As Zelie and I are preparing for our next series of the Flowering of the Heart class this Sunday, I want to list some wonderful resources here. These will be used in our class, and will be useful for anyone interested in doing self-inquiry and self-reflection…
We have been doing The Work, a process from Byron Katie that is very simple, and very profound. It is a way of beginning to really hear our thoughts and judgments that are often playing in our head, and to question the truth and reality of them. This is way to begin doing The Work – we will go into it in much greater depth in the class.
You begin by making a statement, such as “My mother shouldn’t be so critical of me”, and then asking 4-6 questions:
1.Is that true?
2.Can I absolutely know that it is true? (this one usually shifts my whole thinking of the situation!)
3.How do I feel/react when I have this thought? (do I feel anger, disappointment, do I close myself off, distance myself from the person, etc?)
3a.Can I think of a reason to drop the thought? (don’t try to drop it, you really can’t)
3b.Can I think of a stress-free reason to keep the thought?
4.How would I feel without this thought – who would I be, if it were not possible to have this thought?
Finally, turn the statement around, finding 2-3 ways that feel as true or truer
example: “my mother should be critical of me” (since she is, and accepting that that’s the reality can bring great peace, and it is often serving in some way, even if we don’t like it)
“I shouldn’t be so critical of my mother” (often, we are judging someone else for what we are doing ourselves)
“I shouldn’t be so critical of me” (we are often actually judging ourselves much more than anyone ‘out there’ could possibly be)
Pay attention to the place where you feel a shift, where you have some insight or release, or feel some peace – then let it go, no need to analyze or intellectualize it, trust the work will unfold in perfect timing…
If you want to watch videos of the process and download forms to do the work with more details, see The Work, Byron Katie’s website. One of her books I recommend is “Loving What Is”.
Another great resource is James Wanless’ Voyager Tarot card site and set of cards. Zelie and I have been using these cards for over 10 years, and they continue to show us new insights and perspectives after all these years. His website has a “card of the day” feature, where you can ask about the energies of the day, or relating to a particular issue, and then click and have a card drawn that has incredible images to work with, as well as an interpretation to read. Even better to have your own set of cards, but this is one easy, free way to have access.
Soon I will post more about ho’oponopono, and Dr Ihaleakala Hew Len’s work with a modern adaptation of this ancient Hawaiian process. In the meantime, you can use these phrases anytime you are having a conflict or difficulty with a person, or even a situation or event (work, etc…): “I love you, I’m sorry, Thank you, Please forgive me.” Repeat each one 3 times, directing it toward the thought form, or the person. The order of the phrases doesn’t matter, nor do you need to feel or believe the statements – simply use these words, and you will see amazing shifts!
looking forward to seeing those of you in the class Sunday! blessings to all…
