Decisiveness

Self-mastery begins with a decision, the determination to move forward no matter what. With all of the spiritual world and light-workers talking about the new world, it’s important to know what it entails on personal basis. Here’s the truth – self-mastery is not like a treat at the end of a class. It comes from devotion and dedication. Words can be read many times without an impact, and sometimes it’s easier to learn from stories, so here’s a personal example.

After contemplating my life, I’ve decided several times in my life that I truly wanted a big shift. The first time I decided to believe all I’d read in metaphysics – if one really desires a change, then it’s best to begin with envisioning it. For one year or more, I sat with my eyes fixed on the faraway mountains until I found the zone of spiritual connection. Then, I focused with all of my might on my desired reality as if I lived within it. (Believe me – I wasn’t sure it was working.)

After about six months, life started to change. Small fragments of manifestation appeared in the way of material objects, funds and opportunities. Encouraged by the shift, I focused more. But I found a canyon waiting for me to traverse. This deep, dark place echoed all of my fears. I wanted to stop, to never move forward, or lie in the bed with covers pulled over my head.

When I stopped trying, the angst ceased. Life flowed into a comfortable pattern, and I felt temporarily happy until the discontent returned, with constant low level agony. The old reality felt unbearable, and the new one seemed terrifying. What could I do?

I often remained sleepless through the night, leaning on timeworn meditations and praying for help. One day, it occurred to me that no one could help me until I helped myself. I realized all spiritual change requires a big jump. It takes courage, determination and dedication to the inner self.

To me, it felt as if I would lose everything if I took the jump – all security, everything familiar – and I’d walk about with my nerves raw. Everyone would see my vulnerability plainly. But at some point, I decided not to stop. No matter what, I’d go forward. At worst, I would fail and start over.

Surprisingly, finding the strength was all that was needed. When I made the resolution, heaven sent help through kind friends and neighbors. Each time I stepped forward, I saw the patterns of hesitation, the wrong reactions and the agony of confused emotions within myself. Over time, I learned to accept and love my feelings – whether right or wrong – and to conscientiously make an effort to change them.

With each leap or successful manifestation, my spiritual connection heightened. But I also discovered my inner workings created the circumstances – in some way – of both my problem and desire. Higher consciousness always lessens the feeling of blame or confusion and leads to compassion. (It’s actually the real reason for any manifestation, but the changes in character seem to happen automatically, along with the realization of the desire.)

If one truly seeks spiritual change, the shift begins with the dedication – the feeling of “I’ll keep moving toward love no matter what – even when it seems frightening or difficult.” Teachers help – they can look into your soul or persona and point the way – but no one can meditate or exercise or make the change for you.

Determination means following the intuition on the True Self on the path, to keep going even when one step is difficult. It’s making the same decision on a daily basis, by not slipping into apathy or letting go of the practice when life becomes better. (This will happen.) When the same decision is made repetitively, life changes — for the better on a spiritual quest.