©  Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
www.SoulWiseWays.com

MPj04372160000[1]I’ve learned that any focus on “getting” is a mistake.

In the last few years, many folks were brought to the awareness that their focus and thoughts make a huge difference in the outcomes in their lives. Unfortunately, films like The Secret (which wasn’t one)  make it seem like a magic bullet. You want. You focus. You get. That may seem like quite the neat trick to those new to the process, and, it certainly can seem to work that way…for a while.

Soon after The Secret came out, a former coaching client of mine gave me a mournful call.

“We watched The Secret. We read the book. We did everything it said and we got great results. We were able to sell our house in a down-turning economy and get a great deal on a new home in a much more upscale neighborhood. We didn’t think we could qualify and yet, we did. Now nothing is working. What are we doing wrong?”

Before I tell you my response, let me share something important with you: it is who you are and how you are in the world that counts in the big picture. It’s not what you are “getting.”  It is your relationship with God that makes all the difference. If you are simply trying to use a thought-system, the change in you will work for you for a little while. If you want a life that works, you have to do the work to change your consciousness…and, you have to maintain that change moment-by-moment.

My response to my client, a woman I had come to know absolutely prizes and measures her success by her possessions was:

“I’m delighted for you that you have experienced what changing your perspective and practices can do for you.  What are your current spiritual practices?  Now, I don’t want to hear about your affirmation rituals. I want to know about your spiritual practices. What do you now do differently in relationship to God as well was in relationship to people, circumstances and conditions in your life?”

She had no answer. She did nothing different except focus on what she wanted to buy more of, visualized it and believed she would simply draw it to her. That is NOT a spiritual practice.

When we are faced with the appearance of any discord, inharmony, pain, lack or limitation and we are tempted to make a mental effort to indulge in vigorous thought-taking, affirmations and denials in order to achieve the peace or supply we want, it is a good step. But here is a radical thought that stems from a commitment to remembering that you and God are One:

Whenever there is an appearance of discord, you can simply relax.  You don’t have to make any mental effort if you know and believe that your good does not come to you by force or mental power. It comes from the very gentle Spirit.  It doesn’t come from striving, by making big efforts, by engaging in vigorous positive thought or affirmation. It comes from the depths of your being, in the stillness, in quietness, and in confidence.

You are never separated from God and God can only do for you what God can do through you. So, give.  That’s your job. God will take care of the rest. I know this.

SoulWise Blessings,
Rhoberta

Rhoberta Shaler, PhD
Consultant. Coach. Counselor. Catalyst.
Catalyst to creating the life, love & livelihood that fulfills you & serves the life of the world.
www.SoulWiseWays.com
www.SpiritualLivingNetwork.com

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