Forgive and Find Joy

Why do we assume there is something wrong? We need to blame either ourselves or someone else for situations and events. We take a defensive stance when confronted with another's misunderstanding of what is happening. Often we shift the blame to the one who is confused, angry or upset. Why?

Somewhere we have been taught anything that does not make others happy is our fault. We are not good enough. We are somehow broken. Our ideas cannot be good enough or everyone would just simply agree. When our judgement is questioned it triggers the response of defending our worthiness. We find ourselves lashing out or withdrawing into silence. We seldom open to discussion on these alternate opinions or ideas, afraid we may see a different point of view, thus making our point wrong. But is there a wrong or right opinion to anything that happens in life? Is life not just a perception?

One of the biggest reasons I have found for this push and pull between us, is the need to feel we are in control. Our subconscious has been programed to believe others are either better than us or beneath us. Therefore we need to defend our position on the ladder of life. But is there anyone who is better or beneath anyone? Is there a need to defend our position, if we are all equal? Is it not acceptable to understand another's point of view without feeling there is something wrong with us?

As is my usual Easter custom, I sit in meditation and consider forgiveness. Forgiveness of self and others. More and more I find myself asking, "What is there to forgive?" This ritual shows me how I am taking life too personally. We are here to experience. Those who push our "Hot Buttons" or illicit hurt or anger, can be appreciated rather than defamed for they are showing me where I still have the belief, "I am not good, worthy,  smart or important enough. Those beliefs have nothing to do with anyone else but me. I need in times of feeling a need to forgive someone else, to realize I created this experience to teach me more about who I think I am.

So then, what is left to forgive? I have long since forgiven the bullies, abusers, and naysayers in my life. I have even found a place of gratitude for the strength they have given me. Do I need to forgive those who disagree with my perception of life and what should be? No, they are entitled to their opinion. I can be grateful for the different aspect they have on a particular idea, for it broadens my mind.

Forgiveness of self is all that is left. Forgiveness for those times when I have responded without opening my mind and heart to what another feels in a situation. Forgiveness for self for those times I have made an assumption without hearing the whole story. Forgiveness of self for thinking I am not worthy of all that is good in life. Forgiveness for desiring control when control is not appropriate or necessary. Forgiveness for some and any belief that allows another to push those old buttons of the past, when the past is gone. Forgiveness for thinking I should be able to control the future when there is a greater power within me who will guide me if I just drop the pretense that my ego is all there is to guide me. Forgiveness of self for looking either up the ladder or down, when in truth I know we are all equal, all one, with a unique set of qualities and ideas that make the experience of life, rich and textured.

As I conclude my meditation for this year it comes to me that most misunderstandings are based on assumption, creating a story without allowing ourselves to hear the truth from others. We are so afraid of the truth that we shut out those who we presume have wronged us and create a story that gives basis to our right to be angry, hurt, and disgruntled. If we could instead create a story that says I am enough, they are enough and together we create a beautiful world, the need for this Easter custom could end.

Is it not enough that one man died on the cross, must we carry that hurt, burden and sacrifice as well? To do so negates that which we were taught in Sunday School, that Jesus died on the cross to forgive the sins of man eternally. Can we not remember this and forgive without pain and suffering?

For in forgiveness we find the joy we are seeking.

Just For Today I Will See the Sweetness in Life

I woke up this morning with a feeling of joyful anticipation. I've noticed this feeling a lot these past few months. Then I begin to wonder what will happen today? Why am I having this feeling? I question how I could be feeling this way with all I have to do, my responsibilities, the sadness of friends, and trivial worries I harbor.  The feeling disappears. I did something different this morning - I smiled to myself and out loud to the Universe, I affirmed, "Thank You". The feeling remains. I consciously decided last night before I went to sleep to do something different, when that peaceful, happy feeling arrived. I planted the idea of holding on to whatever I felt as I was waking. I remember a part of a dream where hummingbird reminded me of the sweetness in life, explaining it is always there we just forget to allow it - we look past it to the problems we think we are having. Even now fully awake, I see the truth of the dream.

Have you ever noticed in the moment before you are fully awake, you feel a sense of peace or joy, or perhaps you feel a deep sense of love for life? Then you begin to think of all you have to do today, or the phone call you forgot to return yesterday. Worries about what will be or how the day will turn out start to set in as you come fully awake, and in an instant the original moment of bliss is gone.

During the deepest part of our sleep, our minds and bodies are given opportunity to heal. Worries and fears disappear as we become more attuned to Spirit, knowing we are safe, loved and protected. Our dreams often show us the way out of difficulty, restoring balance. As we are waking we hold on to the knowing we are guided, that life is meant to be joyful and that all is just as it is supposed to be. Then we allow the mind to take over, reminding us of all we think is not so great in our world. We override the peace or joy or love, as we begin the to do list in our heads, wondering how we will make it through the day. The dream containing the solution is lost from our conscious mind, and once again we feel alone, having to face the difficulties on our own.

What if we held on to whatever feeling we had when we awoke? What if we just trusted the gift we were given in our sleep? What if we let ourselves believe that all would be well during the day? What if we knew there was nothing to fear or worry about? What if everything that happened during the day was a gift guiding us toward the joyful anticipation of life?

I have decided to try this new way of looking at all that is happening around me. For years I have affirmed that All is Well in My World, among many other inspirational thoughts as they come sporadically throughout the day. I read the Reiki Prayer - Just for today I will not be Angry. Just for today I will not Worry. Just for today I will be Thankful. Just for today I will do my work Honestly. Just for today I will send love to every living thing. But today, I am adding - Just for today I will accept the gift of joy anticipation and see where it leads. Today I will not let all that appears to be wrong with the world, be wrong. There is a reason for all things and I trust the Universe. For today I will just notice what happens and without judgment be grateful for life.

If you would like to join me in this adventure, add your comments. If we all become more accepting of the peace we wake up with perhaps our lives would begin to reflect those thoughts instead of all the worry, fear, grief, anger and guilt we now experience.

Blessings to All

EACH MOMENT IS AN OPPORTUNITY

Today is a new day, and I begin anew. I begin by greeting the day with love, in acceptance of all the opportunities placed before me. Today I see each moment as an opportunity. For even obstacles or boredom are nothing more than opportunities to seek, to grow.

Fear asks me to stand tall, to move, to reach out for support. Therein I find courage, strength, new friends.

Sadness calls out with memories of happier times, encouraging me to experience true sorrow, so that I will also know true joy.

Lonliness beckons me to lend a hand, to help another. I need never be lonely when there are so many who would be a friend. Lonliness is an opportunity to take time for meditation and fuel creativity.

Illness is but an opportunity to heal. As I sit with illness, I see my thoughts more clearly, and find new ways to regain the vitality I long for. A day of rest is often well deserved. Long suffering is for those who choose to blame rather than claim responsibility. In this suffering I see my truth revealed, which now becomes an opportunity to let go of self-pity, guilt, remorse.

Pain reminds me that I have given without thought to physical capabilities. Here I find the steps I need to take to strengthen my muscles and replenish my fortitude. In my own pain I see those who I have hurt, as well as those I need to forgive. Thank you for this opportunity to forgive others and myself.

As I watch the clouds from window, I sense the wonder of the world. It is in this moment I feel the joy of living. In this joy my heart opens to the opportunities for love, for purpose, for dreams.

Within a crowd there is opportunity to spread love and blessings, without words or recognition. In stillness I find time for prayer, in gratitude for silence, peace, and breath.

Celebration is an opportunity to reunite with friends and loved ones, to regain the awe of childhood, to feel the bonds of family and community.

Each moment of our life offers opportunities to see the work we do, the joy we share, the love we need, the talents we have, the blessings, the trials, the possibilities. Each moment can bring us closer to our dreams or further from our goals. Each moment gives us the opportunity to choose what we offer others or what we  keep for ourselves. Each moment soon becomes our life.

Teleseminar - Stop Changing - Start Healing

EVENT: Don't Change For Heaven's Sake
DATE & TIME: Wednesday, September 30th at 5:00pm Pacific FORMAT: Simulcast! (Attend via Phone or Webcast -- it's your choice)TO ATTEND THIS EVENT, CLICK THIS LINK NOW...http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=9230160

It is very seldom that I blatantly advertise my work. But this is important. The more I work with Spirit, spending less time worrying about the past and future, the more alive I feel. I have adamantly stated over and over - Stop Changing - become who you are. I have promoted the "think from the heart" for several years.

If you wish your health was better, your finances improved, your relationships more intimate, or wanting a better outlook on life, then join me on this call. It is an introduction to a 6 week program that will give you the tools to transform, rather than change. You are worth it.
Blessings

Remember, Reconnect, Feel & Manifest

How do you begin the process of remembering?

Reconnecting to our Soul Self or True Essence is a simple, yet elusive process. As I have said so often, it does not require change. In fact trying to change who you are further complicates the ability to connect with your Truth.

Connecting is about getting in touch with that part of You that never changes - Always was, is and will be, never-changing, always supportive, ever giving and loving.

Connection is not about slaying the ego - rather embrace that part of you that points out where the blocks are, how you are feeling about yourself right now, and what beliefs are ready to be released. Simply acknowledge that voice that speaks those words of warning that you are not enough, not capable, not pretty, not wealthy, not successful, not healthy - Acknowledge and say Thank You for showing me this part of how I am feeling.

Once you have acknowledged your ego, sit with how you would rather feel. Find a memory, or make one up, that resonates with the feeling you desire. Allow a vision of how that feeling is or can be manifest in your life. Then allow the old belief and the new vision to meld together. Carry this melded feeling with you, taking appropriate action to transform that part of your life that is stopping the new feeling to be true for you.

This is the start of reconnection. If you need help with this process or would ongoing support in the process send me an email to discuss how I can assist you. I am offering the readers of this blog post a 30 minute consultation to determine your best path to creating the experience of Heaven on Earth. julie@juliesheaven.ca

Live For Heaven's Sake

Welcome to a place where all things are not just possible, but already in existence. Over the coming days, weeks and months I want to share with you the difference between manifesting abundance and just accepting it.

All that we desire is already created, waiting for us to say YES and open our hearts for delivery.

Once we come to the realization that there is no need to want, and begin to pray through God, not to God, our lives flow with joy, love, prosperity and optimal health.

So please join me - there is much to think about and discuss.

http://www.heavensake.ca/html/meditations.html is currently being built, but the page for my Meditate For Heaven Sake Program is now live. So join in and begin to Live For Heaven's Sake.

While you're there sign up for information about my soon to be released book "Don't Change For Heaven's Sake", e-courses, homestudy programs and much more.