I like to read. Some of my greatest lessons have come through reading. I used to read fiction, but I rarely have time or patience for it any more. I’m sure I would learn something and there is much to be said for disciplining yourself enough to sit down, relax and let yourself dive into a good piece of fiction. I’m just not into it right now. Instead, I read books – and blogs – on self-development. Spirituality. Self-realization. Kind of heavy for some, but for me, that’s where I’m at right now.
As I’m reading, I like to write down passages that resonate with me and add my own notes/thoughts, or not. Sometimes I stumble upon them when reading through old journals. I learned recently though, a lot more spiritual food is left on the table if that is all I do with these words – these gifts deposited along the path by other writers. (photo credit)
An idea came from my spiritual director during a Practical Mysticism class. She suggested as we come across a passage that resonates within, instead of just writing it down or underlining <gasp!> the passage in your book, take the essence of the passage and turn it into into a creative affirmation. I have a couple of examples for you.
In reading the text for our class, Caroline Myss’ Entering the Castle, this passage resonated with me:
“You are seeking the roots of your struggle with God that goes deep into your bones. For all of the many sufferings you have in your life, resentments over coping with undeserved pain are among the most difficult to heal.” ~ Caroline Myss
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Like a gift from beyond. Words resonate for a reason. The energy of the words, and the intent in which they are written, pierce right through and I get the message. Something in my soul resonates with the words – there is a connection. Then comes understanding. With understanding comes healing. I don’t have to spend any more time or energy trying to “figure out” what it all means. I can accept it as the gift that it is. Just as we receive a physical gift, you don’t unwrap it, turn it this way and that, trying to “figure out” what it all means. You simply and graciously accept it. Finding a passage that resonates is a gift to your soul, to be accepted simply and graciously.
I turn the essence of this passage into a creative affirmation:
I am perfect, whole and complete. As I deepen my relationship with the omnipresent Source, I release all attachment to any situations, persons and things that I believed have caused me undeserved pain. I forgive myself for holding on to resentments. I open my heart to the infinite abundance of the Universe. I am grateful for this gift today.
Here’s another one:
“…you do not change your self-image by rejecting what you are, but by discovering what you are.” ~ from Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth
When I see something about myself that is not in alignment, some trait or conditioned response that I deem unlikable, rejecting that specific thing will not create change. Rejecting any part of me is not self-love. In fact, focusing on what is unwanted will keep the unwanted in your vibration. This trait or response that I wish to change is being held up for my benefit, giving me an opportunity to make a conscious decision. If not that, then what? If this trait feels so unlike me, so out of alignment with the perfect wholeness of who I really am, what then do I get to choose to focus on at this moment?
To turn this snippet around into a creative affirmation, I can state:
There is only one thing happening here. In the infinite of life where I am, all is perfect, whole and complete. When the sting of self-rejection arises, I quickly and easily use the energy to focus on that which is wanted in my life. I give great thanks to a Universe that always say yes.
As always, there is a certain amount of discipline of thinking required to make this into a habit. Like any habit, the more frequently I practice this, the easier it comes. But that’s what being human is all about.
