BEING DELIBERATE

Dictionary:

• Being: The state or fact of existing or living; fundamental nature; one who lives or exists
• Deliberate: Carefully thought out and formed; done on purpose; unhurried and methodical

Carrying this forward we can think of BEING as you; the embodiment of you on earth; your being on earth, and DELIBERATE in these terms: If liberate would mean 'to set free' then deliberate would mean the opposite; 'to grasp hold.' When we put these words together as in 'being deliberate' it is interesting to look at yourself to determine, "How do I live my life?; Am I a free spirit who chooses to drift along wherever the wind, or life circumstances would take me, OR do I choose to be more deliberate in my living?"

In examining my own life I have known times when I considered living as a free spirit to be very appealing. "Oh, what a wonderful concept I thought; to be free, living the dream!" However as I examine this closer to see where this free floating has taken me I have to reconsider my evaluation of this freedom concept.

For example: Having allowed myself to drift along to wherever life takes me, just as a ship without a keel will eventually become stranded and possibly destroyed upon the rocky shore, I see how this free floating approach landed me in some very uncomfortable situations. Then as I look even closer I can see how I allowed myself to become entwined in the emotional reaction to these uncomfortable situations. The unchecked emotions were the rock my ship was stranded upon and my life, my health was being threatened unless I took deliberate action to disentangle from them. I could see that this was my being, my ship and I can choose to let it drift into dangerous waters, or take the controls and choose my path deliberately.

With this new understanding, I recognise how being deliberate in the choices I make can be nothing but beneficial to me. Sure, it requires a little more effort to stay alert in order to steer the ship, but at the same time will lead to a much more enjoyable journey.

Living deliberately means honoring myself and the opportunity I've been given to live in a very conscious way, awake in every moment. In this way I will avoid getting caught in the rocks of emotional discontent that could eventually destroy my being.

Being deliberate can take a bit of effort at first until we learn to sail with an even keel. Then with practice overtime we can relax and enjoy the journey. "Steady as she goes!"

Aye, aye... tis a glorious feeling to be at the helm....

next top author-Julie Bohnet

Welcome to my Website

Welcome to my Website

Balance

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." ...Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometimes I am certain time is speeding up and living becomes busier everyday. How does one find the time to live a Balanced life and still get everything accomplished?

To answer that we find it necessary to come back to the inner sanctuary of the self; to focus again on the 'truth of who you are'. It should just take a moment to feel whether that inner space is balanced or not. If not, then it must be determined what part of your tri-being, body/mind/spirit, is being neglected or overextended and make adjustments accordingly. If you find yourself being so physically run ragged, for example, that you have not taken the time for morning and evening meditation (meditation meaning even the simplest form of sitting on the back deck with morning coffee in hand, eyes closed and listening to the sounds of nature, to an hour of deep prayer or other spiritual regenerative exercise of your choice) then take that time, even if it means getting up an hour earlier! This is true for all aspects of your being: Check it, then Respect it. Too much on the mind? Take a walk... be conscious of the whole you!

For example: When I would start a drawing project and really get into the groove of it, I'd like to blank out everything else and keep working, but then 4pm rolled around and my other job as a mom required me to make supper for the family. There was a time when I missed out on enjoying my family because my mind anxiously thought about getting back to my drawing, and I couldn't wait until evening when I could resume.

I found if I promised myself 4 hours of drawing a day, 1 hour for a walk and/or meditation everyday, that would enable me 3 hours for other tasks and the rest of the day for quality time with my family. I could then easily set aside the drawing to fully engage in other areas, knowing I'd have another 4 hours of drawing time the next day while respecting by including all aspects of my being!

I know life doesn't always run this smoothly and we sometimes get blindsided by the unexpected, so this is the time to check-in, and re-set your personal guidelines. Check - Respect - Adjust - and Act accordingly, at least daily, to maintain balance and assurance that there is time for every purpose under heaven.