Faith & Trust: Cultivation, Attitude and Finding Your Slice of Heaven

REIKI NEWS & REVIEW:

12 Steps to Transformation: A Month-to-Month Guide Bringing Joy, Peace, Love & Fulfillment: Part 2 Faith & Trust

By Columnist Camille Lucy – Certified Holistic Health Coach & Reiki Practitioner:

 

There is something inherently scary about the “unknown.” We all flock towards safety and comfort. But the thing about life is that there is little certainty, and though we think we are in control, it’s really an illusion. We have no control of anything outside of ourselves. But we have total control of our own choices and state of being. If we want to cultivate inner peace and contentment, it’s imperative that we practice having trust and faith in the Divine plan and order of things, knowing we are safe and supported by life fully.

 

Byron Katie says, “Everything supports you whether or not you even notice it, whether or not you think about it or understand it, whether you love it or hate it, whether you’re happy or sad, asleep or awake, motivated or unmotivated. It just supports you without asking for anything in return. Right now, sitting in your chair, as you breathe, notice that you’re not doing the breathing, you’re being breathed. You don’t even have to be aware of it, you don’t even have to remember to breathe, because that is supported too. Complicated and intricate as your requirements for existence might be, they are all being met. At this moment there’s nothing you need, nothing you need to do. Notice how it feels to take in that thought.”

This is a profound realisation if you can really absorb it and embrace it. In yogic philosophy, there is a part of a limb of yoga called “Aparigraha.” Aparigraha is about contentment, simplicity and non-attachment. This philosophy states that any hoarding, collecting or attachment signifies a lack of trust in the Divine and its ability to provide for you. A lack of trust in the very life that supports you brings about resistance and fear. Abraham Hicks advises that releasing resistance, the art of surrender opens us to the Art of Allowing. Letting go of thoughts, feelings or beliefs that are negatively-charged or formed out of lack, puts us back into alignment and harmony with our true nature and brings positive experiences to us more readily. When we are in the “flow” of life, our thoughts are generally positive and we feel good.

Benefits of Trust

Having trust that you will be all right and life is working for you, enables you to open yourself to new opportunities and expansion. A lack of trust keeps you confined by fear; static and stagnant. Through trust, you move through discomfort and begin to grow with courage and faith that it will all turn out well. Fear will never leave you completely, but your renewed trust in the Universe, with yourself and with life, will guide you to move through and beyond your fears into exciting new adventures. Without the same amount of energy devoted to fear and worry, you will gain strength and power that invigorates and energizes you. This will serve as a catalyst for transformation and healing, resulting in greater health, happiness and radiance.

 

 

Enjoy the Journey (Process)

It may take some time to learn to trust and have faith in life and realise how supported you truly are. Old habits die hard, and you’ve been playing these tracks a long time. The more you play them, the more they embed into your psyche and become your story.

Let’s take a look at gardening to bring the message home. A garden is weeded, the soil is prepared, a seed is planted, watered, basks in the sun, and when the time is right, the flower blooms. In the same way, you’ll recognize non-serving habits or beliefs, begin to “weed” them out, plant the seeds of change (new beliefs, habits, patterns…), water and nurture them (practice them and self-love) and give yourself the time you need to blossom (embody the changes and see results). Change does not happen overnight. It’s a process, but the journey is the rewarding and enjoyable part. Enjoy the steps you take as you grow and expand into a highly trusting being with a fabulous, rich life!

Recognising the ways that you are living in lack, arguing with reality, not realizing you have all you need at this moment or not having trust and faith is the first step in this process. In her book, “I need your love— is that true?” by Byron Katie, she states, “The thought that kicks you out of heaven could be ‘I’d be a little more comfortable if I had a pillow.’ Or it could be ‘I’d be happier if my partner were here.’ Without that thought, you’re in heaven—just sitting in your chair, being supported and being breathed. When you believe the thought that something is missing, what do you experience? The immediate effect may be subtle—only a slight restlessness as your attention moves away from what you already have. But with that shift of attention, you give up the peace you have as you sit in your chair. Seeking comfort, you give yourself discomfort. What if you did get a pillow? That could work (if you have a pillow). You may find yourself back in heaven again. It may be the very thing you needed. Or you could pick up the phone and convince your partner (if you have a partner) to join you, and maybe he or she would actually arrive. And perhaps you would be happier, and perhaps you wouldn’t. In the meantime, there goes your peace.”

She describes Heaven as: “This is wonderful. I could stay here forever.”

And Hell as: “This is not quite perfect.”

We may never understand or be able to rationalise why things are the way they are. But trust and faith allow us to settle into the unknown with an inherent sense of wonder, curiosity, deep inner peace and gratitude.

She adds, “The thought that kicks you out of heaven doesn’t have to be about comfort or happiness. It could be ‘I’d be more secure if …’ or ‘If only it could always be like this,’ or it could be just the thought of a cup of coffee. Most people are so busy making improvements they don’t notice they’ve stepped out of heaven. Wherever they are, something or someone could always be better. So, how do you get back to heaven? To begin with, just notice the thoughts that take you away from it. You don’t have to believe everything your thoughts tell you. Just become familiar with the particular thoughts you use to deprive yourself of happiness. It may seem strange at first to get to know yourself in this way, but becoming familiar with your stressful thoughts will show you the way home to everything you need.”

Cultivating Trust and Faith

During challenging times or during situations that trigger your fear and insecurities, having faith and trusting or staying strong can seem unattainable. Here are some tips for honing your skills, driving peace, strength and contentment home:

Patience, My Dear

We may live in an age of instant gratification, but as mentioned, change doesn’t happen overnight. Thoughts and beliefs take time to manifest into the material world and new patterns or behaviours will need to be practised to form new habits. Remember the garden? Give yourself the time you need to heal and grow. Be gentle with yourself. You will experience setbacks and hard days. This is natural, and all part of the journey.

Find What Grounds You

It’s imperative to practice Self Love and Self Care in order to realize that we are whole, in the here and now, with what we have. And that every feeling we seek externally, begins and ends inside of us. Through meditation or mindfulness, self-reflection, music, yoga, exercise, prayer, rituals, gatherings, time in nature and/or experiencing quiet a few moments each day, we can begin to “make contact” and communicate with our inner world, again. This is a practice that most people learn to enjoy, cherish and appreciate as it grounds us back into presence and peace and brings us home to ourselves.

Loosen Your Grip

Mind your own garden!  What happens outside of you, you cannot control and trying to do so is exhausting and futile. Byron Katie says there are 3 types of business: mine, yours and God’s. She states, “Much of our stress comes from mentally living out of our own business.”  If you are happy, that is your business. If someone is angry at you, that is their business. If it rains, that is God’s business. She concludes, “When you understand the three kinds of business enough to stay in your own business, it frees you to see your own path with much more clarity. Eventually you may come to realize that you don’t have any business either and that your life runs perfectly well on its own.” Relax, let go of what isn’t yours and enjoy what shows up for you in the here and Now.

An Attitude of Gratitude

True gratitude is an overall appreciation for what is (and isn’t). Studies show that an “attitude of gratitude” goes a long way and those that are thankful are, overall, much happier and healthier. Why? Because as you practice gratitude you are priming yourself to notice even more things that bring you happiness, joy and elation. Gratitude leads to trust in the Divine nature of things, and life moves you with greater ease.

 

 

Catch That Self Awareness? 

Becoming self-aware is vital. Paying close attention to your thoughts, beliefs, body signals and how you feel will help you to gain insight and a deeper understanding of (let’s not forget, compassion for) yourself. Nathaniel Branden said, “The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.”  In some 12-step programs, they take this one step farther into ‘the Three 3 As’ (Awareness, Acceptance, and Action).

Awareness: slow down, become mindful and take inventory (objectively, without judgment!).

Acceptance:  Open the mind and heart, and embrace what is.

Action: Take space before responding, find what is best in alignment and true for you. Choose your attitude (gratitude, perhaps?) and next step (choose Love!).

Trust + Faith = Heaven

Learn to embody the meaning of trust and faith. Trust allows you to become comfortable with the unknown, and faith seals the deal by easing your mind, knowing that no matter what happens, it will all be okay. The more you can learn to trust and have faith, the easier your life will be. With less worry and stress, more space will be left over to fill with gratitude, joy and positive experiences. This is a priceless tool that will stay with you for the long haul and guide you through this crazy adventure called Life.

Next month I’ll cover “Acceptance”

In this 12-part series, readers will learn the key ingredients to a delicious life! Each topic will cover why it is important and simple ways or suggestions on how to integrate these shifts into your everyday life. If these principles are followed, the results will be undeniable; a radiant and able body, mind and soul, shining from the inside out, stronger and healthier relationships and a dramatically improved quality of life.

About Our Reiki News & Review Columnist – Camille Lucy

Camille Lucy is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Reiki & Raindrop Technique Practitioner, Ordained Holistic Minister, Certified Yoga & Meditation Teacher, graphic and web designer, business consultant, and Vice President of a local non-profit that “rehabilitates people through animals.” She is also a writer, a Mother of 3 girls, an artist, a Life-and-Love Junkie, a Self-Expression and Development advocate, and – well, you get the point. She’s a lot of things, just like all of us. Camille is also author of, “The (Real) Love Experiment: Explore Love, Relationships & The Self.”  Learn more about her and her adventure(s) at www.CamilleLucy.com or on social media at @LiveFullToday.

 

Disclaimer: The information published in this column is the author’s professional opinion, based on their knowledge. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have about a medical condition. Also, always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any nutritional program or exercise program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on InShape News.

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