Surrender to the moment. It is all there is, we are all that we are. A decision starts within and echoes outward. We base our whole life on what’s right. But what is that? Is everything not relative? I pause for a moment to find myself, and yet I am reminded once more that I am found – there is nothing to look for, only to uncover, there is nothing to learn, only to remember. If we remember who we are, we don’t need to know anything else. The whole universe is inside of us, as are all the answers. We dream for solace away from this world, a place to rest our heads as we let go of all the stress in our life. Yet, this place, such moment and feeling is to be born from within us, when we are conscious. So, if we have to be aware to find inner peace, and clarity from which we can make all our choices, then how can we be sleeping?
Distractions are also of no use. I struggled with shopping addiction for a long time – more than a decade, and it wasn’t until I found all the things I’m looking for in stores to be deep within me, that I was able to stop. It’s a natural inclination to reach for something to make us feel better when we need a crutch, but crutches often turn into pitfalls which enable us to continue spiraling downwards instead of building us up. I think it comes down to loving ourselves and being happy with who we are, this is when we can stop looking for happiness and belonging outside of ourselves. Whether we realize it or not, any big change begins with a single step, so instead of being inundated with the size of our task, we need to remember to breathe and place one foot in front of the other.
So many of us place such great emphasis on pleasing others, that we forget to please ourselves. While being a people pleaser will surely expand your circle of friends, you will be left drained and feel as though a part of yourself has died. It is pointless to win the approval of others if the price to pay is too high. Anything that involves you giving up a part of yourself and results in you becoming inauthentic and further away from your truth is utterly murder and should not be committed under any circumstances. Love yourself is a basic precept which spans a multitude of years. Loving yourself entails believing yourself. If you start feeling like something is off, if something doesn’t feel right to you, then that’s your spirit’s signal to you that you shouldn’t do it. Love yourself, be true to yourself, and you will ensure a much healthier, happier life.
Where are you going? Where is there to go? Has anyone ever asked you where are you going with your life? You could answer them “within,” “I’m going within.” They will look at you strangely for a while, but it would be the truth. In fact, all the searching we are doing to “find” ourselves is really leading us back to our own heart, our own truth, our own spirit. So, if you’re looking for “out there,” you won’t find it, as it is “in here.” Our heart and intuition are the greatest barometers of getting answers. It is something to be developed. But you can start with asking yourself questions – some you know the answer to, others you don’t. Feel the difference between what an accurate statement feels like and what a lie feels like. You will feel a distinctive difference. Familiarize yourself with this feeling, and in the future if you have a question about something or want to get a take on something ask yourself inwardly a question and your spirit will reveal an answer in the form of a feeling. So, go within, there is nothing to fear when you love yourself.
Olga Shkolnik