Day 243 - Lesson 242

This day is God's.  It is my gift to him.

So, I will admit, I was taken aback by this lesson when I first read that.  Whoa....but, then, you know, it's great.  Instead of being focused on me and forgetting about Source - going about my daily business without recognition of Spirit - without giving it over to Love, I acknowledged the gift in giving to pure consciousness.  Yes, please, have this day God and guide me in all that occurs.

As I was preparing for the day, I fully acknowledged that this day is God's.  I asked to be a vessel of Spirit.  I trusted that I would be guided as needed - and indeed I was.  I felt full of love and I felt loved all throughout the day.

May every day be God's.

Day 242 - Lesson 241

This holy instant is salvation come.

This lesson is about recognizing that we are all one...we are not separate - only in our minds, our intellect, in our ego are we constricted to the point of believing that we are separate.  When, in all actuality, we are in constant and dynamic exchange with everything in our environment.  This is a joyful lesson because we realize that all of our fear is based on illusion. 

When we remember to take the time to be present in the moment, when we get quiet and listen to our hearts beat and the sound of our breath entering and exiting our bodies, we are able to better feel our oneness with the universe.  This is beautiful and powerful.

I am thankful for this realization - it has saved my life in countless ways.

Day 241 - Lesson 240

Fear is not justified in any form.

This lesson addresses how fear is deception.  And how incredibly appropriate that this would be the lesson for today.  I am currently in the final phase of receiving my certification to teach Perfect Health - an Ayurveda lifestyle course.  There is a whole lot of information and some anxiety / fear around presenting it and being tested on it.  However, as our class began today, Davidji reminded us that, "Fear is false evidence appearing real."

So, given all of this great advice....I'm going to get a bit more studying in, let go, and let God / Source / Love guide me.

Day 240 - Lesson 239

The glory of my Father is my own.

I had another really quiet day and spent much of it in silent reflection.  I felt a little out-of-sorts....strange rooms in strange cities, lots of speeding traffic, fast internet, movement in every direction, lots of unfamiliar noises....and to top it all off, I'm a wee bit nervous about this week.  I know that the presentations and tests are set up in a way that will make it hard to fail.  However, that old ego voice in my head occasionally whispers in my ear, "You're not smart enough.  You're not prepared enough."  I respond with, "Of course, I'm smart enough....though the quantum physics stuff still gets me some; and, I studied a lot, there may be a few things I still don't know or won't remember, but I did really study." 

So....I am embracing uncertainty.  I am putting my best foot forward and with each step I am filling the space with love.  I trust that if this certification is what I am meant to have, then I will have it. 

I am most especially embracing this line of this lesson: We are one, united in this light and one with You, at peace with all creation and ourselves.

This will indeed help me through all of the uncertainty.

Day 239 - Lesson 238

On my decision all salvation rests.

This lesson is a reminder in how much God loves us. 

I spent a quiet day of walking in warm sunshine, shopping for a few items for my trip, studying, and in being thankful for my life.  I spent much of my day in total silence.  I ate alone, walked alone, and shopped alone.  It felt good to let the silence settle deep in my bones.  I reached out to Source many times today and felt embraced in love.

Day 238 - Lesson 237

Now would I be as God created me.

This lesson begins by saying: Today I will accept the truth about myself. I will arise in glory, and allow the light in me to shine upon the world throughout the day.

I got up this morning and had no idea if I would be leaving on a plane or not.  It was rainy, windy, and foggy - not a good combination.  I meditated and prayed and asked for comfort to settle deep within my heart.  I didn't want to be anxiety-ridden about whether or not the plane was going to come.  I knew that if the plane didn't come in, while I would be a puddle of tears, it would also mean that the trip wasn't meant to be - at least in today's time frame. 

I sat at the airport surrounded by love and support.  It was late, but the plane got in and I made it to my scheduled destination just a couple of hours later than originally planned.  Everything seemed to work just as it was meant to - dear friends sat with me while I waited for the plane, my connecting flight was re-booked, my bag made it, and the shuttle to my hotel arrived within five minutes. 

It was so nice to maneuver through what could have been an incredibly frustrating day without worry, fear, and anger.

That internal light and compass works exactly as it's intended....I'm glad I found the 'on' button.

Day 237 - Lesson 236

I rule my mind, which I alone must rule.

This lesson addresses releasing my mind to God, to Holy Spirit, to employ as he sees fit.

I ask every morning and throughout the day to be a vessel of spirit.  Today was a busy, intense day.  When I felt constricted with stress and anxiety, I acknowledged it and I observed it - and then I made choices that felt nurturing and I then felt expansion.

I live in a place where the weather dictates whether or not the plane will fly.  I am scheduled to fly out tomorrow for a long awaited trip.  I will be testing for my Perfect Health certification in southern California, then on to visit family in another state, and then on to my corporate office in yet another state.  This trip means a lot to me.  I checked the weather report for tomorrow and learned that it's marginal for leaving tomorrow.  The winds are supposed to be up around 55 mph.  Depending on the direction, this could mean I won't be going.  I began to scramble to see if I could get out on a flight today or this evening.  As I was checking into this option, I felt this major constriction inside my body and I could feel a lot of anxiety.  My mind was whirling with activity about all the things I would need to do and how I was going to make that happen.  And then I stopped.  I stopped all the whirlwind activity and chose to leave my plans exactly as they were.  I stopped worrying about whether or not I will leave as scheduled tomorrow.  All that stress and all that anxiety dissipated - the constrictions were gone.

While I will be sorely disappointed if I don't get to go tomorrow, I trust that things will work out exactly as they are intended.  Everything will happen just as it is meant to, and I may never know all the reasons for however things finally do turn out, but I know Spirit is looking out for me.  After all, I have given my mind over to God, to Pure Potentiality, and I trust in the decisions made from the love of that space. 

Day 236 - Lesson 235

God in His mercy wills that I be saved.

I really appreciate no longer worrying about whether or not I am saved, whether or not there is something beyond my life here, and what ever will become of me when I pass from this place.  I see more and more that I am not my body - as Wayne Dyer says I am not, "a human doing, I am a human being."  When I recognize my being, I am able to see spirit.  When I see myself as a spiritual being there is nothing to fear. 

Today was a wonderfully productive day.  I am thankful for this peaceful moment of reflection.

Day 235 - Lesson 234

Father, today I am Your Son again.

There is one specific line in this lesson, much more than the title of it, that struck home for me: Today we will anticipate the time when dreams of sin and guilt are gone, and we have reached the holy peace we never left.

I ran across a Rumi quote last night that stayed with me all day today - "Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment."

When I go back to all that is simple and pure, when I seek meaning out of my natural curiosity, when I believe in the best of all things, and when I don't make assumptions, that holy peace is right there.  I am able to cast aside those feelings of sin and guilt.  They do nothing for me.  It's when I appreciate the vast space of the sky, the immensity of the ocean, when I listen to crickets, and smell lilacs....that is when I am in touch with my holy peace.

I so appreciate the fact that at the end of most of my busy days, it is a short walk into nature.  The waves crashing onto shore, the fire weed blooming its last flowers, the salmon berries drying up, the blueberries coming on, the clouds rolling across the sky as if in a hurry to reach their next destination all remind me how amazing life is - how precious and beautiful.

Day 234 - Lesson 233

I give my life to God to guide today.

I very consciously did this - for most of the day today.  I was happy, highly productive, and super motivated.  Everything went smoothly - even things that you would think wouldn't happen easily...just did. 

As I sit here reflecting upon the day, I realize there were a couple of times, a couple of issues for which I may have sounded a bit negative, maybe even not very nice.  If I could change that, I certainly would.  I really have no desire to be that way.  The more I recognize it and am aware of it, the less often those moments occur.

I fasted all day today.  I think this helped with some clarity as well.

It's time to do a little more work....and it's time to be guided by God in so doing.

Day 233 - Lesson 232

Be in my mind, my Father, through the day.

This lesson starts by saying:

Be in my mind, my Father, when I wake, and shine on me throughout the day today.  Let every minute be a time in which I dwell with You.

It goes on to say - This is as every day should be.  Today, practice the end of fear.

I really blew this lesson today.  My day started out right; I awoke early and had a good long meditation.  I sent out some inspiring messages.  I rolled up my sleeves and started working on the projects to prepare for my upcoming trip.  As the day wore on, I began to feel discouraged of ever getting everything done, I started to feel cranky, and uncomfortable physically.  I argued with myself over how to shake these feelings.  Now I wish I would have taken a few minutes out to reflect upon this lesson and to reflect upon all that I have to be thankful for.  Maybe if I would have walked a little earlier, that would have very likely helped as well. 

I can't fake it....I feel down and discouraged.  I'd like to shake these blues right here, right now.  I know all the right things to do, to say, to practice.  I am going to go take a bath in lavender salts and go to bed.  I will reflect upon this lesson and turn it all over to the mystery we call God.

Day 232 - Lesson 231

Father, I will but to remember You.

This lesson is a reminder in God being love and that we have a memory of God (Spirit, Source, Pure Potentiality).  I still get a little tripped up occasionally with the traditional language in this course.  It's because that language congers up images that aren't authentic for me and yet they are deeply embedded.  I try to tap into Love each day.  I wake up and ask to be a vessel of spirit (of love) throughout the day.  Each night I reflect upon my day and relive it in images (davidji calls this recapitulation).  It's amazing how this works to inspire me to live my life more fully in love.

I am starting to feel a bit overwhelmed with my 'to do' list that needs to be complete before I leave on Friday.  However, I am trying to place my trust in love and have faith that everything will work out exactly as it is intended.  I am not going to force solutions.  I am simply going to be thankful.

Day 231 - Lesson 230

Now will I seek and find the peace of God.

I embraced this mantra today and held it close to my heart.  I find myself observing life from a detached space more often these days.  This has encouraged greater peace in my life.  It doesn't mean I don't live life to its fullest, in fact I am living life much more exuberantly and soberly, not as in sadly, but consciously - awake. 

I watched a video last night, a talk that was given by Brene Brown.  She is a researcher; she has a PhD.  She did a multi-year study on human connection.  Her 20 minute talk was brilliant, beautiful, powerful, and thought-provoking.  I quoted her in my blog last night.  She talks about the importance of vulnerability - the risk taking in expressing our love.  She also talked about the fact that we are the most in debt, addicted, and obese society ever in U.S. history.  We numb ourselves from our pain, our sadness, our fears - which means we also numb ourselves from feeling our joy, our love, our hope.  We mask our vulnerabilities and therefore cannot truly feel the array of emotions we are intended to experience. 

I was once numb.....I am now finding the peace of God instead.

Day 230 - Lesson 229

Love, which created me, is what I am.

Wayne Dyer has this quote about us receiving what we are - we get back what we are giving.  I think this is true and when we recognize that we were created in love and we can tap into that love any time and all the time, our lives change in miraculous ways.

I came across this quote today - and I am completely in love with it:

"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light."
— Brene Brown

I have done a lot of running in my life.  I can't begin to express how amazing it is to finally own my story.  Sometimes my heart feels so big I am sure it is going to explode right through my chest.

Love, which created me, is what I am.

Day 229 - Lesson 228

God has condemned me not.  No more do I.

This is one of those lessons that can be difficult to maintain.  I still find myself questioning my value, my abilities, my image as not being good enough, not smart enough, not thin enough.  This doesn't happen as often as it once did, but it happens once in awhile.  This is what keeps my world small and constricted.  When I operate with the knowledge that I am holy and allow love in my heart all possibilities are available.

Day 228 - Lesson 227

This is my holy instant of release.

I left my office three times today to attend a meeting in an off-site location - the same meeting, three different times.  As they say, "Three's a charm."  And so it was.  There was a time when my blood would have been boiling that this didn't occur as it was originally planned.  I would have been rude and not very nice to the participants once we finally got together.  Now I completely recognize that life offers so much more when I choose a more nourishing perspective for myself and for others.  What a blessing.  The meeting turned out fine.

Releasing negativity, allowing life to happen as it will without attempting to control it, and being open to all of the possibilities is heavenly.  Release it and it shall be yours.

Day 227 - Lesson 226

My home awaits me.  I will hasten there.

This lesson goes on to say (in part): If I so choose, I can depart this world entirely.  It is not death which makes this possible, but it is change of mind about the purpose of the world....

There is such comfort in this lesson and in this knowledge.  It's all about perspective - choosing miracles over grievances.  I find myself more and more hastening away from the illusions of this world and going home. 

Day 226 - Lesson 225

God is my Father, and His Son loves Him.

This is a lesson in the sameness of giving and receiving.  The cosmic energy of spirit is always available, always there, just waiting to be embraced.  When I open my heart and fill it with gratitude, with love, and with service to others the gift of spirit is expressed.  It fills my heart and feeds my soul.  Today, the day in which I recognize more fully, I focus on more diligently, pure potentiality.

Near a clear pond with rays of brilliant sunshine drops and fields of wild flowers, and the laughter of little boys, and soap bubbles floating, and beagles swimming....my day has been filled with gratitude, with joy, and with pure potentiality - Spirit, Source, God, Love.

Day 225 - Lesson 224

God is my Father, and He loves His Son.

An important component of this lesson is gratitude.  I am full to bursting with gratitude today.  It is also the day in which I recognize and reflect upon the Law of Dharma of Purpose. 

I am so thankful that today was sunny and warm.  I ate breakfast with family and friends.  I worked in my flower garden.  I took a 4.5 mile hike with one of my favorite women in the whole wide world.  I played with my sweet special little guys.  I watched The Shift with my special big guy.  I communicated with family from afar.

I am blessed beyond measure and so very thankful for it.

Day 224 - Lesson 223

God is my life.  I have no life but His.

I received a phone call from an irate employee today.  This employee unloaded on me about how unfairly our company had treated his wife (also an employee). I tried to explain that the issue was not something I could discuss with him - that it was a confidential personnel issue between his wife and the company.  He accused the company of treating her in a way that I know did not happen because I was there and participated in addressing the matter with her.  However, I felt the presence of Spirit in my heart and chose a different message.  I allowed him to just vent, to just get it all out.  I told him that I heard him and I reiterated what I thought I heard him say - I checked in with him about the accuracy of what I thought I was hearing.  We did this several times and spent nearly one hour on the phone.  I asked him if he might consider giving the situation a couple of days and then to check back in with me.  I suggested that he might want to talk about it again, after his initial frustration was released, and maybe we could identify some constructive ways to better address his concerns.  He, while still very angry, thanked me for listening and apologized for yelling and venting it all at me.  I told him that I appreciated his concern for and his desire to protect and defend his wife.

This situation, had I allowed it, could have gone in a much different and negative way.  I could have felt personally attacked. I could have felt the need to defend the company.  I could have yelled back, called him a liar, and hung up the phone.  I could have contacted his manager and told him about the inappropriate way this employee treated me.  However, I had no reason to defend myself or the company.  The situation with his wife had been addressed appropriately, with kindness, and with accuracy.

For whatever complicated human reason, this guy needed to blow off some steam and he needed to feel justified (for himself) in doing so.  I was able to detach from his anger and allow him to own it (I didn't need to own it by becoming defensive).  I expressed love to him by listening and by suggesting a time frame in which we could address his concerns again.  I was able to hang up the phone with a ray of hope in my heart that:

• He would feel a sense of relief that the phone call didn't escalate into something more serious,
• He will call me next week and want to address his concerns in a more constructive way,
• I am making strides in communicating with more love and less of a need to defend my own point of view,
• I am making progress in my ability to detach while maintaining compassion and empathy.

It's just not possible to love too much....

Day 223 - Lesson 222

God is with me.  I live and move in Him.

I had such an incredible day today.  I woke up at 5:00 and after meditating for close to an hour, I felt completely energized and excited to embrace the day.  I conducted a staff retreat for the folks that work for me today.  They are preparing for a big annual project that takes a lot of energy and incorporates a great deal of travel.  We spent the day creating greater personal awareness and in celebrating our strengths.  We meditated, practiced chair yoga, learned about our doshas, explored our strengths as individuals and as team mates, we called upon our archetypes, and we rejoiced in our accomplishments.  I had one staff member who struggled a little bit with the meditation piece.  She is a traditional Christian and associates some negativity around meditation.  However, to her credit, she opened her heart to the information and participated enthusiastically.  We all walked away with deeper appreciations for one another and with a renewed sense of consciousness in our lives.  I hope there is a greater plan that I can conduct these types of sessions with many more groups.

At the end of the day, I went on a wonderful hike with a dear friend I haven't seen for awhile.  The weather was sunny, warm - even hot on the uphill, and calm. 

All throughout the day I was infused with spirit.  I lived and moved with spirit and it was a glorious experience.

Day 222 - Lesson 221

Peace to my mind.  Let all my thoughts be still.

Upon waking this morning, I read this lesson and kept it in my awareness during my meditation.  Of course, I had no idea how it might come in handy today.  As it happens, it came in handy more than once. 

I had an incredibly busy schedule today from early this morning until just about 20 minutes ago.  I knew it would be a bit of a struggle to get everything accomplished on my agenda.  The fortuitous event in my favor today is that it is The Law of Least Effort.  So, that was also in my awareness - to remember not to force solutions, but to allow life to occur as it does in nature without me fighting it.

My day went smoothly and I got a lot accomplished.  Even though I still have about an hour's worth of work to do, I feel peaceful and content.  Two things occurred today for which this lesson was especially helpful. 

The first was the phone call (voice mail message) from my doctor.  I have been concerned that I may be going through menopause.  Even though I'm a little young for that.  My doctor and I ruled out all the other possibilities first.  He left a voice mail message and said, "Well, your blood tests do indicate menopause; your estrogen levels are extremely low."  So, the weight gain, the hot flashes, the night sweats, and the fact that I haven't had a period (except for one light and spotty one) since December....in combination with this blood test all add up to menopause.  I'm not sure how to feel about this - like I said, I feel a little young for this.  I didn't have time to talk to my doctor about it and I'm not really in a rush to do so.  I plan to experience this new stage of my life as naturally as possible.

The second was at my board meeting tonight.  I am new to this board; this was my third meeting as a board member.  I was nominated to serve as board president and so was the current board president.  We voted three times and finally decided to postpone officer elections to the next meeting in hopes that two missing board members would be in attendance.  I had mixed feelings about the nomination and I expressed those feelings to the board.  While I believe I would be a good board president, I'm new and I'm incredibly busy.  I also believe in leadership in every chair and know I provide value in my role as a general board member.

The big thing about these two occurrences is that I really did feel at peace about the information.  My mind was peaceful and my thoughts were still.  I felt the start of a twinge of competition over the board nominations, but as soon as I acknowledged it I was able to release it. 

I received a good bit of advice today, a reminder that I have very little control over anything, and the best mode of action is to release and ask that, "thy will be done."

Day 221 - Lesson 220

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(200) There is no peace except the peace of God.

Let me not wander from the way of peace, for I am lost on other roads than this.  But let me follow Him Who leads me home, and peace is certain as the Love of God.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

As the date of my study / training / vacation departure draws near, I find myself leaning towards a stress response in worrying that I won't have everything done in time.  I begin to worry that I won't be ready and I start to feel overwhelmed with my 'to do' list.  However, then I am reminded of this lesson and I recognize that I am wandering from this truth.  When I let go and release my fears and worries, I feel peace and know that is what is real.

My walk was short tonight, but my communion with spirit long - peace settling through my awareness, lasting comfort.

Day 220 - Lesson 219

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(199) I am not a body.  I am free.

I am God's Son.  Be still, my mind, and think a moment upon this.  And then return to earth, without confusion as to what my Father loves forever as His Son.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

This was a good mantra again today - doubling up was especially good.  The sun was stunningly beautiful today.  I left work promptly at 5:00 and went for a hike.  The beagle and I were going to take a leisurely walk and just soak up the sunshine, but then a super special young woman called and suggested a hike. 

We went up, from just above sea level to nearly 1634 feet.  Well she went all the way to the top.  I made it to right around 1500 feet or so (maybe higher, I'm not very good at eyeballing that sort of thing).  It was great.  I was tired and my breathing was definitely labored, but I just went at my own pace and enjoyed the views in the bright sunshine.  As sweat ran down my spine, and with each step up, straight up, I used this lesson as a mantra.  Each time I've done that (used it as a mantra on my hikes) it really does give me extra energy.  It's a great way to feel closer to Source and to express gratitude for the ability, however slow and labored, to make such a climb.  

The beagle and I are exhausted, but it's that good exhaustion that makes you feel like you really accomplished something.  I am not a body.  I am free!

Day 219 - Lesson 218

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(198) Only my condemnation injures me.

My condemnation keeps my vision dark, and through my sightless eyes I cannot see the vision of my glory.  Yet today I can behold this glory and be glad.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I have recently experienced a couple of highly stressful events.  Events that, had they occurred a couple of years ago, would have sent my heart racing, my upper lip sweating, and my head pounding.  I would have become agitated and irritable.  I would have struggled with a way to better control all the things that I really have no control over.

I have also recently had the pleasure of discussing the benefits of a regular meditation practice with some folks who have initiated the conversations with me.  I was able to talk about how it not only makes us younger and healthier, but it enhances clarity, it provides restful awareness, it smooths out the rough edges, and provides a sense of calm and peace internally.  As Davidji has recommended - "live it, don't preach it."  When we live it people see it for themselves and ask about it.  We don't have to convince people with our words because they see it in action and action is what people believe.

This regular practice has enabled me to reduce my own condemnation.  I can behold this glory and be glad!  As Deepak Chopra says, "In silence I find my true self."

Here's what I say - You don't have to change your life drastically to establish a regular practice of meditation, but it will drastically change your life.

Day 218 - Lesson 217

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(197) It can be but my gratitude I earn.

Who should give thanks for my salvation but myself?  And how but through salvation can I find the Self to Whom my thanks are due?

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I really can't express enough the gratitude I have for moving beyond a life of just getting through life to finding meaning in my life.  With each conscious decision I am profoundly thankful that I am finally awake.  I may not always be aware, but I am more so now than ever before. 

Today has been a day of doing and serving - I am releasing expectations and entering into uncertainty, and I am doing it with great joy and gratitude.  The universe is abundantly generous.

Day 217 - Lesson 216

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(196) It can be but myself I crucify.

All that I do I do unto myself.  If I attack, I suffer.  But if I forgive, salvation will be given me.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I have sat here for quite some time....trying to figure out what to say about this lesson. 

I do recognize that when I put someone else down it serves no purpose.  It hurts the other person and also harms me.  I really don't have an interest in harming others.  I still occasionally complain about frustrations and speak unkindly about others out of frustration or irritation, but I find that I do those things much less often.  There just isn't much that's satisfying about behaving that way. 

The thing that's so wonderful about this is I find value in working with people I didn't think I could appreciate.  This internal change is visible to others and the sense of peace that's created reverberates in beautiful ways. 

Day 216 - Lesson 215

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(195) Love is the way I walk in gratitude.

The Holy Spirit is my only Guide.  He walks with me in love.  And I give thanks to Him for showing me the way to go.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I make an effort every day to remind myself of all the things I'm thankful for.  I reflect upon all the happenings of my day and watch it as if it were a movie.  When I wake up, I ask to be used as a vessel of spirit.  At the end of the day, I check in to see how that happened and whether or not I was present and aware. 

My days are unbelievably full.  My life has always been busy, but I felt a sense of dissatisfaction and of searching for something that seemed out of my grasp - I didn't really know what I was searching for.  Now my days are full with meaning, with recognizing that happiness, love, and gratitude are found within.  Whatever may be happening externally does not define my sense of wholeness.

Sitting in silence, being committed to love, being more aware and more present are the ingredients to truth.

Day 215 - Lesson 214

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(194) I place the future in the Hands of God.

The past is gone; the future is not yet.  Now am I freed from both.  For what God gives can only be for good.  And I accept but what He gives as what belongs to me.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I had an experience today that completely reinforced this lesson for me.  There is a situation occurring far away from me, geographically, that pains my heart to the point of physical illness.  I woke up with worry and feeling sick to my stomach over this situation.  However, I immediately turned to this lesson and let it sink in.  I draped my prayer scarf around my shoulders and sank into meditation.  I released the hold of the past and of the future.

I went about my day, still some worried, but recognizing that the best, the most nourishing choice for me and for everyone involved was to place the future in the hands of God, in the space of love, in the winds of the universe.  My worry, my agitation, my obsession wouldn't change the situation, wouldn't provide anything positive, and wouldn't be nurturing.  Mostly it would just continue to make me feel ill and sad.

I held this lesson like a shield and each time a wave of worry or anger would enter my awareness, I would call upon this wisdom and let it go. 

Day 214 - Lesson 213

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(193) All things are lessons God would have me learn.

A lesson is a miracle which God offers to me, in place of thoughts I made that hurt me.  What I learn of Him becomes the way I am set free.  And so I choose to learn His lessons and forget my own.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I have been busy with learning lessons, all sorts of lessons - really, truly learning in amazing ways.  Where I was once angry, I am less afraid.  Where I was once unsure, I am confident.  Where I was once worried, I now believe.  I am much less inclined to get all worked up about things and situations that are brought into my environment.  I see now that those things are not me, not reflections of me, and they can't truly harm me.  It's not a matter of not caring, it is about healthy detachment.  When I get all wrapped up in emotion, I'm not particularly effective at helping to resolve a given 'thing' brought my way.  When I am judgmental of the 'thing' or act as if I don't have time for it - I encourage it to happen again and again.

Learning, perpetual learning, is such a blessing.

To top off this day - it was beautiful.  I filled my lungs with breezy, sunshiny, sea air.  I hiked along a hill trail and admired the summer flowers.  This was the best lesson of all - gratitude in my surroundings.

Day 213 - Lesson 212

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

(192) I have a function God would have me fill.

I seek the function that would set me free from all the vain illusions of the world.  Only the function God has given me can offer freedom.  Only this I seek, and only this will I accept as mine.

I am not a body.  I am free.
For I am still as God created me.

I do indeed seek the function that would set me free from all the vain illusions of the world.  I offer myself each day to be used as God, as love, as spirit sees fit.  When I stay in present moment awareness this happens so naturally.  When I stray from that awareness and enter into ego - I start to feel attacked, irritated, and judgmental. 

I know I've said this before, but I believe it to be worth repeating - There is no resolution where love is not present.