As heat rises, so do the hearts of those being warmed by caring others, purposeful endeavors, happy thoughts, and fulfilling fantasies. Our mind parallels and further influences the level of our heart. When our heart is lifted up, our mind ascends, which, in turn, elevates our heart. Those wishing to accelerate their personal growth and spiritual development may want to create an upward spiral comprising positive people, useful undertakings, cheerful cognitions, and dreamy desires.
To awaken to the light of higher consciousness we must first rise above the clouds of material world illusion. So we need to elevate ourselves to the highest point within the material world before rising above it to a higher spiritual place. It is a little bit like climbing a mountain. If we do not start from where we are and climb upward, we may never reach the top. If we go in circles around it, we will remain at the same level, although at a different point on the circle. Or, depending upon what we think, say, and do we could also descend. It is up to us. If suffering and imprisonment await us at the bottom, while peace and freedom linger, above the clouds, at the top; which direction will we choose, and why? Why not? What roles do perception, illusion, and delusion play in our ability to determine what is up and what is down, what is “right” and what is “wrong,” what is good and what is bad? I believe we can all rise above the clouds and reach the glistening summit.
Positive People
Surround yourself with people who love you in thought, word, and action; and be one of them for others. Set firm enough boundaries that you can love and give without losing yourself. Adjust these limits based on what people do. Protect yourself, your safety, your privacy, and your peace. If you try to help someone and realize that they are blowing themselves up by sucking you dry; then sever the connection between you and such energy vampires. It may seem sad, or counter-intuitive; but, trust me, it is in your best interest. We cannot hold others up when we are lying on the ground. Watch for those who naturally love and appreciate you without you first needing to do something for them. Notice whether or not there is a relatively reciprocal interchange (not in terms of keeping score, but more related to a spirit of love and giving). Pay attention to this over time. Six months is usually enough time to truthfully understand what you are dealing with; if you are paying attention. When people change, adjust your boundaries. Link yourself to people who lift you up, and ascend into the stars together.
Useful Undertakings
When you are doing something that fulfills your search for meaning, your heart will elevate beyond stagnation’s snare. There is power in your purpose; so find it, train it, and ride it to the cosmos, your astral-mare. Do something that produces a meaningful contribution that brings you fulfillment. This does not need to be grand, lucrative, or popular. It can be something as simple as gardening, housewifing, or fishing. Ditch the delusions that you need to have a college degree, look like a model, and make a six figure income to be living a meaningful, successful life. It is often distractions like these that prevent us from doing so. Find yourself, be yourself, and allow your outer life to be a manifestation of your inner true nature (in whatever you do).
Cheerful Cognitions
Happiness is a thought and smile away. Continuously focus your attention on what you are grateful for, what there is to appreciate, your strengths, and how you can help others. Think about happy songs, inspiring quotes, heroic people, and uplifting stories. If you are going through a trauma, focus on the kindness of those helping you, how much worse it could be, and how to do what you will do. Think about what you can do with what you do have, rather than what you cannot do with what you do not have. Smile at the sunshine, the rain, the pleasure, and the pain. They are the flipsides of the proverbial coin of life. Engage your mind in acceptance, compassion, and understanding. Overcome the ego distractions of resistance, judgement, and attachment. Smile some more.
Dreamy Desires
While struggling through the climb, allow yourself to dream of all the things your life can bring. Imagine yourself in the most fabulous of fantasies, walk through the delicious details in your mind. Savor the sensory experiences of the gorgeous view, sweet caress, enchanting sounds, intoxicating fragrance, and tantalizing tastes. Enjoy the natural beauty of a meaningful conversation with someone you love. Visualize protective people, euphoric endeavors, and ecstatic emotions. Immerse yourself in it, as if you were making love with an angel. Feel it fully. Get lost in it for a while. When you return to reality, you will be refreshed, inspired, and energized (as long as you can clearly distinguish between your current reality and the dream). However, since our material world existence is, itself, a dream; our fantasies are well within our reach. Dream big, believe big, and live big. Always distinguish between the current dream realization (what we call reality), and the desired dream. While it is rejuvenating to get temporarily lost in a fantasy, it is important not to remain lost there.
In the audio player below you will find one of my original tracks, “A Quiet Angel,” cued up for your listening experience. It is a celestial rock power ballad passionately portraying the lofty love of friendship. I hope you enjoy, and notice the spiritual parallels painted there.
What helps you establish and maintain your upward spiral? What has made it most difficult for you? How have you overcome this obstacle?
Photo Credit: Hubble Heritage via Flickr
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