Loving expression

As a teenager, I didn’t have a huge problem sharing my opinions. In fact I was so strong about it that at times that my mom got out the wash rag and ran around the kitchen chasing me as I ducked behind counters, while she attempted to give me a good whack for mouthing off! It was humorous even at the time and we often burst out laughing! I went with classmates in high school on marches where we actually got to talk to our senators and I, in all my teenage self-righteousness, asked questions they couldn’t answer. “How can you feel integrity in voting for something that you just told me you don’t believe in it?” I had an angry streak.

Over the years, I’ve realized, sometimes the hard way, that I can’t assume my way is the “right” way for anyone other than myself. When I got frustrated with my ex-husband years ago because he got a cold and wouldn’t let me heal him, he told me quite honestly, “Maybe I got sick because that’s the only way I’d ever let myself rest.” Wow. That was an eye opener. I still thought to myself, “I’d never do that!” then proceeded, over the years, to get sick to teach myself lessons!

I went to a psychic in my early twenties who told me I’d be working in the future, in a store with plants and crystals and I remember thinking humorously, “Yeah maybe I’ll own a co-op!” Within the decade I had quite working as an engineering and was psychic in the window in a store with plants and crystals.

Moral of the story – life has taught me time and again that I don’t know everything. I don’t know who I’ll be in the future. I’m blooming and I get to choose my path along the way. So do you. I don’t know what’s best for anyone else (unless I’m letting the angels come through me!) and its none of my business to educate anyone who hasn’t asked. I know what resonates and what doesn’t and I’ll stick to that with no apology, but I cannot possibly expect others to feel as I do. If I’ve learned one thing that has completely changed my life, it is to discern rather than judge, and to live and let live.

So as you watch this wild year of varying opinions and perspectives unfold, do your best to simply be true to yourself, and to focus on things and people and situations that resonate with you. If the news excites you, watch it. If not, turn it off. If you love sitting and meditating do so. If you love being busy, go for it.

Be unapologetically true to you – your perfect, precious, unique self – and let others do the same. In a state of inner peace, the world’s chaos cannot infiltrate your consciousness. In a state of loving self-acceptance, you can lovingly express your True loving Self, in even the simplest of your daily actions. This love, this peace, is ultimately the greatest vibrational gift you can share with humanity.

Here are a few pointers how to express yourself with love…

1. Express yourself through your Being rather than words

We are most effective in “getting others to understand us” when we walk the talk and live our truth. It is of no use to preach peace while angrily making someone else wrong. Far better to do what it takes to be at peace with yourself. Challenge yourself, every time you want to make someone wrong, to make yourself right… for you, according to your desired standards instead. As Gandhi so wisely said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

2. Express yourself through actions that are consistent with your ideals

If you want to be known as someone kind, be kind. If you want to be known as someone honest be honest with yourself. If you want to be known as someone sweet, be sweet, but most of all do these things while being authentic.

Sometimes you’re not going to feel sweet. You can sweetly let people know you’re upset, tired, or not able to help. You can honestly let people down with loving kindness. You can express even the tough stuff in a way that matches the ideals you wish to embody. Look for role models. Read articles Online by people you admire. Most powerfully of all, drop into your heart and ask yourself, “How would the ideal version of myself act?” Come from that place of inner guidance.

3. Express love every chance you get

Love is the highest expression of all. Wake up and thank your sheets. Appreciate your shower. Love your breakfast. Compliment people around you when they do something you admire. Thank your car for its service. An expression of love ripples good vibrations out into the cosmos.

This might be an “exciting” week as we watch the varying perspectives clash in the outer world. In our inner world, however, we get to define what kind of week we want to live, and for that matter, what kind of day we live, every day.

I wish you all peace, happiness, and of course authentic, loving expression.