The Call of Spirit

This is the third part of my thoughts about change and personal transformation. The first was a practical approach to deal with our natural resistance to change. The second post shifted perspective from strength of will to connecting to our courageous heart.

When the call for change comes from the heart and soul, it feels very different. The mind isn’t in control here, and there may be a some resistance. We feel confused, agitated and often adrift. This uneasiness shakes up our comfortable world. We think there’s something very wrong as we don’t have an answer to make it go away.

This is often the beginning of real transformation. There is nothing “wrong. Something deep inside us wants to express itself.

This is when we must slow down, pause, and take time to reflect and engage in regular mindful practices. Finding our Middle Ground becomes a daily landing place. The intention is to become present more and more, and to pause, listen and reflect – not with our superficial mind, but going deeper into places of resistance and core beliefs that may be holding us back.

Many people begin their spiritual journey to find refuge from their pain and suffering. They hope that the practices and rituals will lead them to an awakening of spirit, so that their anxiety and fears go away. There is certainly a calming effect when we meditate or do yoga, but this alone can’t answer the call of spirit, or heal the wounds of the heart.

Meditation without reflection and inquiry is not enough to bring about inner transformation. We must first take responsibility for our lives, then inquire, listen and understand our inner world. From here, the work becomes one of self compassion, forgiveness and acceptance of all aspects of ourselves. From this loving place we discover peace of mind and lasting contentment.

An other way to look at this is to imagine an unawakened soul as having their ego and analytical mind in the drivers seat. Their sense of “I” and “me” is the driving force to grasp for what they want in the world. Their heart and soul may get noticed, but they are the passengers on this journey.

An awakened soul, recognizes the ego-mind and places it in the passenger seat. The heart and soul become the driving force behind all that they do. The sense of “I” is lessened as they feel a connection to all beings and a universal divinity or source. From this place, the direction is to discover and share their gifts in service to the world.

So often the mind thinks we need to acquire something in order to get there, such as new practice, a book to read, a group to join…. The reality is very different. It’s about shedding, letting go, and creating space for our natural gifts to evolve into. There is nothing to add.

The question is simply, “What is my deepest knowing?” Then … “What do I need to let go of?”

Namaste