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Laura

Flowing Gently Down Your Stream
by Laura Grace


A while ago, I dreamed I was walking in a river swirling with rushing waters. I walked and walked before I realized I was going nowhere. I was walking upstream completely against the river’s powerful current. It seemed like a long time had passed before I discovered I was taking the hardest route. It finally dawned on me that if I would only turn around and walk with the river’s natural current my journey would become much easier.

This dream was symbolic of a relationship situation that was occurring in my waking life. I was determined to follow a course that was clearly not working, or, at least not working in the way I thought it should. My dream, marked with symbols of emotional and spiritual growth (moving water), signified that I was indeed going against the flow of life (river). It took the message of this dream, along with a few others, to drive home the obvious truth. Eventually, I realized it was time to surrender my thoughts, perceptions and feelings about what I felt I should do. For in my heart, I knew such resistance—as demonstrated by my dream—was going against what was in the greater good of everyone involved.

Daily, synchronicities are occurring. They are the guiding lights, the "thumbs up" from the universe that we are on the right track. In my first book Gifts of the Soul I wrote about this universal principle and shared how I’ve discovered (the hard way) that doing what I want is meaningless if it’s not in accordance with Spirit’s plan. Numerous times, I’ve started a new endeavor only to discover that I was careening down the wrong way on a one-way street. Looking back, I can see what happened; my will was going in the opposite direction of Spirit’s. And until I got my own ego-driven ambition out of the way I was blind to the fact that only Spirit’s plan works. Our ego motivation stems from the desire to preserve our small "self" image (personality, appearance, accomplishments, body, traits, etc.). Following our ego leads to fear and separation from others, while Spirit’s plan is founded on love and the desire to help us genuinely connect with others.

Time and time again, I can see how my life has soared with meaningful experiences and inner peace when I have practiced the wise saying "let go and let God," versus the times when I have resisted asking for and listening to my inner guidance. When we fail to follow what our heart is telling us, we’re faced with challenging situations that won’t go away. Sometimes this means being faced with a job termination, divorce, illness or financial loss. The consequences seem to increase in proportion to our unwillingness to surrender and choose a higher path. A Course in Miracles teaches us that both "time" and "Spirit" are very gentle when we remain willing to use time on behalf of our healing. Yet, when we fall asleep to our life’s purpose through delay, avoidance, and diversion, the universe has a creative way of waking us up—whatever it takes to get our attention!

Now, does this mean that if we are following the synchronicities presented to us and are in the natural flow of the river of life that we won’t have to jump hurdles, overcome challenges and face our fears? No, since we are here to awaken, blossom and shine, we are always being presented with situations and events that encourage us to build inner strength and integrity. But there is a big difference between the quality of energy expended from working against the current of life versus overcoming fear while in the flow of life. The former is exhaustive and keeps us stuck, while the latter actually increases our energy as we address our issues and heal. Further, when we are not seeing the "signs" and following them, we will tend to feel further separated from others, God, and ourselves. Yet when we notice the synchronicities around us (and they’re everywhere), and trust they are leading us in the right direction, we are able to more intimately and lovingly connect with those around us.

You may be wondering, "What are the synchronicities in my life and how do I know what they’re saying?" One thing to keep in mind is that everything in both your waking and sleeping life is filled with rich imagery and symbols. Each symbol is painting a picture that is mirroring your thoughts, feelings, perceptions, actions and reactions. So take a good look around. Notice your relationships, health, work, finances, home, attitude toward life—everything. All of this will show you the type of picture your thoughts are painting. If you’re having difficulty in identifying the synchronicities, step back, and observe your waking life as if it were a dream; the symbols around you contain the same powerful meaning as the images in your dreams. If you were asked to title the picture you have created, what would it be? "Picturesque Drama?" "Walking in My Sleep?" "War of the Roses?" "The Art of Appreciation?" What kind of life are you creating for yourself?

Right now, ask yourself, "Am I willing to surrender my perception of what I think my life should look like? Am I ready to practice having faith and trust in a power that is greater than I am?" If your honest answer is "No," then expect more of the same. If your answer is an unequivocal "Yes," then ask for guidance, look for the signs and follow them. Expect things to change for the better because they will! Asking for direction is the foundation of any transformational process because it empowers an exalted energy source to flow through you. And anytime you’re expending energy fueled by the power of love, you can’t help but be led to the people, places, and events that nourish and expand your soul.

To create a splendorous life imbued with healing colors and light, practice flowing gently down your river of life. Be willing to surrender your will and align with the power of love. Practice asking, as often as possible, "What am I doing this for?" Get in touch with your intention before you take action and you will quickly discover how willing you are (or are not) to follow your river of life’s natural current. We need not grow through struggle or sacrifice. We can just as easily choose to grow gently and lovingly when we’re willing.


© Copyright 2001 Laura Grace.  All Rights Reserved.



Laura Grace is Co-founder of Infinite Wisdom, an organization dedicated to the highest human capacity, and a national author and speaker. As a regular contributor for publications across the US and Canada, Laura writes about human awareness and spiritual growth. Laura is the author of the widely acclaimed book Gifts of the Soul and is the creator and teacher of various programs, including the transforming and popular Self-Mastery Program, Claim Your Inner Power!, The Art of Compassionate Forgiveness, Wonderful Women: Reclaiming Our Power, Passion and Purpose!, Creating Soul in Relationships, Living the Intimate Life and several others. Please visit Laura's web site at: www.LauraGrace.net.

From performing dream analysis for more than 20 years, Laura is an experienced dream counselor and is currently available for dream analysis. She provides assistance in three ways: 1) In-person, 2) By phone, 3) and via e-mail.  You may contact her by calling (888) PEACE-93.

 

Visit:
www.LauraGrace.net

 

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