LIVING COURAGEOUSLY

by Gary Zukav

LIVING COURAGEOUSLY IN DIFFICULT TIMES

by Gary Zukav
 
The mortgage meltdown, credit collapse, millions of foreclosures, and the government rescue of failing financial institutions, including the very largest, have focused the attention of Americans on these extraordinary events. Now the focus of the world is on them, too, as the global economy weakens. In this situation it is easy to become hypnotized by the rapidly changing and frightening circumstances around us and loose awareness of the intimate connection that we have with these events. We view them as spectators might view a play, or a movie. Even if our own home is at risk, we feel that we are powerless and invisible in this turbulent world. Neither is true. These circumstances, like all circumstances, provide opportunities for spiritual growth. Recognizing these opportunities, and seizing them, requires courage. It requires willingness to look clearly at the origin of your experiences and the effects of your choices. Above all, it requires the commitment to awaken in your life and to change yourself in ways that are currently beyond your imagination but not your capability. This is the age of transformation, of awakening, and of responsibility for what we encounter when we awaken. It is the age of conscious, responsible choices that empower you instead of disempower you. It is an unprecedented age that offers unprecedented potential. It is a time to Live Courageously. These "Spiritual Partnership Guidlines" will guide you to go about Living Courageously in all times.


"Spiritual Partnership Guidlines"
Practice using these Guidelines everywhere at home, with family, at work.
And remember to enjoy yourself!

COMMITMENT
MAKING MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH (CREATING AUTHENTIC POWER) MY HIGHEST PRIORITY

Focus on what I can learn about myself all the time, especially from my reactions (such as anger, fear, jealousy, resentment, and impatience) instead of judging or blaming others or myself.
Notice my emotions (by feeling the physical sensations in my energy centers).
Notice my thoughts (such as planning my reply, judging, analyzing, comparing, day-dreaming, etc.)
Notice my intention (such as blaming, judging, needing to be right, wanting admiration, escaping into thoughts (intellectualizing), trying to convince, etc.)
COURAGE
STRETCHING MYSELF BEYOND THE LIMITED PERSPECTIVES OF THE FRIGHTENED PARTS OF MY PERSONALITY.

Take responsibility for my feelings, experiences, and actions (no blaming).
Practice integrity at all times (often requires action, such as speaking when frightened parts of my personality dont want to speak and not speaking when they feel compelled to speak).
Say or do what is most difficult (sharing what I notice, if appropriate, when someone speaks or acts from a frightened part of her personality; sharing about myself what I am frightened to say and know that I need to say.)
COMPASSION
SEEING MYSELF AND OTHERS AS SOULS WHO SOMETIMES HAVE FRIGHTENED PARTS OF THEIR PERSONALITIES ACTIVE.

Change my perspective from fearful to loving (choose to see myself and others in a loving or appreciative way).
Release any distance I feel from anyone.
Be present while others are speaking (not preparing replies, judging, etc.)
COMMUNICATION AND ACTION
STRIVING TO MAKE ALL MY INTERACTIONS CONSCIOUS AND LOVING.

Consult my intuition.
Choose my intention before I speak or act.
Act from the healthiest part of my personality that I can find (rather than caretaking, fixing, teaching, judging, blaming, gossiping, etc.)
Speak personally and specifically rather than generally and abstractly (use I statements rather than we or you statements).
Release attachment to the outcome (trust the Universe). If I find myself attached, begin again with Commitment, Courage, Compassion.