by Christine Green | Apr 24, 2010 | Uncategorized
When we are the target of blame or criticism it can knock us off our mindful centeredness and leave us spinning in self-doubt and resentment. What do we do with that negative energy?
This is where being the observer is so important. Immediately we want to defend ourselves and attack back. But if we are able to step aside from the accusation, we can observe our emotions and thoughts. The other person is in pain. The greatest gift we can give in that moment is to listen and not respond. Have you ever noticed a time when you were upset and you just want someone to hear you? Listening can change the experience from one of attack to one of surrender.
Listening allows us to take our human personality out of the picture. Of course, there are emotions in reaction to what was said. But as we listen we are able to set aside our human personality and be present. Then when we respond we do so out of love.
Recently several clients were confronted with anger and resentment. They reacted not by responding to their accuser, but they called for spiritual support to stay connected in love. As they were able to acknowledge their feelings, recognize their beliefs and stand in truth, they were set free from pain. Most of all, they were able to observe the other person with love. Staying in love is critical to living in Grace.
by Christine Green | Apr 21, 2010 | Uncategorized
“I hate my boss.” I listened to my friend last week as she shared about another bad day at work. I had to agree with her. Her boss was inconsiderate, insensitive, stingy and clueless. But hate is a big word. It keeps us stuck in our own limitation.
I suggested she find some compassion for him instead of feeling resentment. Her boss did not seem to be enjoying his job either. Start with the Love Prayer. Accept him and bless him. If she could possibly find a morsel of empathy for him, she could visualize him being happy and productive. If not at this job, somewhere even better.
Sometimes it feels like people come into our lives to make us miserable. I think they show up to remind us the importance of compassion and love. Even an ounce of compassion can shift feelings of hate to peace, of resentment to understanding.
She called today to share that her boss announced he was leaving. He took a job with another company. Hopefully, a place where he will be happy and productive. I accept you. I bless you. I wish you well.
by Christine Green | Apr 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
My toes had been nagging me for weeks. They were tired of bulky socks, winter boots and stuffy shoes. They were exhausted from running errands, rushing to meetings and running through constant rain. They demanded a vacation. What could I do?
I took them to Palm Springs. They felt liberated to relax in the hot desert sun. They enjoyed a cool dip in the refreshing pool and they walked naked (yes, naked!) whenever possible. It was an awesome few days to unwind, relax and refresh.
My toes and I are back in Portland. They came back with much improved attitudes and a better perspective on life. Why it’s like walking on air!
by Christine Green | Apr 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
I felt betrayed. My friend took advantage of our friendship and of my generous nature and I felt wounded. After all we’ve been through together. Any judge and jury would find her behavior irresponsible and would find her guilty as charged.
One day I realized how much energy it was taking to stay angry at my friend’s behavior. She was nowhere near me but my thoughts obsessed about her. It was as if she was standing next to me day and night. It was time to confront her and come to terms with her betrayal.
There was one sticking point. All my training over the years taught me that I am the only one responsible for my feelings. I can choose to feel betrayed, victimized and angry. Or I can forgive her. Forgiveness did not seem like a possibility at the time. But I knew I had to start somewhere.
When I was journaling one day I recalled a time when a co-worker was angry at me and accused me of being disloyal to her and hurting her. It was never my intention. I had a lot of other things going on in my life at the time. It was never about her.
A light bulb went on in my mind. Is it possible it’s not about me? What if my friend was going through her own issues and wasn’t aware of her actions? What if it was a misunderstanding and not meant to hurt me? Just thinking about the possibility made me feel lighter. My anger and resentment seemed like waste of time and energy. Maybe I could stop sending my friend mental daggers and send waves of peace instead.
It’s worth a try. I’m willing to begin to let go so I can find some inner peace. How about you?
by Christine Green | Apr 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
How do I know if my inspirations are coming from God from my own thought? A client asked me this great question recently.
There is a point of surrender on our spiritual journey where we know that the essence of who we are is much greater than the flesh body and more immense than our limiting thinking. When we connect with the infinite presence of God we understand there is but one power, one presence, one life. We are not separate from God’s Presence but one with it.
We know that all activity, ideas, opportunities, come from God. One way to deepen this experience is the practice of thanksgiving. Every time we give thanks for something good, we acknowledge our greater connection with God.
There is no magic to trusting our intuition. It is continual practice to listen to insights that we have. As we develop awareness and listening, we are able to discern the difference of the ego wanting attention or the whisper of God’s wisdom. Another reason why the time we spend in the silence is so precious. Intuition comes as a whisper and a quiet presence. Silence is golden in so many ways!
by Christine Green | Apr 7, 2010 | Uncategorized
My Mom has a number of health problems, dementia being one of them. At 11 a.m. she doesn’t remember if someone gave her meds that morning, at 2 p.m. she can’t remember if she had lunch. On Thursday she was upset with my sister because she hadn’t been to visit her. My sister reminded her she spent the afternoon with her on Wednesday. She surprised everyone the other day when she remembered the name of the man who owned the little candy store in our neighborhood over 40 years ago. She remembered his children’s names as well.
I was feeling sorry for my Mom when I realized that I have a similar short term memory problem. I found myself stressing about a problem wondering how it’s going to work out. My short term memory failed to recall that I had a similar problem last week that was easily resolved. It’s easy to forget how I’ve been graciously supported and guided in life.
It’s time for a memory upgrade. It is important to recognize and acknowledge the blessings we receive every day. Spiritual principle states that whatever we put our attention on increases. The more we acknowledge God’s gifts, we open the door for more abundant blessings to show up.
