“To realize Universal reality, we need only open ourselves to our innate, insatiable curiosity to seek the broader knowledge of many things – then to embrace the adventure. Gregge Tiffen (Life in the World Hereafter: The Journey Continues)”
Summer is bursting out all over!
What if each of us had a life plan that was designed solely to provide a learning adventure that would further our growth in consciousness? What if we had reviewed that plan before our birth? And (gulp), what if we’d approved it? Finally, what if our systems (family, spiritual, educational, business, etc.) were set up to support us in remembering and fully living into what we agreed to before we splashed down on the earth for this life?
Fantasy? Perhaps, but I don’t think so.
Paradise – a more beautiful world? That’s what I’ve long believed: that we can do better than the current state of life on our planet. For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt a sense that if we were all doing what we were meant to do and being who we were meant to be, that we would experience a world of peace, joy, abundance, harmony and beauty. To my last breath I suspect that I will maintain the belief that an intelligent universe created a perfect system despite the messes we’ve brought forth in our ignorance on this planet.
My belief provides a lens through which I can make sense of seemingly senseless events. This bears little to no resemblance of trying to make rational sense of our world or even the events in my life. And, it definitely does not mean that I understand or condone all that occurs.
Such a perspective on life removes the possibility of seeing myself as a victim in ANY situation (gulp again). The responsibility that entails can bring my knees to go weak and my chest to tighten. At the same time, it’s a huge relief.
I suggested just that to a client recently. In telling me about a number of situations in her life that she was experiencing as problematic, she concluded, “I didn’t approve any of this!” After a bit more exploration, I gently posed a question for reflection: “What if you did?”
What if I did? The first thing that occurred to me as I sat quietly with this question early one morning was how differently I look at events when I remember this lens. I don’t shift to victim mode. I’m curious about how to use events for my learning. That doesn’t always mean some big life lesson. It might be as simple as discovering a new way to do a routine task more efficiently or as profound as seeing another person’s perspective without judgement, especially when it’s contrary to mine.
When an event is especially challenging, the idea that I’ve approved it in advance is humbling. I feel supported to call upon the knowledge in my cells to guide my approach. I can let of needing to get it ‘right’ when I remember that my purpose is to learn. I aim to remember who I truly am. My compassion for myself and others as they face challenges grows. And, I’m grateful.
Summer fun and play time with his buddy is in Cool Hand Luke's life plan!