Many of us need that kinda breakthrough, discovering that there is no true authority, no one or anything in this reality that knows better than we do. No one is rightfully above us, no one truly knows better than we do, about OUR own lives. The only outcome that is relevant is that we feel good in our own hearts about our choices, that we feel confident and free in making them.

When I began to “awaken” to my own spiritual power, I began to “hear” what I called my Guides. They began to teach me things, and it would seem those first lessons were the most significant. One of them, and they showed me multiple examples in my day-to-day life, was the error in FORCING anything or anyone. They said “pushing” is okay and even a good thing at times, but forcing isn’t. The challenge is in knowing where that point is, when pushing becomes forcing. We must endeavor to always be wary of crossing that line.

They told me this one day as I was packing an overnight bag, I kept putting more and more stuff in it. I was pushing it all in there, while struggling to zip it. And all of a sudden, pop!! The seam burst, and I whimpered, “Ahhh, I’ve ruined it!!” It was at that very moment that all of this pushing/forcing stuff flooded into my consciousness. My Guides wanted this to be an indelible memory why I should not force things. It will invariably blow up in our face.

Such a terrible tragedy what happened to those people. Hopefully it will be an indelible mark on our hearts, teaching us that we should not allow others to force us against our own Power, our own Heart’s Knowing. I believe the “breakthrough” so many of us are moving toward is standing up, standing up and speaking out, knowing, without question, our own Power.

We do need teachers who are about teaching us to trust and believe in our own Power–those with the primary objective to truly empower others. We don’t need “gurus” who feed off of our power, because they haven’t truly discovered and embraced their own. A good indication that they have not is that forcing thing, and continuing to draw pleasure from excessive material wealth.

Peace,
Dove

I have had the same sense about the commercialization of the transformation business for some time, but I think you put it in a very clear context.

There are a couple of additional metaphors that have really helped me. One of them was shared with me by my wife, from some literature from a 12-Step program. It compares our defenses and limitations to the bark of a birch tree. In good time, the bark becomes too constricting for the tree and it is shed. But if it is ripped off prematurely, it can cause great damage.

Similarly is the great metaphor of the man who picks up the butterfly struggling to release itself from its cocoon. Wanting to be helpful, he snips away the cocoon and immediately frees the butterfly. But the butterfly never flies. The wings never take shape because the struggle against the cocoon is part of their development process.

I think you’ve hit the nail on the head and really appreciate you bringing this point out.

I am in the process of rethinking and rebuilding my own business and professional identity, and look forward to working with more of your thoughts and materials in the weeks to come.

@Karl- The supporting culture is so important. Every spiritual path I know stresses how important community is, and we here are no different. Thanks for highlighting that part of it.

Breakthroughs need to happen organically. If we force the issue we are only creating more pain. I’ve been learning this the hard way. I’ve been a big bully to myself, thinking that if I forced myself to work hard I would get ahead faster. I only procrastinated more and weakened my confidence.

I’ve been practicing being more kind and compassionate as I work on my biz. I’ve actually gotten more accomplished because I’m more motivated to do the work.

Thanks for a great perspective that I definitely needed to read today.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..The Hard, The Fun, and The Beautiful – Puffy Smile Edition

@Jennifer- Dissonance! Now there’s something to celebrate!

@Amy- Every day, indeed.

@Akemi- Thank you for your kind words, Akemi.

@Dan- I know, it’s really insidious- I can get caught, too. And I’m really grateful that I have ways to remember and step out, and not get caught in the destructive spiral. Sigh..

@chris- Just make sure it’s non-delible so you can wipe off your screen afterwards.

@Karilee- I hear you- and I agree that there are many techniques to work towards “breakthrough.” And there are great ways for people to facilitate that.

I’ve also seen that you almost never get 100% of the room to have a breakthrough. And that even among the ones who do, the changes are all over the map, from mild to profound. What I take from this is that we can prepare the way, but we can’t make it happen.

Different people may interpret it differently.

@Tia Sparkles- congrats on stepping out into your first-time entrepreneurship! Very, very cool. And yes, I so agree with you.

There are the times when out of the 50 ideas in my head I get down to doing none or one and that’s ok too. The tendency is to look at others & compare, push ourselves to match the Joneses. It’s best to drop the #’s game and focus on being.

I’m so with you on the letting go of externals and going within, knowing that where we are is perfect. Thanks for a great post!

Tia @TiaSparkles
Coach T.I.A ´s last blog ..These Are a Few of My Favourite Things ♬ ♬