What's in your Blind Spot?

Wednesday Wisdom 7pm Tonight with Pattie Mercado 

Find a place in nature and know.

The topic for my talk at Wednesday's Wisdom this week is "What's in Your Blind Spot?"  If you know the answer then - well it isn't really a blind spot! Or is it?  When we start exploring the uncharted territory that is our blind spot we find ourselves in that sometimes terrifying place of the unknown. When we start to understand that a blind spot cannot be seen with the human eye, but is sensed even though well hidden behind fear, arrogance, false modesty and more there is an opportunity to set aside, lie down the false belief that has held us back and for the Truth to set us free. My starting place for the inquiry into blind spots began many years ago when I first heard the words: "Can you afford the arrogance of not knowing something the knowing of which could transform your life?" The answer then and now is a resounding no! So, I find myself doing all sorts of contortions to make sure that I am checking my blind spot, being sensitive, checking in, etc. and really it is so much simpler than I have made it out to be!

It's a powerful inquiry that I am looking forward to deepening at our Wednesday Wisdom service. The exploration is so much better when it is shared and our mid week faith lift is the engaging and uplifting event where everyone has a part to play; where we share in the expansion of life and our understanding of it.

              

Forgiveness Walking the Walk

Today I forgive everyone and accept forgiveness by everyone. I know the eternal Spirit harbors no malice toward me or anyone else. Forgiving and being forgiven, I have an inward sense of peace and tranquillity. There is no anxiety, no sense of guilt, no fear of judgment. All mistakes of the past are now wiped out in my consciousness and I no longer carry any burden from them. I look forward to the future with joy, in peace and gladness, and live in the present day with an inner assurance of being one with all life. - Ernest Holmes

Put your hand over your heart and repeat after me, I am a modern day mystic, I sense the divine in me, I sense the divine in others. I practice the radical act of forgiveness. It is mystical, it fills me with light. It is good. And So It Is! - Rev. Dr. Heather Clark

The Mystical Ernest Holmes

Forgiveness is the Ultimate Untapped Super Power

“Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.” ~Buddha

It's hard to dodge that topic of forgiveness. It doesn't matter what spiritual tradition you follow someone is asking you to be forgiving. If you are searching for healing, mental, physical or spiritual you are going to run headfirst into the concept of forgiving.

If you are looking for greater success and abundance there is going to be forgiveness work involved. If you are trying to improve your relationships or searching for world peace some spiritual leader is going to remind you that you need to forgive.

You need to forgive the large and the small. There is simply no escape.

Forgiveness is the spiritual work to be done. It's the push up your sleeves and "get 'er done" stuff. It's where we feel resistance. And it seems so illogical to resist the very spiritual practice that promises so very very much.

Forgiveness is something you do for yourself. Forgiveness frees you to live life more fully and more joyously. Forgiveness adds power to your prayers and unleashes your creativity.

What's not to love about forgiveness! 

Geez ... it's like a freekin' super power. 

Oh but how, but how, but how??? What if I am just not feeling it? And how do you know when you are done? What if you recognize all the great gifts of forgivenss but you still can't bring yourself to do it? Where do you start?

Do you have a Forgiveness Practice?
You gotta practice to get good at anything. Why not practice forgiveness? What would a Forgiveness Practice look like?

Search your heart every day and honestly ask yourself "did I close my heart to anyone today?" You can use some of these tools to antedote yourself a little every day.

Oh and don't forget yourself in all this forgiving. It may be the most important work of all.

• Try a Forgiveness Meditation. There are meditation tapes out there for the very purpose of forgiveness. Here is a Forgiveness Meditation from Jack Kornfield.
• Trade resentment for gratitude. Did you know you can't feel both resentment and gratitude at the same time? Make a litany written or spoken of all that you are grateful for regarding the situation.
• Write a forgiveness letter, you don't have to send it but start writing it now.
• If writing isn't your thing use your imagination and set that person in a chair before you and talk to them. Work it out in your own heart.
• When all else fails ask for help. (I always forget this one for some reason, it's not like it isn't for a good cause.)

Forgiving isn't forgeting. In fact remembering all that transpired and no longer being "hooked" by the memory is your indication that your forgiveness work is complete. Sometimes it takes a few rounds but with all that's promised you know that it's worth the effort.

The Mystical Act of Forgiveness

There is nuclear energy that IS good in this life... that energy is Love. I tap into this force to heal my heart and soul of any wrong-doings, miscommunications or anger in my life. Love heals me now and forgiveness reigns free in my life...