by Cynthia Bischoff | Sep 28, 2013 | Heartliving
I believe that a higher order of intelligence and understanding originates in the heart. Researchers such as Dean Ornish, M.D., and Doc Lew Childre, M.D., and others have proven that the heart has a unique intelligence and that this intelligence is of a higher consciousness.
Reverence is the basic energy of the heart and the soul. I am in awe of this energy. Reverence of nature, of others, of life itself brings forth patience in us. Most of all, as we listen to the intelligence of our hearts, we can practice what is referred to by Gary Zukav, author of Seat of the Soul, as “non-judgmental” justice. Our higher consciousness knows that not any one of us can be self-appointed to judge another because we do not know the entirety of all experience. I am, by the way, not referring to human law and the need to keep a person from abusing another. I am referring to those moments when we judge another’s life or behavior because it does not conform to our view.
When we realize that everything is being seen from a sacred view by a Higher Power, we can know that we don’t have to judge or “play God.” Instead, we can discern what is right for us in our own lives, and we can bring forth compassion and understanding for others.
In fact, if we are met with a negative energy in another person, instead of criticizing or responding in kind, we can choose to respond with a higher vibrational response. We can choose not to engage in the negativity and instead to respond from within ourselves from our own heart’s light. Evil or negativity cannot be healed with evil or negativity in response to it. The appropriate response is to eliminate evil within ourselves and to respond with love.
It is possible to have displays of anger, but to know that there are two kinds of anger: anger with a closed heart and anger with an open heart. With an open heart, I am able to respond with firmness and proper boundaries, yet still remain faithful to love and compassion. The highest response is always love.
by Cynthia Bischoff | Sep 7, 2013 | Heartliving
We all have a shadow self. When I first heard this idea it truly fascinated me. What is the shadow self? Is it a negative part of us?
As I began delving into the concept, I found that Dr. Carl Jung, a famous psychiatrist, spoke of the shadow as “. . .the other in us, the other that embarrasses or shames us, . . .the negative side of the personality, those unpleasant qualities we like to hide. . . .”
I realized that often we disown or “cut off” our shadow self. We make statements like “I’m not angry,” “I don’t feel sad,” and so on as a way of denying a part of ourselves. We may have been conditioned not to allow ourselves to feel this shadow piece, perhaps in order to stay in control. I realized with further research and understanding that our shadow might also be a very positive side of ourselves that we have kept unexpressed. In other words, our shadow could be a strength of ours that we have kept hidden because of being fearful of expressing it. For example, a person might think: “If I express my strength others will not help me,” and so on.
Oftentimes at various junctures on our journey and particularly during periods in which we are growing and expanding who we are, we meet our shadow more fully. We may get in touch with those repressed parts of ourselves that we can no longer deny. So we encounter situations and challenges in which we are given an opportunity to become conscious of something inside of us as a way of having an opportunity to become more aware of who we really are.
It’s common to meet our shadow self when our deeper needs and values tend to change direction. Greeting the shadow self may even call for breaking old habits and cultivating unrecognized talents. And it’s important not to avoid these “meetings,” since we may remain unaware of what embracing our shadow self has to teach us. Avoidance may make us feel safer, yet the safety can become a kind of living death.
Everything with depth casts a shadow. The shadow is the quality that makes us human. As much as we might wish to reject it in order to try to be “perfect,” it is the shadow that gives us our humanity. Embracing the shadow, moving through our lives with awareness and grace, is what creates our healing or wholeness.
by Cynthia Bischoff | Aug 31, 2013 | Heartliving
You probably know that healing doesn’t generally happen if your thoughts are unhealthy or negative. In fact, if you are often doubt-ridden, this doubt has a powerful influence on your ability to manifest.
Creating change requires courage and a structured attempt to let go of cynicism and self-criticism.
One of the ways we sabotage ourselves is through our language. Every thought is a form of energy that we send out to the universe that returns to us. So how might creating positive affirmations, or statements, assist you in manifesting what you desire?
Many intuitives and spiritual teachers guide us in the creation of positive affirmations. Here are some tips toward creating affirmations that will assist you on your journey:
- When you create an affirmation, state it positively. (“I am healthy” vs. “I am not ill.”)
- State it in the present as if you already have what you desire. (“I have abundant wealth” vs. “I will have wealth.”)
- Make it concise. A one-sentence, succinct affirmation is best. (“I am forgiving and loving.”)
- Make the affirmation about you and not others. (“I am full of energy” vs. “I receive prayers from others.”)
- Make the affirmation specific and achievable. (“I exercise three times each week” vs. “I will exercise.”)
When your affirmation is clear, repeat it consistently each day. Trust that the universe hears your voice and heeds your request. Each day give thanks for what you know you will receive.
by Cynthia Bischoff | Aug 24, 2013 | Heartliving
This is one of my favorite poems. Enjoy!
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
–by Jelaluddin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks
by Cynthia Bischoff | Aug 17, 2013 | Heartliving
Heartliving is branching out! In partnership with Metro Productions, I now have a YouTube Channel: HeartlivingVideo. Five videos have been posted so far and more will be added soon. Click here to become inspired. Subscribe to the channel to stay inspired.
Stay tuned for more services in the coming months to include webinars and e-courses. Subscribe to heartliving.com and follow me on Facebook for updates and special announcements.
My goal is to help inspire you to create a wonderful life!
Blessings,
Cynthia
