Going with the Flow

If you follow my Facebook feed, you know that I've experienced some changes the last few weeks. 

I was unexpectedly laid off from my day job. The parting was on good terms, and they said they hated to let me go. Budgets often dictate. But leaving is never easy, especially when you are not given notice and are not exactly sure where you are heading.

Now the operative words are "not exactly sure". I have a general idea. But if I knew exactly where I am headed, it wouldn't require any faith, would it?

The last I checked this journey requires a whole lot of faith and trust. I also know that the laws of the universe respond when we put stuff out there.

That's why I'm not completely caught off guard by these life changes.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR, YOU JUST MIGHT GET IT

Before the New Year, I began praying very specifically about proper alignment for my life. I called into alignment the persons, places, and things necessary for me to fulfill my purpose here on planet Earth.

Then in January I really upped the ante by saying, "Okay God, do whatever is necessary to get me to where I need to be."

I don't recommend praying that if you don't really mean it. The King of the Universe tends to respond to such intentions of the heart.

RIDING RIVER RAPIDS

I find myself going with the flow. Sometimes, this river has some crazy rapids. That's when I fall into them, and the let current take me. If I'm swept under, I know it's only temporary, and I'll resurface again, further downstream.

I learned that years ago when I went whitewater rafting. I was paddling in the front, and the river guide told me to lean into the flow, cooperate with it, and then you can steer your way out.

I'm learning to lean into distressful feelings instead of resisting them. I've increased my spiritual practice of mindfulness, meditation, intentionality, and good old-fashioned, Spirit-filled, praying through.

But I'm not doing so in a fearful, panicky way. I'm not doing it either out of a sense of injustice, anger, or victimhood.

LIFE IS GOOD, GOD IS GOOD. COOPERATE WITH THAT.

That's because fundamentally, I still believe in the goodness of Life. I believe we can trust the process of Life and that when we cooperate (also known as surrender), God works in all things.

Cooperation is different than fighting against. When I cooperate spiritually, every day brings a gift. I embrace life as an exciting adventure, rather than a fearful one.

Do I still get fearful? Do I feel anxious? Sure. But I lean into the distressful feelings, extend a little more compassion to myself, and find that those feelings are indeed temporary and go away as quickly as they came.

THE CHOICE IS ALWAYS OURS

I was driving to an interview the other day, and this thought came up in my spirit, "You can choose fear if you want to but that's not a human emotion I have any part of."

I'm choosing not to fear, even when I feel it in my soul. Recognizing the impermanence of the emotion, stepping out of my body so-to-speak and looking down on my situation really helps to release that negative, debilitating emotion. When I release it, I'm more present for life.

The most exciting part of this journey is the new doors that are opening. I'm doing more studying, reading, and public speaking. I'm finding time for me and my heart purpose.

I'm really enjoying that. This wild river ride too.