Monday, October 26, 2015

Looking for Answers?

Divine Guidance

Do not assume that divine guidance flows only when you are in need of help. Guidance continues to flow whether or not you have problems. It transcends problems, heartbreaks, and traumas, flowing through dreams and illuminations. Whether guidance comes during times of tranquility or trauma, however, it is up to you to have the courage to acknowledge it.”
Caroline Myss

In Spirituality Group yesterday, we talked about divine guidance and where it comes from. Using A Course in Miracles as a reference point, we tossed around the question of whether the voice that spoke to Helen Schucman, which she wrote down, and which is now studied all over the world, came from without, or from within her. When we speak of “channeling,” what exactly do we mean? I don't have the definitive answer to this question, but of course, I have an opinion. That voice, whether it seems to be audible, or simply thoughts in your head, is from within. Its source is what Jung called, “The Self,” with a capital S. The closest description of this aspect of the human psyche that makes sense to me is the Higher Self, the divine spark, or Holy Spirit. It resides deep within the soul. Always present, always offering wisdom, we have access to it at all times, even when we feel it only as a presence with no words. It is the door upon which we are to knock, seeking answers.

Given that, however, it does not follow that the answers will be clearly rendered, or in whatever language we speak. Sometimes an answering thought will arise immediately, and sometimes it comes in dreams, in synchronicity, out of the mouths of other people, in books we read. Divine guidance may surface gradually by showing us, rather than telling us. Sometimes, it happens when events are taken out of our control, and simply presented to us as the only option. We may not understand in advance that this is the answer we've sought, and in fact we may be quite resistant to it. Think here of Moses and most of the prophets, whose first response to God's call was, “No! You've got the wrong person!” Only in retrospect, do we acknowledge its divine origin.

I often forget to ask for guidance. My willful personality (ego) thinks it is capable of handling things on its own. But, I know beyond doubt, there is no judgment over that, only watchful love and concern. Sometimes, I have to make lots of mistakes before I ask for help. But when I do, the guidance is always there.

Divine guidance is yours for the asking, too. Knock, seek, and then brace yourself. As they say, “Don't ask if you don't want to know.”

                                                                     In the Spirit,

                                                                         Jane

No comments: