Clarity About Urgency To Live

The convergence of urgency and comfort invites an opportunity to shift an experience with an altered perception of time.

A perception of time could be swayed by thoughts or feelings on both extremes of the spectrum.  One perception is the distorted illusion of unlimited time and the other extreme could be the belief of being stuck in moments or experiences.

When I think of time, from the standpoint from beginning to end in the current life, it does not seem unlimited. I also think of time as being infinite. The belief that time has no end. It seems like a confliction of what time is. It could be subjective if someone believes that physical life may end, and the spiritual journey continues.

To focus on the specific physical presence in life would suggest there is a path to the end.

When the end appears, there can be an assumption that there are many reflective insights that arise for the time lived.

Documented thoughts from others near the end of their life include appreciations, regrets, forgiveness, remorse, love.

Why it takes a lifetime to realize the reflective insights

The false reality many people hold in their mind is commonly mistaking they have unlimited time in their life.

At what points in life do people start thinking about time as a precious gift?

Usually there are disruptions or reminders that interrupt the false reality of unlimited time.

It could be when someone close, like a best friend or family member passes away. A revelation for the physical end of life. A gentle prompt of reality for aging and mortality.

It may or may not persuade one’s perspective of time. It definitely infuses the curiosity to think about it.

 Curiosity could then lead someone down a tunnel of despair thinking about everything they “must do now” with a maintained focus on the ending.

It isn’t about the time urgency to do tasks. It is about the time urgency to be the person you envision being in your life. 

Am I taking the time to love others and myself?

Am I taking the time to appreciate the moments in life?

Am I taking the time to live with inner peace?

 

Looking deeper into these individual questions, the answers reside in the question, “what does this mean to me?”

What living with urgency really means

I believe it is a simple philosophy. 
To live with integrity. To live in your values. To love deeply. To care for yourself. To care for others.

There can be many temptations that get in the way of someone not following this philosophy. In most cases, following the ego leads us astray.

Attachment to the thoughts of anger, disappointment, failure are some of the major attention grabbers for the ego. Depending how intense the attachment is will determine how long the ego will be followed on the journey. Gradually taking someone further and further away from the simple philosophies they want to live by. The perception becomes; they no longer seem simple.

Days, months and years pass. Not realizing the habits and perceptions have denied the proper love and caring that was always wanted.

This includes escaping, avoiding and running away from challenges that life is presenting. Respect must be given for the current state someone is functioning. However, that does not preclude the potential and possibility of shifting that state. Regaining focus and realigning commitment to the things that are most important. Those “things” of importance are what become urgent to care for.

There is a responsibility to act with urgency. Being accountable not only to oneself, but to others that encompass the ripple effect in life’s sphere of connection.

Redemption of integrity is tightly woven into the values of love and caring. It requires being prompt in those aligned actions.

 

Bring awareness back in your body to stay focused in life

To stay focused requires minimal distraction in the mind. It is interesting how chaos could ensue around someone, yet they are able to maintain focus.

I wonder why that is?

A typical day in life for example, getting lost in all the intricacies of tasks, obligations, responsibilities.

How can someone stay focused with so much going on?

Being in tune with our senses of what is occurring in our body can help to maintain focus on the joy of who we are, what is happening in our perceptual world.

It is a form of appreciative acknowledgement. Accepting what is happening without resistance.

The awareness in our body connects us back to ourselves.

It is a grounding into the current moment.

Tune into the moment without the chaos diverting our attention somewhere other than what is happening right now.

The mind connects back with the body.

You take the time to feel your feet on the ground. You allow yourself to be open to observation as time was taken to notice.

To feel the sensations, the energy in your body. 

Where are they being held, stored, restricted?

Taking small steps to incorporate awareness in your body throughout the day will provide advantages of focus in life.

You may notice yourself stepping out of fear based thinking, listening with greater intention, less frustration, overall appreciative awareness for right now.

3 Ways To Create Awareness In The Body

  1. Body Scan
  2. Movement
  3. Intentional Reflection/Expression

The body scan is a technique used to intentionally bring attention to individual parts of the body without judging them. 

Movement when done mindfully helps to connect yourself back to your body to truly feel the various areas of the body in greater appreciation.

Intentional reflection offers a form of expression that creates a conscious awareness of the things that benefit the body in it’s functioning and movement while also identifying what obstructs it’s effectiveness.

Connecting back to the body is a choice that aids in the life healing process. It allows feelings and thoughts to surface that would otherwise be suppressed. 

As the practice becomes stronger, so does the efficiency of how quickly someone can tune into their body.

After experimenting with the sensations in the body, bring them into awareness and feel a powerful experience of focused presence within you.

Connection to the body is a conscious awareness to the residing messages below the superficial functioning in life.

What is a Transformational Journey

 

The transformational journey could be sparked by a moment or experience that elicits a profound shift to follow an unknown path of exploration. This winding path unearths many discoveries within self and through the lens in which someone views life.

Sometimes it can feel like a “calling.” Other times it can feel like an opportunity for change mixed with confusion, fear of the unknown but knowing the next step is necessary. Inner knowing is acknowledged and reasoning or rational contemplation is accepted even though the path may not be clear at the time.

It can be a spiritual unraveling. An intensified connection to the “change” that is about to occur. It could feel like something is missing. A revolutionary awakening within ourself. The confrontation of fear and overcoming it for the necessary growth to learn or heal along the path to BECOMING. 

Arising to a vision of higher self.

What Makes The Transformational Journey Exciting

  • who you become in the process
  • following your values
  • accessing your higher self
  • utilizing your gifts
  • overcome fears

What Makes The Transformational Journey Challenging

  • an unknown end or destination
  • surrendering to trust and faith
  • letting go of old/outdated/misaligned belief concepts
  • habit change
  • navigating emotional turbulence

 

In the book, A Shift In Being, author and Transformational Coach, Leon VanderPol shares how the stages of the transformational journey begins with an awakening of two forces. “A disruptive inner earthquake or “crisis of integrity” that begins to shake up the status quo, and an inner impulse or call that says “there is more to who you are than you have come to believe – it’s time to know thyself.”

In his explanation he continues to say that these forces guide someone down the path of transformation with the assistance of two actions which are;

Letting Go and Letting Come.

What this means is letting go of our constructed self concept that does not align with our emergence of selfhood. Growing into the expressional experiences of the newborn ascension of selfhood.

The perception of the journey also seems difficult because of the feelings of being alone and isolated throughout the process.

Throughout the process is learning to disseminate elements of true self while recognizing recurring ego patterns.

What To Remember When You Are In It

The journey could be filled with many steps. It is important to acknowledge each step and appreciate that each step is an important piece in the transformational process. A small step could make a drastic impact in the tides of change.

Allow the openness to explore new concepts, ideas and perspectives. The transition might require different ways of thinking, different ways of viewing things, and different ways of choosing how to function.

Choose to remain in the present moment. Placing too much focus on the outcome or end of the journey will undoubtably remove the joy and gratitude in the cycle of inner metamorphosis.

Receive the messages of “what can I learn”  and “what is this teaching me” with open arms. The curiosity reduces judgement and replaces with a focus on vast opportunities for powerful intentions.

The spiritual path of enlightenment is a revelation in the discovery of awakening to true self. It does not discriminate against fear but welcomes trust in loving surrender.

 

Where the journey starts and where it continues

This past year was a journey through many experiences. The navigation through the need to accomplish, rest, contemplate, reflect, realize, awaken. They all assisted to connect to the inner motivation to feel content and complete.

Most of the moments emerged in their own way. It was simply about letting them emerge. It may not have felt like it was the “right time”, but there was no denying their importance in the journey.

There could have been a choice to resist or avoid. They would have still emerged at another time.

Transform the experiences

To allow presence of the experience, shifts one’s perspective through gratitude while acknowledging the blessings.

It could be argued that other choices may have altered the experiences. That is also true, and that would lead to a different path on the journey.

There is a reason this journey is meant to be. There is something to be appreciated and something to be learned.

A Calling For Connection

What wants to be realized and what wants to be revealed?

What will be possible and who will I get to be in the process?

A sense of trust develops. A knowing that everything will be ok. 

Personal growth and transformation are part of the journey. 

Surrender to the process.

Let go of outdated beliefs and ideals that no longer serve.

Cultivate the necessary empowerment to thrive.

Functioning with focus in a clearly defined vision.

What will help to realize the potential of self?

What will help to execute actions with alignment and integrity?

What will help to see clarity for opportunities?
What will help to ignite the craving of the soul?

What is required

  1. Daily supportive habits that nourish the mind, body, soulful spirit.
  2. A disciplined mindset that welcomes resilience and love.
  3. Consistent intentions that fuel motivation and inspiration.
  4. A purpose that connects with your heart.

Take a moment and reflect, where has your journey brought you to this moment of here and now?

Where will be your continuation and starting point when the New Year begins?

The challenge most often resides in the acceptance that there is no wrong place to be on the path. 

What if, you believed that each aspect of the journey was a gift that was unveiling something about yourself. Revealing your higher potential. Unearthing unlimited possibilities through broadened perspectives. Guiding an energetic force of passion towards your daily efforts and actions.

Approach each day as a praise of gratitude for the many gifts and opportunities that are ready to be acknowledged. Cultivate the awareness of what makes everything extraordinary. You will witness other perspectives that extend an invitation to live into an astonishing life overflowing with joy.

The emergence of each experience is a blessing to be honored. It is a selfless journey that has no end.

The path to inner peace has many distractions along the way.

The Distractions

The distractions are creations of hostility, distress, agitation, frustration, anxiety,
agony, despair, fear, misery.
On the path there are obstacles that will challenge the most inner way of being.
They are distractions because focus is not on the dedication to inner peace.
Stress is a major obstacle that could start off with small irritations and they
gradually increase. Many factors lead to the increase and take someone further away from
inner peace.

The question comes back to, “who is responsible for having inner peace?
It is an important question that transforms possibility and choice.

Another powerfully effective question would be, “who is responsible for being
inner peace?”

It is impossible to have inner peace without focusing on the intentions of who you
choose to be in the moment. It starts with personal awareness.

What is taking you off the path?

Where does your attention need to be to stay on the path?

 

How long will anger, resentment, fear, despair keep you traveling along a different
path?

Being able to process emotions helps to overcome any obstacles that might get in
the way. Presence with those emotions creates the option to release attachment to them
through required actions.
The required actions coincide with the definition of what inner peace is. That
definition includes some form of love. Love for self, love for others, and love for the life that is
given.

The ways love embodies inner peace in someone’s life 

Self care. Taking care of personal needs for wellbeing, physical, mental,
spiritual.

  • Living in core values that bring alignment in life
  • Self compassion
  • Giving self love, respect, appreciation, forgiveness
  • Giving thanks to everything
  • Accepting of discomfort
  • Offerings of kindness and connection
  • Trust or belief in something greater than self

 

Inner peace is a never ending path in life.

How you choose what that path looks like is dependent upon the devotion you have to stay on the path.

The most basic concepts bring inner peace when accompanied with empowered intentions.

The concepts include having gratitude, practicing forgiveness, mindfulness and
processing emotions to surrender and let go of tightly held resistances in the mind.

They are habits that need to be continually practiced so the stressful moments can
be handled with grace and inner resourcefulness.

Remaining focused in the present moment is the pathway to inner peace which is
always possible. A daily commitment to ensure the necessary actions maintain the vision of
inner peace.

hat is a Transformational Journ

Bringing back feelings from being numb in life

Everyday stress and suffering over time becomes a self defense of numbness that is carried
around each day.

It may feel like, “always going through the motions in life.”
Not wanting to feel the hurtful or painful feelings. It pushes away the other emotions that are
wanting to be experienced. The joy, the gratitude, the possibility, the wonder within each day.

It is extraordinary how a perspective shifts that numbness. Refocusing on what brings life and
energy into each moment.
It no longer feels like things are “going through the motions.”
There is a purpose and commitment to feel again. A revitalized awakening that slowly opens
vision to exciting possibilities. 
The realization that intention must be focused on the thoughts which demand attention to be
experienced.

 

The emotions need to be processed, acknowledged and accepted. A gentle handling without
judgement. An openness to refrain from judging the judgement of the emotions. Shame and
guilt are not wrong. They are sending me a message to uncover what they are trying to tell me.

Offering the choice to let go of suffering

The one small step of being in the presence of thought and emotion begins to shift perspective.
The soul wants to wake up.

It wants to be seen, it wants to be heard. 
It is waiting for permission.
Each passing day that the soul is asleep, it becomes restless.
Continually trying to attract attention.

All the soul truly wants is to be reunited with the heart. To be guided in life with connected trust and courage.

Break the continual pattern of numbing out in an attempt to feel better through extreme
satiations that fill the void.
Binge watching, screen scrolling, addiction choosing activities to quiet the mind and avoid
feeling.
Fear of the attempt to break free from the safe space that has been established.
Curiosity and self discovery await a committed focus.

Begin to explore the questions,

“What wants to be acknowledged?”

“What part of me wants to be heard?”

“What would I rather be experiencing instead?”

“What do I need, what is required of me?”
 
Let my soul awaken from it’s slumber.

Let it breathe the fullness of being alive again.
Let the healing begin.
Let the unravelling be revealed.
Allow the transformation to unfold within.
May I see the vibrant colors of life.
May I be grateful for this moment I chose to see.

Value your needs by slowing down

It is so easy to get caught up in the fast paced moments in life.
Going from one place to the next. Doing one thing to the next.
Sometimes, (insert the metaphor) “running around forgetting that my head is attached to my
body.”

Slowing down may not seem like an option. There may not be an understanding of how to do it.
Thoughts of, “how can I afford to slow down when there is so much to do and there is not
enough time to do it all?”

Slowing down gives the opportunity to tend to your own needs while also creating healthy
momentum through presence. It allows someone to “be there” for others attentively.

It adds quality to the moments of interaction and connection. By slowing down, you also give
yourself time to process and reflect. There is the creation of perspective. In doing so, it
nourishes mental health.

Without taking time to slow down in life, it could lead to anxiety and neglect of personal care.
Then it is a constant feeling of, “I need to do more” because you might feel you are not doing
enough. Not tending to your own needs.

Some easy and effective ways to slow down are:

  • Take a mini break to check in with yourself
  • Feel yourself breathing, bring attention to your breath and control it with deep, slow
    breaths
  • Spend some time in nature
  • Schedule times to put away the cell phone
  • Set priorities and boundaries – commit to them
  • Manage time efficiently through organization and delegation
    Eat slower

There may be resistance to slowing down. It may be something that has just been part of
everyday life for as long as you can remember.

 

The creation of slower-paced moments in life is a choice that rejuvenates the mind and soul.
The creation of calming peace in your day.

 

It simply equates to presence. In presence there is freedom from worry about the future or past doubts.
Time is flexible and can be adjusted in many different ways. The perception of time and it’s
limitations is what makes it rigid and fixed.

When your needs are valued, life can be enjoyed in all it’s moments because you slowed down
to be in them with presence.

Acceptance of self and situations equals freedom inside self

What often confines the suffering in life?

It is usually the choice or lack of choice to stay immersed in the identity of the suffering.
Staying immersed in the identity of the suffering often leads to self judgement and other
survival strategies that take away the freedom to exist in what is being experienced.

It develops into a continual pattern of suffering with no escape.
Isolated thinking occurs and the pain is ignored or pushed away. Shame and guilt take over to
mask the continual thoughts that are perpetuating in their own biosphere.

Something that helps release the shame and guilt

An inner giving of freedom starts with self compassion.

Self compassion is a practice of acceptance. Accepting self and acceptance of situations is
essential to let go of the thoughts, “I am the suffering” as opposed to “I am suffering.” Do these
two thoughts seem different in what you might experience?

Self Compassion assists in relieving the intensities of anxiety and depression.

Three elemental constructs of self compassion

These three self compassion foundations help to shift the perspective of suffering.

Self Kindness instead of Self Judgement. This means being warm towards self in the
midst of failure, suffering or inadequacy.

Common Humanity instead of Isolation. The realization and recognition that you are not
the only one going through the experience being encountered. Seeing that all humans
are imperfect or make mistakes.

Mindfulness instead of Over-Identification. Being aware of our thoughts and feelings,
acknowledging them without trying to deny or suppress them. Having receptive
acceptance of them without the judgement or attachment to the negative reactions.

What would an example look like in a moment of simplified self compassion?

Accept and acknowledge the experience, “this is a moment of challenge and it feels
stressful.”

“Challenges are a part of life and I’m not alone in what I’m feeling.”

Say to yourself, “May I be kind to myself, may I forgive myself and give myself the
compassion that I need right now. What do I need, what can I give myself?”

The effects of self compassion in life are the ultimate shift in perspective about self. It
continually cultivates the resilience necessary to move through suffering and setbacks in a way
that acknowledges who you are with love and acceptance. The opportunity to give compassion openly as a reflection of love and acceptance.

Uncovering the freedom to appreciate what is being experienced without the need to resist.
Accepting the true essence of being alive in all it’s vibrancy, including the emotional gifts.

Comforting self through the process in kindness and grace. Connecting to love with harmonious
congruency.