Spirit Rising Ministries

 Something I heard on Oprah’s network the other night really struck me. A man was telling about his experience when he sat with the famous guru, Maharaj ji. He said, “It wasn’t just that he (the guru) was loving everybody. It was that, while in his presence, I was loving everyone too.”

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the woes of the world, wondering what I can possibly do to end things like war and hunger. But when I remember that how I am being is more important than what I am doing, I begin to quiet the angry, fearful, needy, judgmental, war-like thoughts in my own mind. I make room for the love that is our true nature to come forth. That’s what I can do in the world. I can learn how to be a calm loving presence, knowing that the love will be felt near and far, gently lifting us all to a higher place within ourselves.

Now, that’s a goal worth pursuing.

Let your spirit soar!
Paula

Read Full Post »

This morning at breakfast I felt that twinge of discomfort that signals the need for more dental work. Ugh. I don’t actually mind having the work done. My dentist is terrific. I worry about the cost. Right now I’m sitting at the auto repair shop, waiting for my car to have more work done on it than I had anticipated. They’re telling me that even more work will need to be done soon. The bills are mounting. Do I have enough money to pay them? Y-e-a-a-a-h-h-h, I begrudgingly admit to myself thinking, but that’s not where I want to spend it! Just then a new customer enters the shop. I hear the owner ask him what made him choose to come there. He says, “Word of mouth. I’ve heard good things about you.” The owner’s eyes catch mine and I smile. “They’ve taken great care of my whole family for years.” I tell the young man. Then I think, so has my dentist. Both of these businesses strive for and attain excellence in their service every day. No matter where you go, it is costly to maintain your teeth and your car, but they have gone the extra mile to provide truly outstanding service on a regular basis. They have improved the quality of my life and, by supporting them, I can improve theirs. So, I have a new outlook as I write my check today. Instead of bemoaning where my money is going, I’ve come to realize that . . . . . I’m happy to support excellence.

Let your spirit soar!
Paula

(NOTE: I did not write this as an advertisement. However, if you wish to know the name of either business, send me an e-mail request and I’ll happily share the information.)

Read Full Post »

I remember hearing someone talking one day about TO DO lists and the benefit of addressing “the elephant in the room” first. Being an avid list maker myself, he got my attention. He went on to say that everything else on my list will get done much faster and easier if I do the most dreaded thing (the elephant) first. Sometimes I procrastinate about doing something because I don’t yet have enough information about what the appropriate action is. But most of the time, I already know what to do. Instead, I conveniently push it aside in favor of doing the simpler tasks, convincing myself that I’m accomplishing something because I have crossed many smaller items off my list. But, what if the top priority on my list was peace of mind? I’ve discovered that I can sabotage my peace of mind for a day, a week, or even months by avoiding a difficult task! Then, once I finally get to it, it usually turns out to be less of a big deal than I had made it out to be. And, even if it was a big deal, at least it is finally behind me. The relief that comes from dealing with whatever I found difficult, annoying, or fearful, lifts the latch, allowing the gate to my peace of mind to swing wide open. Ahhhhhhh!

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

Read Full Post »

It’s a rare occasion for me not to receive any mail from the postman. Today was one of those days. Of course, a lot of times I receive only junk mail or bills anyways so, what should it matter whether I get mail or not? Today, it mattered. I noticed that even though I wasn’t waiting for anything in particular to arrive, I was still a bit disappointed to find the box empty. When I thought about my reaction, I realized that when I check my mail there’s always that moment of anticipation that something unexpected has arrived; perhaps something that will somehow improve my day. But, if I’m having that thought, maybe I am the empty box, waiting to be filled by something outside of myself; something in the future. It reminds me to find peace and contentment in the present moment and let the next one take care of itself.

 Let your spirit soar!
Paula

Read Full Post »