Infinite Possibilities

I open to the infinite possibility of grace; as we balance on the cusp of winter, and our days grow darker, I rest in the knowledge that my life will unfold as it will. I am guided by my inner light, but also by my inner darkness - they are both integral parts of me. But ultimately, I am not in control of events, only how I respond. 

Agenda:
1. Read "How to Manifest"

2. Make a bucket list

3. Gratitude

4. Unity Art vision

1. Read "How to Manifest":

I'm now finally finished with the book called "How to Manifest", by Laura Chung; it's a 40 day program to "Make Your Dreams a Reality".

Week 6, the final chapter, is called Allow for Infinite Possibilities. This is when we turn our dreams over to the Universe and surrender to the infinite possibilities of our lives.

Day 36 - Love: The Most Powerful Force in the Universe: "Unconditional love is what binds everything in the Universe together. ... When we do what we love, when we give to others because we love each other, when we create and manifest something because we want to spread that energy around, I believe that is when we are tapped into this energy and the Universe gives us everything we want and more." She says that we can all connect to universal love, and when you feel disconnected you need to align with love, do the things you love, interrupt negative and self-critical thoughts, and add love to everything you do.

Day 37 - Gratitude: "Day 37 is about thanking yourself in advance and metaphorically popping the cork for all that you have achieved and will achieve in the future." She offers some interesting ideas for how to do that. My main take-away is that it's important to thank yourself for the work you are doing to manifest your dreams.

Day 38 - Detachment: It's time to let go of expectations and connect to the essence of what I dream and not the form it takes. "Our minds are often the very things that hols us back from 'seeing' our manifestations because we are too busy waiting for what we expect."

Day 39 - You Are Divinely Protected: This kind of talk sets off my bull-shit buzzer, because of course bad stuff happens to good people. I do believe I'm guided by something wiser and more loving than myself, and that I can draw on the abundant energy of Love to propel me; but I don't believe that the Universe holds out on gifts because I can't handle them yet, or it's not the "right time" for them to manifest. I think the Universe is pretty random, and we are responsible for our own destinies. I think that I need to keep opening doors, and be patient and persistent when they are sticky, and also keep evaluating if the doors I pushing at are still the right ones.

Day 40 - Faith and Trust: It is counter-productive to ask a cynic like me to have faith. In the final episode of The Power of Myth, Bill Moyers said to Joseph Campbell "You are a man of faith", and Joseph respond, "I'm not. ... I don’t have to have faith, I have experience. ... I’ve experience of the wonder, of the life, I have experience of love, I have experience of hatred, malice..." 

When I heard that interview 30 years ago, I felt a great relief. I ground my belief system in my experience. I have experienced transcendent love, and I believe in it. I am way too programmed in the Protestant work ethic to lay back and let the Universe deliver; but I also know from experience that I need to surrender my expectations for the outcome I want; and I need to utilize all the community discernment opportunities at my disposal.

2. Make a bucket list:

One of the suggestions Laura Chung makes to connect to love is to make a yearly list of things that will bring you joy. Mine is pretty non-adventurous, but these are things guaranteed to bring me joy!

1. Go on a retreat in a cabin in the woods with only my dog and a pile of books.
2. Go to the ocean for two days.
3. Sew a quilt.
4. Grow flowers.
5. Hike with my family.
6. Take my grandson to the art museum.
7. Plant trees with Friends of Trees.
8. Go on a long bike ride.
9. Host a tea party.
10. Finish a home project of some kind.
11. Take an online course in something wise.

3. Gratitude 

Showing gratitude isn't easy for me, but I do try to work some kind of gratitude effort into my lunar cycle, right after every full moon. And here we are, just four days past full. Because we are moving to the season of waiting and rest, I'll keep it simple, and say a prayer today of gratitude for the infinite possibilities of life.

4. Unity Art vision:

Today I will sink into a deep meditation and draw up images of what it is I want to manifest for myself and my community. I will focus on the feelings I'm cultivating, and the essence of my dream, and see the steps I need to take next.