I don’t know about you but I have a lot of epiphanies in the shower. Today, as I was getting ready for a job, one that I believe I have completely outgrown, I had this thought that I’m getting the hang of at least one aspect of the nature of reality, which is a big improvement over what I’m usually thinking about, i.e. how to win the lottery. Here was my aha moment:
The premise outlined in the book Back to Being suggests that we are offshoot souls from the One. Initially, we can be likened to beams of light or thought forms. As we choose to experience life on Earth, we need to layer ourselves to inhabit a physical body, right? Our body is an actual layer and it’s made up of many layers.
We also make decisions about where on Earth we will live, including the climate in which we will survive. We then layer our being accordingly. This is just the basics of physical existence.
Based on our unique chosen “blueprint,” we further layer various attributes of our personalities. We decide whether to embody as a man or a woman and consider our inherent “gifts” or abilities that we wish to focus on, adding layers to express (or suppress even) those traits.
Once we are born and start living our lives, we continue to build upon these layers—or I would consider as walls—as a result of influences from our parents, siblings, peers, community, media, and the era we live in. These layers hide, basically bury, our true nature, as we distance ourselves from the perfect offshoot being we once were.
When I thought about this process, these layers, I could see how at our very core we are all the same, that we are all connected and that we simply put on these layers to have diverse experiences. I had that cool feeling when you have an aha moment and was able to grasp the idea of our unity beneath our individual identities.
Personally, I’ve built up layers around my family, friends, and even different layers for specific friends. I separate my worlds, having one persona for work, another for one group of friends, and yet another for those who share my spiritual beliefs. Not everyone resonates with these ideas, so I’ve chosen carefully who I open myself up to. It’s an additional layer of complexity, and then I have to wonder who is the real me anyway?
Although we build walls and layers as a form of protection, I’m beginning to realize that these layers may not be protective after all. I see how they can limit my true purpose and potential. So why maintain them? Is it fear of being different? Fear of failure? Fear of rejection? Fear of abandonment?
It feels like we, humanity, are reaching a point in evolution where more people are allowing themselves to express spirituality openly, or at the very least, acknowledging the existence of alternative beliefs. As I come to terms with my own spiritual coming out, I posed a question to the Universe for my next book, “Free to Be,” and here’s what I received:
When you embrace the freedom to be yourself, it’s important to recognize that your choices will impact others. Being your authentic self will bring about consequences. Friends may drift away, new friendships may form, and some people you enjoy spending time with might exit your life, while others whom you may not connect with want to befriend you.
Once you start to truly “be” after a period of living as someone else, your world may change, with both positive and negative repercussions. Embracing who you are provides a sense of liberation, but it can also come with its own set of burdens and concerns.
Individuals recovering from addiction often experience a familiar scenario: they realize that their freedom from addiction involves making new life choices and changes, particularly by finding new circles of friends. This process is common for those pursuing spiritual growth as well; both paths can (but not always) require significant life changes, and making those changes is essentially the goal. Overcoming addiction is a form of growth—growing away from substance abuse and from whatever has held them back. Similarly, spiritual evolution represents growth away from obstacles hindering one’s ability to live their best life.
For many, discussing spirituality can be uncomfortable. Yet, you might find that others appreciate hearing someone bravely share their thoughts and embrace their true selves. This bravery involves confronting how being authentic may impact your relationships with friends and family. It requires courage and commitment; it is not for the faint of heart.
When you ask yourself, “Why didn’t I start this path 20 years ago?” consider whether you were truly ready for the life path it would set you on. Think about the friends and experiences you’ve had over the last 20 to 30 years. Would you trade them? The answer is no; you would not. Every experience has shaped you and brought you to this moment, contributing to your current level of security. You’ve enjoyed countless valuable experiences that have enriched your spirit and enhanced the overall quality of your life.
And now that you have this base, this foundation, making a transition to a state of “being” will be easier, and will feel liberating. It frees you from the people, things, and habits that have held you back. This transition can be life-changing.
For example, an addict in recovery is often in a better place mentally, physically, and spiritually, but that improvement may not always be clear to them. They might miss their old friends and routines. Similarly, moving to a more spiritually aware life is both liberating and intimidating. It takes courage to let go of who you have been and embrace the new you.
Fortunately, there are preparatory steps you can take. There are actions to consider, things to be aware of, and potential challenges to anticipate as you navigate this journey
And what are these preparations you mention?
The practice of being in Joy. Bringing Joy to the forefront. When you start feeling down, confused, or mired in the world news, look to the Joys. Step away from the other. It is a tough ask, no doubt, but it will make all the difference. You will see. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by practicing being in Joy. That is a preparation you can “do”. And when doing this, you will get some blowback from those who insist you should be worried, you should be fearful, you should, you should, you should…and you will have to learn how to navigate through the shoulds. You will have great validation and community with some, and others will avoid you like the plague. You can prepare for this by accepting it. Knowing it will happen, but also knowing you don’t have to care. It is your choice always. If you are fearful of the change take it slow, until you are secure in your conviction. And be prepared to live in harmony, in Joy, in Freedom, in Love.
No one is asking you to drink Kool-Aid, or cut your hair, or change your friends, your diet, or lovers; the challenge set forth is to see the Joy in life. See your role, take responsibility for your life choices, do not judge other’s paths, and do not preach. Be responsible for you. Do you love going to work? Saving money? Eating meat? Do it! Nothing is bad. Do you love going to Church? Being Catholic? Being Muslim? Being Wiccan? Do it, Be it! There are no rules and no life-altering adjustments required. Do what you Love. Just don’t expect others to love something because you do. You do you! Leave others to do them.
Xoxoxo
If you would like to ask a question of the Universe, please email it to Lynn Carol.
Buy Back to Being: here
