To experience harmony and connection, be your unique self

We spend a lot of our lives trying to fit in, to be like the others whom we admire and respect.

Our school curriculums are constructed to teach to a standard, and of course, the approved goal is to exceed average.  If we don't express what the curriculum suggests, we are considered to be below or above average, which is an imaginary stake in the ground by which to measure all of us.

Our churches set up guidelines by which to live, suggesting appropriate behavior, lifestyle and thought.  They give us language to live by, and if we don't understand the language, or don't speak the language, or don't practice the language as it is written, then it looks like we don't fit in.

Why do we do this?

Because we have a need to be connected, to fit in, to feel like we are not alone.  If we're not "like the others," we feel separate, afraid and alone. 

Well, here's a thought for you -

What if we are all pieces of a jigsaw puzzle?  Each piece can only fit into one unique spot.  If we try to fit into a spot that doesn't fit us, we either deny the correct piece the space to fill, or we feel "left out," and separate.  In Truth, we don't fit that particular space, but we do all fit in.  In fact, we all are necessary to each other, because as we search out and try spaces and find our perfect spot, all of us make up the perfect whole picture.

The finished picture is always there.  It's right there and available for us to see, all the time, everywhere.  Until we are all willing to seek out and take our rightful, unique place, see and express our own unique shape (gift), we just can't see it, that's all.

Therefore, I propose to all of us that it is, in fact, our uniqueness that harmonizes with the Universe, not our conformity.  After all, it takes different voices to make harmony, doesn't it?

What about that?

I am sitting here surrounded by books.

I LOVE books.  Nearly every book I've ever picked up has given me something of value, even the ones I hated on sight and didn't finish.  Books are words and pictures and interpretations of someone else's understanding of the universe.  Another point of view which, whether I agree with it or not, leads me to a greater understanding of my own. 

Often it's the soul with which I vehemently disagree that enlightens me the most.  To agree is to ratify my own thinking - to object is to stretch my awareness.

An obligation to thrive?

I made a comment yesterday that surprised even me! And yet, when I looked at it, I realized that it's perhaps the most honest thing that has ever come out of my mouth, and most probably came from the very deep recesses of my knowing, that still, small voice within....

We have an obligation to thrive.

Of all the "shoulds" we are taught, this one seems to be the most evasive. Why? Because we are taught that we "should" do something in a prescribed way. Trouble is, whose prescription are we following? And is it really the right prescription for us?

My father said to me, when I was in my twenties, "Jean (my given name), if you can't marry a doctor, lawyer or dentist, become one."

My beloved creative writing professor told me, when I declared my intention to major in English, "Perhaps you ought to pursue a different career."

My church told me, "Tis better to give than receive."

For a very long time, and perhaps still in the back of my mind, I believed all of these prescriptions. However....

I'm much better at numbers crunching than medical terms.
I write pretty well if I'm writing about something I am truly passionate about.
And if we're giving all the time, how does the other person get to feel good about giving?

It is very difficult to feel like we are thriving if we are perceiving ourselves through someone else's prescription. And you know what?

We are always thriving. We have all of the gifts in front of us, available to us, in untold abundance, all the time. However, as long as we see ourselves through what appears to be other people's eyes and perception, we will never see those gifts. As long as we are measuring our wealth by the world's yardstick, we will never see that we measure up and more, just by breathing in this very moment.

Not only do we have an obligation to thrive, we ARE thriving. We can't help it, it's who we really are.

Take off the world colored glasses and see yourself for the wonder and awe that you are.

See that you are meeting your obligation to thrive right now.

We are all waiting to see........

Focus Five Intent

Most of the time, it's not the outside world that keeps you from getting where you want to be. Most of the time, it's that you don't really KNOW where you want to be, and haven't clearly defined where you want to be, so there you are.

Want to get clear about where you want to be? Want to get some help and understanding about where you want to be?

There's a course you can take. It's five weeks. With five women. And it is designed to do just that - help you get clear about where you want to be.

Click this link to read more and register - http://www.theshift.com/focusfiveintent.html