“ Only your compassion and loving kindness are invincible and without limit.”
~Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Buddhist monk
Have you ever experienced what feels like a life review? Through the years and more recently at odd moments and sometimes in sleep it’s like revisiting a movie that I’ve watched. In reality it’s the life I’ve lived in this time. I’ve had moments where I have found myself dwelling on situations and the little voice, I’ll call my negative ego, sounds off, “I should have done. . . It could have been. . . Or, it would have been.” Yikes! Self-doubt, guilt, shame, and disappointment are heavy burdens to bear!
This experience has given me an opportunity to reflect. I’ve wondered why it seems so hard to be compassionate, kind, and forgiving of me. This is what I often recommend to others after all! LOL Confucius, Chinese philosopher and politician reminds us that, “The more you know yourself, the more you forgive yourself.” How true. I’m aware that each one of us is invited to dive deep into understanding and knowing the truth of who we are while we are here. This includes who we are at our core, in relationships with family, friends, and community; as well as our relationship with God/Goddess/All That Is, and how we help one another.
Compassion, kindness, love, and forgiveness can’t be destroyed. We can freely give them to ourselves and others. Accepting them; however, is up to each one of us. That’s conscious choice. Forgiveness is an act of self-love and truly a gift. Many people believe that when you forgive yourself, self-acceptance begins, and self-love grows. This can be a game changer, can’t it? As I’ve explored these experiences I’ve noticed feelings of guilt, shame, and not wanting to disappoint others’ expectations. Wow!! I wondered, “Why have I given so much power to others?” How I grew up, the environment and institutional as well as cultural expectations played a big part. Changing how I responded is up to me though!
I’ve made progress and know that there’s more to go! I’m learning to accept the choices I’ve made in the past and frankly I realized that I was tired of carrying the judgment of my choices around. Whew, some have been with me for along time! There are moments where I feel more detached and like an observer without an emotional charge. Forgiving myself is becoming easier and I feel forward movement! Letting go is part of the new times! Are you ready?
I recall a quote from the Dalai Lama who said, “We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” This is another confirmation that peace begins within each one of us and until we forgive ourselves peace is illusive and seems just out of reach. Well, I realize it’s my choice to change and release these old movies or stories. I accept the circumstance and experience; however, it’s time to continue moving forward and allow love for myself to grow. In fact, as I walk by the mirrors in my house I see my reflection and I say, “I love you!” I’ll admit that it felt weird at first! Lol Now, I feel the truth of self-love more and more. Forgiveness is a key first step. I also am working with my High Self and God/Goddess/All That Is to release these denser energies while changing, transforming, and transmuting them back to love.
My next Zoom channeling session with Luminus and the Messengers of Light will be offered on Tuesday, February 23rd. Please register to join us from 2p-3:30p AZ/MTN and if you would like to connect with me or schedule a private session please go to victoriabarna.com