I experience days where fear is front and center, driving my thoughts, feelings and actions. Not my best days, time and energy spent worrying is time and energy invested in what I do not want. Those closest to me might ask, “What’s up with you?” Then I catch myself, take a breath and remember that I am free, free to choose. Then I choose love.
It is a simple process, but not easy.
It takes practice to build the muscle of love. There is nothing sentimental or gushy about it, it is a hard-earned skill that requires intention and awareness. It involves both warm hugs and limits as well as discernment of which one is called for in any situation, often a combination of both.
There are always reasons to be afraid. What if this or that happens? Try asking instead, what if I live this day from a place of love? From love comes unlimited possibilities. From love comes a sense of wholeness. Fear causes contraction and a limiting of what is possible, a fragmentation of self and reality. Sounds scary doesn’t it? Love opens us up to what we truly desire, putting back together the pieces again.
We all have histories, stories about our past. Traumas. Experiences of disturbances and distress. Learning to address and release them is fundamental to finding freedom, choosing love. When something happens that triggers a past trauma, it calls our attention with a visceral physical, emotional and mental reaction.
That will often trigger a story about our self, something along the lines of ‘I can’t’ or ‘I never’. Story lines can also include judgments about others: ‘he never’ or ‘no one ever’ thoughts. You can see how limiting they are. Not our best thinking.
Let’s consider what inspires us to think our best thoughts. One of the things I appreciate about being in the presence of my grandbaby is that he inspires unconditional love. From that place flows, kindness, forgiveness and enthusiasm for life. I am grateful for the reminder of what I truly want. I truly want to emanate love not fear.
When I do, I let go of my stories and judgments and choose in freedom to love my self and others, flaws and all. I am grateful for the bad days that show me what I need to address as well as the good days that remind me of what happens when I do.
Imagine letting go of negative story lines during the season of Autumn, preparing the heart to receive something as pure and beautiful as the embodiment of love, a baby.
Make room in your heart for what you really want!
