Choice

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Guest Post by Gloria Lionz

Choice. That’s been my focus for a long time. No matter what’s going on in the world, it’s key to being and living my best life. 

For some time now, I’ve made it a practice to turn the news off early. Steady streams from outside sources tend to put me in what I call an urgent yet ‘inflated’ trance of distress. When I ignore that practice, I often forget I am Soul experiencing a sometimes ‘loud’ life in a human body. 

Shifting how I respond to circumstances I have no say in, works best when I embrace my heart (my spiritual identity). When I do that, my inner compass turns “on,” and I move through the world with greater ease and agency. 

That practice is now a habit. It’s also imperative for my well being; especially when global concerns fill my mind with situations that can make one feel an imbalance between good and bad, order and chaos. Such observations are genuine, especially when witnessing working relations between nations morph in the blink of eye or erodes our connections to others. But that’s only part of the story.

Whether change arrives in the form of stiff tariffs between ‘friends’ or unforeseen governmental layoffs without due process; the outer machinations of such situations impinge on everyone.  It’s part of how we learn as Soul here on earth.

What’s also true? The ‘world’ is watching “US” (get it? US AND the U.S.) closely. Why? Because how we conduct ourselves touches everyone else.

What’s also true is, at this phase of my life, is taking action in those arenas is not my assignment. My training isn’t rooted in influencing commerce, the fate of governments, or attitudes that permeate what some label “social consciousness.” Yet what remains true is, whether we’re aware of it or not, each of is impacts the other by how we relate.

Finding “my” way through this dynamic and challenging time and place that I value and love requires I check in for guidance. Typically, I ask two questions: 

1) What’s one action I can take now to be of service, and 

2) What do I need to do to stay in my heart?” 

One incredibly helpful spiritual directive I received long ago continues to help me in tough times: “Be a Blessing.”

Translation: Consciously notice how I’m thinking, speaking and emoting. And do my best to be neutral, loving, patient, grounded in my body, and connected to Spirit’s guidance. 

When my heart, mind and body are truly present, I’m engaged and LISTENING to love. I’m able to notice then amplify love and connection. And no matter what’s going on, that’s always my responsibility. 

Case in Point: Several years ago, I had an MRI. I was nervous about the test; I’m claustrophobic, and MRI machines are snug and loud. No matter: I arrived & dutifully placed my body on the table at the entry of the MRI machine. Sternly, the tech instructed, “REMAIN PERFECTLY STILL for next hour. If you move during the scan, it could necessitate having to start over.”  

My mind panicked and hollered, “You’re kidding me, right?!?”

The perceptive tech noticed my body language. He paused then said, “Ma’am, it won’t do you ANY GOOD TO FREEZE UP OR PANIC.” 

His caution helped me shift gears. I deepened my breathing and began silently singing HU (a simple, calming mantra that resets the mind & heart back to center point). A few moments later I felt grounded. I briefly checked in with myself and heard: “OK, we’re doing this test. What’s next?”

Instantly, I heard: “Relax. Your heart could power 10,000 cities without leaving this room. Remember that. See your spiritual essence, YOUR LIGHT, pouring through every fiber of your being. Send it out. GET BUSY and stay still while you’re at it! Remember, love is WHO YOU ARE. Stay there and all will be well.” 

As the chamber mechanism revved its noisy engines, my breathing remained steady. Then I felt the tech’s confident hands strapping my legs & arms, so they would remain still.

I focused my connection to Spirit once more and relaxed. My body relaxed further as my breathing synced steadily with the rhythmic sounds of the HU.

I heard a few more instructions from the Tech. Then the entire scene disappeared.

What came next surprised me.  I woke refreshed – like I’d had the best nap of my life! 

Was I distressed during the test? Nope. Had I felt a single moment of panic from the straps as the megaphone noise of the MRI permeated every cell? Not one!

When I let go and “let Spirit” I released all fear then dissolved into the Light!

Next thing I knew, the Tech was shaking my legs. “Hey, wake up! What were you DOING in there?!? No one sleeps that sounding in my MRI!”  

I was so relaxed, I told him: “Oh, I was just singing HU. And having fun sending Light to about 10,000 cities.” 

Grinning, he responded, “Gloria, you’re such a Santa Cruz hippie!” 

We parted laughing.

So dear friends, remember this so-called ‘pressure cooker of a planet and its’ cycles’ is ours. If you notice you’re feeling over-amped about situations you’re unable (and not assigned to handle), take a moment and remember each of us have choice.

Me? I’m practicing staying centered in the knowledge that I’m one person AND a spark of God’s Light. And continue to ask and listen for guidance as I go.  

Feel free to explore (or not).  The choice is always yours! 

© Gloria Lionz   

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Gloria Lionz has been a life coach for four plus decades. She’s also a life-long poet and storyteller. Her training in personal growth began in her early 20’s. With certificates in Reiki, Ho’oponopono, and training with Caroline Myss, the works of Alamaia Will, Lynn Andrews, and Dr. Christiane Northrop. She facilitates group and individual coaching and is also an event planner.  

She is an enthusiastic gardener, an essential oil instructor, and volunteers at her local cat shelter helping cats learn to trust and recover from neglect and/or abuse. She’s committed to living a life of “love in action”—sharing her passion for helping others notice and accept they’re here to love and be loved.

Gloria can be contacted through her email: gloria