The problem is that from a very early age we have learned that reality is something out there perceivable by our five senses and processed by our mental faculties. Anything which is perceived by inner sight or felt intuitively is not to be trusted. We live in a world validated by scientific research and statistical probabilities. Religion is frowned upon by this current trend and anything else considered unorthodox thinking is just imagination run amok. Who amongst us is not challenged by this cultural edict every day ? Yet most of us hunger for this inner knowing which comes with soul growth. We have been told that the reality constructed by mankind is at best a partial and dim picture. The angels say that there is so much more to life than what we perceive or understand. What soul is not eager for more truth and greater vision? For the majority of mankind who are bogged down by the heavy realities and cultural dogmas of this life, seeking a multi dimensional reality is way off the radar and for some of us, it is our passion.
I still think of myself as an odd ball. I don't fit into the standard mold. I strove to fit in for half my life and now I hope that I resist this urge for the second half. So far I have managed to walk that line of outward conformity and inner spiritual surety. I don't doubt myself as I did before. I appreciate my uniqueness and what has come of my life because of my faith and soul development. Since retirement I have given myself over to God's Guidance and Will. I want the differences to flourish because a regular life does not appeal to me any more. I like financial security and I strive to live an ordered life but throughout the machinations of my present life is the awareness and acknowledgement of a spiritual foundation. I believe that God's Love has permeated at least the majority of who I am and what I do. With retirement, life has become simpler and the material demands less distracting. I have more time for prayer and meditation. The rhythm of the day is slower and more contemplative. I go with the flow more. With all of these outward changes, a new reality is given more time to bloom from within. I feel closer to God and more attuned and aligned with His Will . My inner joy and peace are more pronounced while my day is more gratifying. I believe that I'm reaping the benefits of having lived a prudent material life manifesting in the form of financial security coupled with hard won spiritual growth. Life is not just good, it's great.
So why do I still struggle? Guidance and communication with the angels is flowing nicely. I'm getting instruction on a regular basis. There does seem to be a plan for the next phase of my life unfolding and revealing itself in bits and pieces. My communion with the Creator is intense and filled with Love . Yet I still have my doubts and my fears as my mind is ever vigilant to discredit this reality. The power of the mind is immense in our world while the potential of the soul is far greater but how much time do we really give to nurturing our souls ? It is supposed to be our passion and our raison d'etre. In many ways it is predominant in my thinking and a good portion of my doing. I cannot say that it is all consuming but certainly more than in the past. Perceptions though continue to be foggy. I see the angels in my minds eye but often only briefly and certainly not as clearly as I would like. Voices are clear and often are providing unambivilant instructions. I'm getting there but am not where I would like to be. My impatience is showing here I know
. I'm certain that many of you would be happy with anything similar so I realize that I'm sounding a little ungrateful for what I have. I'm also getting a little tangential regarding my topic of discerning guidance.Guidance has come in many forms in my life. Two discernible forms are through voice communication through me or another medium or from clairaudience . No problem there getting at least the gist of what is being communicated but one must always take into account how the mind of the medium filters the message. Another form which I believe is more soul based ins receiving pictures along with feelings . Its this form which can be dramatic and contain much more information that mere words are capable of conveying. It is also subject to a great deal of interpretation from the mind. Certainly on more than one occasion I've had to back track from an original intent derived from my seemingly clear understanding of my guidance. Of course one learns very quickly by making mistakes in this way. I have also received guidance which contradicts my own desires. This is the hardest form of guidance to follow when it goes against my own ideas regarding what I should do. Lately I have committed to following my guidance no matter how difficult and that is a shift for me. I've had lots of guidance in the past that I have poo pooed and ignored. Following the words of the Angels and obeying God's Will is not always easy. And what further complicates the story is the incessant background mindal message which disbelieves those messages from the soul. They say that eventually the mind of the soul will supersede and dominate the material mind. I long for that day as my soul is gaining more power to influence my thoughts with each day and maybe that day is not far off. So my struggles originate with the dilemma of living a material life governed by an emerging soulful reality. This is a challenge for all of us intent on living our lives on the Divine Path. These dilemmas will face each and every one of you as our souls grow in the love. I'm sure they do for most of you now. It challenges us with a new and different reality. It draws us away from many societal perceptions and creates a different world in our vision. Integrating these two worlds is not easy but in order to function here a necessity. Doubt and skepticism plays a big part in the process. What to believe and what to do with these new perceptions dogs our life path. You can't be casual about such matters. It is often with repeated similar experiences and guidance that real shifts occur. Reality must be validated time and time again as vision and truth blossom in the mind . Validating the truth is a slow and arduous process in this game. Two steps forward and one back. I still greet many bits of guidance with at least some skepticism. My mind is still steering the ship.
As a cautious sort I'm often mulling over what is given before I act. This can be a trap as the mind then has room for its interpretive musings. On the other hand, it is necessary to figure out how to implement guidance and bring it into the physical world. There is a form of guidance which I call being in the Love. One feels the angels close and the condition of Love surrounding you is palpable. When this is the case there is an ease to everything that you do and a knowing of the next step. No hesitations or doubt exist in this flow and this is a most gratifying state of being. I know that souls are touched while operating in this flow. Timing is always harmonious, words are appropriate and the love flows through your being like a river. I have experienced this state many times and have always marveled at the simplicity and power of it. I am not pontificating or preaching the truth of God's Love while being guided in this way but conversations with others are always meaningful. It is always a real and loving connection and something which must have even more significance on a soul level. God works this way and often we don't have any conscious knowledge of it. And sometimes it is better that we don't have this awareness because no doubt we would just get in the way of what is meant to be accomplished. The ego always wants its slice of recognition or be gratified knowing that it is in charge.
With each step forward the soul finds validation and the ego less traction. In whatever way you can be guided and act upon it in love and faith, you have overcome an obstacle which will open yet another opportunity to be that channel of Love that we all desire to be. Successes brings greater confidence. Greater faith through the transformation of the soul compels one to move forward and trust in the wisdom of God's guidance. After many years I have had ample opportunity to observe what can be accomplished through my own will and that of God's Will. There is no comparison and the deep seated fears that you will make mistakes which have embarrassing or hurtful consequences will fade with time and practice. Most of those humiliating mistakes have been the result of ego driven ideals. That gut driven, loving expression born out of soulful guidance rarely steers you wrong.
In writing this post, I have given myself the answers I seek to my own doubtful fears . In the flow of God's Love all will be in harmony with one's actions. In the expression of my own limited ego driven self, the results are paltry indeed. Faith requires trust and a willingness to listen to God's Will for you. This is a struggle which mankind has had to deal with since its beginnings. Every triumph of subverting our will and allowing God's Will to guide us in whatever way is offered is a triumph for humanity. We must all be an example of this in our lives. Its not easy nor is it often comfortable but if you want to change the world you must first change your own world. With an open heart and a willing mind, you can make those leaps of faith which will bear fruit. The faculties of the soul can then open to that wee voice within. Its all a matter of degree and trust. Two steps forward and one back. I hope that we can all do this jig together and find mutual support in the dance. God bless all those who try. Much love.......Al
