How Can I Trust I Am Actually Sharing My Truth?

When we can begin to appreciate ourselves, we begin automatically to accept help and support and gifts from outside sources, including others--the beginning of the end of self-reliance.
Self appreciation is not the same thing as self-aggrandizing, conceit or self-absorption.  In fact, these characteristics are the opposite of true self-appreciation.

In appreciating our self, we are accepting all of who we are, warts as well as loveliness.  This appreciation is a kind of change of view point that allows us to accept our self so much more fully than when we judge ourselves.

Appreciating our self is a necessary first step of humility.  It is also a defense against humiliation. We begin to see and experience the value of our self in the world.

Where are all these words leading?  It is going to take us to a way of being where we are able, without trepidation or fear, to share our being in the world, trusting the truth that it will be the best we are able in the moment we are giving it.  Self-acceptance of our imperfections, and of those moments where we also experience perfection.

Self Reflection: How do I appreciate myself? Am I willing to accept help, support, gifts from others? Am I still hanging on to self-reliance? If so, what fears lie beneath this veneer of self-will?

A Task for the Waning Moon: Surrendering What No Longer Serves Me

Surrendering what no longer serves me frees me of shame:

Accepting the time for surrender
Accepting the time for support
Opening to let go
Opening to clarity
Trusting guidance
Trusting intentions
Proceeding with Truth as my sentinel
Proceeding with Source as my compass.

Self Reflection: I can surrender what no longer serves me, trading that in for my real life, that which does serve me, and others, and the world.

PS:Check out Michael Singer's book  surrender-experiment.

November Full Moon Moves Us Into Sharing OUR Fullness

Invitation:

As the moon is full with light on this night, may I too know the fullness of my light.

As the moon reflects the light of the life-giving sun, may I too reflect the light of my gifts, sharing the fullness and Truth of my being in the world.  

As the moon is not alone in a universe of endless stars, may I too remember I am not alone, there are others with me who may light the way for me, or with me.  

Self-Reflection: May I remember to ask for help, support and wisdom as I continue my journey to share my truth.

Imperfection as Sharing Truth

Perfection is a not required action.
Truth exists within my imperfect self.
I can share truth even in my imperfection
      and it is still Truth.
The roots of Truth are within
Intention.

Self Reflection: When I have integrity in my intentions I have tapped into the roots of truth. I share with ease.

Letting Go of 'Our Way'

To Share Truth means opening our minds, hearts and actions to a direction other than our usual way of doing things.  Last month our reflection about letting go related to the things we hold fast to: stuff, relationships, beliefs, habits/addictions.  Now, our letting go is at a deeper level.  We consciously let go of attachment to our way of thinking and doing, adopting instead the intention to interact with our world from what we might call Divine Direction or Sacred Inspiration. 

When we have carried a belief, habit or fear around for a long enough time, it begins to feel as if it is part of who we are. It becomes a part of our identity.  Just the idea of letting go of something that has become our blanket of security, or our 'go to' comfort, increases our anxiety.  Anxiety further shrinks our ability to see the potential for our life.  For many people this becomes an ever deepening rut of  repeat limiting, self-destructive behaviors.

Here are two practices which can help us become willing, able and ready to let go of what keeps us from creating our dreams:

The first practice I call the 'god-box' practice. Write what it is you wish to release on a small piece of paper, fold it up so that the writing is folded inward.  An example:  "I ask for guidance and direction to let go of ___________________. "

If you have a personal altar you can place this request on your altar. I have a 'god-box' on my altar and use that to hold my requests and intentions. If you don't have an altar, to choose a small, special container to hold your requests and place it where you will see it regularly. There is nothing more you need do, except to keep your ears, your eyes and your heart alert for the guidance and direction you will begin to see as you move through your days.

This is not to say your letting go will be instantaneous or easy, though sometimes it is.  Often, our guidance comes in unexpected ways-someone shows up in our life who is able to guide us through an arduous letting go process.  Sometimes letting go comes in stages, by bits and pieces.  Sometimes, we find letting go just happens. Awareness and asking are the key ingredients to letting go over time. Letting go is an intentional request.  The willingness is ours to choose, the timing of when it actually happens, however, is not in our control.

The second practice for when you are not sure if you are yet willing or able to let go:
Write a prayer for the willingness to pray for the willingness to let go. An example:  "Creator, I pray for the willingness to become willing to ask for guidance and direction and inspiration to let go ________________.

Self Reflection: I read this prayer everyday, upon waking and before sleep.  Soon I find myself writing my request for guidance and direction.  Now, I am ready for the gifts of the 'god box'.

Our Journey to Share Truth:Begins

"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."

C.G.Jung

This moon cycle leads us in the way to share Truth in the world. Our first call is to use the skills, gifts, experiences and dreams we carry within to share our truth. Our willingness to share our truth as best as we currently understand this Truth. That is all that is needed. That is enough.  More will be shared as is needed-we need only be open to receive. Our understanding of the Truth of our being grows toward fullness only when we become willing to share our truth as it is in the now.

Self Reflection: I claim and move in the fullness of who I am,with humility, so that I do not shame or humiliate others.