Spiritual Solutions

(Note: This is the sixth lesson adapted from the series “Steady in the Wind,” by Ann Strong, of www.thrivingcoaches.com. Ann kindly gave me permission to adapt and use parts of the lessons in my blog and newsletter. I believe you will find much value in applying the twelve life principles covered in this course. Enjoy!)

WELCOME TO:
Lesson Six: Openness

Please listen to the audio first by clicking on the link below, and then let’s read the lesson together.

Lesson Six: Openness

In this lesson we will cover openness, which allows you to know and explore the possibilities of many paths to your visions. Whatever you want - increased fun with your work, better relationships, greater confidence - can happen in an infinite number of ways.

Practicing openness allows you the flexibility to realize it doesn’t have to happen “your way” or “the way it always has.” You can approach situations without pre-conceived notions or judgments.

Much of our own unhappiness and frustration is created by consistently resisting and fighting the way things seem to be. No matter what you are facing right now, relax and accept where you are since it is “what is” right now.

An affirmation that my wife, Kathryn, and I often use is “I release everything to God, and I am lifted into a new awareness of safety, security and peace.” Then from this place of openness and receptivity, you are ready to accept your greater good. Remember, the only door through which the Divine Essence can come to us is through our own I Am.

OPENNESS ENLARGES THE FIELD OF POSSIBILITY.

In Isaiah 54:2, we read, “Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; hold not back, lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.” This is a beautiful analogy of how to transcend your perceived limitations.

Then in Isaiah 58:11, we read, “And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your desire with good things, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

OPENNESS READIES US TO RECEIVE THE GUIDANCE WE SEEK

With openness, you see opportunities you wouldn’t have seen before. You also create opportunities you wouldn’t have thought of in the past.

There is powerful understanding contained in these words from the aphorisms of Patanjali:

“As the removal of earth by a farmer digging a ditch
Opens up a channel for water to flow to his crops,
So the removal of obstacles by the student opens up
A channel for Cosmic Energy to flow into his being.”

Cease doing whatever is interfering with the natural flow of good from within you. Consent, let go, and let the flow of life unfold for you now.

With openness, you can simply sway with the wind, rather than fight it.

AN EXAMPLE OF OPENNESS

Ann Strong shares that when she first started her coaching practice, she wanted to work with as many clients as possible. If someone really wanted to work with her and she felt a strong connection between them, she had an open policy about making it work.

If this particular person told her they could not afford her fee, she asked them what they could afford. They then worked out a fee structure that stretched, but didn’t panic them and worked for her.

If she hadn’t felt open to working with a person who made a sincere offer, she would not have built her practice nearly as quickly.

By being open she was able to remove the obstacles and let her good flow for herself and the other person.

For more great examples of openness, read

http://spiritualsolutionsblog.com/acres-of-diamonds.php

PRACTICE OPENNESS THIS WEEK

Try applying openness to several situations this week by brainstorming three to five possible ways to proceed.

If you can’t come up with at least three, ask a friend or colleague to help you brainstorm options.

Record your findings and opportunities in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING AWARENESS

Continue practicing awareness this week . Several times this week, check in with yourself. How do you feel, physically and emotionally? What will make you feel even better? Look for opportunities. Talk about what feels most exciting to you. Ask for what you want. Find out what others need. Give it to them. Record your findings in your evidence journal.

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMITMENT

Continue practicing commitment this week. Have you written your commitment for your life or work? Are you recording evidence in your journal that supports your commitment?

CONTINUE PRACTICING COMMANDING

Continue practicing commanding or claiming this week and beyond. What have you chosen to command or claim? Are you recording evidence in your journal? What is showing up for you?

CONTINUE PRACTICING VISIONING

Continue practicing visioning this week. Whenever you feel stuck, do you write out a vision? Are you tracking evidence for all your visions?

CONTINUE PRACTICING DEEP LISTENING

Are you integrating both deep listening within and deep listening to others into your natural, regular routine?

CONTINUE PRACTICING YOUR OBSERVER ROLE

Is observation becoming a natural part of your life and work?

Next week, you will receive Lesson Seven: Gratitude.

Until then, have fun with openness, awareness, commitment, commanding, visioning, listening deeply, and observing.

God is Blessing You, Right Now!

Rev. Alan A. Rowbotham
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Rev. Alan Rowbotham, a Unity minister for over thirty-six years, invites you to enjoy more articles and/or subscribe to his free inspirational newsletter, “Spiritual Solutions,” at www.spiritualsolutionsblog.com

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