YOU IN BLOOM-January 25, 2012
I opened the newspaper yesterday and saw the face of someone in bloom. It was Yo Yo Ma performing at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. His face is tilted to the side, perhaps looking at a colleague, the smile on his face says, “Look at me, I’m flying!!!”
This is the look of someone who is in his glory. He has answered the call to bring his musical talents into the world. Because he has done so, he is being rewarded with the feeling of abundant joy.
This is but one of the traits of someone who is in bloom. God gives each of us special talents and gifts. His desire is to see us become aware of our gifts and through His guidance, bring them into the world to connect with the gifts of others. He has woven a Kingdom tapestry where each of our gifts fits perfectly. What might the world look like if we all moved forward in this way?
So, how do we discover our gifts? Churches often have sermons or classes on this topic. What is it that when you are doing it, you feel completely alive like you are in the right place at the right time doing just the right thing? You may have a feeling of being born to do this thing. It feels right; some describe it as feeling effortless. There is a feeling of great joy as you do it. Ask your friends and colleagues what gifts they see in you. Prayer is extremely helpful in discovering your gifts. As Buddha says, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.”
But, you say, I have to work; I can’t be running around doing what I love! To this I say, why not? Many people use their gifts while working for others, some use their gifts in their free time or in volunteer work. Some, like me, strive to make their passions their life’s work and build their own businesses. The important thing is to exercise your gifts in any way you can – in whatever way works for you!
To explore the rest of the traits found in someone “in bloom” tune into my next blog!
Jefri Franks, M.S., CPC
YOU IN BLOOM - February 8, 2012
Do you ever hear a voice coming from within you? This voice seems to know you so well, it speaks with such clarity and purpose! It feels "right on the money" when it speaks. One could identify this voice by several names; heart, soul, higher self, God. Pick the one that is comfortable for you. Some refer to it as "the all knowing voice." Whatever you decide to call it, it is very real and longs to guide you in your life journey.
A while ago, a colleague told me about The Institute of HeartMath. This is an organization dedicated to the belief and study of the human heart as an organ with intelligence just like the brain. There is a lot of interesting research - go check it out! Imagine living with your heart/soul and brain connected and working together in your best interest! Perhaps you are not as aware of this voice as you would like to be? Perhaps you are at a time in your life when you wish to be as authentic and whole as is humanly possible - bringing all parts of you to the table is an important component of being in bloom!
So, how does one get in touch with this voice? The first step is simply awareness. Begin to listen..........you may hear it when you are in the throws of a critical decision, when you are out for a walk, when you are having coffee with a friend. It often speaks softly and you may be in the habit of ignoring it, tuning it out , or not giving it much credence. The next step is being intentional in your desire to connect with this voice. Meditation is helpful here. Try setting a timer for 5 minutes each day. Get in a comfortable position (upright in a chair, feet on the floor, hands relaxed in your lap) and take a deep breath, saying; "A breath to let go." Take another deep breath and say, "A breath to be here." Try to keep your mind still, noticing but not judging thoughts that materialize and pushing them to the side. You can speak your intention by saying; "I wish to connect with (my higher self, God, my inner voice..etc.) What do you have for me? Just try to listen and keep your mind calm. Don't worry about what happens or what doesn't happen. As you become more comfortable with this, extend the meditation time. Play with it. It's an adventure!
Your inner voice has all the knowlege that ever was or will ever be. What would your life be like if you added this resource to the ego and brainpower you are already using?
Check out my next blog where we will discuss the ego and the higher self - enemies or potential partners?
Jefri Franks, M.S., CPC
You In Bloom February 28, 2012
Several months ago I was participating in a teleclass lead by Alan Seale (Founder of Transformational Presence). The topic was the ego and the higher self. Alan described the "ego" as that part of us that says, "I want that...." and goes running out into the world to make it happen. In Alan's view, the ego is limited in that it doesn't have all the knowlege of "the higher self." (all the knowlege that ever was or ever will be). Conversely, the higher self lacks the "arms and legs" of the ego to get things done. Most of us operate from the ego alone - severely limiting our knowlege of any given situation.
The ego is often spoken of in psychological literature as something we should suppress or get rid of entirely. It holds our human frailties of jealousy, competition, self absorption, etc.........but what about those capable, get 'er done, arms and legs? Alan Seale suggests a partnership where the strengths of both the ego and the higher self can work together to becon us to our authentic, best selves.
In the teleclass he used a wonderful analogy to describe the perfect partnership. Imagine the higher self holding the ego in it's lap. The ego is frightened of a coming change - a growth spurt. The higher self says to the ego, "Tell me what you are afraid of." The ego says, "If we do this new thing, we could lose all of our money, we could fail and look silly, we might lose friends, and I don't want to do it!" The higher self begins to rock the ego and says, "I know you are afraid, but we're going to grow in this direction - it will be good for us. Now take my hand and we'll jump together!"
The higher self should be the head of our household. It is all knowing, patient, not driven by ego's anxieties and lack of full knowlege. Ego should function as the butler who takes care of the details - getting things done. When these two powerful, essential forces are working together in the right configuration, we ourselves become a powerful force in our homes, communities and the world. Balancing the ego and the higher self is an important part of being in bloom!
Jefri Franks, M.S., CPC
