Finding Balance

[Traveler_2649]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to get some insight.

Lately I haven't been making much progress in my spiritual journey, and I'm trying to press through this. I'm feeling like I'm in a bit of a slump, and I've been struggling to meditate at all.

Things have gotten pretty busy for me lately, and I feel like stress and life in general has hindered my progress. There's a ton of stuff going on in my life, but I wasn't to find balance to at least maintain what I've developed and achieved so far.

Things are pretty chaotic, with trying to sell my house, move across country, secure a new job, help my wife get situated in her new job, and taking care of our almost 1 year old daughter.

I've used meditation to cope with stress in the past, but I can't even manage to find time to meditate lately. The times I do find, I usually struggle to make any progress or even stay awake.

I know this journey is a marathon and not a sprint, but I don't want to lose any progress I've made. Part of me recognizes that all of these moving parts that I'm stressing about are moving pieces in the Gateway Method Patterning I've done within the past year, but things have been tough. It's as if there's something making this goal as difficult as possible every step of the way. I'm hanging in there, but I'm looking forward to reaching a point where I can just breathe and at least maintain my progress in my journey.

Typing this out in itself is helping me process everything going on, but I'm so appreciative of the experiences I've had so far, and there's a part of me that's worried that my journey is stalling.

Does anyone have advice about finding some balance in the turbulence of life on this journey?

[LightBeam]

Hi Traveler,

I'll start first by saying that we create our reality, including the day to day things, stress, success, etc, based on conscious, unconscious beliefs, personal points of view about the world, about ourselves, etc.
Remember that if you believe you will lose your progress by attending to your physical life, then you will create the perception of it. If you believe that physical life needs to be lived as well and you will find balance, then you will create that experience. I have periods of time where I had to put aside completely everything spiritual, but when I got back to it, it was all there, nothing was lost. I just started where I left off. But again, you will experience what you believe. We change our beliefs by recognizing that they do not serve us and that they are not logical. Find logic in something that serves you and let it become knowing, not just believing, because there are no limitations in existence, only the ones we impose upon ourselves.

About stress in physical life, we all experience it, but we can alleviate some of it by asking what is this stress teaching me, why have I created it? Can I trust my higher mind to show me signs and paths that will take me through the challenges smoothly. But trust is the key, you need to let go and relax. The more you tense and worry, the more stress will come your way. Staying connected with your higher mind does not require meditation or special time set aside. You can speak to it and feel the connection while driving, watching TV, doing chores, etc. At night, just before you fall asleep, just say "I stay connected to my larger spirit, remember my dreams, work out any issues I have in the physical in the dream state, and remain aware in my dreams". This will take just a few seconds. You dont have to disconnect completely from the spiritual. Merging automatically your entire perception and remembrance that you are a physical being within your spirit and not the other way around, will keep you aware all the time of who you are and you will be able to navigate as a spirit in this physical dream. That exact knowing changes the physical reality game big time, at least for me.
I dont do any meditations, only 10 min visualization before falling asleep to have APs, but I am constantly in a state of mind knowing who I am, feeling the multiverse all around me and within me, receiving constant "downloads" of knowing, and none of that requires efforts, because this has turned into passion and it triggers automatic state of mind.
Evaluate if this is a passion for you, shed the beliefs that you need to have special time put aside for progress. It will happen automatically, and you find that your life will present you with such opportunities if you would like to have time for specific practices. But release the tension, dont place deadlines, release the control what needs to happen and how, so you dont create energy barriers. Let the higher mind arrange the how and when.

[Traveler_2649]

Thanks for this. It's just discouraging to have these periods of insightful silence, but it's probably my own unintentional doing.

I'm doing my best to maintain an attitude of positivity and gratitude through this crazy period. I've been focusing on the goal being achieved, and you've brought it to my attention to seek some peace and positivity through this period of change instead of seeing it as a hurdle between my current state and future personal growth.

[tides2dust]

Outside looking in, I don't think anything is stalling. It sounds like you're in the thick of it. And I believe you will find a refreshing perspective sooner than later. You said you don't have time to meditate. A wise man once said he didn't have time not to meditate. Make the time, even if it's 5-10 minutes of stillness. Do you brush your teeth everyday? Have you recognized moments of being in a meditative like state without adhering to traditional discipline? I think what I want to relay is... Give your self 5-10 minutes every day. Stay strong, keep the faith. I believe you're doing great. I see a moment of spontaneity, comforting peace and joy in your future.   

[Tak]

I don't see any stagnation here, quite the opposite! As you been told, we must remove the misinterpretation that daily physical life is something "that goes against" or is different from spiritual life. Since we are Souls experiencing the density of physical matter and not physical matter experiencing spirituality only when we do astral projection, meditation, etc. So, there is no way to not be exercising spirituality or to be outside of it. Soul and Consciousness are present all the time, nothing is outside of Consciousness. As Souls we carefully and lovingly choose this life to experience all kinds of things that help us grow, and most of those things are poured in daily life events, so take advantage of it! We are always spiritually growing, the simple fact of being here, breathing, is part of our path and evolution, just BEING this particular manifestation of Consciousness, as we are now.

Regarding stress, I have to tell you that doing daily breathing sessions has completely changed my life, as Tides said, it only takes a few minutes, no more than 10, I feel very relaxed and with more balance to make decisions. The benefits have been magnificent. One of them is 4/7/8 breathing: I inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 sec and exhale 8 sec. I do 20 sessions of this exercise. But there are many on Youtube you can search. I was going through severe anxiety and two weeks of these exercises have completely changed me. Now I am addicted to these breaths lol 

Perhaps it would be good to look for active meditations, which can be applied in daily activities. 

Our Great Spiritual Journey is happening right now, at this very moment! Enjoy it

[tides2dust]

Traveler, I've been seeig rainbows lately.

And as I was reading on the spiritual significance of the rainbow, your words from the OP were replaying in my mind.

Maybe there is something on this page for you:
https://www.sunsigns.org/rainbow-symbolic-meanings/

🙏

[tides2dust]

I don't see any stagnation here, quite the opposite! As you been told, we must remove the misinterpretation that daily physical life is something "that goes against" or is different from spiritual life. Since we are Souls experiencing the density of physical matter and not physical matter experiencing spirituality only when we do astral projection, meditation, etc. So, there is no way to not be exercising spirituality or to be outside of it. Soul and Consciousness are present all the time, nothing is outside of Consciousness. As Souls we carefully and lovingly choose this life to experience all kinds of things that help us grow, and most of those things are poured in daily life events, so take advantage of it! We are always spiritually growing, the simple fact of being here, breathing, is part of our path and evolution, just BEING this particular manifestation of Consciousness, as we are now.

Regarding stress, I have to tell you that doing daily breathing sessions has completely changed my life, as Tides said, it only takes a few minutes, no more than 10, I feel very relaxed and with more balance to make decisions. The benefits have been magnificent. One of them is 4/7/8 breathing: I inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 sec and exhale 8 sec. I do 20 sessions of this exercise. But there are many on Youtube you can search. I was going through severe anxiety and two weeks of these exercises have completely changed me. Now I am addicted to these breaths lol 

Perhaps it would be good to look for active meditations, which can be applied in daily activities. 

Our Great Spiritual Journey is happening right now, at this very moment! Enjoy it

Hi Tak,

Thank you for your post. I have been feeling very similar lately. That is to say, consciousness is. All the time. And, we are who we are. Literally let's just breathe for a moment. Haha. No but really... I feel I am at times graced by these harmonious reflections. But something more... Those reflections feel like an active intelligence. And sometimes, my friends and I get acknowledged in a way that seem outside our control. Sometimes alone and sometimes together.

Earlier tonight my mind was soaring- I suddenly noticed a crow and an airplane soaring in the same direction. It felt like a reflection from consciousness. What was happening with me internally was being reflected externally in real time. Almost like there wasn't actually any distance between me, the bird or the airplane. It also felt like the bird and the airplane weren't just those things but something more. Like a giant wave. Something I am trying to understand... and so I realize consciousness is always speaking to us.

The bigger picture being exactly what you've said. This idea that the spiritual and the physical are separate when in fact they are not.

For me, I have always felt a desire to know or learn the intimate relationship between Spirit and Matter. We are unique expressions indeed. I do think this is a marriage, and Consciousness is. Did I say that twice now? Hahaha.
Heh.

Oh, man. Well... I've made a triple post here and I apologize. Traveler, don't overwork yourself- don't forget to stop and smell the roses. Don't tell me you don't have time to take a wiff.    Heheh. Just teasing.

Whatever it is, you will get through it. I believe that.

And Tak, thank you for your post. I am riding this cusp with great interest.

[EscapeVelocity]

So much good advice in all these replies; we all can benefit. I would add one idea that I became aware of only after many months of feeling 'stalled' years ago...now  I have learned to allow for that...

The idea is this- As our 'spiritual evolution' continues into deeper realms of consciousness, there occur periods that require time for consideration, reflection, questioning...etcetera...and this often occurs at not only conscious levels but also deeper and subconscious or unconscious levels...I call it percolation, like letting a cup of coffee or tea percolate or simmer, to get the fuller flavors of it...

This necessity was not immediately obvious when it happened to me; it actually played out over probably a two-year period of frustration until the insight hit me. I needed time to realize on several levels what I had experienced and learned...later downloads often happened that way (some take years)...so, it can take time and the patience required is also a new aspect of the experience to understand...be open to considering that and relax into yourself...

[Kodemaster]

Hello, nice to meet you.

I still don't feel like I am where I want to be in life. Let's just say, I've seen some things. I am going on 47 next month, and can see the silver lining as lessons learned. I am still learning, will never stop. I hope one day to connect with someone well enough to bond and become partners. I want to be able to work again. I want a career. As I reinvent myself, it's easy for me to get discouraged. Using the lessons learned from the awful things I endured, I write to try and help others who are battling similar trauma as I did. It's how I cope. It took me 40 years to begin to understand what I had been suffering my entire life, and I create what I do to help raise awareness of something that was mostly off people's radars, including psychology staff.

I see you as overwhelmed and hope you take some time for self-care. It's important. As a Type-A, go-getter, I tend to be very hard on myself, forgetting to reflect on all the good I have done.

I hope this helps you somehow. Best wishes to you and your family.

[Traveler_2649]

I just wanted to take a moment to express some appreciation for the insight you've all given here about this.

This forum is like a beacon of positivity. I'm grateful for all of you, and the insights you all provide. Every time I post here, this journey of exploration and growth feels less and less lonely.

Last night, I made time to reflect on my priorities. I made the decision to try tweaking my morning routine a bit in an effort to manage what I interpreted as obstacles in the way of reflecting on what I'm grateful for.

I followed through, and i noticed a huge difference. I managed to get in some time for a bit of meditation to help set the tone for my day. I decided to "get back to the basics" that I felt I had drifted away from recently, and it was incredibly refreshing.

I managed to reach a level of connection with my energy body in a way that I hadn't in a while. It just feels so good, for lack of a better way to describe it. The positivity, the warmth, it's such an indescribably wonderful feeling.

My whole spiritual exploration started out with curiosity on the subject of OBEs. I pursued it with enthusiasm and passion, wanting to achieve a successful OBE more then anything. I began to receive glimpses of things I would have dismissed as "New Age nonsense" if someone told me about them a year ago, but I've come to a point where I've accepted that they'll happen when they're supposed to as a result of this invigorating connectedness to myself. I don't know the proper terms to describe it, whether it's spiritual vibrational frequency or something else. I'll have these moments where, during meditations, I just feel so alive and in the moment that I don't want it to end. It's like getting high on my own existence. When I finish the meditations, it's pretty much impossible to feel bad or upset about anything, andit just carries on throughout my day. 

I've noticed a difference in nearly every aspect of my life as a result of this exploration. My wife even pointed out that she can see a noticeable shift in me towards putting out positivity as much as I can, and I believe that's why we're in a position to make a better life for our family.

I just wanted to express some gratitude for the help. All of you make this forum the incredible thing that it is.

[Tak]

Earlier tonight my mind was soaring- I suddenly noticed a crow and an airplane soaring in the same direction. It felt like a reflection from consciousness. What was happening with me internally was being reflected externally in real time. Almost like there wasn't actually any distance between me, the bird or the airplane. It also felt like the bird and the airplane weren't just those things but something more. Like a giant wave. Something I am trying to understand... and so I realize consciousness is always speaking to us.

I like to think of All That Is as a huge Living Organism, and that we are simply its cells or its particles. That mere thought fills me with great joy I cannot explain. It's beautiful what you're feeling Tides, and so are your friends. I think that when we give up the illusion that Consciousness is confined within a particular individual and realize that in reality Consciousness is a huge field around us that interpenetrates all, will be when we would see better these things you describe. Everything I do with these practices is aimed to have a better understanding on this relationship, as you say, that we are part of a bigger Being. Although for now I just feel like a kid playing who only gets a few glimpses. 

Traveler, some time ago Lightbeam made a very interesting post on this issue of making an intention every night before going to sleep, it is very practical and does not require extra time, other than preparing yourself to go to sleep as every night, I really liked it and I ask permission to put it here. I do this same exercise before going to sleep of asking my Higher Self to show me things, guide me in life, etc. Do it without expectations and letting yourself go! One day I felt with my eyes closed that I was rising very high and I kept going up and up and up, while still in my bed. 

https://www.astralpulse.com/forums/welcome-to-out-of-body-experiences!/spirit-teleporter/

I've noticed a difference in nearly every aspect of my life as a result of this exploration. My wife even pointed out that she can see a noticeable shift in me towards putting out positivity as much as I can, and I believe that's why we're in a position to make a better life for our family.

Traveler, you do not need more pressures than you already have in life now. On the contrary, feel free and enjoy every moment. Feeling well and fulfilled opens paths that we never imagined. I see that just by changing the perspective of the matter a little bit and organizing your day you already made progress, very well done!

[Adrian]

Hey everyone, I just wanted to get some insight.

Lately I haven't been making much progress in my spiritual journey, and I'm trying to press through this. I'm feeling like I'm in a bit of a slump, and I've been struggling to meditate at all.

Things have gotten pretty busy for me lately, and I feel like stress and life in general has hindered my progress. There's a ton of stuff going on in my life, but I wasn't to find balance to at least maintain what I've developed and achieved so far.

Things are pretty chaotic, with trying to sell my house, move across country, secure a new job, help my wife get situated in her new job, and taking care of our almost 1 year old daughter.

I've used meditation to cope with stress in the past, but I can't even manage to find time to meditate lately. The times I do find, I usually struggle to make any progress or even stay awake.

I know this journey is a marathon and not a sprint, but I don't want to lose any progress I've made. Part of me recognizes that all of these moving parts that I'm stressing about are moving pieces in the Gateway Method Patterning I've done within the past year, but things have been tough. It's as if there's something making this goal as difficult as possible every step of the way. I'm hanging in there, but I'm looking forward to reaching a point where I can just breathe and at least maintain my progress in my journey.

Typing this out in itself is helping me process everything going on, but I'm so appreciative of the experiences I've had so far, and there's a part of me that's worried that my journey is stalling.

Does anyone have advice about finding some balance in the turbulence of life on this journey?

Many excellent posts in this topic with excellent advice.

For absolute peace no matter what appears to be "happening" in your life, approach life as a "living meditation". All stress is caused by engaging the conscious mind, the ego, in perceived life situations, which the ego always wants to control in some way. Instead of continually thinking, planning, worrying etc, simply let it all go by completely clearing your mind and acting as an observer. Treat life as if you are watching a movie, observing what is going on, but of course you would not attempt to jump into the movie screen or TV to try and participate. Rise above your perceived "physical" experience to a higher state of consciousness, vibratory frequency, to experience your true Oneness with the absolute Perfection and Peace with All That Is. In so doing, and disengaging the conscious mind, the ego, you will find that your life experience flows effortlessly and perfectly, and nothing will ever seem to be overwhelming, but rather joyful, abundant and always perfect.

What people call "life" is an illusion, a holographic projection of Mind with no basis in fact, therefore can "project" any desired experience into experiential reality without limitation through the power of the Mind, which is a topic in itself.

Finally know, beyond all doubt, Who We Are. We ARE Source, All That Is, God if you prefer. The power that created the Universe is within us all, we ARE that power. We ARE, within, Divine Love. Once you know this, the puny issues of the physical world  become what they are, utterly trivial. Living in absolute harmony with who we Are, brings a life of Peace, Harmony and Perfection in every way.

[tides2dust]

I've been having some weird forum issues trying to post this Tuesday morning- I think I figured it out... Here's what I wrote...

I agree Tak, and I can't explain it but it feels like I am beginning to form a more active partnership with the All-That-IS. Like I am learning in ways that make me consider non-ordinary perspective and therefor transforming me on a deeper level... While driving I had the thought my brain was widening and opening up as a consequence- I asked myself if this level of transformation was really taking place and at that exact moment a car with the license plate ending in 3333- four three's felt like an acknowledgment from that Intelligent-All. It's more than reflections of an interior state, it's a responsive and *guiding intelligence. That we are right there together makes me very happy- I think what you're going through is equally beautiful. It seems we are on a similar wavelength ...

I was trying to post this earlier but had a server error:
error 500
Hi Jen,
I hope your dreams come true. Your post is also very heart warming.

Please forgive me if I miss a "like" on a post. I really don't want to normalize giving everything a thumbs up or liking post- even when I really do admire someone's words.

Traveler, you are once again on my mind as I read this mornings *randomized inspirational message.

As are you Jen. Another perspective added to our medicinal soup here will be good to digest...

The weekly reading. Here is consciousness reaching out, meeting us half way guys. Really, it's not so random- do you see?

In Hardship, Choose Bewilderment Over Cleverness
https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=2706

You can read or listen to it audibly by clicking the link. Here's a sneak peek: 

"Yes, a new constellation in consciousness will emerge from this carnage, but we need to let ourselves be disoriented first. So let's not rush the redemption. As Rumi puts it, 'Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.' Because in cleverness you rely on known ways of making the world, in bewilderment a new vision always, eventually, emerges."

PS... It looks like trying to make the title of the reading bold and placing the above quote in the quotations bracket is the reason I am getting a server error 500. Strange.