Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Good Intentions
There are many times in life when we act from our good intentions, but who does it serve. Sometimes we see someone that is having a challenge in some area of their life and so we look for ways to help them. Good intentions. Occasionally we will notice something in our community that we think should be fixed and we go about making the necessary changes. Good intentions. Sometimes it is a family member or maybe it is friend or work associate, we look at their life or their work and we can see areas that would be better served if they simply made a few changes. Good intentions.
We see these things or people that need fixing and from our generosity we go about telling or showing them what to do. Or in some cases we may simply change things on our own. I know from my own experience that I mean well when I do this. There is no intended malice in doing this it is merely good intentions. So, who is served by these good intentions? Have you ever really examined your good intentions to see who you are really serving?
Have you ever been surprised when you do this good thing or offer this good advice and suddenly you have lost a friend? Have you ever had someone get quite angry with you when you offer your sage advice? Why is this, do you think?
Imagine for a moment that you are going about your life, and you feel it is going quite well, and all of a sudden a couple of your friends start planning ways they could improve you. Maybe they haven't spoken to you about your failings as yet and they are going ahead with a plan to really improve you and your quality of life. How might this feel to you when you find out? Would you welcome it as a loving gesture on their part? Would you resent their presumptions?
Something to think about. Never assume you know what is best for someone else and you will probably have many friends and a happy life. Good intentions, best to use with caution and clear communication techniques.
Love and Blessings,
Barbara
We see these things or people that need fixing and from our generosity we go about telling or showing them what to do. Or in some cases we may simply change things on our own. I know from my own experience that I mean well when I do this. There is no intended malice in doing this it is merely good intentions. So, who is served by these good intentions? Have you ever really examined your good intentions to see who you are really serving?
Have you ever been surprised when you do this good thing or offer this good advice and suddenly you have lost a friend? Have you ever had someone get quite angry with you when you offer your sage advice? Why is this, do you think?
Imagine for a moment that you are going about your life, and you feel it is going quite well, and all of a sudden a couple of your friends start planning ways they could improve you. Maybe they haven't spoken to you about your failings as yet and they are going ahead with a plan to really improve you and your quality of life. How might this feel to you when you find out? Would you welcome it as a loving gesture on their part? Would you resent their presumptions?
Something to think about. Never assume you know what is best for someone else and you will probably have many friends and a happy life. Good intentions, best to use with caution and clear communication techniques.
Love and Blessings,
Barbara
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
The Power of Love
Today I was contemplating the power of love to shift consciousness. When attacked personally by the people around you we often move into a place of reaction and a desire to defend ourselves. Am I right? What if instead we stood in a consciousness of love and acceptance. Accepting that what people think, or what they say about us is actually about them and not about us. How might that change the way you feel about what happened or what was said?
When we accept what is happening, rather than defend against what is happening we become more powerful. In the moment that we look at a situation or a person with acceptance and compassion we remove ourselves from the place of being a victim. We begin to see a bigger picture and no longer take it personally if someone says something behind our backs to someone else, or maybe they say something we find hurtful, or something that is untrue.
The truth is, people rarely see us for who we are, but rather, they see us from who they are and where they are. It is important that we learn to love all others, most especially those who are intent on bringing us harm. It is through love that we are fully able to live in integrity. Living in integrity requires a deep commitment and will bring us a true sense of contentment. Learning to listen to our own hearts, our own consciousness will bring us peace and a true sense of freedom. Living in an attitude of trying to please others brings us pain and suffering.
Remember, "What people think of you is none of your business", from A Course In Miracles. This is one of the most important statements ever written. Learn it and live by it, you will be very grateful you did. Freedom and joy come when we stand in our own Truth without expectation of those around us and their thoughts, ideas or attitudes. Love yourself and love your life, this will bring peace to you and to the world. It is really our only option anyway. No matter what the challenge may be Love is always the answer. Have a great day and know you are loved.
In Joy,
Barbara
When we accept what is happening, rather than defend against what is happening we become more powerful. In the moment that we look at a situation or a person with acceptance and compassion we remove ourselves from the place of being a victim. We begin to see a bigger picture and no longer take it personally if someone says something behind our backs to someone else, or maybe they say something we find hurtful, or something that is untrue.
The truth is, people rarely see us for who we are, but rather, they see us from who they are and where they are. It is important that we learn to love all others, most especially those who are intent on bringing us harm. It is through love that we are fully able to live in integrity. Living in integrity requires a deep commitment and will bring us a true sense of contentment. Learning to listen to our own hearts, our own consciousness will bring us peace and a true sense of freedom. Living in an attitude of trying to please others brings us pain and suffering.
Remember, "What people think of you is none of your business", from A Course In Miracles. This is one of the most important statements ever written. Learn it and live by it, you will be very grateful you did. Freedom and joy come when we stand in our own Truth without expectation of those around us and their thoughts, ideas or attitudes. Love yourself and love your life, this will bring peace to you and to the world. It is really our only option anyway. No matter what the challenge may be Love is always the answer. Have a great day and know you are loved.
In Joy,
Barbara
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