Greetings everyone!
Here we are, entering into this beautiful, Fall season. For some of you, like myself, who love Summer, might find that it takes some conscious effort on our part to really embrace these changes of Fall and even maybe changes and seasons of life as they perpetually unfold. Fall to me, signifies “Change”, and even the trees show us how beautiful it can be to let some things go, and continually allow and embrace what life is unfolding Now, in the present.
“It is impossible to live in the Now, while still living in yesterday. “ ~Rhonda Hendricks
To live in the Now, is to be conscious and present; to live in yesterday is to be consumed by psychological time and unconsciousness. Living in the Now, is living from a place of presence and being. Living in the past is a place of conditioned mind patterns and thought forms. There is no reality in living in the past. You are not being “Real” when you are continuously perpetuating old, past thought patterns and behaviors. You are not living in reality when you can’t “Let Go” of the past, and embrace the present. That’s where Life is…. in the present. Resistance to what is, is denial of Now. Resistance often implies a need to protect ourselves. The ego is based mainly on defenses. Resistance causes inner defensiveness and it dulls our awareness. Most resistance comes from our own mindsets, patterns, resistance to Now, living in the past or worrying about the future, rather than being present, Now. Being doesn’t need to hold onto or resist anything.
I’ve learned to practice the Art of “Allowing “ Allowing is a state of being. It’s also learning to be aware of some of those conditioned and negative mind patterns, and negative emotions that arise and ultimately, cause resistance to what is, or reality. What are those habitual, conditioned patterns that are consuming us at times, and keeping us from really being fully present and full of Life? To allow, is to let things be as they are, accepting the “Is ness” of the moment. Resistance causes suffering in our lives and depletes us of energy, joy, and peace. Living a life of grace is learning to rest in the present trust we have in God. Grace is God’s manifest presence in our lives that enables and empowers us to be fully us. If you always find yourself not wanting to be where you are, you can be sure you are resisting, not allowing. God gives us sufficient grace, each day! We don’t have to worry about storing it up, or that there won’t be enough. “Consider the lilies” ….they neither toil or spin. (Matt 6:28) Jesus was always asking his disciples what they were afraid of or worried about. We can take it to the bank, that each and every moment of every day…. God’s grace is fully available and sufficient to us and for us. If our heart is oriented to our past or our future, we are not allowing ourselves to “Be where we are” We are not surrendering to the flow of life. We are not being fully present.
We can’t fix everything for everyone, even our own children. Part of allowing, is learning to allow others to “BE”. Everyone has to learn to take responsibility for their own actions, reactions, happiness, and inner wellbeing. We have to take responsibility for ours. We can parent our kids, guide them, coach them, demonstrate, but ultimately, there comes a time we have to let them test their own wings in life. I’ve had some challenging months recently, with my youngest child. I had to learn to accept that I can’t prevent him from pain and mistakes, or from making unwise life choices at times. In my attempts and efforts to do so, has only caused me my own frustration and suffering. That’s when we have to trust God in their lives. We aren’t Holy Spirit in their lives. We have to allow them to go through transformation, growth, and expansion, without us deciding exactly how that’s supposed to be. Sometimes people have to fall on their face or learn the hard way. We do our part, and trust and allow Holy Spirit to bring transformation. My friend Steve, taught me that “Cheap Lessons “, are when you really can understand and learn from the wisdom of others and apply it to your life. When we do this, growth is expedited, we gain wisdom, and we don’t have to experience those consequences from not listening, that result in learning the hard way. I’ve experienced both scenarios, and I suggest to take full advantage of “Cheap Lessons” that come your way from others who know and have wisdom to impart to you. Change can also be a good teacher, but Holy Spirit is the best teacher in life. God, can work all things for our good, because HE loves us! It takes the transformative power of God’s grace to break strongholds off people’s lives. It’s the anointing oil of Holy Spirit within them that breaks every yoke.
In this season of change, I would like to encourage you to take responsibility for what’s primary in your life, the quality of your Now. In my last newsletter, I talked about this being a year for us to “Turn it up!” To come more fully alive. We can’t change yesterday, but we can create a better future by improving our Now.
Maybe you need to “Let go” of some things that don’t serve you, like: resentments, judgments, grievances, unforgiveness, the past, fear, anger, attachments, discontentment, conditioned mind patterns, defenses, etc. These things serve no purpose to you, but rather strengthen your false self. Letting go, is about choosing life, instead of being right or wrong, and allowing space for transformation, growth and expansion. Shine the light of your awareness on these, and watch them dissolve. It’s about experiencing greater freedom and living the abundant life we all desire. Abundance is not gauged by what’s in our wallet, but rather a measure of what’s in our heart. Abundance abides “Within” us! The joy of being doesn’t depend on anything outside. You don’t need to become a greater version of yourself; you just need to know who you are!
In closing, I just wanted to let you know that I have created a couple of Desk Calendars for 2019! Yes, new Rhonda Hendricks Quotes, Inspirational, and Coffee Lovers’ Calendars. They will be sure to brighten up your day, desk, or tabletop, and would make a great Christmas gift. You can find them in my online store on my Rhondahendricks.com website. You can get a 10% discount by entering: FallCoupon at checkout. Here is my calendar link as well: https://www.rhondahendricks.com/product/2019-desk-calendars/
Blessings to each of you.
Sincerely,
Rhonda Hendricks
Life Coach/Author/Designer