Day 151 - Lesson 150

My mind holds only what I think with God.

139 - I will accept Atonement for myself.
140 - Only salvation can be said to cure.

Today - the day that we honor the Law of Karma (cause and effect), I felt out-of-sorts, short-tempered, overwhelmed, and without patience.  I just glanced at this lesson this morning and didn't really give it another thought.  I did close my eyes a few times today and breath deep.  I reminded myself to respond to situations through and with love.  Nothing really seemed to help.  It's like I woke up with an extra-attachment stuck in my chest, and I just couldn't shake it or remove it.

The strange this is I woke up feeling rested.  I had a peaceful meditation.  I practiced my sun salutations and some additional yoga poses.  I had a nice breakfast.  For whatever reason this feeling just stuck around all day.

When I got home, I decided that my knees felt well enough to do my hike, walk, run....I should have stayed with the hike and walk.

I know...I sound like a whiner and I hate to sound like that.  I want to be inspirational for heaven's sake and here I am....whining. 

I re-read my lesson this evening.  I re-read my posts from the original lessons.  I kept hoping that I would feel inspired - that I would have something worthwhile to share.  All I seem to have is this:

Listen to your body and be kind to it;
Appreciate even the days that feel sort of crumby;
Practice is important in most everything;
Love will never steer you wrong.

Day 150 - Lesson 149

My mind holds only what I think with God.

137 - When I am healed I am not healed alone.
138 - Heaven is the decision I must make.

Today is Monday.  It is Memorial Day.  It is the day in which we honor the Law of Giving and Receiving.

I spent the day in service to our community.  I worked side-by-side other community members also in service.  I am thankful to work for a company that so generously donated to the event for our community.  It was an experience of healing, where the community at-large gathered to eat, to commune, to laugh, and to share.  Hearing, seeing, and feeling laughter is a heavenly experience.

In the silent moments of the day, I gave thanks to those who have passed on and those who have volunteered in service to our country. 

Day 149 - Lesson 148

My mind hold only what I think with God.

135 - If I defend myself I am attacked.
136 - Sickness is a defense against the truth.

I had yet another outstanding day with family, and planting flowers, and watching softball, and playing!  I did some long overdue chores.  I walked and attempted to jog - well, I did jog for a time, but now I am in pain.  I have started a new fitness routine and instead of listening to all good advice, instead of listening to my own body, I keep pushing it and now I am in fairly significant pain.  I can't squat, I can't get down on the floor with any grace whatsoever, I grimace every time I take a step.  This is what 'addicts' do - it's all or nothing, there is no patience, there is no wisdom, there is no thoughtful anticipation.  I have been defending myself against myself.  My sickness is a defense against the truth.  Pray I finally see the light; pray I've finally overcome this lesson. 

Day 148 - Lesson 147

My mind holds only what I think with God.
133 - I will not value what is valueless.
134 - Let me perceive forgiveness as it is.

I had a value-filled day with all sorts of interactions.  I also had some valuable time to myself.  This day held several opportunities to share with others, and to express love to others.  It also held precious quiet, and self-reflection opportunities.

• Flower purchases
• Breakfast with family and friends
• More visiting with family
• Massage
• Flower planting
• Hiking
• Ball game and more visiting with family and friends

In every encounter, I looked into the eyes of others and silently expressed my love.

Day 147 - Lesson 146

I have neglected to mention, since the start of this review, that each lesson review starts with this thought:

My mind holds only what I think with God.

And then the lesson review begins.

131 - No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth.
132 - I loose the world from all I thought it was.

I dealt with my shadow self several times today.  Each time, I thought of Deepak Chopra's words - to observe yourself without judgment.  I get restless and begin to struggle with routine.  I see and reflect upon these patterns of behavior.  While there was a time I would act without this reflection, this is an area where I see real progress.  I am not acting without considering the consequences or how my actions will affect and impact others.

I spoke with a long time dear friend today.  We shared some very serious concerns about a situation that has us worried.  There was a time when I would have been judgmental and a 'know-it-all.' Today I was simply honest in letting her know that the only answers I have for the situation are to love more and to have faith that things will work out as they are meant to work out.  Not that we shouldn't encourage change, model healthy communication and behavior, and extend love and support while remembering to honor and nurture ourselves - these are the things we should absolutely be doing.  But I didn't have any advice beyond that. 

The restlessness doesn't consume me any longer.  I no longer feel compelled to have all the answers.  I have relinquished my need to attempt to control everything.  I seek truth and I loose the world from all I thought it was.

Day 146 - Lesson 145

129 - Beyond this world there is a world I want.
130 - It is impossible to see two worlds.

I think one of the greatest comforts I've experienced in this journey has been in the ability to release worry.  Worry, at one time, could easily consume me.  It would paralyze me, make me sweat, make me want to crawl in a hole (or a bottle) to keep it at bay (or so I thought that's what I was doing), make me want to lash out, to judge, to cry, to be sarcastic, to be flippant, to be mean.

This journey and these lessons have enabled me to see how loving more, detaching, and depersonalizing whatever is occurring can create peace and a calmness - a stillness I had only glimpsed every now and then.

Today I heard about two distressing situations that are deeply affecting people I love.  There was a time that I would have personalized these situations.  I would have tried to insert myself, and my opinions, to the point of attempting to control and to fix the problems.  I would have lost sleep.  I would have felt compelled to talk to other people about the situations right away - in part to validate how 'right' I was in whatever I thought should be done.  However, instead of that, I was able to breathe, to pray, to send love, to listen.  Importantly, I am able to take a step back and recognize that the universe is exactly as it is meant to be in this moment.  I can't predict the future, but I can have faith that everything will turn out as it is meant to.  My sole goal should be (and is) one of love and support.  This takes the pressure off without diminishing the response of love and assistance - whatever is needed without my personal opinion of the matter.

There is nothing difficult about loving more.

Day 145 - Lesson 144

127 - There is no love but God's.
128 - The world I see holds nothing I want.

I had a webinar today for my Perfect Health teacher certification training.  We reviewed lesson 1.  As I sat there listening, reviewing the information, and taking notes I felt inspired and intrigued and excited and thankful.  I find such promise and joy in learning and applying Ayurveda in my life.  For the remainder of the day, I felt connected and a greater sense of clarity.  This reinforces for me the importance of living this more conscious-based life, living a life with purpose - living life on purpose. 

When we are immersed in activities that we lose track of time - we are in dharma - living our purpose.  It's those times that our connection to God, Source, Spirit feels tangible and every sense is alive with love.   

Day 144 - Lesson 143

125 - In quiet I receive God's Word today.
126 - All that I give is given to myself.

Today, being the day that we honor the Law of Karma or Cause and Effect, I found myself being extra-mindful of decision-making.  I studied my lesson this morning, and then after my meditation, I studied the law of the day and was reminded to be conscious, aware of my decisions - to consider the consequences.  To ask myself, "How will the consequences of this decision affect me?  How will the consequences affect others?"  There was one thing in particular I kept wanting to do, but these questions did a great job of reminding me of all the reasons not to.  The consequences may not have affected anyone immediately, but the decision would not have honored love.  It was one of those short-term solutions to 'feel good' in the moment.  This is a good example to me of receiving God's word (all throughout the day), of giving myself (and others) the gift of listening, of paying attention, of honoring love.

Day 143 - Lesson 142

123 - I thank my Father for His gifts to me.
124 - Let me remember I am one with God.

Of course, perfectly, today we honor the Law of Giving and Receiving.  I had this wonderful opportunity today to thank someone, a long over-due thank you.  This person, on a plane ride from Los Angeles, California to Boise, Idaho handed me Deepak Chopra's The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success book.  While it didn't immediately change my life - it has certainly changed it in profound ways in the past couple of years - a seed that had been planted, and once I began watering it sprouted beautifully and is growing, blossoming, drinking in the light.  I got to have lunch with two amazing women!  Even though I felt a lot of muscle fatigue today, I doubled-up on my protein shake, and got a good work-out in.  One of these days I am going to be a graceful runner.  For now I am thankful to put one foot in front of the other and for the ability to breathe!

Day 142 - Lesson 141

Today begins another review.  Each day of the review begins with: My mind holds only what I think with God. And is then followed by two recent lessons.

121 - Forgiveness is the key to happiness.
122 - Forgiveness offers everything I want.

I have been dealing with a bit of restlessness again.  I'm not sure if it's the weather, impending work and study, or just what.  I know I have been denying some worry - pushing it away - about my studies for Perfect Health.  I can be really good at sabotaging my own success.  Those old feelings of, "You're not smart enough, you're not good enough, you are not sophisticated, you lack formal education." bubble up inside of me. 

This review, these lessons, and especially the starting mantra will be really helpful to me in focusing on these thoughts and releasing those old ones.

More meditation, more prayer, more forgiveness, and more love....

Day 141 - Lesson 140

Only salvation can be said to cure.

This lesson says so much - so much to absorb.  One particular section stood out: The happy dreams the Holy Spirit brings are different from the dreaming of the world, where one can merely dream he is awake.  The dreams forgiveness lets the mind perceive do not induce another form of sleep, so that the dreamer dreams another dream.  His happy dreams are heralds of the dawn of truth upon the mind.  They lead from sleep to gentle waking, so that dreams are gone.  And thus they cure for all eternity.

It seems that when we let go of everything, truly release it, and look and feel through the lens of love, we want for nothing because we have it all. 

Day 140 - Lesson 139

I will accept Atonement for myself.

This lesson starts with this:

Here is the end of choice.  For here we come to a decision to accept ourselves as God created us.  And what is choice except uncertainty of what we are?  There is no doubt that is not rooted here.  There is no question but reflects this one.  There is no conflict that does not entail the single, simple question, "What am I?"

This lesson is a lot about self acceptance.  It's also about knowing ourselves and 'getting' that we are divine beings.

I thought a lot about making amends today.  I thought about an apology that could be made today, about something that has been on my heart, to someone I don't see much.  I wrote a little note to this person - and felt lighter for having done so.

This lesson inspired me not just to think about accepting atonement for myself, but about apologizing when my heart tells me to, and about loving always.

Day 139 - Lesson 138

Heaven is the decision I must make.

I do choose Heaven.  The thought that accompanies this lesson is: Heaven is the decision I must make.  I make it now, and will not change my mind, because it is the only thing I want.

As I contemplated this lesson today, my mind was awash with memories of people I have been close to throughout my life - mostly men, for some reason?  The one nice thing about it was I thought of these men who had somehow influenced my life, I also thought about a song that best described my relationship with each one of them, and I released the thought and the song into the universe.  I have no idea how this correlates with this lesson, but it's what happened today.

The other thing that was true for the whole day - I was actually giddy with love.  I took a long hike in the wet, windy, cold and felt completely exhilarated!  I saw signs of budding, beautiful life everywhere - with each and every step. 

If this is heaven, if these feelings make up heaven, I am all for it!  I say a resounding, "YES!" to that choice.

Day 138 - Lesson 137

When I am healed I am not healed alone.

Part of this lesson included carrying this thought today: When I am healed I am not healed alone.  And I would bless my brothers, for I would be healed with them, as they are healed with me.

I thought about how true this must have been last night during the Goddess Gathering.  While each of us took something different away from the gathering, the nurturing, the support, and the laughter provided some level of healing to each of us.  Maybe a small seed was planted for some of us (that is now growing inside to blossom down the road), maybe our hearts were caressed and hope had space to enter, maybe the warm touch of a friend's hug was exactly the healing we needed.

Day 137 - Lesson 136

Sickness is a defense against the truth.

I still find myself occasionally preparing to write about a lesson and thinking, "How am I going to describe the meaning of the lesson for me in a way that won't offend others or illicit an argument?"  I start thinking about all of the ways that what I write could result in negative feedback, or misunderstandings, or lack of approval.  This is one of those lessons.  Part of this occasional struggle occurs more often when I'm tired than when I'm full of energy.

I hosted the Goddess Gathering tonight and what a tremendous blessing and honor!  My little place, nine dynamic women, snacks, gifts, stories, inspirations, motivations, laughter, song, hugs, smiles!  I am thankful beyond words to be a regular participant of this full moon celebration.  It is all-inclusive, supportive, encouraging, and thought-provoking.  I couldn't have been happier with the Goddess card I received tonight - Eireen (Peace), "There is no need to worry, as everything is working out beautifully."  I also received a Louise Hay inspirational card tonight that says this: "I release all fears and doubts.  I now choose to free myself from all destructive fears and doubts.  I accept myself and create peace in my mind and heart.  I am loved and I am safe."

So, check, check, check, and check some more.  I choose health and wellness, I choose acceptance, I choose miracles, I choose love.

Day 136 - Lesson 135

If I defend myself I am attacked.

I had a whirlwind of a day.  It is Monday, the Law of Giving and Receiving is honored today - which makes me love Mondays.  Mostly it was a beautiful day of giving and receiving.  A day in which I did not feel compelled to defend myself.  It was busy and productive.

However, this evening, as I was busy planning (and feeling prepared because I had a plan) I received notice at about 9:00 PM that the water in my building would be shut-off all day tomorrow.  I was busy getting prepared for a gathering I agreed to host tomorrow evening.  I had developed a plan to complete a portion of the preparation this evening and then complete the rest of what needs to be done tomorrow by enlisting another person's help.  This would free me up to prepare snacks without feeling overwhelmed.  Tuesday is already filled with meetings and I would only have a short time to get everything put together - but I had this great plan.  The 9:00 PM notice threw a serious wrench in my plan.  I felt attacked.  I got mad.  I was irritated.  So irritated that I called the department director of the department supervisor who gave the notice.  I didn't yell or curse or anything of the sort.  I did, however, interrupt his evening - defending myself.

Ugh....after I hung up I recognized that there was no point in making that phone call.  His wonderful partner (and good friend of mine) phoned and suggested an alternate plan for my gathering tomorrow.  She made a very generous offer.  This made me further recognize that had I given the situation a few minutes of thoughtful consideration, rather than a few seconds of irritation, I would have seen that everything would work out.

I rolled up my sleeves and got busy.  There are only a couple of things that need to be wrapped up tomorrow now and it all only took a little more than one hour.  The other things I had planned for that hour can wait.  My schedule is flexible and can be readjusted.  I just wanted everything to fit neatly into my plan - as if my plan were somehow more important than any other plan.  There is a reason for everything.  I made choices that made a slightly inconvenient situation flat out uncomfortable for several other people - and all for what purpose?

Everything is going to turn out just fine.  This may not have been the best or most appropriate example for this lesson today, but it's what I had and it seemed to resonate some.

Day 135 - Lesson 134

Let me perceive forgiveness as it is.

This is one of those lessons that I think I 'get' but at the same time I'm not completely sure that I do.

This line helps some: Forgiveness must be practiced, for the world cannot perceive its meaning, nor provide a guide to teach you its beneficence.

If there is anyone I need to forgive for anything it is me.  I think this lesson has a lot to do with that as part of the practice session includes this:

Let me perceive forgiveness as it is.  Would I accuse myself of doing this?  I will not lay this chain upon myself.

While it's true, there was a time that I would easily blame others, find fault with others, accuse others for all manner of my own disappointments or for a given situation.  The pendulum has arced the other way and I find myself self-reflecting to identify the choices I've made to arrive in a given situation.  This is good and it's progress.  I also recognize that I can struggle with forgiving myself - I do accuse myself of things that bind me, rather than observe my feelings without judgment (and certainly if I'm judging myself, I am surely judging others). 

I understand that forgiveness does indeed take practice.  I had a couple of conversations today that included this theme - the theme of practice, doing the work, taking the steps to become more familiar with our own divinity, in 'getting it' that I am not in the world, the world is in me (and in you, in each of us).

And, by the way, what a great day to be practicing this....the day in which we honor the Law of Pure Potentiality.

Day 134 - Lesson 133

I will not value what is valueless.

This lesson was all about the practical nature of recognizing those things that have value are not complicated, they are not complex, they are simple, they are easy.

Here are a few messages that got straight to the heart of this lesson for me:

• Each choice you make brings everything to you or nothing.
• If you choose to take a thing away from someone else, you will have nothing left.
• If you feel any guilt about your choice, you have allowed the ego's goals to come between the real alternatives.

As I go about my business of daily decision-making, of interacting with others, of considering myself - when I think about these three messages as practical guiding steps life is not just easier it is truly valuable.

I am cleaning out closets, purging drawers filled with items that just take up space, but may be of real benefit to others.  I am cleaning out my mind, sweeping away those things that don't nurture it, and opening my heart to give and receive more love.

Day 133 - Lesson 132

I loose the world from all I thought it was.

I read and re-read the title of this lesson several times.  I had to say it over and over.  Something about it just didn't sound right.  It starts out by saying: What keeps the world in chains but your beliefs?  And what can save the world except your Self?  Belief is powerful indeed.  The thoughts you hold are mighty, and illusions are as strong in their effects as is the truth.

A bit later it says: The present now is the only time.  Here in the present is the world set free.  For as you let the past be lifted and release the future from your ancient fears, you find escape and give it to the world.

The thing that was especially great about this lesson....as I read it over and over, is that today, Friday, is the day we honor the Law of Detachment.  The two lessons combined helped me to really get this, to really focus on it today.  Plus, I had several encounters that supported this lesson.

I had a long and lovely chat with a super special young woman today.  A young woman who has had more than her fair share of challenges.  She said something about how during a long drive she started thinking about how long it was going to take to get to her destination.  She then realized that instead of focusing on her destination she would start appreciating everything about getting there.

I had another chat with another super special young woman today.  A young woman who is facing a few challenges that are complicated.  She is strong, smart, and talented.  She faced a situation today that she could have easily given in and not pursued a direction that was important to her.  She could have done this because giving in would have been the path of least resistance.  Instead she held firm in her direction and let go of another person's expectations.

I met up with a friend I hadn't seen in a long while.  He shared a sad tale about some health problems he had experienced earlier in the year.  He shared frustrations with his job.  He talked about how life is a grind and wondered when he would catch a break, when he would be able to just enjoy life.  He reached across the table and said, "I need some spirituality."  This provided a great opportunity for me to share just a little bit of my journey.  I hope this was helpful to serve as a beacon of hope for this friend. 

There is freedom in appreciating the present, staying in the present, and shining the light of love.

Day 132 – Lesson 131

* Blogger was 'unavailable' last night - hence the late posting.

No one can fail who seeks to reach the truth.

This lesson focuses on finding heaven in the here and now.  It talks eloquently about how God provides all there is to offer – right now, in this and in every moment.  It is our free will to find it, to search for it, to see it, to feel it, to believe it.

I practiced searching for this truth today.  I am making every effort to live in the present moment.  I am attempting to live a life that doesn’t get caught up in the past or in the future.  I try to set my intentions each day, to consider to the greatest extent possible (this still takes active practice, and maybe always will) how love would respond in each given situation….I am getting there. 

I started the Couch to 5K training program today.  Wow!  On one hand, I feel really out of shape; while on the other hand, I felt exhilarated by the experience.  Sure, I’m slow; my form needs work, but I got out there and put one foot in front of the other. 

I listened to a coworker who needed to confide in someone about a serious health issue and a fear.  I expressed love and support.

I ‘chatted’ on Facebook with a friend I’ve known for 35 years.  We haven’t been in touch very regularly for the past few years, but we picked right up as if we’d never left off.

My day was filled with blessings.  I found some heaven right here.  It’s not at all difficult to find – we just need to open our eyes and fill our hearts with love.

Day 131 - Lesson 130

It is impossible to see two worlds.

If, as this says, perception is consistent. What you see reflects your thinking.  And your thinking but reflects your choice of what you want to see.  Your values are determiners of this, for what you value you must want to see, believing what you see is really there.  No one can a see a world his mind has not accorded value.  And no one can fail to look upon what he believes he wants, then I am teetering along that tight rope I addressed a few days ago.  I do see two worlds - or I perceive myself in between two worlds. 

As I consider this journey and where I'm at in finding myself, I definitely feel and experience greater clarity on a daily basis.  I am accomplishing so much more and feeling a greater sense of service.  I am able to look into the eyes of people that I didn't think I liked very much and more often find myself there.  I am able to respond to tension, to criticism, to frustrations with a greater sense of calm and detachment.

I have found myself being particularly harsh to me of late.  I am growing a gut that is quite disturbing.  I was feeling sorry for myself too - you know, "Geez, I quit smoking, I quit drinking, I eat very little animal protein, I'm not cursing like I once did, I exercise regularly - and I'm still getting fat!"  I keep hearing a line in my head from Dr. Wayne Dyer in his Excuses Begone book and DVD in which he says, "Is this 100% true?"  "Can you be certain?"  Oh, so, I keep hearing this because I also keep making excuses about why I'm getting fat - it's my thyroid (I do have hypo-thyroidism) and I don't think my medicine is adjusted correctly.  So, I should call my doctor and have him order blood tests - I just haven't gotten around to doing that.  Oh, it's my age and I'm going through perimenopause.  I'm sure this is true, too.  However, if my thyroid medicine isn't adjusted correctly the symptoms can be almost identical.  I am eating too much sugar - for sure (I love dessert, and chocolate, and licorice).  I am not exercising enough - I walk most every day, but not until the evening hours.  I did recently buy two new pairs of tennis shoes (one for indoor use and one for outdoor) because I want to start the Couch to 5K program.  Maybe I just needed to get this out of my system to help get me jump-started on a plan of loving me more?

This lesson talks about how truth eclipses fear.  This is true.  My journey is one of love and of seeking truth.  As I love more and release my fears, holding on to whatever junk is growing my midsection will be that much easier to lose (I hope).

Day 130 - Lesson 129

Beyond this world there is a world I want.

After having reflected upon yesterday's lesson and observing myself get all caught up in it and second-guessing my progress....this lesson, of course, supplies the hope that felt missing yesterday.  When I relax into lessons instead of forcing solutions and outcomes - things fall into place as they will, as they are meant to, and the right time frame. 

This part: Our emphasis is not on giving up the world, but on exchanging it for what is far more satisfying, filled with joy, and capable of offering you peace.

This is all about recognizing that this material world, full of competition and one-upmanship, and material wants and desires, is obviously available for the taking - and it's what so many of us have been socialized to accept.  We accept it to the point of living on auto-pilot without even giving much thought beyond our next day at work, our next purchase, our next vacation (or lack thereof).  Until, at least for me, something kept tapping me on the shoulder and whispering in my ear, "Is this all there is in life?  What is my purpose?  Why am I here?"  And now, I can't get enough of that.

All you need is love.  With God all things are possible.  Stop trying so hard.  I used to be one of those people that would snicker at these statements.  My heart woke me up and I want to live a life that exemplifies to the greatest possible extent these things....I want to love more, I want to know God, and I want to be happy.

Day 129 - Lesson 128

* I was traveling yesterday (day 129) and could not get a good internet connection to post this.

The world I see holds nothing that I want.

This lesson is complicated for me.  I think I have a fairly good grasp of what it’s telling me; however, the concept that each thing you value here is but a chain that binds you to the world, and it will serve no other end but this.  For everything must serve the purpose you have given it, until you see a different purpose there.

I feel like I’m walking some sort of tight rope between two worlds.  I would like to devote the majority of my time to exploring and studying the great spiritual belief systems – I know I’ve said this before.  I have this intense desire to immerse myself in it and yet I also have an underlying voice in my head that doesn’t see how that could happen.  I have responsibilities and how would such a venture be funded?  Again, it’s these types of thoughts that I fully recognize keep my world small.  Apparently I’m still struggling with being open to uncertainty and all that’s possible.

I know I can’t force this.  That’s difficult for me.  Though I do trust that the universe is exactly as it is meant to be – I will be more mindful of this moment and more appreciative. 

Day 128 - Lesson 127

There is no love but God's.

Today the blessings were many and love abundantly apparent.  Today is Mother's Day and also devoted to the Law of Pure Potentiality.

I was treated to breakfast, to special memories, and to sunshine.  Mostly I was treated to raucous and joyful laughter.  Laughter, deep in the belly laughter, fills us with love.

I am sure, I am positive, that Source, Spirit, God wants us to be laughing because when we laugh we feel love - we spread love.

Day 127 - Lesson 126

All that I give is given to myself.

The main point of this lesson is:

Today we understand the truth that giver and reciever are the same.

I've had an incredibly busy day and I'm incredibly tired.  I had a lot of opportunities to give and to receive. 

I am thankful for this beautiful day and for this beautiful lesson.

Day 126 - Lesson 125

In quiet I receive God's Word today.

While flying for three hours today, I spent a lot of time in reflection and meditation in this lesson. 

Today He speaks to you.  His Voice awaits your silence, for His Word can not be heard until your mind is quiet for a while, and meaningless desires have been stilled.  Await His Word in quiet.  There is peace within you to be called upon today, to help make ready your most holy mind to hear the Voice for its Creator speak.

About a year ago, as I was starting my practice of daily meditation, I remember feeling restless and wondering if I would ever feel a sense of peace.  After being instructed in the Primordial Sound meditation technique, I learned that each meditation is different and valuable.  The important thing to remember is that when my mind is quiet, when I sit in silence, I come to know my true self. 

It's true that meditation provides a genuine avenue to listen to God.  I heard God today and I am ever thankful.

Day 125 - Lesson 124

Let me remember I am one with God.

I especially love this part of this lesson: Our shining footprints point the way to truth, for God is our Companion as we walk the world a little while.  And those who come to follow us will recognize the way because the light we carry stays behind, yet still remains with us as we walk on.

That creates such a beautiful visual.  I find that one of the greatest benefits of this journey is that I don't take things as personally anymore and I have a great deal more trust that things will always work out for the best - as they are meant to work out.  I can't describe how surprising and comforting this is.  A couple of times this week I had people apologize to me for things they were afraid I might have been offended by.  Each time I was really taken off guard because I hadn't been offended by anything.  It was never all that easy to offend me, but I would get irritated and take things personally as if I was somehow superior, or whatever had happened was somehow directed towards me - at me.  I see now that the way other people behave has nothing to do with me.  Like Wayne Dyer says, "How people treat me is their karma, how I react is mine."

Living this stuff every day, asking every single day to be an instrument of love, taking the steps, and being mindful has created the most peaceful existence I have ever had, and, in fact, struggled to imagine at one time. 

Yes, please let me remember I am one with God.

Day 124 - Lesson 123

I thank my Father for His gifts to me.

I had one of those, "Oh, my goodness where has the day gone!" days.  I realized that, while I may not want to be in this line of work much longer, I am thankful to have days that fly by.  Days in which loads of good things get accomplished.  There were a couple of disappointments and one situation that I had to tell myself over and over that I didn't need to defend my point of view. Though, overall, it was a day that I can reflect upon and feel good about.

This lesson encouraged a day filled with thankfulness to Father, to God, to Source, to Love.  A nice lesson for a day committed to the Law of Least Effort.  

Day 123 - Lesson 122

Forgiveness offers everything I want.

The mantra that was repeated with this lesson:

Forgiveness offers everything I want.
Today I have accepted this as true.
Today I have received the gifts of God.

This was helpful for me in a challenging situation today. A decision needs to be made.  A decision that requires a recommendation from me.  Even after prayer, meditation, and asking myself over and over again, "What would Love do?" I still don't have a very good recommendation.  I had been beating myself up over this.  I gave in today.  I turned it over to Source.  I forgave myself.  I see now that the situation will resolve as it's meant to and I've done all I can do. 

Getting to forgiveness isn't always easy - sometimes I make things more complicated than they need to be - but once I get there it feels right.

Day 122 - Lesson 121

Forgiveness is the key to happiness.

This lesson addresses so well:
The unforgiving mind is full of fear, and offers love no room to be itself; no place where it can spread its wings in peace and soar above the turmoil of the world.  The unforgiving mind is sad, without the hope of respite and release from pain.  It suffers and abides in misery, peering about in darkness, seeing not, yet certain of the danger lurking there.

The practice periods for this lesson included thinking about someone you dislike and someone you love.  As you think about and see the person you dislike, you look for some 'light' in him.  You see your friend, the person you love, and the light is clear.  You then work to combine the two. This, of course, encourages you to see love in those we don't like.  To see ourselves in each other.

I think these kinds of exercises are always good.  They remind me not to take things personally, to keep my ego in check. To recognize that just because I feel a certain way about how I think someone has treated me and why I think they may have treated me a certain way - that I really don't have any idea.  I don't know what's happening in someone else's head.  I don't know that they've done anything intentionally.  And, frankly, if they have it's up to me completely whether or not I let it bother me.

When I choose forgiveness I choose love, and when I choose love I choose peace.  And this is the perfect recipe for happiness.

Day 121 - Lesson 120

Review -

109 - I rest in God.
110 - I am as God created me.

I spent a fair amount of time reflecting upon these lessons today.  During my hike, especially.  It was blustery and chilly and my hike felt intense because it's one that I've completed only once this season.  I thought about a confusing issue involving a friend.  As I was shopping for supper tonight, I had a discussion with another friend who was angry about situation.  After supper the news was blaring about the U.S. finally killing Osama Bin Laden.

Thankfully, I was able to rest in God and recognize that I am as God created me - on this day of pure potentiality.

Through this thought, this reflection, I see that the confusing situation with my friend, my other friend's anger, and the death of Osama Bin Laden that true resolution, real resolution, lasting resolution is not possible where love is not present.

May my heart, may your heart be filled with love - even when that feels like a difficult proposition.  In fact, it is in those difficult moments that love is absolutely critical.  We heal, we mend, we find peace when we love.  Albert Einstein has a famous quote that sums this up, it goes something like this:

It is impossible to solve a problem on the same level that it was created.