Sunday, December 31, 2017

Hope for 2018

The other day, I was listening to my iPod when one of my old favorite songs came on . . . the song came out when I was three years old but for as long as I can remember, I felt excitement each time I heard it, although I never knew why.  So when it came on the other day, I decided to pay attention to the lyrics and I was stunned.

The song is Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James and The Shondells and the lyrics seem incredibly fitting for the time that we are in right now.  They filled me with a sense of hope about the new year so I am sharing with the intention that they may do the same for you.

Lyrics:

Look over yonder
What do you see?
The sun is a'rising
Most definitely

A new day is coming, ooh, ooh
People are changing
Ain't it beautiful, ooh, ooh
Crystal blue persuasion

Better get ready to see the light
Love, love is the answer, ooh, ooh
And that's all right

So don't you give up now, ooh, ooh
So easy to find
Just look to your soul
And open your mind

Crystal blue persuasion, mmm, mmm
It's a new vibration
Crystal blue persuasion
Crystal blue persuasion

Maybe tomorrow
When he looks down
On every green field, ooh, ooh
And every town
All of his children
And every nation
They'll be peace and good brotherhood

Crystal blue persuasion yeah
Crystal blue persuasion aha
Crystal blue persuasion aha



Monday, December 11, 2017

Empowering Ourselves Through Discernment

One of my favorite quotes has always been "The truth will set you free!"  My most favorite song by the subdudes is "Save Me" and in the chorus they sing, "I believe the truth is going to save me."  My best friend recently made me a t-shirt with my new favorite quote "The truth will set you free, but first it's going to piss you off!"  There has always been a longing in my heart for truth and a deep sense that it truly would impact us in profoundly positive ways (once we got over the initial upset).

Based on that, I have been heartened to see that more and more truth is being revealed, especially in recent months.  It seems that each time I get on the computer, someone else has come forward with more truth that had been hidden.  Yet we are also inundated with a lot of information that is not true.  It's hard to know sometimes what is the truth and what isn't.  My sense is that the flood gates are about to open and more truth is about to be revealed than we ever imagined possible. Therefore it is becoming increasingly important that we are able to find the "truth" for ourselves.

I believe this is important right now whether it's information we are reading on the internet or in our every day interactions with others.

As an example, when people present their opinions as truth, it can throw us off balance.  What if a person told you that you were selfish or unkind?  Would you know right away if that were true? Or would you slip into feeling bad about yourself, worrying that maybe it was true?  Or what if someone told you the way you were caring for your pet was wrong?  Would you slip into a little self-doubt?

 It can be very empowering to be able to quickly and easily tap into what is "true" for us when we are presented with information and the emotions that come along with it.

Here is a simple process you can use to enhance your ability to discern the truth.

1.  Take a couple deep breaths to bring yourself into the present, releasing any emotion you may be feeling.

2.  Think of something that you love, to put yourself in your heart space.

3.  Ask "Is this true for me?"

4.  Observe what you notice.  Some people will sense a simple yes or no.  Some people may feel things in their body.  If you feel contraction, that often indicates a no.  A feeling of peace often indicates a yes.  Each of us are different so the key is to figure out what "yes" and "no" are for you.

The same technique can be used when we are reading things on the internet and social media.  With all the truth that going to be revealed, we are bound to be bombarded with as many un-truths and half-truths so our ability to tap in and discern truth will be paramount to our ability to stay balanced and centered in the coming months.