b> That I would not know how the visit would go.
That I would just meet each moment as it arrived. ………….And, it unfolded
beautifully, with me being relaxed all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Time stopped in each moment. </b>There was plenty
of time in each moment. Afterwards I felt like I was completely in an unknown
space and yet completely knowing. <b>Amazing, eh</b>! Very good actually.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The unknown can be scary. Because we like to know. We like
to have an idea of what is ahead. Some of us more than others. <b>Knowing gives us
security and safety……well so we think.</b> But does it also narrow down our
choices. Does it limit our freedom? Does it restrict us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What would it be like for you to allow yourself to be in an
unknown place?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-46671110860603397592019-06-14T02:06:00.004-07:002019-06-14T02:06:56.306-07:00Dying<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>What do you
reckon about dying? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>What will it
be like? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you
been in the presence of someone who dies? Was it an effort to die? Or easy? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Personally,
do you dread it? Do you fear it? Do you distract yourself with busyness so you
don’t have to face those feelings?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So many
questions? And another, <b>do your beliefs about life and death make a differenc</b>e
to how you feel about it inside. If you are really honest, do your beliefs make
a difference? Of so, how?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Or coming at
this topic from a different angle…</b>……….can you totally accept each moment of
life as it is? So that when death is happening there is total acceptance of
just that moment. That moment of going into the unknown? And it is unknown
because your mind can’t know, and you are going to leave your thinking mind
behind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I held
my nearly 4 week old baby in my arms as she died, it felt so natural as she
just drained away to leave her body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I sat
beside my mother as she died, it felt simple and natural.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Some months
ago I had an experience of dying.</b> No, not a physical near death experience as
some people have had. I was in a situation of increasing emotions of
worthlessness, over a few days. Fortunately, I was attending a retreat where
there were people to support me. Someone sat beside me. The worthlessness got
stronger and stronger, and then turned into the emotion of self-hatred. This
also got stronger and stronger until it was totally engulfing. Then total
blackness. Even though it was total blackness, even blacker spears arrived,
many of them, aimed at me, penetrating me. As they did their job, I felt myself
draining away. <b>Who was this “I” that felt myself draining away?</b> As I drained
away, I found myself in a place……well, it wasn’t a place actually. But what was
it? I don’t know. It was nothing. But really it was even less than nothing…..it
was complete emptiness. <b>Words can’t describe it but it felt beautiful.</b> It felt
true. It felt like everything all together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So has this
prepared me for dying? I don’t know. There is no way to know. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But nevertheless,
<b>the emptiness is with me always</b>. Which sounds like nothing and yet it is
everything at the same time. Everything in life and of life. A state of love,
and stillness and eternity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-38216824087123084202019-05-22T02:57:00.001-07:002019-05-22T02:57:26.441-07:00Be still.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be still in
this moment, this second.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just for this second<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. You can do that</b>. Just for a second............ It’s enough. When I stop for
just a second, I notice that this interrupts whatever pattern is running. It’s
a chance for a new beginning. It’s a chance for everything past, including the
second before, to be cut off, stopped. It’s a chance for renewal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can you do it?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Or do you find that you cling to
what happened the second before, as if you might fall off a cliff if you don’t.
Do you cling to something in the past because it’s the reason you are like you
are, and you won’t know who you are if you let go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I often ask
myself, “What am I aware of now?” and in that moment, what I am aware of is
things like sensations in my body, the sun or wind on my skin, my breathing,
noises around me, maybe an emotion arising, a stillness inside me. This
question is a signal for me to stop and be aware of this moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this
moment, under the sensations, nothing is here. No past. No future. Just this.
Nothing. And your mind might jump in with a thought........"why would you
want to be nothing?"....or……”Why would I want to stay in a place of
nothing?”…………….which is the ego self trying to sabotage you being still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, really................, why would you
want to be still? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because it feels like love. It is
love. It’s not your mind. It's not an emotion. It's real love.<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes
this nothing feels like emptiness, sometimes it feels like bliss, sometimes it
feels like peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you want
this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this
place, there is no stress. There is no suffering – just in that moment. And if
there is no stress and no suffering in this moment, why not any time. I know,
our minds tell us that as soon as we get into living our normal life, there it
will be again – that stress. But does it have to be? Why does it have to be? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you want
stress? Or do you want peace and stillness?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-46294156548885097082019-04-28T04:20:00.003-07:002019-04-28T04:20:50.504-07:00That stuff called money!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>How strong
are your restrictive thoughts about money? </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Does it affect any thoughts you have
about buying anything, about buying meals, about buying a coffee, about buying
a book, or only about the big things – having enough to pay the rent or the
rates or pay for car repairs. Do you stop yourself from buying small things for
yourself because of this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can you cope
with an irregular income or do you have a strong need to know what is coming
in. Do you budget to the last few cents?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>All of this
is a human drive for survival </b>– because money equals survival in our society
these days. It’s to do with self-preservation – making sure you have enough for
yourself. It’s a very basic drive, but people vary about how strong this drive
is for them, and how anxious they become. Some people spend a lot of time thinking
about money and worrying about it and complaining about it. There could be some
panic lurking. Others are more trusting of money’s arrival.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For me, <b>my
self-preservation drive is being mightily challenged this year</b>. And this is a
good thing - a chance to face the fear, allow the fear, feel the fear. A life
test. A opportunity for the fear to not limit my choices and not get in the way
of decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am in the
process of getting a house built on my piece of land and there have been many
costs appearing that have nothing to do with the house and everything to do
with council requirements. My internal process has been a roller coaster of
fear leading towards acceptance of this moment – this moment being that of not
knowing every cost. Having a general idea and knowing that extras seem to pop
up from nowhere to challenge me. Having a council person tell me about costs
that weren’t mentioned earlier. So that I face, again and again and again, the
fear of not having enough. Doing the sums, knowing I don’t know all the costs,
doing the sums again!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was
brought up in a frugal environment which created some reluctance to spend. Or,
at least, created a voice on my shoulder, telling me I shouldn’t spend. And
during my married life, not much spending happened and all monies were
accounted for in detail. Since being on my own, I keep a more relaxed and
general eye on money. And it feels good. Until the challenge of new house
arrived to challenge me some more. Currently, it’s feeling ok. Not because I
know all the costs, but because……well, just because….no logic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>What would
it take for you to be more relaxed about money? </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">And the answer is not more
money!! You would find that if you have some frugality or scarcity beliefs
about money, that it actually wouldn’t matter how much you had - the same internal
stuff would still be there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So it might be time to inquire into this.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-41745712360710857182019-02-22T00:11:00.002-08:002019-02-22T00:11:30.397-08:00Doubts again!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I’m an
expert doubter. </b>As soon as I have an idea, a million doubts arise. Sometimes
these doubts feel like they are way in the distance and it is relatively easy
to dismiss these. Sometimes they are closer and I hear them a bit clearer. I
might even dwell on them for a few minutes. I might even consider them. Sometimes,
they are really loud and demanding. This is when they feel very real, and I
think I should take notice. Then my mind doubts whether I should take notice
and goes into a spiral about how to decide which doubts are important. Surely
some of them are actually important and I really should take notice!! Maybe I
should even follow the doubts and where they lead to. If I don’t, what might
happen? Oh, dear, <b>what a turmoil.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">BUT, are the
seemingly real doubts the real ones? What is the difference between the far
away doubts and the close doubts? Is my judgement of near or far doubts an
indication of the importance, or not? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After I
actually make a decision, many more doubts arise about what I have decided……
there are a million things that could go wrong, and I don’t want them to go
wrong. Usually these doubts subside over time, unless something tells me that I
made a wrong decision and a doubt was right!!!! Then I might start believing
doubts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What a mess!
Is your mind like this?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And what
underlies the doubts? What makes a difference to the closeness of the doubts?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Interesting
question, eh! Because it’s likely that the closeness of the doubts is not a
factual thing and not related to how seriously you should take them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What
underlies the doubts? It is easy to dismiss doubts as normal. And they are. But
if you were to ask yourself about them, what do you discover?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have discovered that the
perpetrator of doubts is fear.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s
uncomfortable always. And it can run lives. It can direct and control lives. Even
when we don’t know that it is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do not
want my life to be controlled by fear. Do you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s
limiting and restrictive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Solution:</b>
Allow the fear to be felt in the body. In fact, welcome it, knowing that this
is the way to freedom. It is not the way to having no fear. It is the way to
the fear not controlling you. That’s right. Feel the fear in your body, welcome
it, and in this you can relax with the fear, so that it does not stop you from
doing what you want to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And so the
question about doubts being far away or closer, is about how strong the fear
is. Maybe!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-51524998682615416932019-02-08T00:50:00.004-08:002019-02-08T00:50:36.255-08:00When taking responsibility for one's life is a roller coaster.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>When
stepping up and taking responsibility for one’s life is a roller coaster!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
many ways to take responsibility for one’s life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is the
day to day talking with others and <b>being vigilant ab</b></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>out saying what’s truthful
to you, </b>rather than what you think others want to hear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
planning what to do, so that it <b>honours you,</b> rather than just to make others
happy. This does not preclude being kind. Compassion and taking kind action are
flavours of love, which is the basis of real life. But taking kind action at
the expense of yourself needs considering – that is, are you trying to make
others happy because of an underlying need to avoid conflict…………or to feel
approved of. Of course you can take kind action – be kind to yourself and be
kind to others, but not a slave to being kind to others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
<b>being honest and in line with your values.</b> What do you believe is important for
you and how you live your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
deciding who you want to spend time with. Letting go of those expectations and
spending time with <b>people whose energy supports yours.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
taking steps to follow what you really desire in life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">All those
factors of taking responsibility can produce fear, when the mind comes up with
doubts and different reasoning. There can be so many uncertainties and unknowns
and waiting for one piece of information before proceeding with another step.
Being present in each step supports you to relax. Our mind can buzz ahead and
try and solve things before we know the information. <b>Be present in each step.
In each day. In each task. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Let the fear
be present here too</b>. The effort in trying to stop feeling the fear is tiring.
Let yourself feel it. It won’t destroy you. It’s the mind talk that produces
more fear and then your mind thinks it can’t cope. Feel the fear in your body
and as you focus on where in your body it is, your mind can subside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Life is too
precious to allow the fear to stop you doing what is right for you and what you
really want to do.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-64141161391953467822019-01-23T00:54:00.002-08:002019-01-23T00:54:33.621-08:00Responsibility<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately, <b>I sense a greater awareness of living my life being
totally responsible for myself. </b>This is not actually a mind decision. No logic
involved. It arose in me before Christmas. It arose inside me, probably because
of the experience that I had at the Leela School in December, where I
experienced dying by dropping deep into the worst possible emotions. And then
into a situation of there being no me, no I, and just plain no nothing. But
such <b>peace and knowing and openness with no limits.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Quite likely, you think you are already being responsible
for yourself. And I’m sure this is true. However there are ways of being aware
of yourself that can deepen the responsibility. You might be thinking that you
are as you are, because of the family that you were born into, or the
town/country that you grew up in, or the friends you had or have. But really,
is this not blaming others and other things for how you are. <b>Aren’t you being a
victim?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if you could step out of the upbringing influences? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if you could stop blaming others for the way you are? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What if you <u>had</u> to stop this? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What would you be left with? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And how could you then be responsible for you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, there was a friend that I hadn’t heard from for a
while, so instead of wondering what’s going on, I invited her to dinner – I
took a step out of my usual pattern of waiting. I instigated contact which is
not something I always do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am super aware of my response to other people. Am I being
influenced ……maybe because I don’t want to disagree? Am I wanting them to
approve or am I being responsible for what truth is saying inside me? Am I
taking others comments personally or am I in an expansive place that welcomes
all comments as an expression of them, rather than meaning anything about me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently I decided that I would take a step towards something
I want. I realised that I don’t have to fit into a concept of what someone my
age would do or not do. I can act instead of feeling limited and confined. And I
don’t have to work it all out. I can do each step in truth and openness. And it
is truly astonishing, really truly astonishing, how things are aligning and
happening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I<b>t seems that taking a deeper responsibility for my life is
remarkably freeing.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-73601152189784506292019-01-01T20:39:00.002-08:002019-01-01T20:39:50.744-08:00Loneliness over Christmas.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you been lonely over Christmas and New Years? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What did
you do about it? </b>Did you take action? Did you feel the feelings? Did they pass?
You and only you, are responsible for your day. Our mind can try and
rationalise. Our mind can also blame other people for it. Our minds can make
wishes. Minds can go round in circles and minds cannot figure everything out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Y<b>ou can wallow in the loneliness. Or you can really feel it,
which is different to wallowing. </b>Wallowing implies moving around in it, using
stories in the head to increase the wallow and feeling sorry for oneself!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feeling it, means allowing the feeling, the pure feeling,
without the story in the head telling you why you feel that way. <b>And by
allowing the feeling, it can dissolve.</b> Another feeling may replace it. It may
even be a worse feeling, but trust yourself in feeling it, as it too, will
dissolve. Unless, of course, you start wallowing, in which case, it will hang
around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You and only you, are responsible for your self.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no good, wanting other people to do
things to help you feel better. It’s no good expecting others to provide you
with anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are the one who knows
what you want, others don’t. This is your opportunity. Be responsible and act
for yourself. You can. Take that first little step. (Or go out for coffee!)
When you face this, any feelings that pop up can be felt, even if uncomfortable
– <b>this is being honest with yourself. </b>It’s what is here, so allow. It feels good
to be honest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>In allowing you will notice that there is a growing
expansiveness. </b>So allow even more. Try to stop the feelings and your whole
being constricts and tightens. <b>In allowing, it’s like the whole universe opens
for you</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In allowing, possibilities
arise. Then it’s time for choice. Trust your heart rather than your head.
Follow a possibility. Lightly. Step out of your usual patterns. Take that
little step, while not knowing where it leads, while not knowing what the
second step will be, while being present in this moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><br />
And see the magic unfold.Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-86803990800941775172018-12-22T01:31:00.004-08:002018-12-22T01:31:43.816-08:00Emptiness<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s a strange thing to feel empty.</b> For me it means, having
a quiet mind …….no analysing, doubting, judging or repetitive thoughts going
on. And no emotions being felt. It is beautiful and peaceful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the course that I was part of recently, I had the
experience of falling deeply into emptiness. It was so empty, so still, so
expansive, so everything. I felt so held, not as me, Annette, but as whatever I
am at the beginning. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Strange stuff, eh! </b>Yet we are not our emotions. We are not
our thoughts. We are not our way of behaving. We are not who we believe we
are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You do know that. There is
something much deeper, much more, that is us. This, whatever it is, does not
move….does not change…….and can guide you to live life in truth.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in reading this, you may be doubting – it is normal.
It’s what minds do. It’s the way our brains are configured and how the neurons
fire in there. It’s up to you to make the choice – do you believe that doubt?
Is it worth spending time following that thought and doubt? Trouble is, when we
try to stop that thought, it persists. So it’s not about trying to stop
thoughts. It’s about a choice in that split second before the trying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you think that <b>if you feel empty, you will be nothing</b>.
There may be some connection between busyness in your head and feeling worthy.
There may be some connection between doing and being worthy. You can look into
this and check it out. You may think, that if you are empty how can you live
life or be in control. All sorts of thoughts can arise. And if they stop for a
moment – what’s here in this moment? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, there is a greater awareness that <b>I am totally
responsible for my life.</b> I might think that I am a product of my upbringing. I
might attempt to blame the circumstances for how I am. But really, I am
totally, freshly responsible for my life in every moment. I thought I was
before!! <b>Now I am freshly responsible.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How about you?</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-60056129224706944712018-11-26T15:06:00.002-08:002018-11-26T15:06:31.147-08:00Fear.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Did you ever read that book “<b>Feel the fear and do it
anyway”?</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did. I owned it for years but
didn’t reread it. Nice idea. Nice concept but it just seemed so hard to feel
fear and still do the thing that I thought was causing the fear. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I’m the sort of person who feels fear about just about
anything.</b> The fear can be very strong. It can actually be terror. Or sometimes
a feeling of panic. <b>It can stop me doing things.</b> It can make me avoid things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The bottom line is that for me, fear is triggered by many
things – fear of getting it wrong, fear of making a mistake, fear of offending
someone, fear of conflict, fear of disagreement, fear of not knowing what to do
if an unexpected situation crops up, fear of not being liked or approved of,
fear of criticism, fear of negative judgment, fear of not being independent,
fear of asking for help, fear of not being good enough.<b> Fear of fear.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What a block to living life freely! </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’d think that with this list, that I would
be living a very narrow life. You’d think that I wouldn’t be doing anything.
Well, I have to tell you something. It has not stopped me lately.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last several years, I have done many things that I
could have not done, if I had let the fear have its way. I have put myself into
many situations where the fear was very loud and annoying. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How come? Why? <b>Because the call of freedom from the essence
of me has been stronger than the human feeling of fear. </b>I have learned again,
and again that my brain will continue to work even when fear is felt. That I
can put myself into situations where I know that fear will show up, and I can
still cope. I can allow the fear to be present and know that something deeper
and stronger will guide me. Very reassuring. This reassurance gives me the
ability and the strength to expand into the richness of life. It doesn’t mean
that the fear goes away. Or that uncomfortableness goes away. <b>It means that I
honour myself enough that I refuse to let fear limit my life.</b> As I write this,
I think is this really true? Maybe I am limiting myself in ways I don’t know
of!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so I continue to work on and face the fear patterns of
behaviour that I have learned in my childhood and that were reinforced in my
adult life. I continue to inquire into them, to understand them more so that I
can be more aware of them. So that, in that split second, I can make a
different choice. A choice that is more supportive of freedom.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>And there is a magical story about fear too. If I drop deep
into it, and down through it, into the essence of my self, I find something
very beautiful…………..</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-33147487254718184722018-11-09T00:39:00.002-08:002018-11-09T00:39:46.038-08:00Judgement<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">J<b>udgement.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After you
have had an important conversation, do you go over it later? Do you remember
the words you have used, and replay it, analysing and judging them? <b>I used to
do this everyday.</b> I did not remember what the other person said necessarily, but
I remembered what I had said. Then I would pull it apart, thinking whether it
was the right thing to say, the kind thing to say. I would decide which words
were right and which words were wrong – then I’d feel awful about the “wrong”
words, or because I’d worded it in the wrong way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you go
over conversations in your head and judge the other persons words? It’s much
the same really. When we are judging others, we are actually judging ourselves.
Sometimes it’s a way of avoiding judging ourselves. I<b>t all gets tangled up.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you go
over conversations or things people have said to you, and think how good they
were? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Funny, we
seem to treat negative judgements as judgements and positive judgements as
okay. <b>Even a positive judgement is a judgement. </b>If you consider someone’s
comments about you to be positive and they make you feel good – it’s still a
judgement. If they say something negative about you or your work, it’s a
judgement. Just because one lot of judgements make you feel good, doesn’t make
them right. It’s just that you feel good and we all want to feel good, don’t
we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We hear
criticism in someone’s words or even just in the tone of voice, and we feel
judged. How is this? When someone gives you some feedback, what leads to this
being a judgement – one that you don’t want? <b>Or is it just their opinion, one
which does not need to be taken on board personally by you.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if we
could listen to the criticism/feedback and leave out the judgement that it was
a judgement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently I
was my own harsh judge. <b>I sat under this judge and believed every damn thought
I had.</b> “I made a mess, I did more harm than good, I did it wrong, I am useless,
I can’t trust myself, I’m hopeless, and so on.” Were these thoughts true? No,
they weren’t. But the judge and the doubts were seriously overwhelming. Until I
realised that I was believing my own thoughts, all of which were conjured up
out of my own head, supported by my past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In this way
<b>we create our own suffering</b>. There is no need to believe the thoughts in your
head. They are only thoughts, not wisdom. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>The way to
wisdom is to drop deeper than your thoughts and your emotions and find out
what’s here.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-77312832779396215402018-10-28T21:17:00.003-07:002018-10-28T21:17:39.386-07:00Commitment<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Recently I
became aware of making a commitment to myself. </b>It felt like a new thing to do.
We can feel committed to do certain things, take certain actions, support
certain groups, look after certain people. These commitments are all outside of
oneself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do we leave
ourselves behind? Do we not value ourselves?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>I made this
commitment when I was deep inside myself. </b>In the essence of myself. It felt
like I was very deeply listening to myself and this commitment came from the
depths of my being. Felt like the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>It felt like
it came from a place that is underneath any stories of unworthiness. </b>It felt
like it came from a place deeper than my mind can envisage or imagine. It felt
like I do not need to think about it at all. The commitment will be part of
everything that I do, think, feel, speak, without consciously being aware of
it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we
commit to things outside of ourselves, what happens to us? Do we lose ourselves
in the expectations of the group or people? Just wondering. Does this mean that
we then spend time using our minds to figure out ways to support the
commitment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Just suppose
that by deeply committing to ourselves…..a commitment grounded in love and
truth…..that everything we then get involved in, will feel the effect of our
personal commitment. How wonderful. So it means that our commitment actually
includes everything that we thought we could be committed to. Maybe no need to
make mind commitments. May just make one……to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The thing
is, though…………. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>If you want
to commit to yourself, this personal commitment is not something decided on by
your mind. Your mind can and will change its mind!!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A true
commitment to yourself needs to come from a deeper place in you. How will you
get to that deeper place within you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-68032685842759037382018-09-10T02:18:00.002-07:002018-09-10T02:18:21.647-07:00Are you your mind? Or your body? Or your emotions? Or more than these?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Under your mind and under your emotions.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you cannot see any point in getting under your mind
and under your emotions. Maybe you think that you are your mind – that that’s
who you are. Or do you think that you are your body? So if you consider that who
you are is your mind, your body and your emotions, then you probably can’t see
the relevance of getting under them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do. I can. Because <b>I have experienced getting under them</b>.
During one of my mentoring sessions for the study course I am doing this year,
I fell deeply into ………….the essence of me. I have been there before many times,
but not this deep. This was so profound that <b>I remained in the deliciousness of
this moment </b>for weeks. I remained in love. Not loving myself, not loving
others, but in love. Not in love with someone, or even in love with life. In
love. And even now, weeks later, I am aware of this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, I trip. Life brings up its challenges because
that’s life. The other day I took some comments personally. It was so
uncomfortable – for most of the day. I allowed the feelings to be here, to be
felt until they dropped in a place where it was neither doubting nor positive.
Very humbling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But getting under the mind, gets under the doubts and the
judgements and the analysing. Oh, <b>what a relief.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I invite you to attend one of my retreats. Not because I
can give you anything that you don’t already have. But if you are willing there
will be support to inquire into yourself and maybe find out who you are not,
and maybe who you are.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are 2 one day retreats coming up. The day is 10am
until 3.30pm. One is in Christchurch (6<sup>th</sup> Oct) and one is in
Paraparaumu (13<sup>th</sup> Oct). More information contact me. annette@theinnerpath.co.nz<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-65165837575706386462018-08-23T04:08:00.002-07:002018-08-23T04:08:28.026-07:00When you were a baby...........<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>What
happened to you when you were little? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Were you fed
as often and long as you wanted? Were your cries heard and responded too
immediately? Did you have lots of cuddles? Were you held close a lot of the
time? Did you develop a connection with a primary carer, and later on, the next
important carer? Were you sung to, talked to, face-to-face?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If the
answer is yes, then probably you developed trust in people, you developed trust
that people would meet your needs, you developed an ability to be honest about
what was going on for you, you developed an ability to give your love, you
developed an ability to trust yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s
interesting how the first few weeks play a part in how you are as an adult. The
first 3 years evolve the patterns and abilities that you have as an adult.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Life doesn’t
run perfectly.</b> Things happen in lives. These things alter how we develop. Our
parents have their own imperfect patterns and ways of being that affect how
much they can be available to growing babies and children. Accidents happen,
hospitalisations happen, illnesses happen, relationships break up, shifting
house happens, people die, emotional upheavals happen. For me, I had an older
brother sick with Polio, when I was born, meaning that I had less attention, my
needs were probably not met immediately, people around me were worried and
tense. This affected me in many ways, including not being able to speak up for
what I want or offer an opinion believing that I won’t be heard (because I
wasn’t heard then) and I’m not of value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But however
your early life has affected you, whatever you blame for how you are, there is
the possibility of change. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>You do not have to stay stuck in those old patterns.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The first
step is to become aware of the patterns and ways of behaving or speaking. This
does not mean analysing and working out why you are as you are. Your mind would
have a field day but would also not be able to work it out clearly, because
it’s impossible. Then you are just wasting time going round and round. (I know,
I’ve done it) <b>It means noticing. </b>Notice your response to what someone says.
Notice if you feel offended. Notice what other feelings arise. <b>Do nothing with
them. </b>Just notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Try the
experiment of noticing. Over time you may find that there is a slowing down
inside you, as you take the time to notice. And then, there may be a tiny gap –
a space in which a choice will arise – the choice to play the same old response
or pattern, the choice to flip your way of looking at something, the choice to
open to a different judgement, the choice to trust an inner wisdom, the choice
to allow your kindest self to emerge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Notice. Slow
down.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-39842084962917708742018-08-04T23:03:00.001-07:002018-08-04T23:03:13.551-07:00Doubt<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This stuff
seems to be in my head rather a lot, so thought I’d have a go at inquiring into
what it really is. Or if you are a professional person, the word might be
“unpack”. In other words, have a discussion about the topic and see what can be
resolved or decided on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Doubt seems
to be an endless stream of questions </b>that come from all angles regarding
something I am thinking of doing. Or something I am thinking of buying (those
shoes!). <b>They arrive quickly or at odd moments and disrupt a peace</b> that I might
be experiencing. Maybe I’ve had a great idea pop into my mind and it’s feeling
really nice and positive. Then the doubts begin. They go round and round, many
of them ridiculous, but still my mind produces them. Here’s an example; someone
asked me via email if I run one day retreats in Christchurch. And of course, I
told her that I used to hold them there when lived there, up until 4 years ago.
Anyway, the seed of the idea was planted and I had the idea that I could hold a
retreat in Christchurch again – and I’m picturing the venue and the people.
Until – oh no – how do I get people to come, do I fly or drive (can take my
crystal bowls if drive), takes more time of I drive, but having a car there
would be useful, could I really be the person running a day retreat as I would
like to, what do I need to think about to run it, better get onto it if I want
to book flights or ferry, do I have the courage to drive down, would be great
to drive…………………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Do you get
into these sorts of tizz? </b>For me it can happen about the smallest thing. I go
along in life for a while trusting, being open, following ideas, and then
suddenly the doubts arise. The questioning thoughts pop up too much. Analysing
ideas. Producing dubiousness and hesitation. Even after I’ve followed an idea
or bought an item of clothing, the doubts arise afterwards as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you
think that doubts should be listened to? That they are helping you be careful
in life? That they are protecting you from failure? That they are keeping you
from conflict? That they are keeping you safe? Mmmmmmmmm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Or are they
limiting you?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-12769931071666577692018-07-22T20:33:00.005-07:002018-07-22T20:33:51.480-07:00Anxiety.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is it?
<b>Do you have it? </b>Ever? <b>Often? </b>All the time?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The word is
used increasingly these days. It has become a <b>BIG</b> thing. Like Depression, a big
thing. Scary thing – like so many things in this world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, I feel cross about the use of this
word. It seems to me that it has become more than it ever should be. It’s as
if, by creating this label that it becomes so big that it is not treatable.
It’s a generalised word that is not specific in what it means. Like depression.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not
denying the<b> suffering </b>of the people. I’m saying that the concept of anxiety has
escalated into a label that feels scary to people and then includes
expectations and negative possibilities which feel hard to get out of. This
applies to many diagnoses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then what happens,
is that people blame the label for what is happening. It’s a cop-out. Rather
than actually exploring what is going on for the individual. It’s not honest,
because it shifts the reasons for behaviour to an outside source. Even though
we know anxiety in something inside a person, using this label (like any label
on a person) suggests that the cause is outside and therefore, there is nothing
to be done. A label can also mean that there are generalised symptoms that
everyone with that label has, when in actual fact, everyone is different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I
explore this with a person, I want to get specific about what is going on.
Usually there is an emotion (<b>fear</b>) and worry (<b>thoughts</b>). So when we look at
these, we are looking at something that can be explored further, and delved
into. Without judgement and without labels. In examining the thoughts and
emotions and the circumstances, it is amazing how the pattern becomes clearer,
which leads to a way out. <b>By going in, we can find our way out.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now, I might
just be playing with words, but this is what I see happening in our society.
Anxiety is feeling anxious, and under that is probably fear. Then the thoughts
go round and round worrying about possibilities and creating more fear. Let
deal with all this fear in an honest way. Let’s inquire into it. Let’s face it,
up front. So that you don’t buy into having your life restricted by an outside
definition of….that word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By the way,
often we can get determined to control…………. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>There is a
simpler way……………. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-84584247037355045382018-07-10T01:44:00.002-07:002018-07-10T01:44:48.843-07:00Restrictions<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes circumstances can be wonderful for a while and
then over time they feel restricting. It’s interesting how our perception can
change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For example, the partner that I was with a couple of years
ago, is someone who loves to do things to help people. This felt wonderful to
me….at first and for a while. Over time my perception of this changed and I
started to feel restricted. Too much helping me, physically and verbally, meant
that my personal value felt lessened and life felt restricted. Of course this
was entirely my interpretation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Many things can feel restricting. It does depend on how we
see things. And maybe if we change how we see things inside ourselves, then it
won’t feel restricting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lack of money can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Living accommodation can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A job can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A relationship can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lack of ideas of what to do can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any circumstances can feel restricting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s not necessarily what the circumstances are. Another
person in the same circumstances may feel differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what is it really? Because following on
from there, the question is whether we take action about the circumstances. How
do we decide whether it’s just our interpretation or whether we need to change
the situation? (relationship, job, living place, etc) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we get a clear answer from the jumble of thoughts
that go back and forth?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are feeling confused about your circumstances and
whether to take action, that this is a good sign. You might ask how...............It’s
because the confusion is a mind condition. Confusion is not an emotion,
but…………it means that the mind might be getting near to giving up and realising
that figuring out isn’t working. This then allows the emotion to come through
and be felt. Why would you want to feel emotion? Because it will be emotion
that is the pain of the situation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So stop and feel. You might feel trapped and under that
there could be irritation, frustration, anger, worthlessness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is no big deal. Just feel whatever is
here without getting into thoughts of why. Bring your awareness to the feeling
and acknowledge it. Funnily enough it will then dissolve, especially if you
stay in the moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And in continuing to stay in this moment, the right action will
be revealed for you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stillness in the moment has all the answers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-26150990468342202192018-06-25T01:54:00.000-07:002018-06-25T01:54:08.253-07:00Are you satisfied?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Are you
satisfied?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Are you
unconsciously searching?</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do you go
off in tangents looking for….…….? You might not know what! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Someone said
to me recently, that they never felt satisfied with their life. That it seems
to be a pattern for them. A concern because its keeps them moving away from
uncomfortable situations, or towards something perceived as better, or just
trying this and that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember a
time when someone said that to me…….”You’re never satisfied”. It did stop me in
my tracks for a second or two. And I asked myself….”Am I or am I not?” Since obviously
I have remembered that comment, there must have been some impact. What I
thought at the time was…..isn’t it okay to not be satisfied? Isn’t that how we
grow?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m guessing
that there are different levels or parts to this being satisfied. We can feel
satisfied and still want to change and grow. Satisfaction does not mean
stagnation. Satisfaction does not mean avoiding any chance to expand and grow.
Satisfaction might mean acceptance of circumstances just now, in this moment,
without precluding being open to possibilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dissatisfaction
with life could mean that the person is on a mission to discover the meaning of
life, to discover themselves, to find out who they really are. Dissatisfaction
can provide the energy to expand, to open up and shift thinking. A person could
find themselves trying different modalities, going for readings, starting
practises to help fix themselves.<b> Do you?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dissatisfaction
can turn into a search. A search for what? Maybe a search for someone to tell
you the mysteries of life. Or who you really are? Maybe you want to be told. You
might decide to believe what someone else says. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Or, you
could turn this around. <b>Instead of going on a search outside, why not go on a
search inside you. </b>How? As humans, we just pile up the knowledge, the emotions,
and the wrong beliefs about ourselves all our lives….…….all on top of who we
really are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a matter of getting
underneath all that stuff and then you can discover your self. You can discover
the part of you that is unchanging. The part of you that is you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For me, stopping
the external search has revealed what I am not. It has given me multiple
experiences of the truth of me. <b>Am I satisfied with my life? Yes.</b> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And I continue
to be vigilant for the patterns and behaviours that are not the real me. So
that, in the moment, I can choose differently. I can choose truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-36748454781222752532018-06-17T03:12:00.003-07:002018-06-17T03:12:30.427-07:00The Power of the thinking Mind.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our minds
are working all the time. It’s very useful that they are really. We need our
minds to keep working. So let’s appreciate our brains and minds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But how is
it, for someone when what they see is not what is actually there. One of my
jobs is working with children with learning difficulties and I am really aware
of how frustrating it must be when what you see is not what’s there. For
example, if you are learning maths and read the number as 42 when really it is
24. (How many numbers can be reversed?) So how does one learn when what one
sees is that confusing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- well not
confusing to start with, because the child thinks it’s okay and it becomes
confusing when the answer doesn’t work out. Or reading words and see “was” as
“saw”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How does one make sense of the
sentence? See the possibility of growing feeling of failure? Then the
strategies to avoid this feeling? The strategies of avoiding being a failure?
Be a clown, act silly, become labelled as disruptive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As adults,
how often does this happen for us, in different ways. Do we see things as they
are, or is what we see, veiled by some idea we have in our head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As adults,
how often do we think we hear someone say something, and then find out later
that that is not what they said? That we interpreted what they said into
something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you
aware of this, in you? Or is it too much like being a failure?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had a
realisation along these lines the other day. I was reminded of someone I worked
with a several years ago, and this lead to a memory of how she was and what she
said. Then, into the gap while thinking, dropped the realisation. I remember
that she told me to do things, that she was bossy. I remember the specific
commands. But what I got now though, was that maybe she was asking me to do
things and I interpreted what she said as telling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, s…t. You mean I have been carrying
round the uncomfortable memory that she told me what to do, when actually she
was asking if I wanted to. That I was carrying round the uncomfortable feeling
of being bossed, when actually she was asking. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm. You know, I
think I may have interpreted other people as commanding me to do something when
they weren’t really. Maybe I had a veil of sensitivity to this sort of asking,
having experienced something early in my life which created a mind job of
interpreting questions as commands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And this
sort of thing can lead to an inability to say no, to a sense of having to do
what someone asks you to do. I certainly felt that I had to do what this person
asked. What do you reckon?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Funny
things, minds. Have a look at what yours is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-31686114404838969642018-06-03T01:35:00.000-07:002018-06-03T01:35:09.201-07:00Being Still. Being Present. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Being Still. Being Present. Being Here. Being Quiet. Being in Truth.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">These being
states might be a spiritual goal of yours. They certainly are for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s funny
though, because we can’t make ourselves be this way. We can’t even practise
these skills. Even meditation doesn’t do it. Meditation is a practice of
meditation, not of being still and quiet and being in truth. Unless it’s a
walking meditation, it’s about the body being still regardless of how painful
the body gets – and then its willpower!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">Being still inside is a different thing altogether. Because it’s not about the body being still, it’s about a stillness inside, even when the body is moving in daily tasks, even when the brain is engaged in whatever it needs to do. I feel excited when I write this. Why? Because I have felt it. This stillness that is here inside me, even when life goes on. It feels so magical.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;">And sometimes illusive!! Those times when I suddenly realise that the stillness</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">is not here,
I catch myself in awareness. And in the catching, I go still. Usually.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When my mind
is busy and at the same time, not focused, that’s when the stillness isn’t
present. I caught myself the other day when someone rang me just when I was
about to call someone on skype. The phone call was unexpected. I thought that I
listened well, but later I realised that I had not been totally present and
certainly not still inside myself. Half my self was elsewhere concerned about
the skype call. I felt rather disgusted with myself about this. However, a few
days later a similar situation occurred and I was able to be still and present
in the moment, in each moment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I often remind myself of a lesson that I learned
on Mt Arunachala in India – just one step. Not one step at a time, because this
implies that there will be a further step so it is slightly looking into the
future. But just this step. Just this moment. Being still.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The more we
bring ourselves to this moment, the more we can. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-60468310616997692742018-05-15T20:19:00.002-07:002018-05-15T20:19:49.642-07:00Energy and thoughts<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been
puzzling about what people mean when they talk about energy. Not the physical
body stuff – that understandable to me. But the unseen type.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People talk about the energy in a room, or
the energy in a location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Then this
morning it came to me – there is some sort of concept about energy. Some sort
of intellectual definition. Some sort of mind idea of energy. People feel
something and this is the label. So what if, when someone says that sort of
comment to me, I were to ask them some questions. Like – how do you feel that
inside you? Or - Is there a body sensation that goes with that for you? Or –
What are the thoughts in your mind that tell you about it? Then, there could be
a conversation about it that could be enlightening for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The place
where I’m at with spirituality has nothing (in my mind) to do with
spiritualism. And maybe nothing to do with energy. It feels much more in line
with life, for me to look inwards. My mind is so capable of thinking all sorts
of doubts and questions about daily life, and also very capable of all sorts of
thoughts and questions about all the activity that seems to be going on (on
facebook at least!) regarding the meaning of life, the questions one might have
and how to get there! Wherever there is!! Isn’t it simpler to stay right here
in this moment? Isn’t it simpler to just be here? And your mind might question
whether anything that is simple can be right. What would it give you to stay
present in the moment??? It gives me plenty – relaxation, trust, focus,
stillness, beingness, wholeness, belonging, nothingness and the essence of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are
layers to being present in the moment: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is the
mind focus on the task at hand <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It could be feeling
whatever emotion arises <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It could be
allowing the mind to be quiet, and not visiting thoughts of past and future. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe dropping
deeper into something that is under the thoughts and emotions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Or feeling
an inner stillness while concurrently welcoming any thoughts and emotions
lightly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Thoughts can
take us on a journey in many different directions and can easily get into a
tangle. What if we allowed ourselves the wisdom of knowing that thoughts come
and go. They are not permanent. We can play with them. We can introduce a
different thought and see how it affects the other thought. We have control
over whether we follow that thought or not. And it’s only another thought that
tells us that that is difficult to do!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have fun
with thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-69682991023571723102018-04-23T01:41:00.004-07:002018-04-23T01:41:31.269-07:00Non-attachment and manifesting.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How does
non-attachment work? Is it manifesting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my head I
am trying to figure out how manifestation fits in with non-attachment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Manifestation
is feeling, sensing, and visualising something that you desire, without
figuring out how it is going to happen. And then believing or knowing that it
will happen. Right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Non-attachment
is not really manifesting, because it also includes an acceptance of whatever
the result is – whether the result is what you desire or whether it is not. It’s
taking the first step towards a goal, not knowing what the next steps are, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not compromising</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sometimes we can think
we are not-attached to a result and in our mind, we may not be. But underneath,
there is something going on that has strings to the desired result. These
strings can be deeply embedded and even unconscious. We may believe what we
think (that we are not attached) because we haven’t delved deeper and may not
see a reason to delve deeper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know there
are times when I have taken a step towards a desired outcome and then thought “Whatever
will be, will be”, thinking that I was unattached to the result. Thinking that I
would accept whatever the result turned out to be. In hindsight, I was still
attached to the outcome that I wanted. There were buried strings that created
attachment to the result. I still wanted a particular outcome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently, I
experienced a situation of non-attachment. I was in a process of taking steps
towards some work, which was going to be funded by a social service. Then came
the tricky part of what do I charge. I was pleased that my mind quickly got
past the perceived need to make it less than usual. And when questioned, I was
able to give some options for looking at the hours in different ways, all of
which still gave me my fee. Then I completely detached from it. So completely
that I was aware that I neither wanted nor didn’t want the work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no strings to wanting it at all. Very
freeing. Then after a few days the email came that agreed to my fee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It was not a
technique to get what I wanted. It truly was a case of non-attachment to the
result, either way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Actually,
that’s the second example I’ve experienced lately. Maybe I was just ready for
this. Maybe I was free enough in myself so that I could be non-attached. I
know, that in the past, I have tried to be non-attached to a result. And the
trying seems to get in the way. Or else, I just had too many unconscious
strings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you
aware of how you attach to desired results?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-90333962301865967532018-04-12T01:38:00.001-07:002018-04-12T01:38:18.996-07:00Do you aim to fix people?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How good are
you at fixing other people? How good are you at fixing yourself? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How much of
your talking or communicating time do you devote to this? Just take an
observation of yourself and be honest. When someone tells you about their
relationship problem, or about their family issue, or about their health, or
about their fitness, do you immediately give ideas for what they can do? Do you
make one particular suggestion – the one you consider the right one? Do you
follow up with the reasons or with emotive words to encourage the person to do
that particular idea? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is it a
human thing? To tell people what to do to improve their situation? To make
suggestions? With or without options? Or is it just western society that does
this? Or is it my family that have this pattern?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Anyway, I
have been thinking of this lately. And I know that I perceive this as being
controlled at times. It’s as if, when someone tells me a solution, whether
worded as a suggestion or not, that I feel I am expected to follow that
suggestion. It’s a “should” do!! Which might not be the case at all. Though I
also sense at times, that the person definitely expects me to follow the
suggestion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sense disapproval. But is
this really the case or is it just my interpretation? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So there is
that side of it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> And the other side is….that I do it too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You know,
it’s a great opportunity for us to look at others behaviour or words, and then
ask ourselves: How do I do that? Because if we notice it in others, you can
guarantee that we do it too. And then we have a way to fix ourselves. Ah ha!!
But maybe this is not fixing – words EH! Maybe it is developing, improving,
growing? Take your pick about which word you use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And really,
it is a gift. This is one way to grow our awareness of our patterns and
behaviours and communications. And we do not have to try and fix ourselves.
Purely by having the awareness, there will be opportunities to play it
differently. It’s as if, an unconscious intention arises from the awareness. An
intention to drop that pattern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So I look
forward to doing less making suggestions and more listening. I look forward to
dropping that pattern. And the purpose? To live in truth. Awareness allows us
to drop the conditioning of our earlier life and live from the truth of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8932698091123582512.post-65233411624592680512018-03-31T17:34:00.001-07:002018-03-31T17:34:02.962-07:00Those bothersome emotions.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Feelings are annoying. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, some of them are. It would be
nice to feel happy all the time. Isn’t that what we really want? It’s so
painful when hurt feelings arise. It’s so painful when sadness arises. It’s so
painful when anger arises. What do we do with this feelings? Tell them to go
away? Push them down? (Become depressed!) Ignore them? Ride over them with
thoughts?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes we feel like we should feel this way and therefore
don’t wish to get out of it. You know, those times when grief is here and it
feels like a betrayal to the other person if we let go of grief. And feeling
sorry for someone, sometimes feels like a should feeling…..we should feel
sorry. Then guilt can arise because the feeling goes. Complicated eh????<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It really is impossible to figure out the right thing to
feel. So give up trying. O..oh! How does that feel? Like you are not
responsible? Like you are not a good person? Oh gee!! Can’t win.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What if you could really honour yourself by feeling whatever
arises in the moment, with no self-judgement about how that is, or whether it
is right? Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that
would be living in truth. But stuff gets in the way, doesn’t it? Stuff like the
expectations we sense from others, and the expectations we have of ourselves.
The blame we carry around for the things we think we can’t change. The emotions
we have unconsciously held onto.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually, if you can trust yourself enough to welcome
whatever feeling arises, this is the way to freedom. In our society, we so
don’t honour feelings. We tend to criticise those who allow too much emotion,
and especially if the emotion drives some undesirable action. And we fear
emotion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The secret, though, is to feel them in your body – no need
to let them out, no need for the emotional energy to drive you to say things
you don’t want to say, no need for emotions to be acted out in inappropriate
behaviours, no need for them to stifle you. Just feel them wherever they show
up in your body. And after that, if you wish to speak of them, then do, from
the stillness that arrives after the feeling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Annettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16919901100186670395noreply@blogger.com0