The Perspective of the Heart~

Have you ever wished that everything in life was smooth and easy? How silly is that question; of course you have and so have I! But what happens when we hit a rough spot, perhaps it is with a life circumstance or a relationship that is not as smooth as we would like. When things get difficult, all of our worst fears come to the surface. Sometimes making it difficult to discern between what is fear, and what is not. It alters our perspective, and as a result we say and do things that are out of alignment with our deepest intentions. Years ago, I learned this little saying about fear using the first letter of the word: False Evidence Appearing Real. Sometimes fear seems bigger than life itself, but is not the only thing that clouds our perspective in difficult times. We all have our experiences and beliefs that inform us, telling who we are, and who we should or could be, but often we forget who we really are.

Difficulties in our life cannot be resolved with the same consciousness that created them, therefore a larger and higher perspective is needed. I believe, that is the exact purpose of the things in our life that are difficult, it is so that we look deep inside to that place of our greatest knowing. This is the place where we can hear more than the words that are spoken and see more than what appears before us. In is the place of our deepest knowing that holds the most transforming power of all, and that it is unconditional love. It is the love we have for ourselves when we fall back rather than stepping up, it is the love we extend to our friends and family when they are not seeing all of who they are. This is the place where can all hold each other in our humanness...how we don't live up to what we are capable of and how we do let our own light shine. In times that are difficult it is imperative that we reside in this place of spirit to heal and transform. In our society, we often just leave when things are hard, we believe it is just easier than figuring it out. When we stay with, using our heart as a guide, we find the true gift of relationship.

The people of Africa are highly relational, and they understand the importance of relationship as a basis for their daily living...it is one of the most important things I learned. They do not leave anything unsettled for long. In fact, after something has been resolved, perhaps a difficulty with a friend, they extend a blessing to each other as they move forward. The relationships we have, are gifts to be treasured. I would invite you to offer a blessing to those who are important in your life, especially if something has been hard. I chose this picture, Angel of Spirit, to remind me to extend unconditional love to those around me, and let the mystery and power of love, guide, heal and transform. Blessings to you this day~
Sandy

If you would like more information about the Institute for Peace and Joy please visit our new website at www.inpeaceandjoy.org