Innate Wholeness

“There is a work to be done, there is a teaching to be lived, and no one is exempt.” -Richard Moss

I openly talk and write about subjects such as awareness, God, energy, spirituality, Jesus, awakening, truth, the Creator, freedom, and healing. I am often asked about the nature of my faith or belief system.

A few years back when I asked a friend about the nature of his faith he put it rather succinctly, “I try not to believe anything.” Initially taken aback with his statement, I grew to realize the inherent and valuable humility in that decision.

I have always been drawn to honesty. Whenever someone would come to me in dishonesty, whether openly or hidden within their mind, I could tell – even from childhood. It was very confusing as a little girl when people would say one thing and I could feel they were in conflict with their words. Why wouldn’t they just tell the truth?

I grew to have my own experiences with dishonesty. Plenty of it. The most alarming experiences were interwoven with safety, trust, loyalty, friendship, and honoring – or dishonoring – my family. Ultimately, anytime I was dishonest with another, I was driving dishonesty deeper into myself – and my relationship with Life.

In early 2007, I hit misery. My life as I knew it was falling apart. Failing marriage, home foreclosure, a child with severe food allergies, and self-disdain that had been building since childhood. It was then that I first stepped consciously on the path of truth. I had to be honest with myself. It was time to take responsibility for my life in a whole new way. I could no longer depend on outside circumstances or people to make me feel good. I had to go within.

I am responsible for my suffering – only all of it. -Byron Katie

This was a spiritual opening for me. I faced death twice in six months and realized that who I think I am is much smaller than the force that lives through me. In that realization I am able to open to the Love and Life within, allowing it to flow through and out into my life, the lives of others, the world.

I have been questioned about my faith and I always come back to Truth. I walk the path of truth. Many people have highlighted this path. Jesus is one of them. To answer the question, do I believe in Jesus? Yes, I believe he demonstrated the way to live in harmony with Creation, all of Life. I read his words regularly and gain much from centering prayer in his name.

Do I believe in a particular religion? Not necessarily. It depends on the point in question. Man has twisted and skewed the interpretation of sacred texts such as the Bible so much that even devotees who call themselves Christians have trouble discerning between beliefs and Truth. Thus leading them to thoughts and actions that are not congruent with the two commandments left by Jesus, that all else rests upon: Love God with all of your heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself. I do not find the need to believe in That which I deeply experience. To me, experience is deeper and more reliable.

I walk the path of truth. Some call it integrity. Some call it radical honesty. Some call it Christianity, Buddhism or some other religion. It doesn’t matter to me what name you give it – one word will suffice: Truth. It is the path that Jesus and so many other spiritual messengers before and after him have shared – and still share today.

In moments of question, consider re-aligning yourself with truth. That’s all you have to do.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

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Last year I joined three close friends, who are also mothers, in a healing session.   What came to me was a profound reminder of taking time to simply sit down and take care of ourselves.  Different than in the standard ways, yet complimentary.

Enjoy…

In the beginning as I set the intention to receive I felt guided to flow a light of forgiveness session for all of us.

An initial insight was about taking moments to center, ground, focus, heal in the midst of our lives… a visual of sitting in the center of the room, hands in peaceful prayer position, eyes closed with family coming to value these moments we go within…much like physical nourishment, this being nourishment for the soul and us taking the time to do it whenever we’re “hungry.”

Truly we are the example and the more we do this whenever we feel moved in whatever context we are in the more we give them permission to do the same, instead of worrying about what others are thinking of us… tuning in, tuning in, tuning in…

Take whatever moments you need today to simply tune into you for the harmony of the entire family

Love,
Amy

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Pretend that inside of you there is a compass. A compassion compass. In situations where you, your child, your partner, or someone else is upset, in pain, having a hard time for one reason or another, you are instantly guided in the direction of compassion.

Compassion is defined as understanding suffering and genuinely wanting to do something about it. Most parents feel this acutely, but can sometimes move to change the suffering while wanting to do something about it.

Experiment with ways to offer compassion, while not trying to fade or fix the suffering in a way that does not show understanding for it. Seem paradoxical? No worries – you have a compassion compass that will guide you.

First, when you witness the upset, take a deep breath and connect with the compass to see what it has to tell you. (The ability to pretend works well here). What love and understanding can you offer? It may be a simple smile, a hug, a verbal confirmation of the upset you or your child feels, or some space to figure out what it going on. What can you offer to let yourself or your child know that you want to help? Can you stop doing whatever you think you need to do and simply offer your loving presence?

Compassionate communication also includes phrasing requests and other thoughts in a way that shows understanding for another and using positive language along with love to express one’s thoughts and feelings.

This is an excerpt from Tune In Exercises for Parents.

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Cameras have come a long way since the parents of today were children. The new digital cameras snap shots with ease and instantly show the image on a tiny screen so you can retake, enjoy, and take some more! What happens if you don’t have your camera though? Surely there’s a time you’ve forgotten it…

Bring out the Whole Body Camera – one that you always have with you.

As a parent one of your greatest tools in the plethora you may have in your tool box is certainly the Whole Body Camera. And you’re using it already so it’s worth using in a way that actually serves you and your child.

You might have noticed that you can recall the moments your child does not act the way you would prefer – all too well. You probably even remember the feeling that accompanies the not so desirable situation. Is it as easy to recall the moments where they are playing happily, sharing, feeling confident, respecting themselves and others and cooperating?

Start by setting the intention to bring your awareness to the times your child is simply playing quietly, happy with him or herself, doing what pleases him and you, cooperating, and sharing. Depending on your child’s age you may have additional ideas to insert here. Start taking notice when this happens. Then stop what you are doing and take a picture, but don’t take just a mental/visual picture.

This picture is a bit more elaborate than the standard photo a digital camera would take. Choose to soak up every detail of your child’s in-the-moment well being. How does she look? What is she wearing? How does she hold her body when she feels that way? How do you feel as you watch him? What things does he say or do? Any particular scent in the air? What do you hear – giggles or silence? Hold onto the feeling you have as you observe your child. Take it in with all of your senses – the Whole Body Camera.

Practice this exercise and access it when times don’t feel so peaceful and happy. When you choose to recall experiences that feel better you will be able to influence the not so much fun situation with more calm and ease – which helps your child do the same!

This is an excerpt from Tune In Exercises for Parents.

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Not because it’s Valentine’s Day… just because you’re You.  Simply because you were born into this Earthly reality we all share and you are innately valuable.

I love the child within that comes out to play, wonder, and explore.  I love your creativity and your willingness.

I love your smile as it shines from the inside out.  And I am not the only one who notices, whether I know you in person or not – it is far felt.

I appreciate you in your fullness, whatever you may feel – angry, upset, sad, confused, frustrated, joyful, relaxed, easy going, hopeful, faithful, loving, or any other variation.

I love that you are dedicated to parenting in a way that honors you and your child, from the inside out.  That you love enough to keep going, start over, try again, seek resources, and appreciate whatever possible when moments are tough and your commitment to make the most of the present.

I appreciate you and I thank you for continuing to subscribe to this email list, even though I haven’t sent a note in quite a while!

I have been ‘within’ enjoying family and adjusting to lovely changes. In November the children and I moved to southern Missouri with my partner, Michael. I have been joyfully practicing Parent Talk and will be offering classes very soon (look towards the end of next week for a special sign up just for subscribers).  To add to the excitement I am expecting a fourth child in September!  I have been spending a fair amount of time resting and reflecting… now I’m back.  I trust Life is providing you ample opportunities for reflection also.    I look forward to connecting with you again soon!

Much Love,
Amy

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In this series I highlight some really simple ways you can honor your child and yourself. When these facets of life are honored a good portion of “problems” will not ever make it to “problem” status.

Apologize. Forgive. Love. The process of responsibility can feel and look many ways.  Some people feel like they say they’re sorry for everything and guilt still hangs with them.  Others feel like saying sorry comes across as fake unless someone tries to make up for what went “wrong.”  Regardless of where you stand you can look at the process in a new light at any time.

Parents and children alike can only do their best in any given moment.  If it could be any different, it would.  The process of responsibility exists for the purpose of growth and expansion within an individual and a relationship.

The first step is to acknowledge that you are sorry.  Start with saying it to yourself and your Source of Life (internally or out loud).  Then to your child or partner or other involved (if applicable).

The next step is a quick move to forgiveness to release the hold the bad feeling has on you and the other.  Anyone who says I’m sorry wants and deserves forgiveness, instantly. That includes you forgiving you.  Say it out loud and feel what forgiveness feels like: Freedom.

Next step, Love.  If the situation can be remedied, then make amends.  If it’s a matter of talking roughly to yourself or your child simply take a breath and adjust your tone.  You only have the moment you’re in and a promise to change later puts relief in a distant place not accessible right now.

Practice the process of responsibility with yourself and your children and watch tension and conflict melt away.

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