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Desire & The Divine Flow

Posted on Oct 24th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven
October 24, 2009

Dear Friends,

There are those who believe that the key to happiness lies in eliminating your personal desires. I, for one, don’t believe that is the key to happiness. In fact, I don’t believe that is even possible. Why? Because having desires is an inherent and inescapable part of your divine nature.

As an individual expression of that creative energy commonly called God, it is in your very makeup to be a Creator, and to be constantly creating. And that’s all that your desires really are—intentions to create something in this world that didn’t exist before . . . especially experiences.

It’s interesting to note that if you look up the word “desire” in the dictionary, you will see that it came from a combination of the Latin words “de” and “sidus,” which translates literally as “from a star.”  To me, that supports the idea that desire itself is not of earthly origin, but is a celestial attribute . . . one born from that higher place—that Higher Self—that shining star that is your Spirit.

That said, it is true that how you handle your desires can be a issue. For instance:

If you are overly attached to having your desire manifest in one particular way, that can be an issue.

If you believe that you can’t be happy until your desire is fulfilled, that can be an issue.

If accumulating possessions becomes an obsession, that can be an issue.

So yes, it is very important for you to carefully monitor what your ego is doing with your desires. But that doesn’t mean that you have to deny yourself the pleasure of having desires and pursuing their fulfillment. You just have to keep your desires in their proper perspective.

Remember that for everything you think you want in your mind, there is a deeper desire of the heart—of your Spirit—that underlies that idea, and initiated it.  Remember that the Universe knows exactly what that deeper desire is in its purest form—unaltered by intellect or ego. And remember that it is to the fulfillment of that deeper desire that the divine flow is guiding you.

So, by all means, have your desires and pursue their fulfillment. But remember to let go of the specifics of your desire, and allow the divine flow to lead you to a destination that may be different from the one you originally intended. You will happily discover that what your Spirit desires for you is probably an even greater good—something that is grander than anything your mind ever imagined possible; something that is more deeply fulfilling; and something that is always in the best interests of all.

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com.
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Ego and The Divine Flow

Posted on Oct 10th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven

October 10, 2009

Dear Friends,

In these weekly messages I often mention the word “ego,” and I write about the various ways that choices made from your ego can severely limit your ability to be “in the flow” and fulfill your heart’s desires effortlessly.

Usually, the ego is associated with an inflated sense of self-importance—of pride, arrogance, or grandiosity. And it is easy to see how decisions based on those aspects of your ego can lead you into troubled waters.

But did you realize that the opposite is also true? A low sense of self-worth—of being less than others, or undeserving—is also an expression of ego. And, just like an inflated sense of self-importance, a low sense of self-worth can also make life more difficult for you than it has to be.

You might wonder how both of these extremes in self-perception can have the same source. Well, the answer lies in the way that many spiritual teachers define “ego,” which is simply “a thought that you are separate.”

Any thought that causes you to feel greater than others, or less than others, is a thought that—in your consciousness—separates you from others. And since we are all individual expressions of the same all-pervading energy that is commonly called God, that means that any thought that separates you from others will also—in your consciousness—separate you from that supportive divine energy.

And therein lies the problem. When you are in ego, you are disconnected from G.O.D.—from the “Guidance Of the Divine,” and life can quickly become a struggle.

In other words, when you are in E.G.O. you have “Edged God Out,” and any decision that you make—even one made with the best of intentions—is limited by your own incomplete knowledge and imperfect understanding.

As I have mentioned time and time again, to live life in the divine flow it is important for you to maintain a conscious connection with divine direction. And that means that thoughts of separation must be avoided. Instead of belittling others and inflating yourself—or the other way around—it is important to consistently affirm the Truth about yourself and others.

And what is that Truth? It is the Truth that each and everyone of us is a Beloved Child of The Divine—that each and everyone one of us is equal at birth and equal in worth to every other person on this planet . . . and thus, equally deserving of whatever it is we want to have, do, or be in life.

May we all enhance our ability to live life in the divine flow through thoughts of oneness instead of separation.

May we recognize the underlying Truth that every single person in this world is not only our brother or sister in Spirit, but is actually a part of ourselves . . . another wave in that ocean of universal energy that gave birth to us all, nurtures us all, and sustains us all.

Steven

P.S. If you struggle with a low sense of self-worth, I have written a set of Self-Worth Affirmation Statements that can help improve the way you value yourself. You will find it under AFFIRMATIONS on the order page of my website, and you can download it for free. To go there now, click on www.rowrowrow.com/order.html.

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com

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Divinely "Dispatched"

Posted on Oct 3rd, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven

October 3, 2009

Dear Friends,

You have probably noticed that the stories I use to illustrate particular points are almost always events that Carol and I have personally experienced . . . or readers like you have personally experienced.

Once in a while, though, I hear a story on the news that is such a perfect example of the divine flow in action, I feel compelled to share it. Here is one such story:

There is a taxi driver in Phoenix, Arizona, who was repeatedly called to the pick up the same woman time and time again. That was somewhat unusual, because the taxi dispatching system is fairly random. It is mostly based on what driver happens to be in the immediate area at the time. The fact that this man would be continually dispatched to pick up the same person over and over again, seemed to defy the odds.

Over time, the driver noticed that his passenger was not a very happy person. In fact, she seemed downright grumpy. He began to suspect that it had something to do with where he was always driving her—to a kidney dialysis center.

One day, the driver felt inspired to do some research about kidney dialysis, and he discovered that it is a procedure that would try anyone’s patience, especially if it had to be endured frequently. He also learned that the only way around dialysis is for the patient to receive a new kidney.

When the driver talked to the passenger about her problem, he found out that the reason she had not yet received a kidney transplant was because an adequate genetic match had not been found. As the driver put it, that night he “talked to God” about the situation, and he felt “called” to find out if one of his own kidneys would be a match for this woman.

You know where this story is going, right? Yes, you guessed it. Not only was the driver a good genetic match, he was as close as you can come to being a perfect match without being this woman’s brother! Feeling divinely directed by this amazing coincidence, the taxi driver offered to donate his kidney to his passenger, and she gratefully accepted.

But wait! There’s more!

When this man’s story hit the national news, a daughter that he had been separated from for 30 years saw it on television, called him, and now they are happily reconnected.

Wow! Now that is the divine flow in action! Through a series of divine synchronicities, and a selfless act motivated by divine inspiration, not only was a woman relieved of her physical and emotional suffering, but a man was reunited with a long-lost loved one. As it always is with the divine flow, all involved benefited!

May each and every one of us live our lives like that taxi driver. Whenever we perceive that we are being divinely “dispatched” . . . may we heed that “call” and do what we are being divinely asked to do.

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com

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The Joy of Life

Posted on Sep 25th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven

September 25, 2009

Dear Friends,

As long as you have the divine right to choose freely, life can—and undoubtedly will—have its challenges.

Your conscious and unconscious freewill choices, combined with the conscious and unconscious freewill choices of others, can quickly carry you out of the flow and into some fairly undesirable situations. You may suddenly encounter rocks and rapids, instead of more calm and tranquil waters.

In those circumstances you may experience fear, sadness, disappointment, or anger. But believe it or not, underneath it all, there will also be . . . joy. Not joy in the typical sense of feeling elated in the moment, but the joy of your spirit—a kind of joy that embraces all of life and living . . . not just the peaceful parts.

Consider this: When you go to an amusement park, don’t you choose to go on the scary rides as well as the pleasant ones? Why is that? Isn’t it because you feel fundamentally safe? And isn’t it the combination of contrasting experiences that brings you joy?

So it is with your divine spirit. To your spirit, life is one, big amusement park. And as an eternal being, your spirit always feels safe enough to enjoy (have joy in) the experience of life as a whole.

In times of stress or distress, remember to take a moment to affirm who you truly are at the core of your being. In prayer and meditation, consciously connect with your divine essence—your eternal spirit—and get in touch with the joy that resides there.

It’s the joy of just being alive and in the world. And it’s a joy that is there no matter what part of the stream you happen to be in . . . or what kind of ride you happen to be on.

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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The Divine Flow & The Illusion of Control

Posted on Sep 11th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven

September 12, 2009

Dear Friends,

On the page of my website that is titled ABOUT THE AUTHOR, there is a sentence that says I am “a recovering control-freak.”  Notice the word recovering.  It doesn’t say recovered.

Yes, even though I am one of the world’s foremost masters at living life in the divine flow (a great big smile and a wink go here), when something happens that “threatens” me, I am occasionally challenged by the urge to make a decision, or take an action, for the sole purpose of making me feel secure again.

I am not talking here about divinely guided decisions or divinely directed actions. I am talking about choices that fool me into feeling like I am in the “driver’s seat” again—that I am in control of the situation, and thus, in control of my future. But am I ever really in control? Are any of us ever really in control of anything?

The answer is, of course, no. Control is merely an illusion. No matter how well we have organized our lives, and no matter much we think we have all of our “ducks in a row,” life can—and frequently does—surprise us.

Now, that doesn’t mean that you should never make any plans. You may be surprised to know that I am actually a very big planner. But—and this is what’s key—I am willing to alter or let go of my plans quickly, because I recognize that life can change things in the blink of an eye. Planning is not a problem in itself.  Remaining rigidly attached to a plan is the problem.

To live life in the divine flow is to accept the uncertainty of life, and find your security in the knowledge that no matter what happens—or why—the divine flow continues to guide you to your highest good from right where you are, wherever you are.

Living life in the divine flow is not about taking a step in order to feel secure again. It is about taking a step that arises out of the security you already feel—the security that comes from knowing that you are always divinely protected because you are always being divinely directed.

Your job is to be patient enough, prayerful enough, introspective enough, and observant enough to discern that divine direction in the midst of changing, surprising, or unwanted circumstances.

Here’s to us all becoming Masters of The Flow . . . rather than Masters of Illusion.

Steven

P.S. For those of you who like to listen to spiritual material on your portable digital players, my Audio Book is now available as a digital download.  For more information about that, visit the order page on my website at http://www.rowrowrow.com/order.html.

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com

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Dealing With Loss Once Again

Posted on Sep 5th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven

September 5, 2009

Dear Friends,
 
Once again, wildfires have raced across parts of California, scorching the earth, and destroying dozens and dozens of homes. And once again, I saw television interviews with several families who lost their homes in these tragic fires.
 
It was nice to see that all of these people recognized that, in the largest sense, life is not about things. It is about love. And even though their houses—and all of the things in them—were gone, each of these families felt extremely grateful and blessed to still have each other.
 
The loss of one’s home, however, is still a very real—and very significant—loss. And once again I think it is important to acknowledge that fact.
 
A home, as you well know, is much more than bricks and mortar, stucco and tile. It is much more than a structure, a shelter, or even—in some cases—a work of art. A home is a box of memories, containing cherished mementos, souvenirs, keepsakes, heirlooms, and photographs. All of those treasured things are physical symbols of the people and the experiences in our lives that we hold near and dear to our hearts.
 
Although the memories themselves remain intact, it is still understandably tragic when the “memory collage” that one has spent a lifetime constructing, has been destroyed by fire, wind, water, or a shift in the earth itself.
 
As I often mention, one of the keys to living life in the divine flow is maintaining a positive attitude. But that positive attitude must be genuine. And that means that feelins such as grief, sadness, and sorrow must first be allowed to run their natural course.
 
Living life in the divine flow is not about stuffing your feelings to maintain an "appearance" of positivity. There is such a thing as legitimate pain in life. It is not the kind of pain that you bring upon yourself through needless worry or thoughtless actions. It is the kind of pain that occurs most often with the sudden and unexpected loss of something, or someone, that you deeply love.
 
If you are dealing with a loss in your life right now, it is okay to go ahead and let yourself feel your feelings about it. In fact, it is necessary. Give yourself permission to experience all of your feelings freely and fully. Allow them to come, and go . . . and come again . . . and go again. It is the only way that they will eventually dissipate.
 
If, instead, you attempt to suppress those feelings, they will continue to exist at an unconscious level. And, in the end, that will just delay your ability to heal and feel joy again. And by "joy" I mean that underlying sense of appreciation for the total experience of life . . . a joy that embraces all of life’s twists and turns . . . a joy that may be best described as "bittersweet."
 
To each of you who have recently lost a loved one, a beloved pet, or anything else that occupies an important place in your heart, please know that kindred spirits the world over are supporting you in the restoration of your sense of wholeness, and the recovery of your sense of peace. 
 
Steven
 
© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
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Meditation and The Divine Flow, Part 3

Posted on Aug 7th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven
August 7, 2009

Dear Friends,

This message concludes my three-part series on meditation, and how a daily practice of meditation greatly enhances your ability to live life in the divine flow.

Two weeks ago I explained how meditation helps create gaps between your thoughts, so you are more readily open to divine insights, inspiration, and intuitive guidance. Last week I described the way that meditation helps you stay more connected to your spirit throughout the day, so you can respond to challenging people and situations in a wiser way. 

This week I want to point out how meditation helps you maintain present-moment awareness, which is one of the keys to living life in the divine flow.

If you are not familiar with meditation, you might assume that it’s all about mentally escaping the now moment.  And yes, there are plenty of guided meditations that do, indeed, take you somewhere else in time and space. But strictly speaking, most guided meditations are really visualizations, which serve a different purpose.

The form of meditation that I practice is specifically designed to center all of your attention in the here and now, by focusing first on your breathing (because your body is always in the present), and then focusing on a mantra (a special phrase you repeat to yourself) to help displace your usual thoughts—the kind of thoughts that propel you elsewhere.

It’s true, that after your meditation is over, it may be a challenge for you to stay in the present moment, and not drift off into reflections on the past or projections into the future.  But your tendency to do that will be greatly reduced . . . especially after several weeks of consistent practice.

And the benefit of being more centered in the here and now? You will be much more aware of all the divine signs and celestial synchronicities that are guiding you to your highest good.

As I have said many times before, the presence of the flow is sensed in the present. The present is where you have to be in order to see the signs and notice the synchronicities.

In short, to receive the gifts of the flow you must be here, now. And being here—now—is what meditation, as I practice it, helps you do.

I hope that my last three messages have added to your understanding of meditation, and the important part that it plays in living life in the divine flow—how it helps you be more intuitive, more responsive, and more present.

For more information about the form of meditation that I practice, here is a webpage I found that describes it nicely: www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html

Steven   

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com



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Meditation and The Divine Flow, Part 2

Posted on Jul 31st, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven
July 31, 2009

Dear Friends,

Last week I wrote about meditation, and how it helps you live life in the divine flow by opening up tiny gaps between your thoughts. It is through those gaps—as small as they may be—that you are able to sense divine direction, and recognize your next right step.

But that’s not the only value of meditation. There is another benefit that I would like to share with you, as well: A daily practice of meditation helps you respond to situations rather than react to them.

Do you know the difference between responding and reacting?

Reactions are automatic and robotic. They are instantaneous thoughts and actions that are triggered by personal programming and conditioning. These thoughts and actions are not divinely derived, but are, for the most part, ego-based and fear-driven. And they are usually accompanied by feelings of tension and anxiety.

A response, on the other hand, is based on the wisdom of your spirit. It is not self-serving, but is always in the best interests of all involved . . . and that includes you.  Even when time is of the essence, and a decision must be made quickly or an action must be taken immediately, when you are coming from spirit you will still experience an underlying sense of peace.
 
A regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—is helpful because it enables you to stay more connected to your spirit throughout the day. And because of that, you are better equipped to appropriately and effectively respond to situations, rather than rashly react to them.

This can be true even when you are in immediate physical danger, and you need to protect yourself. For example, on a road trip to Las Vegas in 2007, I suddenly noticed that a tire had flown off of an approaching truck, and the tire was now in my lane and hurtling straight at me!  Instead of hastily reacting to the situation, I found myself actually taking the time to more accurately assess which way I should steer my car in order to avoid a collision . . . which—contrary to my first impression—turned out to be to the left.  The entire incident only spanned a few seconds, but when you are open to the calming influence of your spirit, that is more than enough time to make a more thoughtful choice.

If you want to experience life as an effortless flow of major and minor miracles—instead of an endless, arduous struggle—remember that, to a great degree, it is a matter of personal responsibility. That is, it’s a matter of your response ability.

Commit yourself to a daily practice of meditation and you will find your ability to respond greatly enhanced, and your tendency to react greatly reduced. And that’s a good thing. That’s a God thing.

If you are new to meditation and would like more detailed instructions, here is a link to a webpage that will answer most of your questions:
www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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Meditation and The Divine Flow, Part 1

Posted on Jul 23rd, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven
July 23, 2009

Dear Friends,

In my experience, just becoming aware of the ways that I receive divine guidance, and becoming aware of the ways that I block or limit my experience of that guidance, has been enough to greatly enhance my ability to live life in the divine flow . . . and fulfill my heart’s desires effortlessly.

Most people are looking for more than “awareness,” though.  They want something concrete that they can “do” to be in the flow. They are looking for some kind of technique or tool that they can employ to experience the flow’s miracles more freely and more frequently.

Well, there is one thing that you can do that will dramatically magnify the experience of the divine flow in your life, and I highly recommend it. That, quite simply, is to meditate—and to meditate on a daily basis.

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the practice of meditation, there is nothing really mystical or magical about it.  Meditation is simply a way of slowing down your thoughts. Generally, it involves focusing your attention on one solitary thing, such as your breathing, or a comforting phrase, or a peaceful image.

As other thoughts arise—as they invariably will—you observe those thoughts, but you don't let yourself get caught up in them, or get carried away by them. Instead, you simply allow those thoughts to pass by—like watching clouds floating across the sky—and you gently return your awareness to the focus of your meditation.

And how, exactly, does this enhance your ability to be in the flow? Meditation dramatically increases your ability to “hear” G.O.D.—the Guidance Of the Divine.

It is difficult to hear that still, small voice when your mind is always full of noisy self-talk . . . that endless chatter in your head about what just happened, what it might mean, and what might happen next. A daily practice of meditation is an effective way to quiet your mind, and open up enough gaps between your incessant thoughts so divine guidance can come through.

That guidance may not come to you during the meditation itself. But a regular practice of meditation—especially in the morning—can help you maintain a state of mind that is much more open and receptive to divine direction throughout the day.

When you start your day in a meditative way, thoughts that enter your mind later that morning, or in the afternoon, are much less likely to immediately take hold, take over, and consume you. Instead of automatically connecting one thought to another, and to another, and to another, you are more readily able to leave a little room between your thoughts.

It is through those open spaces that Spirit speaks to you. It is through the gaps between your thoughts that divine insights and divine inspiration can make their way into the world.

In short, a daily practice of meditation helps you become more "open minded," so you can be more receptive to divine direction all day long. And, in the end, that’s what living life in the divine flow is really all about.

If you are new to meditation and would like more detailed instructions, here is a link I found that will answer most of your questions:
www.alternative-medicine.net/meditation/english.html

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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Freedom & The Divine Flow, Part 3

Posted on Jul 18th, 2009 by Steven : Living Life in the Divine Flow Steven
July 18, 2009

Dear Friends,

This week’s message concludes a three-part series on the relationship between freedom and the divine flow.

Two weeks ago I wrote about the freedom that you have as a child of the divine to choose what you want to have, do, or be in life . . . and the freedom that you have to pursue those goals in any way that you see fit. 

Last week I wrote about the freedom you experience when you let go of your attachment to a specific outcome, and when you realize that your happiness does not rely on reaching any destination at all.

This week I want to remind you that you are still not truly free as long as you are subject to the tyrannical rule of ego—of that “little, limited self” that tells you that you don’t have enough, and that you need more; that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are not good enough, and that you need to be better; or that “little, limited self” that tells you that you are better than everyone else, and they are simply not good enough for you.

As long as you are subject to the rule of ego, your ability to experience a joyful and fulfilling life is restricted and constricted in almost every single way.

So—right here and right now—I invite you to declare your freedom from ego’s oppressive and dictatorial rule. It is the freedom that comes from recognizing that you have enough because you are enough. You are holy child of the divine . . . of divine birth, and divine worth . . . free of all limits, and free to receive all that the universe so freely offers you.

Remember that every day is Independence Day, whenever you get in touch with your Higher Self . . . with that divine spirit that freely lives—and freely loves—at the core of your being.

Here’s to the gift of absolute freedom!

Steven

© 2009 by Steven Lane Taylor
Author of Row, Row, Row Your Boat:
A Guide for Living Life in the Divine Flow
www.rowrowrow.com
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