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Chapter Five: Walking in Spirit

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Chapter Five: Walking in Spirit

A Work in Progress

Photo by Matthew Ansley on Unsplash

I would be a liar to say I don’t get upset when days are altered. With daily routines, rituals, and patterns that bring peace to my being, it doesn’t take much for the human side to be thrown off course.

Recently at the local gym, the steam room goes out, causing great distress on its members. Trying to overcome the fear of not being able to meditate, clear my head, or just being in the moment…emitting toxins from my body, I recognize my angst of not being able to use the steam. I look to another gym in my angst, hoping they’ll allow me to use their facility for a week. To my surprise, their steam room is out as well. The irony here is not so much that the steam rooms are both out but that I have found anxiety in something so small.

It is very easy to get knocked off course…off our course of peace, Love, and compassion with our busy schedules. When our day is complete…work is done. We must tap into our reserves…especially when there may be young ones waiting for us at home. They do not care about the mundane schedule, busy day, or many difficulties endured…all that matters to them is you are home. Your undivided attention…that is all they seek. Dig deep, give them everything you have. Change your schedule; check the emotions at the door. They grow up so quickly! Ask any parent as they will say,” spend every moment with them…they grow up too fast!”

So instead of the steam room, I retreat to nature once again. There are many alternatives to finding peace and tranquility. Nature can play a key role in finding peace…20 minutes per day is equal to a whole week retreat.

During my self-discovery, I uncovered more growth opportunities. I discover that even though I am calm and at peace, some moments still bring angst into my day. I am okay with this as I grow forward. My wish for you today is…whatever troubles you, whatever brings angst in your day, sit with it, embrace it, and allow it to grow into something brighter.

The irony to my lesson was that as soon as I released the angst of what I thought should be my plan, the steam room miraculously was fixed. Has this ever happened to you? Chances are it has. Almost as if life was playing out in metaphor.

The Irony of Man is not a new problem but a repeating cyclical behavior passed down from generation to generation. Aristophanes referred to this as eiron, the Greek word for irony, and applied its usage to any shady or annoying characters. The irony was that Aristophanes himself was a ’jokester’ and often annoyed others within his time. Classic case of projecting shadows onto another.

Carl Jung proved the shadow effect to be that of projection of oneself onto another: In some cases, we see positive in another, wishing we could be more like them; In others, we see negative aspects of ourselves we do not care for, commenting on them as ”Ironic” or as Aristophanes called annoying. We project our negative thoughts or shadows onto another in numerous ways, judging them for their shortcomings with hopes of raising our self-worth.

We may at this moment, but it is short-lived. A deeper understanding of self-worth is knowing not one person is perfect while seeking to be perfect.

The first example is self-explanatory, as we want to be more like what we desire to become, thereby causing a natural gravitational pull towards positive people in our lives. The second is not so clear.

Our thoughts and attitudes need persistent training in a world so intent on convincing us that we are who we are not and that we are not who, in fact, we are. ~Debbie Ford

While projecting Shadows, we display judgment through bitterness and express malicious verbal accusations of another. Failing to realize we are merely looking into the mirror with our reflection projecting onto others, we find disgust with not just them but subconsciously ourselves. Those who remain in their shadows either stay in darkness or turn towards the light.

We can chase shadows of doubt, or turn our attention towards the source of light, leaving our shadows behind us forever. ~Ani Po

Our shadows can shine brightly as the source of light, through which awareness and mindfulness are achieved. Remain in the shadows, and that is where we remain. Turning attention towards source energy, we receive lessons of acceptance for all (you, me, he, she, we, they): Acceptance for all ironies of life, finding humor in the ironic behavior of man.

Isn’t it ironic that we pay for gym memberships when we could easily walk outside, getting more fresh air, vitamin D, and an overwhelming feeling of well-being? We pay for ’Coaches’ to tell us how to live when we need only sit and ponder our lives. We want to get healthier but are unwilling to change diets or lifestyles, instead paying someone to keep us on track. We have known health issues but fail to change our ways…further paying someone to aid us with our health…usually in the form of a convenient pill. Our lives are filled with ironies.

Is it a case of laziness or subscribing to a belief of doing something every moment, forgetting to reconnect with the Canvas of Life? The Canvas of Life has no rules but has consequences. We can choose to take our time while painting our canvas, or we can rush through it, splattering paint everywhere with little care in how it falls. One can yield a peaceful, tranquil moment while embracing the Canvas, and the other yields chaos, angst…often misery. Misery brought on by deadlines and timelines…always living for the clock… missing the beauty provided by the Canvas.

While our moments may not always be what we expect them to be, they can be enjoyable no matter what. The Irony of Man does not have to complete the cycle anymore. We can break the cycle of irony and begin a new cycle: a cycle that includes awareness, forgiveness, gratitude, and Love. Wait no longer…change our worldly view. Turn from the shadows of darkness and turn towards the light.

If all we have in our hearts is Love, there can be room for nothing else. ~Ani Po

While the Pilgrim subscribes to the Irony of Man, allowing the cycle to continue in his lineage, the Warrior (Ani Po) subscribes to a new irony…one of serendipity. On a personal level, it can change with a single thought. On a global level, same thought. We find in ourselves and others that not one human being is perfect. In this recognition, we find perfection in all imperfections.

Have you ever wanted to do something in your life but didn’t know where to begin? Or possibly afraid of stepping out of the comfort zone? We all have this burning desire to do something that makes an impact on our lives. Some are fortunate to live the dream early, but others will die without ever playing their music. Wayne Dyer often speaks, ”Don’t Die with your music still in you.”

It is my turn. Not knowing where I am going with this, taking the first steps. Feeling naked and vulnerable, I move forward into the unknown. Most people do their due diligence and take years to research without ever lifting a finger towards their dream. Equipped with only the basics, proceeding forward…living the dream. What about you, the reader? Is there something that your heart desires, but fear keeps it from happening?

Often we set out on task not knowing direction, but we have a result in mind…ever wonder how it got finished? When we establish results, details automatically get filled in. Our works do not necessarily fill in the details. See the end…but then trust that Universe will take care of the details…she always does. I have witnessed in awe the many miraculous and mysterious twists resulting from that which I have no idea how it happened…it just did.

I hope the words on these pages inspire many, spark a fire within others and help those lost be found once more. The messages have always been and will remain raw and unfiltered, growing into something I have not figured out. Waves of Gratitude and Love are sent to those who support me on my journey of life…and so it begins, the Canvas of Life.

With only an idea in my back pocket and intent in my heart, I set out on a journey of a lifetime…dropping seeds of Hope, Love, and Peace…for I am a work in progress. Just as I am, we are all a work in progress. May we walk together page by page, inspiring word by inspiring word…changing within, changing without.

Stepping into the canvas with a new light of serendipity. As our habits become old, we acquire habits of new. Whatever troubles you through the day, bring thanks to your being…let it go, trusting ‘all is good.’ Stepping with our angst, we begin walking in a new light. Have a glorious day, and may your day be filled with new habits of Love and Light. With every step, every thought…may it be aligned with the seven generations. With our ability to alter the cycles, we align our thoughts with that of source energy. Focusing on our shadow, we remain in darkness: focusing on light, we Shine On into another day. Shine On…we are a work in progress.

Spiritual Exercise: Walking in Spirit

1. Hearing more/ Speaking Less

Listening with great intent, we leave little room or need to speak. Extending an ear while speaking only when requesting information. Hesitate from sharing ‘you should’ statements. Instead, offer varying perspectives, allowing others to choose their path.

Avoid the pressure of ‘you should’ statements. While others mean well, they know not what is needed or what calls from with our hearts. What worked for them may not necessarily work for the next person.

Filtering what we hear, filtering what we speak…mindful we have become.

2. Seeing a New World

Removing the eyes of flesh, seeing with eyes of spirit. Walking in spirit, seeing in spirit…sharing in spirit.

While the world has its share of pain and suffering, we do not need to contribute to this. Instead, we can correct the pain and suffering on a singular level and possibility globally.

First things first, set in motion the idea that we can walk hand in hand with spirit. Removing the flesh, we are invited to soar with spirit. Changing on level of self opens the potentiality of making greater change. Whether literally or figuratively, we change our perspective on what the self needs and global needs.

3. Heart as a focal point

Earlier, we discussed that we hold the key to paradise. By now, we ought to know that it resides within our hearts. At the center of our Universe, we hold the key to a grander universe. As within, so without. That which we see within ourselves we begin to see in the outer realms of reality.

Center ourselves at the level of the heart, and the answers will appear, fear dissolved, and life of syncrosensational will unfold.

Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and more importantly the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash

Chapter Four: Removing the Flesh

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Chapter Four: Removing the Flesh

Nearly Perfect in Every Way

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

I have had my share of blunders and mistakes, some minor and some not so much. I have pushed the envelope to numerous to count, often defying the reality of others. Not always correct, never really knowing what is real.

I used to think I knew everything. With divine intervention, I have come to a place of not knowing. The human mind has a very difficult time in this place of not knowing, but assuredly the heart knows the truth. Often truth has no reality…it just is. Changing rapidly with the seasons of change, the heart guides us into safety. Imperfectly perfect we see, imperfectly perfect the world shall be.

Transcending the reality of mirrors, space, and time…we enter a place of understanding. Understanding that nobody or no thing is perfect unless we see it as imperfectly perfect as it is to be. We are all imperfect, and we are all perfect at the same time. We are a part of a greater whole…unseparated and divine as the spark beside us.

So, is it possible to be imperfect? Are we perfect in our own way? Absolutely! The only time we are not perfect is our own perception. Even if another perceives us as flawed or having made a mistake, it does not mean we are imperfect. Not at all…it merely means we made a mistake. How we handle the mistake is the defining moment of our perfection. In correcting our mistakes or transcending the perception of a mistake, we now enter a world of perfection. The human mind needs to recognize something as perfect or imperfect as it is…never allowing something to be as it is imperfectly perfect.

Just as we transcend the mirror of our reality, we come to a place of transcendence for all reality. Letting go of absolutes and accepting infinite possibilities.

Just as Mary Poppins declared “nearly perfect in every way,” so too are we…we need only see perfection all around.

Where is God’s Perfection?

In Brooklyn, New York, Chush is a school that caters to learning disabled children. Some children remain in Chush for their entire school career, while others can be mainstreamed into conventional schools.

At a Chush fund-raising dinner, the father of a Chush child delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all who attended.

After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he cried out, “Where is the perfection in my son Shaya? Everything God does is done with perfection. But my child cannot understand things as other children do. My child cannot remember facts and figures as other children do. Where is God’s perfection?”

The audience was shocked by the question, pained by the father’s anguish, stilled by the piercing query.

“ I believe,” the father answered, “that when God brings a child like this into the world, the perfection that he seeks is in the way people react to this child.”

He then told the following Story about his son Shaya:

One afternoon Shaya and his father walked past a park where some boys Shaya knew were playing baseball.

Shaya asked, “Do you think they will let me play?”

Shaya’s father knew that his son was not at all athletic and that most boys would not want him on their team. But Shaya’s father understood that it would give him a comfortable sense of belonging if his son were chosen to play.

Shaya’s father approached one of the boys in the field and asked if Shaya could play. The boy looked around for guidance from his teammates. Getting none, he took matters into his own hands and said, “We are losing by six runs, and the game is in the eighth inning. I guess he can be on our team, and we’ll try to put him up to bat in the ninth inning.”

Shaya’s father was ecstatic as Shaya smiled broadly. Shaya was told to put on a glove and go out to play short center field.

In the bottom of the eighth inning, Shaya’s team scored a few runs but was still behind by three. Shaya’s team scored again at the bottom of the ninth inning, and now with two outs and the bases loaded with the potential winning run on base, Shaya was scheduled to be up. Would the team let Shaya bat at this juncture and give away their chance to win the game? Surpassingly, Shaya was given the bat.

Everyone knew that it was all but impossible because Shaya didn’t even know how to hold the bat properly, let alone hit with it. However, as Shaya stepped up to the plate, the pitcher moved a few steps to lob the ball in softly, so Shaya should at least be able to make contact.

The first pitch came in, and Shaya swung clumsily and missed. One of Shaya’s teammates came up to Shaya, and together they held the bat and faced the pitcher waiting for the next pitch. The pitcher again took a few steps forward to toss the ball softly toward Shaya. As the pitch came in, Shaya and his teammate swung at the bat, and together they hit a slow ground ball to the pitcher.

The pitcher picked up the soft grounder and could easily have thrown the ball to the first baseman. Shaya would have been out, and that would have ended the game. Instead, the pitcher took the ball and threw it on a high arc to right field, far beyond the reach of the first baseman.

Everyone started yelling,” Shaya, run to first. Run to first.” Never in his life had Shaya run to first. He scampered down the baseline wide-eyed and startled. By the time he reached first base, the right fielder had the ball. He could have thrown the ball to the second baseman, who would tag out Shaya, who was still running. But the right fielder understood what the pitcher’s intentions were, so he threw the ball high and far over the third baseman’s head. Everyone yelled, “Run to second, run to second.” Shaya ran towards second base as the runners ahead of him deliriously circled the bases towards home. As Shaya reached second base, the opposing shortstop ran to him, turned him in the direction of third base, and shouted, “Run to third.” As Shaya rounded third, the boys from both teams ran behind him, screaming, “Shaya run home.”

Shaya ran home, stepped on home plate, and all 18 boys lifted him on their shoulders and made him the hero, as he had just hit a “grand slam” and won the game for his team.

“That day,” said the father softly with tears now rolling down his face, “those 18 boys reached their level of God’s perfection.” ~ Story told by Wayne Dyer

Whether in the Story of Shaya or a scenario of self-worth…it is merely our perception of any given situation. Those 18 boys hit a level of perfection that most have forgotten. Transcending the normal feelings of who will win and seeing an opportunity to undo what humanity has done. In our personal stories…are we seeing beyond our flaws? Accepting our mistakes as opportunities? Whatever the case, we need only see beyond the canvas of self and witness the canvas of life as it was meant to be…imperfectly perfect.

Transcending the idea of being perfect or imperfect, we see it as it is…nearly perfect in every way. Like that of a child, we see with fresh new eyes. Unadulterated eyes of truth…seeing things as raw and awe-inspiring as it was meant to be. In any given situation, we see an opportunity versus finite. We see vast openness versus boundaries or borders. We transcend the illusion of self, seeing the truth of I Am. We are limitless, and our reality is too…we are a work in progress.

We are entrained to believe that we are separate from source and/or separate from others within our flesh and thoughts. We are connected in more ways than imaginable.

Spiritual Exercise: Removing the Flesh

1. Eliminate negative words

Our days are filled with enough negativity, and we are consumed by its words of the day. Within our reach, we can grasp the possibility to see the good in any one given situation. It begins with a thought, a word, or an action. Instead of reacting from fear, we react with Love. Start small and practice daily. With each new day, our practice gets easier and easier, tasks grandeur and grandeur.

2. Being Mindful

What does it mean to be mindful? Mindful is merely awareness and choosing to act under one’s wishes. “I am here now, and no matter what the day brings, I will be present, allowing my highest good to shine love in arenas filled with fear and anger.”

The world has its share of events to bring fear and anger towards the inhabitants. However, accepting non-attachment to expected outcomes and adhering to mindfulness…happiness shall prevail.

3. Daily Mitzvah

One good deed can brighten another’s day. It is a win-win in performing a daily mitzvah. The recipient is given the gift of kindness, with the potential to change the course of their hectic day. What may be filled with fear is changed to hope and opportunity.

As the recipient receives a gift, the sender receives an equally good feeling from doing a good deed.

Word of caution: some actual people are ridden with fear and paranoia, who do not know how to receive a good deed without getting angry. Either pride or another form of fear gets in their way. In these instances, we need to look back on option 2 of this chapter’s spiritual exercise: being mindful, exercising non-attachment.

Do a good deed or don’t do a good deed, but do it with a non-attached approach with no strings attached.

Much gratitude for those who take time to read, ponder and allow the inner workings of self to come forward. Grateful for the feedback, love shared, and more importantly the Dance with Inspiration. Deep Peace.

Joseph Lieungh

Photo by Javardh on Unsplash