My Philosophy
THE ESSENCE
- Metaphysical Upbringing, Deepened
- We are Divine, We are One
- Compassionate Mentoring
- Empowerment is Fundamental
- Authenticity is Key
- We are Inherently Gifted
- Joy is Our Birthright
METAPHYSICS
Just like any other spiritual belief system, the realm of metaphysical spirituality can find a stronghold in dogma. This usually looks like rules, "laws" and other human projections of What Is.
I was raised to believe in reincarnation, that life on Earth is a "school" full of lessons, and "we are all our own God." Here's what I want you to know about these teachings; the latter two concepts were a bit hard to digest as a child (most children seem to remember past lives). First, I didn't even care for regular school, let alone want to approach every interaction as another lesson for me! As well, being taught that "I am God" scared the shit out of me! "Did I really create all this?," I worried. "I created the wars, the chaos and everything bad that has ever happened to me?" It was more than overwhelming to absorb.
I have since come to trust that we are Divine, indeed, and yet we are also human... very, deliciously human. And I like that. As well, as Divine souls we are infinite and all-knowing and therefore, What is there to learn, really? Yet, our humanity makes us forgetful, nuanced, and creatively complex.
And, so - physically and metaphysically - we get to experience this thing called Life in wondrous ways. It's a fantastic paradox!
Just like any other spiritual belief system, the realm of metaphysical spirituality can find a stronghold in dogma. This usually looks like rules, "laws" and other human projections of What Is.
I was raised to believe in reincarnation, that life on Earth is a "school" full of lessons, and "we are all our own God." Here's what I want you to know about these teachings; the latter two concepts were a bit hard to digest as a child (most children seem to remember past lives). First, I didn't even care for regular school, let alone want to approach every interaction as another lesson for me! As well, being taught that "I am God" scared the shit out of me! "Did I really create all this?," I worried. "I created the wars, the chaos and everything bad that has ever happened to me?" It was more than overwhelming to absorb.
I have since come to trust that we are Divine, indeed, and yet we are also human... very, deliciously human. And I like that. As well, as Divine souls we are infinite and all-knowing and therefore, What is there to learn, really? Yet, our humanity makes us forgetful, nuanced, and creatively complex.
And, so - physically and metaphysically - we get to experience this thing called Life in wondrous ways. It's a fantastic paradox!
COMPASSION
I am sometimes thought to be a Buddhist. I'm not. I adore many of the tenets of Buddhism, as well as other spiritual philosophies... mostly the ones steeped in mysticism. I don't claim to know a whole lot about the various world religions, including Christianity, as I wasn't raised within any particular denomination. I will say I gained a lot - mostly through osmosis and stories and teachings - from my mother Tess Pender who, later in her life, became an Ordained Interfaith Minister with special interests in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, as well as the rituals found in Wicca and Native American spirituality.
As we collectively know, every major religion has some form of The Golden Rule as a fundamental aspect of its teachings. To me, it's not just about how you treat others, it's about why... and I believe that comes down to compassion. Sometimes we need to practice this, but I also believe it's inherent within each human and, like our Divinity, simply needs to be re-kindled.
In my own simple daily practice, I find my "inner refuge" can be accessed when I offer a soft Buddha smile... compassion begins with me.
I am sometimes thought to be a Buddhist. I'm not. I adore many of the tenets of Buddhism, as well as other spiritual philosophies... mostly the ones steeped in mysticism. I don't claim to know a whole lot about the various world religions, including Christianity, as I wasn't raised within any particular denomination. I will say I gained a lot - mostly through osmosis and stories and teachings - from my mother Tess Pender who, later in her life, became an Ordained Interfaith Minister with special interests in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, as well as the rituals found in Wicca and Native American spirituality.
As we collectively know, every major religion has some form of The Golden Rule as a fundamental aspect of its teachings. To me, it's not just about how you treat others, it's about why... and I believe that comes down to compassion. Sometimes we need to practice this, but I also believe it's inherent within each human and, like our Divinity, simply needs to be re-kindled.
In my own simple daily practice, I find my "inner refuge" can be accessed when I offer a soft Buddha smile... compassion begins with me.
EMPOWERMENT
Do you feel empowered in your life? Choices may seem simple enough, as we make them on a constant basis. But are we conscious about them? Are we conscious about our underlying wounds that block us from making choices that serve us best?
More importantly, are we conscious about our gifts? Our purpose? And are we engaged in a life that feels empowered?
There is no right or wrong; simply choices. And the effects that unfold.
I believe we are here to shine, to make choices that bring us joy, and co-create an empowered humanity.
Do you feel empowered in your life? Choices may seem simple enough, as we make them on a constant basis. But are we conscious about them? Are we conscious about our underlying wounds that block us from making choices that serve us best?
More importantly, are we conscious about our gifts? Our purpose? And are we engaged in a life that feels empowered?
There is no right or wrong; simply choices. And the effects that unfold.
I believe we are here to shine, to make choices that bring us joy, and co-create an empowered humanity.
JOY
About twenty years ago, I saw a Direct Intuitive who told me, "Your words are infused with joy." She was making reference to me speaking and/or helping others for my future work. At the time I was not engaged in anything more than mothering my four little ones... trying to survive... and trying to make sense of the significant crisis I was suddenly facing (hence, my visit to her!). Some of her other words - specifically related to my life situation - stung deeply, however. And I hung on to those painful ones, as they were indicative of the choices I had made, and continued to make to that point.
It's a bit easier to fast-forward to today's perspective than to sludge through the heaviness of that time (both literally and in sharing this story)... but the interesting part is that in my darkest of times, she saw a gift... an inherent gift... and it was up to me to own it.
In aligning with our Truth - being authentic, recognizing our Divinity - as well as claiming our Power - tapping into our inherent gifts, owning our choices - we access true Joy. It's a state, a vibration, an offering to the world.
About twenty years ago, I saw a Direct Intuitive who told me, "Your words are infused with joy." She was making reference to me speaking and/or helping others for my future work. At the time I was not engaged in anything more than mothering my four little ones... trying to survive... and trying to make sense of the significant crisis I was suddenly facing (hence, my visit to her!). Some of her other words - specifically related to my life situation - stung deeply, however. And I hung on to those painful ones, as they were indicative of the choices I had made, and continued to make to that point.
It's a bit easier to fast-forward to today's perspective than to sludge through the heaviness of that time (both literally and in sharing this story)... but the interesting part is that in my darkest of times, she saw a gift... an inherent gift... and it was up to me to own it.
In aligning with our Truth - being authentic, recognizing our Divinity - as well as claiming our Power - tapping into our inherent gifts, owning our choices - we access true Joy. It's a state, a vibration, an offering to the world.
From The Essential Rumi |