The ongoing theme is Kabbalah and Healing. The specific focus was mis-identified last week. Rather than focusing on giving ourselves unconditional love, we are giving ourselves unconditional self-acceptance. Unconditional self-love is also a good thing, but it is not the specific task at hand for now.
The distinction is clear when we look at the Tree. Love is a Right Piller function. It was discussed and clarified that acceptance is a Central Pillar experience. Left and Right Pillar activities are actions; setting boundaries (Gevurah), communicating (Hod), following instincts (Netzah), etc. Central Pillar experiences are about states of being and being in a state of unconditional self-acceptance it about being. Accepting one's self in this way is not about living up to some inner or outer standard or about finding oneself worthy. Self-acceptance is a state of being at peace with oneself regardless or what has just happened. It is not an avoidance of responsibility, accepting oneself inspite of a known weakness or fault, just simple unconditional self-acceptance.
The question was raised, what exactly is unconditional. Part of the answer was given above; no standards and no measure of worthiness - no conditions. There is no "First this or that, then I can accept myself." It is not because of or in spite of anything, it just is.
It was brought up that there are many things that may stop us from self-acceptance, which all fly in the face of the unconditional aspect we are striving for; shame, guilt, fear were a few that came up. One companion shared how she felt a degree of shame because she was asking for something that others in her position haven't needed. Two others expressed their guilt at taking naps in the middle of the day, as if they shouldn't feel the need to do so. All expressed difficulty finding the space to give unconditional self-acceptance in the midst of these experiences.
Let's strive together to give ourselves unconditional self-acceptance in the midst of whatever is happening when we remember this important task.
Remember that next week is the first Thursday of November, so Megan will be leading us in a meditation.
Also, remember eachother at 12noon, recalling the faces of your companions and sending them love and healing.
October 29, 2009
October 22, 2009
Theme for October 29, 2009
We are continuing the theme of Kabbalah and healing with the specific "task" of giving ourselves unconditional love as a healing practice.
The specific task came out of the discussion tonight that focused around attracting healing to ourselves by our conscious desire to be open to and facilitate healing for ourselves. Though specific healing may require specific intent, general healing and an overall sense of well-being can start with self love. The unconditional aspect of this "task" means no negative filters - I don't deserve this - no pre-conditions - I'll love myself once I do this or that - and no limits - ok, that's enough.
This all began this evening with a companion telling how she has remembered how a part of her, a very positive, fun-loving part, has been supressed for a long time. She shared how she went through a self-guided meditation to talk to this part of herself to ask her what she was like, how she was feeling and what she needed. Then "out of the blue" an individual who was involved with the process of supression called her and they had a very open and honest discussion about that time. This prompted a discussion about consciously inviting or unconsciously attracting to ourselves what we need for healing.
Another companion spoke of having an old wound open up in relation to a sibling who has been deceased for some time. He said he thought he had "worked it all out" with his brother, but something "triggered" him this last week.
This prompted a move to discussing how intent and will are involved in the process of healing. Because, for the most part, we are talking (for now) about healing in Yetzirah, or the Psyche, it was agreed that we must bring our intention and will into play. It was recalled that it was once said that "No one can make you angry, you have to choose to respond that way." We are or can be more incontrol of our reactions than we often give ourselves credit. When a trigger occurs, we have the choice, through an act of will, to allow the trigger to initiate the same negative response, or we can choose to stop the knee-jerk reaction and respond differently.
So, try setting your intention to love yourself unconditionally this week; not because you deserve it (even though you do!) and without any filters or parameters, just love yourself.
Remember your companions at 12noon every day and we'll see you next week.
The specific task came out of the discussion tonight that focused around attracting healing to ourselves by our conscious desire to be open to and facilitate healing for ourselves. Though specific healing may require specific intent, general healing and an overall sense of well-being can start with self love. The unconditional aspect of this "task" means no negative filters - I don't deserve this - no pre-conditions - I'll love myself once I do this or that - and no limits - ok, that's enough.
This all began this evening with a companion telling how she has remembered how a part of her, a very positive, fun-loving part, has been supressed for a long time. She shared how she went through a self-guided meditation to talk to this part of herself to ask her what she was like, how she was feeling and what she needed. Then "out of the blue" an individual who was involved with the process of supression called her and they had a very open and honest discussion about that time. This prompted a discussion about consciously inviting or unconsciously attracting to ourselves what we need for healing.
Another companion spoke of having an old wound open up in relation to a sibling who has been deceased for some time. He said he thought he had "worked it all out" with his brother, but something "triggered" him this last week.
This prompted a move to discussing how intent and will are involved in the process of healing. Because, for the most part, we are talking (for now) about healing in Yetzirah, or the Psyche, it was agreed that we must bring our intention and will into play. It was recalled that it was once said that "No one can make you angry, you have to choose to respond that way." We are or can be more incontrol of our reactions than we often give ourselves credit. When a trigger occurs, we have the choice, through an act of will, to allow the trigger to initiate the same negative response, or we can choose to stop the knee-jerk reaction and respond differently.
So, try setting your intention to love yourself unconditionally this week; not because you deserve it (even though you do!) and without any filters or parameters, just love yourself.
Remember your companions at 12noon every day and we'll see you next week.
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