Here we are at September 2011 – how did that happen?
Time is truly accelerating and we are so blessed to be alive at this auspicious time as we evolve into a greater awareness of who and what we are as individuals and as a collective global community. Our joyous challenge is to stay in love and move away from fear. This is not always easy. However, the payoff is exponentially great if we choose to practice a consistent vibration of love.
At my last writing nine months ago, I described my initial journey of going on sabbatical from my volunteer spiritual leadership endeavors. Initially, I was encouraged to take six months of rest to walk a deeper and closer walk with the Divine. Prior to the fall equinox of 2010, I was exhausted and finding my life joyless from all of the activity. I realized that I was being driven by my ego, not by my heart. As I learned what sabbatical meant for me, I realized my joyous assignment was to “be love.” Currently, I am nearing the completion of a yearlong sabbatical. So what have I learned?
The formula that has evolved is not new – it is ancient: to find that quiet place, listen and then act in accordance with the guidance that is presented.
For me, the “download” from God typically occurs in nature or while exercising. The first ancient formula that I received:
1. BE STILL. It’s important to find that place for yourself where you can let mind chatter dim and allow yourself to connect with the Divine, however that shows up for you.
2. LISTEN. Quieting inner chatter and outward activity allows an environment for you to hear and raise your awareness to the presence that is always available. Your guidance will come in whatever way makes sense for you. It may be through meditation, a song on the radio or perhaps a dream. With practice, you can begin to discern what is divine guidance and what is ego.
3. ENGAGE. Lastly, is acting on the guidance you receive and taking action. I know I am in accordance with divinity when I take action, and it feels smooth and easy. If I become overly anxious or emotionally upset, I know I have lost my way and am back to being driven by ego.
Again, it is important for you to find your own cues as to who is leading – your ego or your spirit.
It has taken all of a year to mindfully practice the “formula” for me to be living a much happier life. Allowing spirit to direct my life takes much less energy and increases the quality of my life a thousand-fold.
The other ancient secret I received is: The sabbatical does not end at the 2011 fall equinox. My formula is a way of life, not a temporary journey.
Knowing this, I will continue to live the teachings of love and the formula of 1) be still, 2) listen and 3) engage in divine-right action. It seems a bit silly to outline something that appears to be so simple. However, truly embodying it is where the most fulfillment lives. Ultimately, I believe it is the path to freedom.
I invite you to take your own sabbatical by slowing down your life, listening to the presence and taking action in accordance with It. You can practice over any length of time that fits easily into your schedule. The practice doesn’t have to be a struggle; it does require surrendering to your heart instead of your ego.
In this cataclysmic time of change, choosing love over fear is paramount as we shed the old and make way for a new awareness and level of consciousness.
May you know how loved and blessed you are by the presence itself.
Abby Leach is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice and available for spiritual counseling sessions as a licensed practitioner and shamanic initiate in Olympia. For more information, please visit her website at www.AbbyLeach.com. Perspective is coordinated by Interfaith Works in cooperation with The Olympian. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily endorsed by Interfaith Works or The Olympian.
