by Melissa Holland-Forde

Created on: May 23, 2008

Life is like a movie. There are many scenes that all flow together to tell a story. Sometimes life moves with such speed that we feel that we are just the observer, not in control of the pace of it all. Other times we feel that we are the director, carefully orchestrating all of the props and situations so that we can somehow influence the outcome of situations. Sometimes we are disappointed when we are surprised with circumstances that we did not plan for or anticipate. Tapping into the spirit within allows us to navigate life with ease regardless of what is happening.

We all have to remember that despite our most carefully orchestrated efforts, we often must surrender to the greater purpose that the universe has in store for us. In order to achieve this, one must remember that this does not mean controlling what happens around us. If you tap into the spirit within, you will be able to shift your perspective of your expectations. This means controlling our responses and perceptions of what is happening. The spirit within is a very sacred place that we all can reach. It is that place that cannot be taken from us, violated or hurt. It is a place that we must claim and recognize. Many of us do not even realize or acknowledge that it exists. Spirit is the higher part of ourselves that represents all that is good. Spirit is a manifestation of love and light.

The spirit within you exists any time you recall memories and visions that touch your heart to the point of sometimes being indescribable. When you think about the most breathtaking places or things that you have seen in nature that make you feel at peace and loved, at that moment you have reached the spirit within yourself.

If this place is visited regularly and with enough frequency through meditation we can outline our deepest desires and life purpose. When spirit is activated within you, then it becomes a force for change for you to align yourself with the best situations to occur in your life. It is a place where you can distinguish your desires from the passions projected on you from parents and others, it is a place where you decide that you are a strong person who can stand up for yourself despite opposition. It is place where you affirm that your inner confidence will manifest itself in the situations you need it the most. It is a place where you get inspiration to live a healthier life. It is a place that will allow us to remain grounded despite any situation, person or circumstance that is placed before us. We do not allow situations, persons or circumstances to rule our temperament or inner peace. We can handle any situation. Once we decide to do this, we operate from a place of power and peace not fear. When spirit is at work, we become the strong Oak tree in the landscape that remains standing upright in the center of a tornado.

How do you get to this place? By closing your eyes and taking deep breaths and visualizing your most sacred vision within the universe. Be alert as you experience things and places that touch your heart. Register them in your memory and you can play back these images during meditation time as a backdrop when you want to access the spirit within and feel at peace. If you love the stars, see yourself floating within the Milky Way or standing next to Castor & Pollux. If you love deep space see yourself floating next to the Sombrero Galaxy. If you love flowers, see yourself among a field of your favorite colored Dahlias or Sunflowers. If you love sunsets, then visualize yourself watching one from your favorite travel destination. My spirit within introduced me to a new place unexpectedly today at my daughter's softball game: a rainbow that poured down from the sky in brilliance after a downpour.

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