By Lori Lines
In a world where opinions and beliefs shape our reality, a profound message from my own Higher Self has illuminated my path: "The only 'opinion' one needs is that anything is possible. Otherwise, your opinion reflects your limiting beliefs." This revelation has ignited a spark within me, propelling me to explore the transformative power of embracing limitless possibilities - on a deeper level. The essence of this message is both profound and liberating – it's a reminder that by believing in the boundless potential of life, we can shed our limiting beliefs and step into a reality brimming with opportunities. I'd like to share my journey of breaking free from constraints, cultivating a mindset that has the potential to reshape our lives, fostering a unique ambition that's a springboard for deeper self-expression, and understanding how our beliefs evolve as we journey into higher dimensional realities. Breaking the Chains of Limiting Beliefs I've often found myself confined by the chains of limiting beliefs, shaped by past experiences and societal expectations. These beliefs, though invisible, hold the power to stifle growth and hinder potential. However, as my Higher Self gently reminded me, believing that "anything is possible" is akin to unlocking those chains and setting myself free. It's an invitation to explore uncharted territories, unearth hidden talents, and rise above challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Of course, I thought I've always believed 'anything is possible,' but when my Higher Self said, "...your opinion reflects your limiting beliefs," ...that hit home! The Power of Perception Our perceptions are the lenses through which we view the world. With the belief in limitless possibilities, my perspective has undergone a remarkable transformation. Challenges no longer feel as insurmountable; they've become stepping stones to personal growth. Failures, once disheartening, have morphed into invaluable lessons. This change in perception empowers me to embrace life with higher states of optimism and resilience, reshaping my reality one thought at a time. Cultivating Resilience Life's unpredictability has thrown its fair share of curveballs my way. Yet, armed with the belief that "anything is possible," I've developed a stronger resilience to navigate these twists and turns. Instead of succumbing to setbacks, I've learned to adapt, learn, and persevere. This newfound resilience not only propels me forward but also inspires those around me, a living testament to the power of embracing life's uncertainties. Fueling Ambition: A Springboard for Self-Expression Ambition, in the light of limitless possibilities, takes on a profound new meaning. It's not about chasing anything, it's about using aspirations as a springboard for my spirit to expand deeper and wider into full self-expression. It's about aligning my goals with my truest essence, seeking growth and fulfillment in a way that resonates with the core of who I am. This unique ambition propels me to explore avenues that align with my passions, values, and inner purpose. It encourages me to be authentic in my pursuits, to engage with projects that contribute positively to the world, and to challenge myself to evolve beyond self-imposed boundaries cased by limiting beliefs. This ambition resides in my core and serves as a guiding light, illuminating a path that's not solely driven by external validation, but by an internal calling to fully express my unique gifts and talents. Harmonizing with Higher Dimensional Realities As my journey of self-discovery continues, I've come to realize that our beliefs and opinions are not static. They evolve as we step in to higher dimensional realities and expanded states of consciousness. In these elevated realms of existence, our expanded beliefs naturally coincide with the vibrational frequencies of these dimensions. Our opinions become softer and more aligned with the harmonious flow of this new reality. We embrace unity, interconnectedness, and a deeper understanding of our interconnected roles within the cosmic mosaic. Invitation to Explore I don't expect everyone to understand what I'm saying here, but I invite you to reach within and to take what the Higher Self is offering and see if you can apply it to you. You may gain some insights that profoundly change your life. Embrace the belief in limitless possibilities, break free from the confines of limiting beliefs, and let your ambitions be the channel through which your spirit expands into its most authentic self-expression. As we journey to higher dimensional realities, may our beliefs harmonize with the profound wisdom of these realms, guiding us to a more enlightened and interconnected existence. My Final Thoughts.... My journey of self-discovery, ignited by the wisdom of my own Higher Self, has brought me to a profound truth: "The only 'opinion' one needs is that anything is possible." This realization is in the process of shattering the constraints of limiting beliefs, opening the door to personal growth, resilience, ambition, and self-transformation. As I embrace that my reality is sculpted by my beliefs, I embark on a path where limitless possibilities reign supreme. It's an invitation I extend to each of you – to break free from the confines of your own limiting beliefs and step into a world where the potential for fulfillment and achievement knows no bounds. And in this journey, may our ambitions be the channel through which our spirits expand deeper and wider into our most authentic self-expression. As we journey through higher dimensional realities, let our beliefs harmonize with the profound wisdom of these realms, guiding us in to being a more enlightened and interconnected existence. Take this invitation to heart, and you might just discover the transformative power of believing in the boundless potential that resides within you, sans the beliefs that hold you back.. Thank you for reading this far. I appreciate the ability to share with you. And, if you are one who doesn't know what your limiting beliefs are, don't worry. I can help you with that. You may want to make a higher-self coaching appointment with me and we can discuss it. In love and truth, Lori Lines
0 Comments
By Lori Lines
Navigating the Shifting Sands of Truth In our ever-evolving human existence, the quest for truth remains a timeless pursuit. How to know what is true? This question has puzzled philosophers, thinkers, and seekers throughout the ages, and it continues to challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. One fundamental truth emerges from the depths of introspection: our perceptions are not static. They are ever-changing, shifting like sand dunes in the desert. To acknowledge this inherent variability is to open our minds to the profound nature of our existence. Our personal experiences, the cornerstone of our understanding, are subject to the constant ebb and flow of change. Worldviews, like civilizations, rise and fall. They emerge as dominant paradigms, casting their shadows over the collective consciousness, only to crumble into the sands of time when confronted with new perspectives. There is no preordained path guiding humanity toward a singular truth. Instead, we traverse a labyrinth of shifting philosophies, each offering a fleeting glimpse of what we believe to be real. The allure of authority often leads us astray. Just because someone speaks with confidence and charisma does not guarantee the veracity of their words. We have, over time, been conditioned to equate the charismatic actor with the mouthpiece of truth, a dangerous assumption that obscures the fluid nature of knowledge. The ego, that ever-persistent narrator of our lives, deludes us into thinking that we possess absolute certainty. We label certain beliefs as "facts," constructing a facade of permanence in a world where everything is in perpetual motion. Resistance to new information is a common human reflex, driven by the fear that our ego's carefully constructed identity will crumble if confronted with unfamiliar truths. We clutch to our preconceived notions, desperate to preserve our perceived certainties. Yet, with each revelation that the universe is more expansive than we dared to imagine, we are compelled to add another layer to our understanding. Knowledge, we must recognize, is not an isolated entity. We only apprehend ideas and concepts against the backdrop of our existing understanding. In this light, the notion of knowing becomes a spectrum rather than an absolute. We do not possess knowledge; instead, we interact with a web of interconnected beliefs, each subject to revision and reevaluation. In this ever-shifting landscape, one indisputable fact emerges: our knowledge is intrinsically tied to our personal experiences. It is through the lens of our unique encounters that we interpret the world. What is real for one may not be real for another, as individual experiences diverge and intersect in the complexities of human existence. In essence, we find ourselves in the paradoxical position of knowing very little about an ever-expanding reality. We are explorers in an uncharted territory, navigating the shifting sands of truth. Our quest for understanding may never yield absolute certainty, but it is through the relentless pursuit of knowledge and the openness to change that we inch closer to glimpsing the elusive truth that lies beyond the horizon of our current comprehension. And, that is within. - Love y'all crazy explorers of consciousness! - Lori By Lori Lines
As we have recently explored, psychotherapy can play a preparatory role for some on the path to ascension. By helping heighten mental and emotional awareness and facilitate healing emotional wounds and trauma, psychotherapy can help an individual evolve, but only in the context of the ego and self. As we journey toward higher consciousness, there is a greater need and a capacity for peace, love, and unity, causing psychotherapy’s limitations to become increasingly evident. In an ever-changing world, relying on old tools to solve new problems is akin to trying to light up the night sky with a flickering candle. Only by letting go of the outdated can we truly embrace the transformative flow of progress and unlock the boundless potential of our expanding consciousness. Steppingstone or Sisyphus’ Boulder? Some say that Sisyphus kept pushing the boulder up the mountain because after cheating death twice, he was foolish enough to believe he would one day get the stone to the top. While psychotherapy can serve as a valuable steppingstone on the path of self-discovery, self-awareness, self-exploration, and self-realization, the limitations of ego-based healing become increasingly burdensome as we detach from the 3rd Density, transcend the ego, merge with the Collective, and embrace universal love. Psychotherapy is only useful within the 3D paradigm. This is how a stepping stone becomes a boulder of a burden. But how are we to know when this shift occurs? The Awakening of Evolution Evolution, awakening, and ascension are not discrete moments in time. They do not begin where the other ends in an assessable way. The path of ascension is like the dawn of day, from light almost imperceptible to a fully illuminated sky. The transition involves gradually awakening to the interconnectedness of all beings and realizing the fallacies of separateness. As individuals begin to perceive the state of being beyond individual concerns, egoic needs, and personal gains, they will find the self-focused nature of traditional psychotherapy inadequate to answer their questions and establish the fundamentals of ascension. Fundamentals of Ascension Ascension requires specific catalysts of consciousness. We cannot force these upon ourselves and surely not upon others. These are a set of higher desires, urges, mental, emotional, and spiritual realizations, and explorations that keep us moving along the path of ascension. These catalysts include, Shadow Healing & Soul Integration: This occurs once an individual releases who they are not, recovers lost parts of who they are, and integrates the healed pieces of their personhood. At this point, psychotherapy may still be helpful. Seeking Transcendence: This is often characterized by a desire to transcend the limits of the ego and the fallacies and low vibrations that the ego-driven 3rd Dimension perpetuates. This is when individuals usually begin to supplement psychotherapy constructs with more high vibrational modalities and concepts. Expanding Consciousness & Yearning for Unity: In this state, the individual is seeking a deeper connection with their heart, their soul, and the universe. One understands that they are part of something greater than themselves, and the desire to understand what that “something greater” is grows. Psychotherapy is discordant with this frequency and can, in fact, delay or obstruct evolution. Discovering Oneness with the Collective: The realization of the interconnectedness of all existence is dawning. The importance of service to others is underscored, and an individual’s capacity for love, peace, and unity becomes increasingly expansive. Only collective-oriented practices such as meditation, loving-kindness practices, QHHT, and shamanic journeys are pertinent to the ascending soul’s journey. Psychotherapy is now rendered obsolete. Embracing the Flow of Transcendence The path to awakening is a natural and gradual process, much like transitioning from psychotherapy to more 5th Dimensional tools and constructs. Neither can be forced, only embraced as a journey of receptivity, trust, self-compassion, patience, and love for the Collective. Each individual’s journey is unique, and there is no formulaic response or fixed timeline one must follow to reach the higher consciousness of the 5th Density. But we must surrender to the transcendental shifts and vibrational changes leading us to the Age of Ascension. Surrender requires letting go of limiting beliefs, ego-driven patterns, and attachments to past practices and principles. In contrast to how it may sound, surrendering is not easy, at least not initially. One may struggle and find the act of allowing challenging, but rest assured, it can pave the way to an expansive existence of greater ease, peace, love, and unity. New Reality of Higher Consciousness There is no one-path-leads-all approach to transitioning from traditional psychotherapy to practices that cultivate higher consciousness, nor is there a charted path from 3D paradigms to 5D principles. Each baby step, each stumble, and each Estride adds a hue to the sunrise of awakening. We co-create the colorful journey with the Universe and the Collective until we have filled our consciousness with light and gentle strokes of love, unity, and peace, painting our reality with brushstrokes of higher intention and purpose. This is the moment to behold as the landscape of the New Earth comes alive! In Love and Truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
The Obsolescence of Psychotherapy in the Ascension Age Shifting Consciousness, Shifting Needs There was a time when the town barber was also the local “surgeon.” The red stripe on the barber pole we see today represents blood as a relic of the past. Imagine going to a barber to stitch a wound or remove a tooth. This seems risky and preposterous because we have made medical advances since that was the norm. There are surgeons with different specialties and disciplines, making a trip to Super Cuts for a medical procedure an obsolete ideal. A parallel between that and traditional psychotherapy in the Age of Ascension can be drawn. With the shift from ego consciousness to heightened consciousness, psychotherapy becomes an obsolete tool of times gone by. Psychotherapy as a tool to address mental and emotional health within the framework of the ego and the self is quickly becoming inadequate to address the heightened awareness, spiritual evolution, and Oneness of the 4th and 5th dimensions. Consciousness Misalignment The truth is that 3rd Dimensional solutions offered by psychotherapy do not align with the complexities of 4th and 5th Dimensional consciousness because, through ascension, psychotherapy’s ego-based focus becomes increasingly misaligned with the higher principles of service, love, and Oneness of the higher dimensions. While psychotherapy has a role in our current consciousness, its influence is increasingly limited relative to the profound transformative process of awakening and expanding awareness and spiritual dimensions. As we ascend to the 4th and 5th densities of consciousness, we become increasingly aligned and eventually unified with the Collective. The very process of ascension is inextricably tied to seeing beyond 3rd Dimensional fallacies like separateness, otherness, and ego comparisons. However, the primary focus of traditional psychotherapy is the individual, individual differences, individual experiences, individual perspectives, and individual healing. Within the framework of the 3rd Dimension, there is nothing wrong with this, and it may help prepare certain souls for the path of ascension. However, the individual-centric perspective inevitably becomes obsolete as we ascend toward collective-oriented consciousness. Preparatory ≠ Prerequisite How can psychotherapy help prepare some souls for ascension? By taking the individual on a journey of self-exploration and understanding to cultivate greater mental, emotional, and behavioral awareness and well-being. Psychotherapy can help address the wounds, triggers, and maladaptive patterns that keep one stagnant and low vibrational. Thereby providing valuable insights and mental and emotional preparation for ascension. However, there comes a time for each soul on the path of ascension when psychotherapy’s approach is too limited to address the limitlessly expansive nature of the 4th and 5th consciousness and Dimensions. Meaning psychotherapy may help create a healthier foundation from which to ascend but is not required for ascension. In fact, traditional psychotherapy detracts from the journey of ascension! This is because service to self and egocentricity is incongruent with awakening. The Age of Ascension is founded on interconnectedness for all beings and collective consciousness. Whereby individual well-being is inextricably linked to the well-being of the whole, and healing and spiritual transformation occur through service to others, universal love, and an understanding of the law of Oneness. Alternative Approaches for the Ascending Age Given the limitations of traditional psychotherapy, alternate approaches to healing, growth, and spiritual evolution focus on transcending the ego, expanding consciousness, raising one's vibration, heightening awareness, and aligning with universal love. Such approaches include Reiki, Chi Gong, meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, shamanic journeying, Loving-Kindness practices, and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique. These tend to be more effective means to explore the unconscious, heal emotional wounds, access higher realms, connect with universal love, and navigate the energetic shifts of the Ascension Age in unison with the Collective rather than in isolation from it. While psychotherapy has its place, one cannot expect to do what they have always done and to get different results. The Age of Ascension means that shifts are happening at an accelerated rate, and one must flow with these shifts or risk being left behind. The Age When Anything Is Possible The 5th Dimension is a realm in which one can manifest all their desires. Therefore, is it too great a request to let go of the familiar and embrace the transformative flow of energy that sweeps through the inertia of the 3rd density? There will come a time when being a stalwart proponent of psychotherapy will be akin to returning to the barber for medical attention, swimming against the current of evolution, and risking not only being left behind but also being trapped in the dark and dreary ages of limiting beliefs, fallacies, egocentricity, alienation, and stagnation. To fully embrace ascension towards higher consciousness, we must surrender to the accelerating shifts of this new era and all the healing, transformation, transcendence, love, unity, and harmony that it makes possible. It is okay to say farewell to the past, even if it has served you well because if said past has truly served you well, it will have prepared you for a broader, brighter, and better future! In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
In a world that often celebrates productivity, self-improvement, and external validation, self-compassion can feel like an elusive concept. We live in a society that fosters self-criticism, comparison, and perfectionism, making it increasingly challenging to extend kindness and understanding toward ourselves. However, it is precisely in the face of these challenges that self-compassion becomes a crucial lifeline, offering solace, resilience, and a path to inner healing. So, why is self-compassion so difficult to cultivate in today's society? What kinds of actionable strategies can we build and nurture this vital quality within ourselves? The Struggles of Self-Compassion in Today's Society The Social Media Highlight Reel: The rise of social media platforms has created an environment where comparison thrives. We often find ourselves bombarded with carefully curated snapshots of other people's lives, achievements, and seemingly perfect moments. This constant exposure to the highlight reel of others can leave us feeling inadequate, unworthy, and fosters self-criticism instead of self-compassion. The Achievement-Focused Culture: From an early age, we are conditioned to measure our worth based on external achievements. Success is often defined by academic performance, career milestones, and material possessions. In this relentless pursuit of accomplishment, self-compassion can be perceived as a hindrance, mistakenly associated with complacency or a lack of ambition. The Tyranny of Perfectionism: Many individuals today struggle with the overwhelming pressure to be flawless in all areas of life. The perfectionistic mindset dictates that anything less than perfection is unacceptable, leading to harsh self-judgment and a perpetual sense of falling short. In such an environment, practicing self-compassion can feel counterintuitive and even indulgent. Building Self-Compassion Recognize the Inner Critic: Start by becoming aware of your inner critic—the voice that magnifies your flaws, berates your mistakes, and undermines your self-worth. Notice when self-criticism arises and challenge its validity. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that self-compassion is a healthier, more constructive response. Practice Mindful Self-Awareness: Cultivate a gentle and non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Mindfulness allows you to observe your inner experiences with curiosity and without labeling them as good or bad. This practice creates space for self-compassion to arise naturally, as you become attuned to your own needs and vulnerabilities. Treat Yourself with Kindness: Imagine you are offering compassion and understanding to a dear friend who is struggling. Apply the same kindness to yourself. Acknowledge your pain, disappointments, and mistakes with empathy rather than harsh judgment. Speak to yourself in a nurturing and supportive manner, recognizing that you deserve love and compassion. Embrace Imperfection: Challenge the notion that perfection is the only acceptable outcome. Embrace the idea that imperfection is not only normal but also an essential part of the human experience. Shift your perspective towards viewing mistakes and setbacks as opportunities for growth, learning, and resilience. Embrace the beauty in the messiness of life. Cultivate Self-Care Rituals: Prioritize self-care as an act of self-compassion. Engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Set aside time for rest, relaxation, and pursuing activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Remember that self-compassion involves recognizing your needs and honoring them without guilt or self-judgment. Final Thoughts... In a world that often fosters self-criticism and comparison, cultivating self-compassion is an act of rebellion—an act of self-love and self-preservation. It requires courage and a shift in mindset to embrace the belief that self-compassion is not only beneficial but essential for our well-being, growth and ultimately, ascension. By recognizing the challenges imposed by today's society and actively practicing self-awareness, kindness, embracing imperfection, and prioritizing self-care, we can pave the way for a more compassionate relationship with ourselves. Let us embark on this journey of self-discovery and self-compassion, unlocking the power to heal, thrive, and find solace in our own hearts. Remember, you are worthy of your own compassion. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
In the tapestry of human existence, the pursuit of spiritual growth has always been a fundamental aspect of our collective journey. In today's world, we find ourselves amidst a profound spiritual evolution, accompanied by a concept known as soul split. As our consciousness expands, and old paradigms crumble, individuals around the globe are experiencing a shift in their spiritual awareness and a deepening connection to their souls. We will explore the phenomenon of spiritual evolution and soul split, shedding light on the transformative processes unfolding in our contemporary era. The Call for Spiritual Evolution As humanity progresses, there arises a yearning for something beyond the material realm—a longing to explore the depths of our existence and seek answers to profound questions about life, purpose, and the nature of reality. This call for spiritual evolution reflects a growing recognition that our well-being extends beyond material possessions and worldly achievements. People are turning inward, exploring meditation, mindfulness, QHHT, and various spiritual practices to cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the universe. Awakening and Expansion The journey of spiritual evolution often begins with an awakening—an experience that shatters preconceived notions and opens our minds to new possibilities. This awakening may be triggered by a life-altering event, a profound encounter, or simply an inner realization that there is more to life than meets the eye. As individuals awaken, they embark on a path of self-discovery, seeking spiritual teachings, and exploring diverse philosophies to expand their understanding. During this expansion, one may experience a sense of unity with the cosmos, a recognition that all beings are interconnected. The boundaries that separate individuals, cultures, and nations begin to dissolve, giving rise to empathy, compassion, and a genuine concern for the well-being of all. This heightened awareness leads to a shift in values, as materialistic pursuits give way to a deeper focus on personal growth, service to others, and the pursuit of inner peace. Soul Split and Integration The concept of soul split arises from the understanding that each individual possesses a multifaceted and multidimensional soul. The soul split occurs when an individual's consciousness expands, resulting in the recognition and integration of previously disconnected aspects of their being. It is a process of reuniting fragmented aspects of the self, bringing harmony and wholeness to one's spiritual journey. The soul split often involves confronting past traumas, shadow work, and exploring the depths of one's subconscious. It requires courage, self-reflection, and a willingness to embrace all aspects of the self, both light and dark. Through this process, you may experience profound healing, increased self-awareness, and a deeper connection to your authentic essence. Collective Transformation The spiritual evolution and soul split are not isolated phenomena confined to individual experiences. They are interconnected with the collective consciousness and have a ripple effect on society as a whole. As more of us undergo these transformative processes, a collective shift in consciousness occurs, leading to societal changes rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and harmony. In this era of spiritual evolution, we witness the emergence of diverse spiritual communities, the integration of ancient wisdom with modern science, and the promotion of holistic approaches to well-being. People are recognizing the interconnectedness of all life forms and the importance of sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and true social justice. Final Thoughts... The spiritual evolution and soul split occurring in today's world represent a significant turning point in human history. As we awaken and expand our consciousness, the barriers between the physical and spiritual realms dissolve, leading to profound personal transformation. This inner evolution ripples outward, igniting collective shifts in societal values, fostering a greater sense of interconnectedness and inspiring positive change. Embracing this transformative journey requires openness, self-reflection, and a commitment to personal growth. By nurturing our spiritual evolution, embracing our soul's journey, and integrating fragmented aspects of ourselves, we contribute to the creation of a more compassionate, harmonious, and conscious world. In Love and Truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Once upon a time in the whimsical village of Egotopia, there lived two peculiar characters: the Pot and the Kettle. Now, the Pot and the Kettle were no ordinary kitchen utensils – they had personalities as shiny and reflective as their surfaces. But alas, they had a tiny, itty-bitty problem – they both had outrageously big egos! Every day, they would sit on the stove, glistening and boasting about their superior qualities. The Pot would boast, "Oh, my dear Kettle, have you seen your handle? So plain and unadorned! Unlike me, with my elegant curves and stylish handles, fit for a king!" The Kettle, not one to be outdone, would retort, "Nonsense, dear Pot! It is you who lacks the finesse that I possess. My spout is perfection, and I can whistle a tune so melodious, even the birds stop to listen!" The other kitchenware would roll their eyes at these displays of vanity, but nothing compared to what happened one fateful morning. As the Pot and the Kettle were trading insults, a nearby Teapot overheard their bickering. The Teapot was known for its wisdom and wit, and it couldn't resist giving them a taste of their own medicine. "Calm yourselves, dear Pot and Kettle!" the Teapot interjected. "You both have egos bigger than the oven itself! It's like the pot calling the kettle black!" At first, the Pot and the Kettle were taken aback. They couldn't believe someone would dare point out their flaws! But as the words sank in, they burst into laughter. "Haha! You know what, Teapot? You're absolutely right!" admitted the Kettle with a smirk. "Indeed! We've been so busy boasting about our own greatness that we failed to see our own reflections in each other," added the Pot, chuckling. From that day on, the Pot and the Kettle became the best of friends. They realized that instead of tearing each other down, they should appreciate each other's unique qualities. The Pot admired the Kettle's melodic whistle, and the Kettle admired the Pot's elegant curves. They learned to laugh at their own egos and found joy in being who they were. And so, the once vainglorious Pot and Kettle became the life of the kitchen. Their egos, though still sizable, were tempered with humility and humor. They would even tell their own story to new kitchenware arrivals, teaching them the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance. And so, the moral of the story is this: When you see someone with an inflated ego, don't be too quick to judge. Instead, share a lighthearted joke and remind them that it's okay to be proud of oneself, but humility and a good laugh can make life much more delightful! #HumilityWins #EgoLessons #KitchenTales Love y'all! - Lori By Lori Lines
When we think of saboteurs and sabotage, we often overlook the sneakiest, most disguised nemesis, the adversary that lies within. Sometimes the saboteur that can be most damaging and detracting from our goals, relationships, and overall well-being is oneself! What is Self-Sabotage? Self-sabotage is any self-perpetuated behavior that causes us physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, aspirational, professional, or relational harm. Rooted in negative mindsets, ruminations, and limiting beliefs, while self-sabotage can occur on a conscious level, it is often an affliction of the unconscious mind. The inner saboteur is self-destructive, relationally damaging, professionally deleterious, and generally disruptive and distracting from one’s purpose, spiritual path, and goal achievement. This is why it is often an unconscious mechanism. Very few would consciously choose to operate in a maladaptive, counterproductive, personally diminishing manner. This is also why if you asked someone whether they engaged in self-sabotaging behavior, they would likely boldly deny that they did. And if you would ask yourself the same question, what might you say? What Does Self-Sabotage Look Like? We may struggle to recognize our inner saboteur because knowing what to look for can be challenging. Self-sabotage doesn’t necessarily look like barging into the boss’s office and slamming your notice on the desk. It can happen in very subtle ways, like staying up late before an important presentation that is tied to a promotion, scouting the internet for sales to fill your cart with when you are saving for your own home, or dropping out of a class because you fell behind on the work, despite needing the credits to graduate. Self-sabotage doesn’t have to be dramatic to be “effective.” It occurs whenever we undermine our own goals, values, and intentions. These behaviors can seem as benign as procrastination and empty distractions or as destructive as adultery, drug abuse, self-harm, or criminality. The inner saboteur is as effective when acting out as being detrimentally inactive, such as absenteeism, laziness, emotional withdrawal, and quitting. Why Do We Self-Sabotage? Self-sabotage is a maladaptive coping mechanism fueled by anxiety and trauma. On a more fundamental level, it is engaged by two fundamental urges, fear and shame. Threat Avoidance We are taught what is safe and unsafe from a young age. While we may add or subtract from those categorizations as we grow, our unconscious will remain conditioned to avoid what was initially modeled as “unsafe.” When one feels they are on a course that leads them to a threat, they will reduce or hinder their progress. For instance, if someone is taught that the city is dangerous, they may sabotage their academic efforts to avoid attending a university in a metropolis. If a woman is conditioned to believe that men are adulterers, she will destroy all her relationships for fear that she will experience the heartbreak of infidelity. Limiting Self-Beliefs Shame, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, low self-esteem, and insecurity are all founded in a lack of inherent worthiness and self-esteem. People who battle with these self-perceptions often sabotage themselves because they feel innately undeserving, incapable, and inferior to meet the challenges or rise to the triumph ahead. Ultimately, threat avoidance and a negative self-image are often comingled as the root of self-sabotage. Usually, people with low self-esteem avoid the threat of rejection and failure. At the same time, people who avoid perceived threats have the deep-seated belief that they are inferior in the face of these fears and “dangers.” How Self-Sabotage Affects Us When you fail to recognize your inner saboteur, identify the root of your triggers, and resist healing, the dynamic becomes more complex than failing to achieve. Self-sabotage fuels harmful self-perpetuating cycles, such as Procrastination- Guilt - Apathy – Depression- Procrastination Fear – Indecision – Helplessness - Panic - Fear Perfectionism – Failure – Shame- Imposter Syndrome - Perfectionism Avoidance – Loss –Hopelessness - Avoidance As you can see, these cycles are not mutually exclusive and can easily feed into one another. Once locked into any of these patterns, chronic anxiety and depression can quickly set in. This is when the real dangers reveal themselves. People may then engage in addiction, obsession, and self-injurious behavior to ease the anxiety and numb the persistent pain. The potentially deadly side of self-sabotage! How Self-Sabotage Affects Others Contrary to what the word conveys, self-sabotage hurts more than just oneself. Self-sabotage can affect one’s coworkers, friends, and family. People who sabotage themselves often have trouble maintaining healthy relationships due to their unaddressed triggers, feelings of inferiority, fear of rejection, vulnerability, and failure. The inner saboteur’s defensiveness can cause people to be highly critical of others, judgemental, resentful, and unforgiving, diminishing the other person to distract from one’s own perceived inferiority. This may also be an attempt to push the other away and derail the connection. For the same reasons, those prone to self-destructive drives also tend to neglect their relationships, betray people’s confidence and trust, and withdraw emotionally, failing to reciprocate emotionally. Sadly, the inner saboteur is often quite efficient at sabotaging one’s most important connections. Final Thoughts… It has been said that “self-sabotage is the smartest thing you can do if you’re sabotaging a self that is not really you.” There could be a fundamental truth in this for all who self-sabotage. Maybe self-sabotage should be viewed as an act of resistance to all that we need not and are not. What if sabotage was used as an opportunity to interrupt an ill-fated path? In this way, having an inner saboteur can be reframed as a sign of incongruence between who you are trying to be, who you are now, and who you are intended to be. When we heed the voice of self-sabotage sooner, we are saving ourselves from self-destruction later. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
The Illusion of Competition & How It's A 3D Construct The Fallacy of Competition “There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition!” “He’s so competitive. He’s a bad loser.” The consensus is that healthy competition should be encouraged as motivational and character-building. In contrast, unhealthy competition should be discouraged as unbecoming, maladaptive, and detrimental. This perspective is a result of conditioning. From a young age, birth, in fact, we are compared to our peers. Parents in the pediatrician’s waiting room or the online chat room proudly declare that their baby is hitting milestones ahead of time. “Timmy said mama and dada by 10 months.” “Sarah is crawling at 7 months.” Throughout our academic years and professional lives, we are taught that a competitive edge is a hallmark of motivation, determination, and ultimate success. However, a competitive drive that causes stress, obsession, rage, “unsportsmanlike” behavior, and social alienation is deemed a step too far. However, this line is arbitrarily drawn; what may be too far to some could be perfectly acceptable to others. The arbitrary distinction of how much competition is too much speaks to a hidden, fundamental truth. While most deem competition unhealthy once it affects our physical or mental health, no degree of comparison and competition nourishes or even serves the soul. Regarding spiritual health, all comparison is unhealthy and digresses from our higher path. All Competition is Comparative When we compare ourselves to others, by default, we deviate from our individual karmic journey and start following a path that was intended for someone else. We lose sight of the lessons we are meant to learn, the healing we are meant to achieve, and the goals we are meant to accomplish. On a path never intended for us, we become lost, hopeless, and inutile, compromising our personal truth and integrity and failing to realize ourselves or our purpose. You can never win when trying to meet someone else’s benchmarks! “Your only competition is yourself.” This is another fallacy that is perpetuated by society. There are two directions that self-comparison can take, past or future. It is common to compare oneself to who one once was. This perspective measures achievement based on how different we are from who we once were. The trouble with this perspective is that it can be limiting. If we are always looking back at how far we have come, we tether ourselves to the past and curtail how far we can actually go. Conversely, there are also pitfalls to comparing oneself to whom we could become. When we compete with who we believe we are meant to become, we risk crushing our spirit under the weight of life’s “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts.” This can lead to feelings of despair, shame, apathy, anxiety, and depression. Comparison with one’s future self can also lead to a mad dash past important milestones, lessons, and healing opportunities in a rush to meet this future ideal. All competition, be it with oneself or someone else, is comparative. Comparison in any form creates limitations by locking our personhood into a preconceived ideal, denying us the infinite potential of our Divine birthright. The bottom line is, if anything is possible, then why aspire to a prefabricated construct? The Limitations of a 3D Construct Before one begins the process of ascension, 3rd Dimensional constructs are accepted as truths. As we elevate into the 4th and 5th Dimensions, we begin to see these “truths” for the fallacies they are. Concepts fundamental to competition, such as otherness (me versus you and us versus them), inherent unworthiness, and being incomplete, are uncovered as the illusions they are upheld by conditioning. In the 5th Dimension, we are complete. We rise to merge with our higher selves; as we rise, our souls integrate. We awaken to the ultimate truth that we enter this world complete and leave this world complete. We lack nothing, and the process of actualization serves not to add to who we are but to release anything that obscures our true selves. As complete beings, there is no need to compare oneself to another because we are exactly as the Divine intends, negating competition altogether. When we understand how this completion unites oneself with the collective, it further negates the conditioned response to compare. In the 5th Dimension, while we are celebrated for our individual gifts, we are united with the collective in harmony and love. When one learns, the collective learns; when one heals, the collective heals; And the higher one ascends, the greater the collective ascends. There is no need for comparison because each soul has its own gifts that contribute to the greatest good and highest purpose of the collective. Revealing the Illusion of Competition Ultimately, competition is not some benign construct that can become malignant. It is in itself a spiritual sickness that closes our eyes to the capitalist-driven, socially and politically divisive, alienating otherness of the 3D. If we remain distracted by the pride of being better than our colleagues and the shame of being worse than our neighbors, we turn a blind eye to the conditioning that upholds the fallacies and façades of the 3rd Dimension. It is busy work in the face of the solemn undertaking of collective awakening, healing, and ascension, keeping us at odds with each other and ourselves. Essentially, we cannot ascend when we are divided within ourselves or living divisively from others. The path to the 4th and 5th Dimension is one of soulful integration and loving unity, making competition and awakening diametrically opposed. To those who are awake, competition does not exist, not even within, because we know that as we merge with our higher selves, our best selves, we are nothing short of Divine. Fundamentally, no one can walk anyone else’s path, undertake anyone else’s healing, learn anyone else’s lessons, or become who someone else is meant to be. Yet, we are all connected, and we are all one; The Divine exists equally, impartially, yet non-comparatively in each and every one of us. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
5th-dimensional reality refers to a state of spiritual transcendence beyond the physical world. It is the next step in our consciousness trajectory after the 4th dimension, where we experience a spiritual ascension process. As we awaken to our true selves and undergo self-realization, we begin to move toward becoming 5th-dimensional beings. The third dimension, which is the current reality of life on Earth, is limited by time and space. However, in the fifth dimension, we humans become multidimensional beings with access to higher dimensions. What Is 5th-Dimensional Reality? It is the plane of consciousness where our spiritual essence and physical manifestation coexist. It resonates at a higher frequency than the 3rd dimension, where we are currently experiencing reality. In the 3rd dimension, we have distorted our reality through limiting beliefs and societal conditioning. However, in the fifth dimension, we humans become multidimensional beings with access to higher dimensions. Our consciousness identifies with love and mindfulness, living a good intentional life. Comprehending the 5th dimension is a challenge for many people, as it requires a shift in perspective from our three-dimensional reality. However, those who have experienced the 5th-dimensional perspective describe it as a state of ease and bliss, where everything is interconnected and time is perceived differently. To understand this dimension, it's important to comprehend your brain as an observer of reality rather than the creator of it. The upper 4th dimension also plays a role in experiencing your reality by providing an opportunity to enjoy sights, smells, tastes, and sounds that are beyond our usual perception. Science talks about various dimensions that exist beyond our limited understanding and observation in space. Science talks about various dimensions that exist beyond our limited understanding and observation in space. The fifth dimension is one of them. It is not a physical place, but rather an existence of a 5th-dimensional ability to perceive the first four dimensions of time and space. Our brain cannot comprehend the idea of space-time existing without the mind, but with 5th-dimensional reality, it becomes possible to get things done in a way that we cannot with our current abilities. Anything that we can imagine becomes possible because the fifth dimension allows us to transcend beyond what we know and perceive in our current reality. The concept of 5th-dimensional reality refers to the idea that we, as conscious and evolving beings, are capable of reaching a higher state of awareness beyond what we currently experience on Mother Earth's planet. Our awareness is not limited to just one plane or dimension but rather consists of ten layers or frequencies. While other theories suggest different numbers, it is generally agreed that the 5th dimension allows for a greater capacity for consciousness and understanding. String theory proposes that these dimensions are intertwined and connected in ways we cannot yet fully comprehend. 5th-dimensional reality is a state of being that exists beyond our current understanding of the physical universe. It is a realm where simultaneous knowledge and divine consciousness coexist, allowing our evolving consciousness to expand beyond the limitations of three-dimensional space and time. The fifth dimension is said to contain the fourth and fifth layers, which are not separate from each other but overlap and interblend in ways that are difficult for us as three-dimensional beings to comprehend. In this superconscious area, we have access to knowledge insight, and intuition that goes far beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses. String theory proposes that these dimensions are intertwined and connected in ways we cannot yet fully comprehend, suggesting that our picture of reality may be incomplete. The fifth dimension is a level of reality that goes beyond our three-dimensional world. It is a higher plane of existence where things are seen from a different perspective. In this dimension, the consciousness aspect is more pronounced, and it gives us a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Perception plays a crucial role in the fifth dimension because it allows us to see beyond what we can perceive with our physical senses. Many people wonder what dimension they are in, but the answer lies in their level of awareness and their ability to connect with their divine consciousness. Working with dimensions can help us better understand how the outer world works and how we can make a fortune in our lives by tapping into future lives or people's past lives. It also enables us to read people's energies and understand what kind of order needs to be put into place for them to thrive. The universe we live in is often thought of as being made up of three dimensions: width, height, and depth. However, there are theories that suggest that there may be more dimensions beyond these three. The 3rd-dimensional matrix we exist in is commonly known as the space north-south, the dimension past-future. While it's easy to think of reality as existing in just one dimension, in truth there are many dimensions at play. One way to visualize this is by imagining a doughnut; while it appears to be a simple object with one dimension, there are actually many different dimensions at play within it. What Is 5th-Dimensional Reality? It is a topic that reminds 5th-dimensional beings of their true nature and purpose. The concept of 5th-dimensional reality aims to elevate our consciousness and move beyond the limitations of reality survivalism. The fifth dimension is a plane of existence that transcends the physical realm, where we can ascend human consciousness and expand our understanding of our existence. Things on this planet are not limited to the proven physical reality that we see using people and things; there is much more to explore within ourselves through inner work and connecting with the light. The only way to experience this coming realization is by understanding that if people's things are limited to the 3rd dimension of reality, then there's much more beyond it. This higher plane of existence offers limitless potential for growth and spiritual evolution for dimensional beings like us. 5th-dimensional reality is a perceived universe that encompasses the spirit and 5d self, pointing one specific direction towards growth and spiritual evolution. It expands beyond the defined 3rd dimension of reality, offering an experienced depth beyond physicality. Unlike the directions of length and width in 3D, 5D is defined by quality and meaning through points that exist simultaneously. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Attachment is quite the spiritual homonym! At first pass, attachment denotes a bond or connection. Attachment can mean a loving bond, a toxic bond, or a parasitic entity. It is clear that not all “attachment” is created equal and can represent a set of juxtaposed dynamics. Healthy Attachments A healthy attachment is based on autonomy, accountability, and individuality. These bonds honor our universal need and desire for community and connection. Whether with friends, family, or romantic partners, these connections inspire and support us along the path of self-realization and actualization. They are essential components of living a happy, healthy, well-adjusted existence. These relationships form a firm foundation from which we depart to explore the world, cultivate our personhood, and pursue our purpose. We return from time to time, whether daily or annually, to renew our spirits, commune lovingly, and seek solace. We don’t feel tied down by dutifulness or indebtedness, nor do we feel the push to earn the love and support these connections offer. Healthy attachments ebb and flow naturally with time, picking up or ending along a free-flowing continuum. Unhealthy Attachments An unhealthy attachment is based on codependence, poor boundaries, and fear. These attachments detract from our autonomy, accountability, and spiritual and emotional well-being. Whether with family, friends, or romantic partners, these connections serve as obstacles along the path of self-realization. They are detrimental to a well-adjusted, healthy existence. These relationships hinder us from exploring the world, nurturing our personhood, and pursuing our higher purpose because we are afraid to relax our grasp as we desperately cling to them. There is a deep-seated panic that if we depart from them, we will be abandoned and alone, without solace in the world. Unhealthy attachments keep us locked in a vicious cycle of false hope, anxiety, overthinking, and despair. These attachments make us feel tied down and trapped by a false sense of duty and indebtedness to the individual, belief, or circumstances they cord us to. We feel the constant ache and sometimes agony of having to earn our position in said dynamic, no matter how uncomfortable and deleterious. Low Vibrational Attachments Entities or low-vibrational attachments can happen to almost anyone, though they often seek out those with porous auras and weakened energy fields. This is often the result of trauma, low-vibrational thoughts, intentions, or behaviors. Thoughts, intentions, and behaviors profoundly affect our vibration. Moving through life with a low or negative resonance will attract people, circumstances, and entities that resonate at similar, negative frequencies. Mental, emotional, and spiritual states like jealousy, fear, alcoholism, self-victimization, or ego-masking will attract circumstances or people that perpetuate jealousy, anxiety, addiction, and situations that trigger the victim’s complex and ego-defenses, respectively. When we deny these maladaptive, low-frequency aspects of ourselves, we lack awareness of our shadow self and the entities that attach themselves to it. This causes a vicious cycle wherein the shadow self feeds the entities, and the entities fuel the shadow self. Thereby contributing to a state of stagnation where one is trapped in a vicious cycle of anxiety, denial, and despair. Practicing Non-Attachment Identifying who and what to release is relatively simple. This doesn’t mean it is easy; When we closely identify with attachments, it can be hard to recognize which ones we must remove. It all begins with being intuitively aware of when, where, and with whom we feel poorly and when, where, and with whom we feel genuinely fulfilled. Recognizing What to Release Some hallmarks of unhealthy attachments and low-vibrational entities that need to be released include Assigning an exaggerated sense of admiration or dependency to someone or something Emotional dysregulation, such as angry, tearful, or panicky outbursts Experiencing stagnation and frequently encountering “obstacles” in life Feeling triggered to react, lacking the awareness to respond Overthinking others’ motives, intentions, and opinions Viewing others with jealousy, unreasonable distrust, and envy Painful or agonizing “needs” for someone or something Feeling incomplete or chronically unfulfilled Unwillingness or inability to take accountability for emotions or outcomes Obstacles to Non-attachment The primary obstacles to releasing negative attachments are the fear of disconnection and the inability to define the self without the attachment. One must establish healthy connections and rediscover their personhood and self-worth to counteract these fears. While human-to-human attachment is necessary, every earthly bond is vulnerable to human fallibility and the temporary nature of the physical. The only connection that can empower us to cut ties with an unhealthy one is one to the Divine. By forming a conscious bond with the Universal Divine's unconditional love, harmony, unity, and peace, we no longer feel the numbness, emptiness, directionless, purposelessness of disconnection. We can better see unhealthy, unnatural attachments' limitations and deleterious effects. Connection to an existence born of higher consciousness can also foster a more profound sense of unconditional love for the self, unity with the shadow self, and harmony across the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. This eliminates the need for unhealthy attachments and shields us against the draining force of low-vibrational entities. In this way, we can redefine our personhood as balanced, peaceful, fulfilled, and whole unto ourselves. Achieving Non-Attachment When we first begin the process of detaching, we may experience waves of fear, despair, aimlessness, or even rage and resentment, making the process a challenge to navigate. It is essential to frequently reorient oneself to the reason for detaching, be it greater happiness, health, or peace. Another essential practice is embracing the present to avoid generalizing, catastrophizing, and panic-attaching. Whether through meditation, mindfulness, or grounding, remaining in the Now prevents us from projecting ourselves into the anxious “what ifs” of the future or the despairing “should haves” of the past. Remaining mindful of the present also creates an objective space to fact-check limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, and emotional reactions; By contradicting these negative ruminations, we prevent ourselves from clinging to unhealthy attachments or opening ourselves to entities. By taking responsibility for our reactions and reconditioning ourselves to respond mindfully instead, we begin to appreciate our own accountability for our emotions, experiences, and outcome, cultivating self-mastery and, in turn, independence, empowerment, and self-worth. Living & Loving with Non-Attachment Living a life of non-attachment may seem scary to those who aren’t familiar with the concept. Ultimately, you can better love others and yourself when you establish healthy boundaries and allow everyone to become, achieve, and awaken what they are destined to. Why Let Go When you live a life ensnared with cording, you inhibit your ability to grow, change, and manifest because a life of attachment is a tethered, limiting existence. By letting go, you achieve two things that may seem counterintuitive. You become the sovereign authority over your life, and you surrender to the power of the universe. While seemingly opposed, surrender and personal sovereignty go hand in hand because they both lead to freedom. To be the authority over your outcomes means you are free to manifest the experience you need and desire. To surrender to the universe is to be free from the need to control people, circumstances, or outcomes because you trust that when you are in alignment, everything will work towards your greatest good and highest purpose. The Art of Surrender Surrender means fully embracing the present, accepting your powerlessness in the unrealized future, and releasing the unchangeable past. The Now is where you find stillness, peace, and immeasurable power! With that peace and power, the possibilities are as expansive as the bliss. There is no fear, no lack, no pain, and no attachment because we are one with ourselves and the Divine. No attachment is needed when we are already complete. “The root of all suffering is attachment.” The Buddha In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
The Inescapable Call of Shadow Work: Exploring the Necessity of Shadow Integration Who wants to walk in the shadows when you can bask in the sun? That is how some people view shadow work. It doesn’t help their perception that they associate shadow work with encountering bad, ugly, shameful aspects of themselves. When, in fact, the shadow self doesn’t have to be the unsightly, unwanted pieces of self that one would rather forget, if we willingly commit to the shadow integration process. With a healthy approach to shadow work, the shadow is better understood as parts of oneself that become recessed and hidden from our conscious experience. Because to truly bask in the sun means being fully exposed! Why We Need Shadow Work We journey from lifetime to lifetime to ascend to the 4th and 5th levels of consciousness. This is done by consciously choosing the path of spiritual growth to achieve higher awareness, consciousness, and vibration, along with more profound compassion and unconditional love for the self and others. This requires we release limiting beliefs and emotional wounds, relinquish the victim role, respond to our triggers with healing instead of reacting, and move through the world with authenticity and personal integrity. This is all made possible through reconciliation with the shadow self, making it an integral part of the journey of ascension. Only through acknowledging, accepting, and embracing the shadow self can we rediscover self-love, higher awareness, total presence in the present, and oneness with the collective and the Divine that are the stepping stones to ascension. Oneness Through Integration Oneness with the collective and the Universe starts with oneness within. Because if we are fragmented within ourselves, how can we resonate with the unity and harmony of ascension? When we have not reconciled with the shadow self, we view ourselves as a disjointed assembly of good and evil, shadow and light, loveable and unlovable, and so on. This holds us at odds with ourselves. Once you begin the process of soul integration, you will realize that you are whole, lovable, and Divine in yourself. Only then can one stop judging people based on one’s own measure of good and evil or worthy and unworthy and start seeing others as whole, lovable, Divine beings. Shadow work is the process by which we overcome the conditioned perspective of good and bad, better and worse, us and them, and the like. As the soul integrates, so too does the collective, making shadow work an essential toll station on the road to ascension. Unavoidable By Design To those who ask, why can't I be happy and high-vibing without doing shadow work? One might say, “Just try and see!” You see, by Divine design, shadow work is an inescapable process. Of course, one can put it off and avoid it, but this would lead to a stagnant, painful life during which one would encounter the same heartaches, failures, losses, and wounds in perpetuity, never learning but always hurting. The shadow will keep restlessly stirring, contributing to dysfunction, cultivating crises, and reacting instead of responding to triggers, which often only worsen things. One way or another, the shadow self is determined to make itself known and be acknowledged. It will continue to rise to the surface until it is integrated and healed in preparation for ascension. Not until we acknowledge, accept, love, heal, and integrate the shadow self can we be authentically “happy and high-vibing.” Until then, one is destined to keep going in circles, making the same mistakes in different contexts, and meeting the same person in different personifications. Therefore, shadow work may be avoidable, but it is inherently inescapable. To ascend, we must be complete, view others as whole, and achieve unity with the collective. This can only be accomplished when we stop running and commit to becoming integrated again. Because this isn’t a new state of being for you, it is a return to how your soul has been and will be for eternity. Ascension Begins Where Polarity Ends We’re conditioned from the beginning to exist in a polarized place, and we need to move out of this to integration to achieve ascension. In the spaces between you and them, shadow and light, enlightened and unenlightened, negativity such as limiting beliefs, egoic masks, derision, and “otherness” fester. Not until we understand and manifest the continuity of energy, soul, and love between everyone and everything can we elevate to a 5th-dimensional consciousness. In the same way that avoiding shadow work is a self-perpetuating vicious cycle, soul integration begins a self-propelling process of increasing vibrations as you release who you are not and rise toward who you truly are. Understand that shadow work is not a deviation or a delay along the journey of ascension but a stepping stone. Just as soul integration elevates your consciousness and raises your vibration, reunifying with the collective is the natural progression of shadow work and another step up on the ascent toward enlightenment. Final Thoughts… Shadow work will always seem daunting, perhaps unachievable, when we look at it from a 3rd-dimensional consciousness projecting itself into the 5D. Instead, try to look at shadow work with a 5th-dimensional consciousness looking back at themselves in the 3D (as best you can). From this higher vantage point, shadow work seems like such a small effort for such an expansive state of being. What would you do to experience the greatest joy, freedom, and love you have ever known? “The awakening is the purpose. The awakening of the fact that, in essence, we are light, we are love...” - Dolores Cannon In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
What Ascension is Not “Ascension.” The word feels so buoyant and unrestrained. When we think of ascension, many of us picture the face of the happy Buddha or the laughing Yogi. However, ascension can be conceptualized as both a destination and a journey. And the journey is often different from the blissful, loving nature of the destination. The path of ascension is wrought with painful triggers, stark realities, and cataclysmic truths that often come to a head as a jarring Dark Night of the Soul. The path to ascension is also cobbled with choice after challenging choice to dig deeper into the triggered wounds. Because at the root of these wounds are soul lessons that guide the next step in the journey. As such, ascension is rarely an instantaneous thunderclap of a moment; it is a process, often a painful one, that only we can choose for ourselves. Finally, though they are often used in informal contexts interchangeably, ascension is not awakening, self-actualization, or soul-integration through shadow work. However, these phases and spiritual benchmarks play an essential role in the path to ascension. What is Ascension Simply put, ascension is consciously choosing the path of spiritual growth to achieve higher awareness, consciousness, and vibration, along with deeper compassion, unconditional love, and devotion to serving others. Ascension is often viewed as a bold journey into the unknown and finally meeting the Divinity of the Universe. However, it is not a departure from who we are but a return; It is a reunion with the higher self, Divine consciousness, and the unconditional love of the collective from whence we came. The process affects us across all bodies, spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. Ascension changes us on cellular and vibrational levels. It doesn’t just change how we feel, think, and look; it also changes how we perceive and interact with the world around us. While we gain much from the journey, it is also a reductive path. To keep ascending higher and higher, we must create space to integrate the codes, activations, lessons, and upgrades by releasing limiting beliefs, low vibrational frequencies, and conditioned perspectives. Ascension is the return to our Divinity. As such, it is the relinquishing of the separateness and duality of the 3rd dimension, transcending negativity and falsehoods, and awakening to the oneness of the 5th dimension. Navigating the Individual Path to Oneness Ascension is a very personal soul journey, and as much as we may want to, we can’t always take others with us. As we find alignment and achieve integration with higher consciousness and vibrations, we must remember that we cannot impose our 4th or 5th-dimensional perspectives on our 3rd-dimensional loved ones. Ascension is a profoundly personal journey when we are ready to choose it. Everyone will (or will not) walk their path according to Divine timing and spiritual readiness. It is necessary to remember that no level of consciousness or vibration makes one individual better than another; Of course, this soon becomes apparent to those with a 5th-dimensional consciousness. Alongside this very individual journey, we must also prioritize being of service. The journey is split into service-to-self and service-to-others. People who devote 51% service-to-others will be ascending. So, how do we reconcile that a crucial aspect of this personal journey is better serving others? A path devoted to solely serving oneself is one where progress is hindered because it is ego-led. When the ego leads us, it is all too easy to resort to shame, blame, entitlement, and self-victimization. In contrast, a path devoted solely to others hinders progress because it lacks boundaries and inner awareness. The healthy juxtaposition of both leads to a life where personal awareness and self-knowledge are born of both introspection and reflection on the triggers, wisdom, or new perspectives that arise from our encounters with others. By also serving the collective, we cultivate greater compassion and unconditional love without overlooking or abandoning the essential work of spiritual growth and self-realization. Signs of Ascension Ascension is a journey. The process is a spectrum rather than a racecourse with a start and finish line. This means you may experience different signs or “symptoms” at different times in your journey, different markers more intensely than others, and the respective variations may fluctuate. With that being said, those whose vibration is rising will often experience the following during their ascension: Increasing… Release of limiting beliefs, low vibrational energy & social conditioning Rejection of the victim’s role Reluctance to extend blame to others Authenticity and understanding of personal values Tendency to respond rather than react to triggers Alignment with truth and justice Higher awareness and intuitive wisdom Unconditional love, forgiveness & compassion for the self and others Commitment to self-care and self-love Ability to see beauty in everything and everyone Harmony with nature Trust in the Divine Oneness with the Universe and the collective Understanding of the multi-dimensional nature of Being Presence in the now Gratitude Joy Freedom 3rd, 4th & 5th Levels of Ascension During our age, most spiritualists, channels, and philosophers focus on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. However, there could be a 6th, 7th, or 100th dimension. It is all a matter of gaining the understanding that we are prepared for and require when the time is right. 3rd Level of Consciousness – Inner Separateness, Outer “Happiness,” Universal Division This is where most people reside. This level is characterized by the view of the self-being separate from the Divine, Universe, and collective. As a result, people often view themselves as greater or lesser than others, which fuels competition and judgment based on arbitrary differences like citizenship, political party, and gender. Those who occupy the 3rd dimension often seek happiness outside of themselves through material possessions or approval, acceptance, and admiration of others. In contrast to the interconnectedness of the 5D, the 3D is often perceived according to divisive constructs, good and bad, right and wrong, and us and them. 4th Level of Consciousness- Dawn of Consciousness, Transformation, Bridge to the 5th Dimension The 4th level is a transitional state and the dawn of awakening. It is not uncommon to straddle the 3D and the 4D or the 4D and the 5D. At the 4th level of ascension, we may still think in constructs like right and wrong or good and evil, but the paradigms we are considering have shifted. We begin to question governing bodies, conditioned learning, and established beliefs. Some still retain certain ego-based judgments of the 3rd level, referring to others as sheep or asleep in a disparaging manner and themselves as enlightened and awakened in a self-aggrandizing way. There are times when anger, despair, fear, and indignation arise. Journeyers in the 4D may even feel the call to rabble rouse, sounding the alarm about the broken systems. There is also a burgeoning rejection of materialism and adherence to social norms and expectations. Those aligned with the transformation consciousness of the 4th will finally start to see that fulfillment comes from self-mastery, unity with the collective, and alignment with higher consciousness. 5th Level of Consciousness – Divine Consciousness, Universal Oneness & Awakening to God/Source Energy Within This is when ego-based judgments and division begin to fall away with other fallacies, allowing unity and love to grow in their place. We begin to look not at the shortcomings of others and the darkness of the world and, instead, look deeper within ourselves to acknowledge, heal, and integrate our shadow selves. In time, the inner understanding of Oneness naturally extends to the collective around us. Through soul integration, we release the labels “greatness,” “weakness,” and the separateness we pigeonhole ourselves with. This is when we awaken to the Godlike/Source energy within us all, connecting us all. We then stop trying to change others and realize that the most effective way to heal the collective is to heal oneself. By accepting that the true power lies within, we no longer fear victimization, failure, or lack because we know we have full accountability for and sovereignty over our experiences and outcomes. And no force, no matter how negative or “powerful,” can alter our personal reality without our authority. This makes the destination that is ascension so divinely blissful; It is whatever divine existence your higher consciousness aspires to conceive. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Self-realization, the fully realized self, self-actualization; Just the vibrational frequency of these words has an energetic charge! Many of us are under the impression that we should strive toward self-realization, but what does it really mean? How do we achieve it? And what is the fully realized self capable of? Think of someone you know whose mood swings between disingenuous, cheerful bravado and mopey apathy. They become helpless and hopeless at the sign of minor obstacles, causing them to move through life like a rudderless ship tossed by the storm; This is what a total lack of self-realization looks like. This is the fully unrealized self. Next, visualize yourself feeling empowered, peaceful, and present. Motivated by life’s obstacles, eager to problem solve, challenge your aptitudes, and learn new skills. You feel untethered, courageous, and excited about what life offers; This is a glimpse at your fully realized self. Radiant, emboldened, and aligned. Who is the Fully Realized Self? Countless definitions and criteria have been used to conceptualize a fully realized being. All the descriptions share two principles, wholeness and freedom. Actualized individuals successfully integrate their shadow and their light. They view themselves as whole and complete; no aspects of their personhood are relegated to the shadows out of fear, shame, or self-denial. As complete beings, they are detached from the temporaneous aspects of the physical world, like material wealth or lack, accomplishments, or failures. They do not attach themselves through codependent relations nor burden themselves with the stress or anxiety they have been conditioned to identify with. This is possible because when one is complete unto themselves, they do not need to identify with or attach themselves to other people, circumstances, or things in search of a shallow, fleeting sense of fulfillment and completion. To be fully realized is to align with the infinite nature of Spirit, the unconditional love of the Divine, and the boundless potential of being. The fully realized individual is unburdened, unbothered, and unlimited! How Do We Achieve Self-Realization? The five fundamental precepts of the fully realized self are Awareness Authenticity Acceptance Amity Authority To have awareness is to be in control of one’s thoughts. This doesn’t suggest one should have a stranglehold on their thoughts. Instead, it is a healthy stream of consciousness uncluttered by negative ruminations or nervous chatter. An individual who is aware is present and clear-headed yet inspired and creative. They allow their thoughts to flow but can quickly identify and release distractions. Living authentically begins with awareness. It is essential to know who you are before you can accept yourself in totality. Once self-acceptance is achieved, integrity is naturally cultivated; knowing who you are gives you an innate understanding of who you are not. The actualized being lives a life that exemplifies their integrity, and their personal truth leads them. Having accepted their truth and who they are, the fully realized individual possesses a wealth of self-love. A healthy sense of self-love dictates awareness of and alignment with Universal love and Divine love. This, in turn, fosters a sense of equality with others and love for all members of the collective. Authority is synonymous with accountability. Actualized people hold themselves accountable for their actions and outcomes, confidently exercising their sovereign will and personal freedom. To be fully realized means abandoning the “blame game” and instead, from the depths of self-knowledge, finding solutions that speak to one’s aptitudes and strengths. Acceptance grows from the fertile foundation of awareness, authenticity, amity, and authority. Absent anxious mental chatter, ego defenses, animosity, negativity, and limiting beliefs, there is no place for avoidance, denial, or unhealthy coping; the only reasonable path is acceptance and the peace, understanding, and surrender that follows. Why Would One Seek Fully Realization? To be clear, the journey of the self-actualized being is not absent of challenges, obstacles, strife, or discomfort. The fully realized experience is absent suffering in that suffering often results from identifying with a temporary circumstance outside of oneself or the temporality of pain within oneself. Because full realization often goes hand in hand with nonattachment, the potential for suffering is minimal. The actualized being often lives a life of peace and relative ease as they have found acceptance. They no longer resist change or resent their circumstances. Instead, the realized individual seeks wisdom, solutions, and opportunities, flowing with the current as opposed to swimming against it. They know that if one path isn’t working, they are not being victimized or punished but redirected and repositioned toward their true, intended path. Subsequently, one who is fully realized lives a life of hope and positivity, not toxic, feigned positivity, but overarching contentment fostered by a higher perspective and nonattachment to life’s trials and impermanent worries and concerns. The fully realized being, by definition, cannot be, and will not consent to victimization and oppression! If they are displeased with their circumstances, they know they possess the empowerment and confidence to accept, change or leave the undesirable conditions. Final Thoughts - The Ultimate “Life Hack” Hacks and shortcuts seem to be de rigor today, but unlike most clickbait, achieving self-realization is genuinely the most efficient strategy for living an efficient, successful life! By truly knowing who you are, you better understand what you need and want. Moreover, by fully accepting and knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can plot your unique and most effective path to achieve and manifest your goals and intentions. To achieve full self-realization is like having wings. You gain a higher perspective and greater proximity to the wisdom, love, and peace of the Divine, rising above the noise and negativity of the matrix so that you may soar through life basking in the sun-like glow of peace, joy, and prosperity. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
As we move into a new Era, we (most of the collective) have entered the fourth dimension, which marks a necessary quantum leap for humanity. It is time for us to take a quantum leap in our consciousness and embrace the fourth dimensional reality. This requires us to gain a fifth dimensional understanding that invites light into our lives. We must transition from the third dimensional Piscean world to the edges of a whole new world. For centuries, we have been living in a world having three dimensions - length, width, and height. However, the theory says space has three spacial dimensions and one dimension of time - the fourth dimension. The four-dimensional universe is a concept that paints general relativity, which explains gravity as a curvature of space-time. As we have entered the fourth dimension, the transition phase of our evolution has begun. Our reality is no longer limited to the fluctuating third-dimensional patterns and creations that we have been accustomed to. Now, we can operate in three dimensions while expanding our awareness to include the fourth dimension. This expansion means that our dimensional patterns will fluctuate, and it will involve awareness of multi-dimensional space and its various kinds. Choice is now available to change how we perceive space and dimensional space. By allowing our subconscious mind to come to the fore, we are able to tap into the consciousness of the fourth dimension, which changes our awareness and consciousness in the third dimension plane. It is important to recognize that awareness travels and passes through different states, which can take some time and patience as this transition occurs within. This means that our awareness states affect not only our mind but also our intellect, our emotions, and how we experience events in our lives. As we progress through dimensions towards the seventh dimension and beyond into the astral plane, changes in flow become more apparent. Opening to learning these new concepts involves a choice to change how we perceive space and dimensional space. This phase of our evolution is a concept that highlights the need for a strong third dimension in order to see the vast space containing the physical universe. As three-dimensional beings, we are confined to experiencing reality within three dimensional space, but by tapping into pure inner space and superconsciousness, we have the potential to expand our dimensional capacity. This allows our evolving consciousness to transcend higher dimensions and alter our perception of reality beyond physical earth embodiments. Learning involves the understanding we have a choice to change how we perceive space and dimensional space by visualizing ourselves in different picture layers and following subtle directions from our superconsciousness. By doing so, we can begin to break down the boundaries of perception that hold us back from experiencing higher dimensions where events occur beyond the limitations of our body and physical realm. In other words, if you are not already experiencing this, you will begin to experience your other lives because your awareness is bleeding into the other dimensions where you reside. You may be doing a mundane task when, all of a sudden, your awareness is diverted to a life you are experiencing on another dimension from the current timeline. It may appear like a daydream but the FEELING will be more pronounced as you experience it. How to navigate this? Get MINDFUL. Meditate. Practice PRESENCE. That way, you will not feel as if you are losing your mind. Know it's just a new state of being and your body is attempting to acclimate to this new way of perceiving reality. It's OK! It's why we are HERE! To ground and to bring in New Earth. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
To know if you are living in the 3rd dimension, it's essential to understand that there's a 4 and 5D reality. The 5th dimension of awareness is where things like unconditional love, compassion, and oneness exist. In contrast, the dimension 4D reality is where time and space become more fluid with the understanding we create our reality. In addition, I see the 4th dimension as a space of transitional choice. The 3rd dimension of consciousness is where most people exist, but as one elevates their consciousness, they move towards the fifth dimension of awareness. This shift happens when the soul takes over instead of being ruled by the material world of body/feelings, judgment, rules, etc… To know if you are living in the third dimension, you need to understand what third-dimensional consciousness is. It's a state of being where we are only aware of our physical reality and the limitations that come with it. However, as we evolve, we start experiencing multiple dimensions and become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. The fifth dimension is the next step in this evolution, where we operate at a higher frequency known as 5th dimension frequency. To know if you are living in the third dimension, pay attention to your emotions and intellectual theory. The third dimension is dominated by self-created thoughts and feelings, which can entangle your awareness through attachment to people and narratives. In a rapidly changing world, it's easy to get lost in the endless cinema of our thoughts and emotions. However, our nervous system response is an indicator that we are living in the third dimension. As the third dimension gains prominence, we tend to compare ourselves with others and focus on what happens around us rather than our interaction with the world and our inner processes. Living in the third dimension is an experience that we all go through. It is a reality where our perception is limited to our five senses, and we are bound by the Earth-bound laws of physics. We experience people and events around us, and these experiences shape our understanding of the world. However, it is important to understand that this reality is just one dimension of many. The fourth dimension adds time to the equation, while the fifth dimension involves movement in space-time. Knowing if you are living in the third dimension requires an awareness of your limitations and an understanding that your perception creates consciousness. To work with other dimensions, you must learn the truth about your existence, assist others in their journey toward truth and create concepts that allow for exploration beyond what your senses perceive. Living in higher dimensions allows for a fuller experience of life as it involves a greater understanding of consciousness and its role in shaping our reality. Living in the 3rd dimension means having a virtuous inner life and a virtuous outer life. It is an important time for humanity as we are on the brink of making the jump to higher dimensions. Earth is one of the last holdouts, but more and more souls are beginning to rise up and join the bandwagon of ascension. Signs of 3rd-Dimensional Reality Physical sensations and experiences in the 3rd dimension are some of the most obvious signs that you are in this reality. In the 3rd dimension, we experience a physical body with all its limitations and sensations. We can touch, taste, smell, see, and hear everything around us through our physical senses. We also experience the passing of time as a linear progression from past to present to future. In this dimension, our physical bodies are subject to gravity and other laws of physics that limit our movements and capabilities. We feel hunger, thirst, pain, pleasure, and all other sensations that come with having a physical form. Moreover, we experience separation from others and feel like individuals with distinct identities. We have ego-driven desires for material possessions, status, and power. All these experiences are unique to the 3rd dimensional reality which is why it is called the realm of duality or separation consciousness. However, as we evolve spiritually, we can transcend these limitations and access higher dimensions of awareness beyond our physical senses. One of the signs that you are in the 3rd-dimensional reality is having a limited perception of time and space. In this dimension, time is perceived as linear and limited, with a past, present and future. People tend to live their lives based on schedules and deadlines, feeling rushed or pressured to complete tasks within specific time frames. Likewise, space is perceived as limited, with physical boundaries that cannot be easily crossed. This can lead to feelings of confinement or restriction. In the 3rd dimension, people are also often limited by their five senses - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell - which can only perceive a small fraction of the vast spectrum of energy that exists in the universe. This can limit one's ability to understand or interact with higher dimensions of reality. However, it's important to note that these limitations are not necessarily negative or limiting in themselves; they simply reflect the specific characteristics of this dimension. One of the signs that you are in a 3rd-dimensional reality is the emphasis on duality and separation. In this dimension, we often see things as black or white, good or bad, right or wrong. This type of thinking can lead to a sense of separation from others and the world around us. We may view ourselves as separate from nature, animals, and even other humans. In a 3rd dimensional reality, we also tend to place a lot of emphasis on material possessions and external factors such as status and power. This focus on external validation can create a sense of competition and comparison with others. However, as we move towards higher dimensions, we begin to shift away from this dualistic way of thinking. We start to see everything as interconnected and interdependent. We recognize that there is no true separation between ourselves and the world around us. By becoming more aware of our thoughts and beliefs about duality and separation, we can begin to shift towards a more holistic perspective that honors the interconnectedness of all things. One of the signs that you are living in a 3rd-dimensional reality is an attachment to material possessions and external validation. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Seeing With the Soul and Sensing With the Heart Many of us have done it; You have a big decision or a nagging question keeping you up at night, so you ask Spirit for a sign. Next, you reach for an Oracle deck, but the wisdom of the deck and the message from Spirit are conflicting. This leads you to reach out to your favorite psychic or intuitive, the answer they share further contradicts the guidance you’ve received, and you reach out to a new seer to make sense of it all. This new seer’s reading is somehow different from the last! Who’s wrong, and who’s right? Is Spirit “testing” you? Are the psychics you spoke to frauds?! Going down the rabbit hole in such a way can leave us frustrated, stressed, and feeling misled or taken advantage of. However, there is a very good reason why your message from Spirit, Oracle cards, favorite psychic, and new reader have differing responses. All About Perspective As a child, do you remember gazing off into the distance with one eye closed and the other open and then musing on how the vision changed when you switched which eye was open and which was closed? That was your first lesson in perspective. You received four different answers because you looked at your conundrum from 4 different perspectives. It is all about perspective! You may have heard of the folklore of the three blind men who encountered an elephant. The man who felt the trunk surmised that it was a snake, the man who touched the tail said it was a rope, and the man who met the elephant’s flank discerned that it was a wall. In the case of intuitives, psychics, and your personal forms of divination, the perception shifts are often due to the levels of consciousness. Each of you vibrates at your own frequency, accessing varying levels of higher consciousness and spiritual perception. Moreover, you have all had different life experiences, spiritual journeys, and mental, emotional, and spiritual dispositions. What does this mean? Confirmation bias has entered the chat! The Lens of Assumption Confirmation bias is the innate tendency to frame our experiences and understanding in a way that maintains and substantiates our previously established beliefs and perspectives. For example, if you tell two psychics that your partner has been withdrawn and emotionally unavailable. Psychic #1, who has had an unfaithful partner, may perceive the information Spirit shares in a way that supports their belief that people cheat. Whereas Psychic #2, who struggles with anxiety or depression, may perceive the voice of intuition in a way that maintains their view that people internalize their emotional pain. Confirmation bias isn’t limited to personal experience. Current mainstream political, social, and media influences can also shape an intuitive’s perception of the wisdom they channel. And we all do it to some degree as a subconscious means of automatic processing. This is why Spirit sometimes communicates with psychics in a shorthand that they understand. For instance, one seer may associate roses with funerals, while another associates them with romance. As a result, psychics who share your reality, level of consciousness, and value systems often give readings that seem to resonate most. Like Attracts Like Based on the Law of Attraction, we attract people and circumstances that match our vibration and level of consciousness. This means that you are likely to attract like-minded intuitives. However, what happens when your frequency changes or your consciousness expands? Though the psychic is still doing their “job” to the best of their ability, you will likely start to get answers you don’t expect or don’t seem to fit into your current narrative or experience. You may even follow their advice and fail to get the results you desire or the seer predicts. The beautiful thing about the Divine is that even when things seem misaligned, Spirit can still guide us towards our greatest good and highest purpose! When your favored seer no longer matches your frequency, it can still serve as a moment of growth and transformation. Ideally, this energetic mismatch will inspire you to embark on a journey of inner reflection, spiritual seeking, and intuition building. In this way, a psychic can still further your spiritual evolution whether you see eye-to-eye or not. Seeing With Your Soul Even the best intuitives and psychics can’t deliver wisdom as purely as a direct connection to Spirit can. Psychics are channels; as they channel, their spiritual insights will be filtered by their lens, even by the smallest amount. The true calling of a seer is to help you strengthen your own intuitive gifts and psychic knowing. Whether dramatically with a dissonant message or subtly with a confirmation of your senses. Ultimately, it is a journey to help you fully realize your intuition and psychic knowing because your intuition is your most trusted guide and honest friend. Intuition is seeing with the soul and sensing with the heart. All you need to do is cultivate the courage to follow it and the confidence to trust it. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
The principle that everything is energy isn’t some new-age concept. Science has proven that energy is the foundation of all matter. The same energy that fuels your body courses through the walls of your dwelling, the Spring blossoms, and the sea. Energy is not limited to physical matter; electromagnetic life force also imbues thoughts and feelings! The universal network of life force frequency connects all creation and the intentions and emotions that manifest it. You may ask, if everything is energy, what differentiates me from the family pet or the car in the driveway? What separates you from the birds, the trees, or your next-door neighbor are the composition of your molecules and the frequency at which they vibrate. Some molecules have a high vibration or fast frequency, and some molecules have a low vibration or slower frequency. Vibrational Frequency Our physical and subtle bodies have varying electromagnetic waves which vibrate continuously. While we are often encouraged to be high vibrational and avoid people, places, thoughts, or emotions that are low vibrational, low vibrations aren’t intrinsically bad, and high vibrations aren’t inherently good. For example, nature has a lower vibration than spirit or soul, but by grounding ourselves to the slower or lower frequency of the earth, we can better access the world of Spirit. Why do we put so much importance on maintaining a high vibration? Because the energy field of your subtle body is intended to be high, closer to the higher self, which is your personal ideal. Higher is, therefore, better because it is optimal for humankind. Lifting our vibration and raising our vibration creates change on the cellular level, thereby improving our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health because we are letting go of all we are not and becoming more aligned with whom we are meant to be. The Healing Power of a High Vibration As we have established, as spiritual beings having a human experience, our optimal frequency should be closer to Spirit and farther from the temporality of the material world. As such, our vibration becomes low when we hold on to what we are not, and we begin to feel sadder, weaker, more ill at ease, hopeless, and helpless. And when we release energies that weigh us down, it is only natural that we will feel happier, healthier, more peaceful, and more hopeful. A high or optimal vibrational also allows us to rise above the chaos, confusion, and limitations of the physical world to find greater alignment with our higher purpose, self-actualize, and manifest our needs and desires. What Does a High Vibration Make Possible? Alignment Once we reach our optimal frequency, we quickly identify when our vibration is low, balanced, or high. This enables us to recognize what lowers our vibration, what matches it, and what lifts it. For example, we all know that one person seems to suck the air from the room as soon as they enter, causing you to feel depleted as soon as you see them. Conversely, have you noticed that a particular activity, like going for a long walk or taking a hot bath, instantly makes you feel lighter and puts you at ease? Or have you met someone and felt an instant comfort and emotional connection? These are all instances of your spirit speaking to you about what lowers, raises, and matches your vibration. Actualization Sovereignty starts by achieving your optimal vibration and taking accountability for your emotions. When we are more emotionally and vibrationally aware, we can better assume responsibility for ourselves and our experiences. Think of the friend constantly bemoaning others for making them feel angry or unlovable, or the family member who falls head over heels whenever they meet a new romantic partner, saying things like, I can’t live without her, or he is my everything. These people have lost sight of themselves as the locus of their own lives and the creator of their own experiences, lowering their vibration. An optimal frequency naturally lends itself to emotional balance. Learning to acknowledge, accept, and process your emotions is essential for maintaining a high vibration because emotions reflect how you have grown and how you may still need to recognize, release, and heal. Manifestation We can manifest anything we want if we match the vibration of our desires. With a low vibration, we attract circumstances that lower our frequency. For instance, if you are focused on feelings of loneliness and lack, you will naturally attract more people and events that make you feel lonely and lacking. If, on the other hand, you are alone and don’t have the prosperity you desire, and you focus on raising your vibration by embodying the warmth and happiness of love and the ease and gratitude of abundance, you will attract what you need and desire because thoughts and emotions have their own frequencies and good or bad, like attracts like. So, keep that vibration high! The Collective Vibration As a collective, the same principles apply. The results would be miraculous if we came together as a global collective and united in our mission to raise our vibration. We would not only find alignment with our own higher purpose but our purpose as a collective, alignment with what is communally beneficial. We could learn to find emotional balance and harmony across humankind, where we would connect through lovingkindness and compassion. It would no longer be us versus them and the victims versus the villains; we would each take accountability for ourselves and the general good. Finally, we could manifest the social, spiritual, and environmental healing we all desire. A collective with a high vibration can manifest a modern utopia, absent hate, war, or destruction. But thankfully, we don’t have to wait until humankind unites. All it takes is a few of us to manifest a few more, and slowly like ripples on the water, we shift the vibration until we create a new reality and, ultimately, a new world. Creating our Reality Abraham Hicks said, “as you think, you vibrate. As you vibrate, you attract.” And it is really that simple! By changing your thoughts and governing your emotions, you can elevate to your optimal frequency, achieving better mood, health, relationships, and higher goals. But first, you must Take Accountability Believe Trust You must take accountability for your life and outcomes, good or bad because only you have the power to change them. You must believe that by Divine design, you have the sovereign authority to create the reality you desire. And you must trust in universal law and order and that the energy you put forth will result in the manifestation you achieve. How to Raise & Maintain Your Vibration Physically What is good for your body is also beneficial for your vibe! Eating more unprocessed food and less junk, drinking more water and less alcohol, prioritizing sleep over devices, and moving more and lounging less can all contribute to a higher vibration. Of course, you may also want to incorporate crystals, essential oil, yoga, or Qi Jong, but getting the basics right is fundamental. Mentally In the same way, you need to be mindful of what your body consumes; you must be aware of what your brain consumes. Avoid entertainment that brings you down with a lot of violence or depressing themes. Try to listen to podcasts and read books that uplift and inform. Limit your time with people who like to complain, gossip, or use hateful rhetoric. Finally, it is vital that you monitor your thoughts and find healing ways to curtail negative ruminations and negative self-talk. Your mind is a garden, prune the weeds and water what you want to grow! Emotionally Three words gratitude, generosity, and compassion! It isn’t a surprise that being entitled, stingy, and selfish is a vibe killer! To nourish your emotional self, you should do what intrinsically makes you feel good; you can start a gratitude journal, list the gifts or aptitudes you can share, and read up on active listening. If you make others feel good in a healthy way by honoring your highest good and theirs alike, then you can raise your vibration and help someone lift theirs as well. Spiritually Spirituality is very individual. A walk in the woods may feel deeply spiritual to some, while journaling or shuffling oracle cards may be the way others commune with Spirit. What is most essential is finding time to silence the “monkey mind” and breathe into spaciousness and peace. By clearing and quieting the mind, you can release all you are not and create space for all you are. Practice the art of being and watch your vibration soar! Creating the Ultimate Reality A higher vibration begins by practicing the Universal Law of Attraction, which will help you gain a profound respect for your creator power. This will cultivate an understanding of how your energy influences your reality, allowing you to embrace the Law of Correspondence, which stipulates that your external circumstances reflect your inner experience. This is when you awaken to realize that if you are misaligned with the lovingkindness, compassion, and harmony of the universe, your life will be in a state of disharmony, alienation, and apathy. When you embrace the unconditional love and unity of the universe, your vibration will rise, and you will thrive. And this is the definitive path to honoring the Law of Divine Oneness, which states that all energy is connected to the Divine Source frequency of the universe, meaning we are all one being; To treat oneself with compassion is to treat all others with compassion, and to treat all others with kindness is to treat oneself with kindness. And a world whose populace vibrates in alignment with this law has reached the absolute reality, the ascended dimension. In Love and Truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
In today’s mass media culture, we are often flooded by a current of opinions, reflections, and perspectives. Go on any social media platform right now, and your feed will be awash with the statuses of celebrities, politicians, friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances far removed, like your brother’s high school girlfriend or someone in your spouse’s softball league; Do you genuinely need their political opinion? Many, if not most, of these opinions or responses could be left unsaid. Still, once they are presented to the masses, they will surely offend someone. And, inevitably, someone’s offense will offend someone else. Then, the original poster may apologize, and either someone will find an issue with the tone of the apology or the motivation to apologize in the first place. Don’t Take it Personally People tend to take it personally when they see or hear something offensive. People will say, “that is offensive!” But what they feel is, “you have offended me!” They confuse their personal feelings with the feeling of being personally targeted. When the truth is, it is rarely personal. We’ve begun with social media as an example—such as the off-the-cuff quip about a foolish politician. It is easier, at least for some, to take a step back and realize that despite feeling personally offended, the comment was not personal. Yet, what of the family member who reacts to your disinterest in having children by saying, “no family is complete without kids,” or the co-worker who assumes that “you don’t mind filling in for me because it’s not like anyone needs you”? These instances could be a little harder to distance oneself from. However, the family member may be unconsciously voicing their desire for children. Or the co-worker could be envisioning what it would be like if they had no children. Be the Observer To see things as they are, as opposed to how your ego, trauma, or conditioning has framed them, is to question the underlying intention of the offensive behavior, speech, or situation. Depending on your approach, it can be a fascinating exploration, like reflecting on a piece of artwork; Why did the artist use that color, put the brush stroke there, or paint that person or object? In other words, why did that person say those words, use that tone, choose that action, or express those emotions? When you look at an “offense” as something outside of yourself, it is easier to observe it objectively and create distance from it emotionally. When observing the offense instead of internalizing it, you can see beyond the ego mask and witness someone’s wounds and trauma. Take, for instance, the friend that has nothing good to say about your partner, “you shouldn’t trust him,” “he isn’t good for you,” or “he’s going to let you down”; instead of being offended, imagine how she must have been let down by her partners or possibly family or friends, that would cause her to say such disheartening things. With enough consciousness and willingness, you will soon see how offensive behaviors and comments often call for a generous dose of love and compassion! Rise Above or Go Under People who cannot override their trauma, ego, or conditioning remain easily offended. When we are easily offended, we get stuck in a vicious cycle of offense after offense until we program ourselves to seek reasons to be offended. Moving through life in a perpetual state of frustration, anger, hurt, disappointment, and angst won’t make unpleasant people, offensive words, or rude behavior any less likely or less objectionable; It will only lower your vibration, pollute your thoughts, and destabilize your emotions. Worse still, people who get stuck in the victim stance end up forfeiting their power and sovereign authority. They identify as victims and view themselves as vulnerable, helpless, and doomed. So, what is the solution? The only way out of this cycle is to look within. Never Stop Questioning An impersonal perspective towards being offended helps us see that these offenses are where wounds are, whether they belong to the “offender” or the “offended.” When we witness the pain of others, we can cast the light of love and compassion on them. When we acknowledge our own trauma, we must reclaim our power and accountability. The first step is to ask what is being revealed, what needs to be recognized, and what requires healing. To question creates possibility; to remain offended is limiting, pulling down your mood, vibration, and perspective until you are trapped in a prison of your own creation. You instantly lift your temperament, raise your vibration, and gain a higher, more objective perspective when you are willing to ask the right questions. Such as how I can show this person or myself more love, embrace forgiveness, and find the acceptance to move on. The Most Important Questions Ask yourself what this world would look like if nothing offended anyone. People who were intentionally distasteful or rude would get no response to fuel their behavior and instead be forced to examine their actions. Everyone else would enjoy a world of conscious thought, healing discourse, harmony, and compassion. Of course, each of us must do our part to create a world of love, unity, and peace. It begins the next time you feel offended; ask yourself a crucial question, how can you make the world a better place by choosing to see the world as a better place? In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Are you an Empath? Do you: Pick up on other people’s moods and emotions? Whether you can observe the slightest change in their disposition or get the sense that you absorb their emotional state and take it on as your own. Lose yourself in your relationship with someone else? This may be by trying to “heal” or take care of them, appease them, or “strengthen” the bond your share. Experience sudden shifts of emotion or panic when you are in public? Such as window shopping with friends in a mall and suddenly experiencing a dizzying urge to run as far away as possible. Get told that you really “get” people or have a profoundly comforting energy? You may be the one everyone turns to for advice or the shoulder everyone cries on. Suffer physical or emotional sympathy pains for loved ones and strangers alike? For example, experiencing painful jabs watching violence on tv or shedding a tear at a loved one’s sadness. Get strong hunches or vibes about people? You may know immediately if someone is lying, genuine, or afraid. Or have you experienced an instant distaste or affection for someone you just met? Feel love for people or pets so deeply it hurts? Perhaps you have felt love for someone or something that you think can’t be contained in your heart and experienced the ache of its expansiveness. Have the urge to help and heal every person and animal in need? Perhaps, you get overwhelmed that you can’t do more or by the healing mission you feel you have received. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, if you answered yes to most or all these points, you are very likely an empath! What is an Empath? Surely, you have heard the term empath before, especially if you are one. However, much like “energy,” “grounding,” or “manifestation,” empath has become a term that is widely used but not always well understood. A derivative of empathy, being an empath is often viewed very favorably, like a superpower. However, when the term was coined, it was synonymous with being an “emotional sponge,” hinting at the many pitfalls of being an empath. Empathic abilities can result from, and contribute to, a porous energy field. So, while it can be viewed as the gift of emotional intuition, helping empaths navigate and heal, in some cases, the world, it can also create a self-perpetuating cycle of poor energetic and relational boundaries, leaving empaths vulnerable to the people they often so desperately want to comfort and heal. Empaths have a gift; It is the gift of reading people and their emotions to intuitively understand others’ intentions, strengths, and weaknesses. This enables them to navigate the world with an inner knowing that can be used to their benefit. They can also identify the wounded and vulnerable, providing comfort and love as the empath feels called. Do you know who else has an intuitive understanding of others’ intentions, emotions, strengths, and weaknesses, enabling them to navigate the world with an inner knowing that can be used to their own benefit? Narcissists! They can also identify the wounded and vulnerable, but with disparate results. What Is a Narcissist? We’ve all encountered or perhaps gotten up close and personal with a narcissist by dating, being related to, or possibly working with them. Narcissists can be identified by: Their over-inflated sense of importance. Such as the aunt who is “exhausted” from doing “everything” for the family during the holidays but wouldn’t have it any other way. Or the friend who monopolizes the conversation every Brunch Sunday. A sense of entitlement. Like, the co-worker who feels childless people should give them their sick days or the parent who feels you should drop everything because they need you “now.” The belief that the rules don’t apply to them. For example, the arrogant jerk at the grocery store who thinks he can just cut in the line. An obsession with envy and admiration. These are the people that think everyone is jealous of them and want to be like them. For instance, the social media addict who obsesses over followers, “stalkers,” likes, “haters,” and “wannabes.” Their preoccupation with success, influence, youth, beauty, and adoration. These people fight aging tooth and nail, put on airs about their financial success and power, and often act very out of touch with the “everyman.” Their lack of compassion, empathy, and genuine connections. This is often due to exploiting people and having shallow, self-centered conversations. These people tend to explain their lack of meaningful relationships by emphasizing their high status or distinction because they are only understood by a select and chosen few. The benefits of moving through the world from the narcissistic perspective are that they always prioritize and meet their own needs, never shrink from the spotlight because they feel lesser than others, and don’t relegate themselves to the masses. They make their own way! Two Sides of the Same Coin We may think it is easy to point out and separate narcissists from empaths. However, it is not so clear-cut. Being empathic, like being narcissistic, exists on a spectrum. We can all be somewhat selfish at times and empathetic at others. What’s more, sometimes being an empath is a matter of unhealthy coping, such as a trauma response, and being narcissistic is a matter of healthy coping, such as eschewing social norms for individual freedom and happiness. There is no clear villain and victim, villain and victor, or victim and victor. The unenlightened empath and the unenlightened narcissist form a toxic cycle in which they both exploit and enable. Take this scenario, for example:
In this scenario, who is exploiting whom? The truth is that they are both exploiting each other and harming themselves by feeding into this vicious cycle propelled by triggers and trauma responses. The Power Lies Within The solution? Stop giving power away to others! When giving away the power to heal or wound, we immediately feed into a cycle of victim and abuser or used and user. In this context, there is no differentiation between “empath” and “narcissist.” Both individuals have unconsciously voided all boundaries of personhood and accountability. We all have the potential to abuse or be abused, no matter what end of the spectrum we are on. The only way to eliminate the potential for abuse is to become aware and make conscious personal choices. We cannot force anyone to change; we can only choose to strengthen our integrity and manifest our intentions, no one else’s. Ultimately, when we awaken to find ourselves in the role of either the abuser or abused, the only place to look is within. Two Sides of the Mirror Whether the empath or the narcissist seeks to heal and end exploitation, the only reason to look to the other is to see what is being reflected back. What does the empath see in the narcissist that feeds their need to sacrifice and submit? What does the narcissist see in the empath that triggers them to demand and deplete? And, above all, how can they nourish or silence this deep-seated hunger, finding stillness, healing, and wholeness from within? Asking what inner work remains to be done, shadows remain uncovered, and needs remain un-self-fulfilled should always be the primary focus! To the empath, the narcissist is the mirror, and to the narcissist, the empath is the mirror; The mirror reflects how they need to acknowledge their trauma, accept accountability, and awaken to their power to shape their destiny. Is it time to take a long hard look in the mirror? In Love and Truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Moving through life can feel a lot like traveling in a car. Stressful times are like traffic, hectic yet inert – a lot is going on, but not a lot of progress is being made. Sometimes, we tool around as we would doing errands, from one minor milestone to another - working, socializing, a little growth here, a lesson or two there. There are long drives, through scenic landscapes, like the journey from high school to university or dating to marriage. Then, there are drives along an endless grey landscape of highways and byways, infinite twists and turns with no end in sight, leaving you feeling lost and directionless. These are life’s “in-between times.” Different Shades of Grey The in-between times are often neither light nor dark but rather grey. The absence of anything definitively positive or truly negative is its own kind of loss. It is the discomfort of numbness, like the pressure you feel when a limb falls asleep. It is the pain of feeling hollow, unalive, and unseen. It has a gradual onset. As you go about your day-to-day, life starts to lose its color; as the saturation slowly drains, everything fades to grey. Confusion begins to set in as one day runs into the next, with nothing to differentiate it. You ask yourself if every day is the same, where are you going, and how are you supposed to get there? Frustration will begin to build, giving way to anger. Soon, the dull ache of the grey becomes a crushing weight. The Shadow of Great Opportunity We’ve all seen it, and many of us have experienced it. A life not fully lived becomes a heavy burden. People begin to feel like Sisyphus pushing the boulder up the mountain every day for eternity, never getting ahead. Often to help deaden the pain, people distract themselves with shopping, drinking, serial dating, and eating. This often results in chronic feelings of anxiety and depression. The remedy? Knowing that the in-between times are just that, a state of transition between what was and what will be. It is not some Divinely ordained punishment, the result of a past misstep, or an erroneous twist of fate. This is not oppression; this is opportunity! You are breaking away from what was. The stillness is creating space for what will be. Even though you feel your foundation is crumbling, it is actually the stirring of a fertile new path. Chaos Vs. Cataclysmic Change Change is hard; it takes hard work, persistence, and patience. Change can happen so slowly that you question if any progress is even being made. Change means saying no when you could say, “whatever, why not.” Change can also be cataclysmic, requiring tenacity and grit. It can happen so quickly that you question how it happened at all, and it can mean saying yes when you could say, “why should I?” Throughout change, we learn, we fail, learn some more, grow, release, cling, accept, and surrender. On the other hand, cha·os /ˈkāˌäs/ noun
Now ask yourself, are the in-between times made of chaos or cataclysmic change? Trusting the Process But how can you really be sure that what you are going through is progressive and not chaos to deleterious effect? You can’t. You can never be sure unless you put one foot in front of the other, gathering understanding and wisdom and leaving behind unserving energies and emotional baggage as you go. You’ll never know unless you are willing to trust the process. Still…chances are, if you are ready to take the trust and fall into the embrace of the universe, you will be caught in a net of purpose and possibility on the way down while a new existence is being rebuilt around and within you. The Importance of Surrender Once you can surrender to the process and let go of what was, you can witness the miraculous take place in your life! You will find alignment with your new personhood, reality, and existence, taking each step as it is made known to you. There will be no need to rush; putting one foot in front of the other along this path of rebirth and discovery will be a pleasure in itself as you revel in the purpose and potential that is revealed to you. And really, that is all it takes to arrive at your destination; whatever you and the Divine have co-created it to be – you’ll get there. Whether you realize it at the time or not, every delay, rush, loss, gain, pain, triumph, misunderstanding, or lesson you experience during the in-between times prepares you for the ultimate destination, enlightenment! In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Are you “living the dream” and relishing the “good life”? If one were to ask most people that question, the honest answer would likely be no. Why are more people not “living their best life”? Because often, we have been conditioned to believe that the best life is a one-size-fits-all ideal of what is supposed to make us happy. Early Education Many people in western society (and beyond) are taught from a young age, through media, family modeling, and social norms, that a life well-lived means a university education, a “respectable” career, and a committed relationship leading to marriage, resulting in children. Based on media depictions, idle adult chatter and gossip, and admonishments by teachers and parents, as children, we are programmed to see people who don’t want or don’t have what has been dictated as outliers who are lazy, selfish, aimless, and lost. But what does it really mean to be lost? “Midlife” Crisis We are all familiar with the idea of a midlife crisis when people deviate, at varying degrees, from their careers, relationships, value systems, or lifestyles. However, the truth is that this can happen at any time in an individual’s life. The sooner, the better in most cases, because this crisis of personhood is often a rejection of the conditioning, education, training, conformity, and spiritual imprisonment we have been taught to submit to. After doing everything we have been taught would make us happy, many are still met with unhappiness, lack of fulfillment, and emptiness. The career and relationship that was supposed to validate them have let them down. Now, because they have so closely intertwined their personhood with these external circumstances, they have lost their identity; they are awash with anger, frustration, apathy, angst, and depression. This is what it truly means to be lost. The Power to Question At this point, the “midlife” crisis, starts to look a lot like the Dark Night of the Soul. So, why would you want this crisis of self to happen sooner than later? Because the sooner it happens, the sooner you can begin to question! It has been said that it is not the answers that enlightens us, but the questions themselves. This could not be truer in this case. Beginning to reflect is the first step in uncovering who you are and what you truly desire; These are the first steps in revealing the soul’s purpose. What is soul purpose? It is how you chart the path of destiny, the role the Divine has bestowed upon you that no one else can fulfill, and to complete it is to ascend on your unique journey of enlightenment. Soul purpose may have everything or nothing to do with our education, our training, or our profession. It can be what you do full-time or what you can only squeeze a few weekend hours into. This higher purpose can be what you share with other souls or a gift of healing, learning, and loving you give yourself. It can make you rich with material wealth or in Spirit, and for some, both! The Light at The End of The Tunnel Finding your soul’s purpose can be an overwhelming prospect in a world of infinite possible callings. Where to begin? Start where the greatest truths are not known but felt; follow your heart. In a world where nothing is forever, and no promises are made, following your happiness and fulfillment must become your number one priority. Make no mistake; this can be a painful, fearful, and lonely process at first. First, you must admit that you have fallen off track and lost your way. Remember, your time has not been wasted; everything you have been through has brought you to this junction of cataclysmic change and infinite possibility! Next, you must step off the well-trodden path, forging through the unknown with tentative steps. Finally, accept that only you can walk this course. It is yours and yours alone; no one has ever walked it before, people may not understand, and they may judge. Still, casting off the shackles of conditioning by listening to your intuition and higher truth, following your heart, and eschewing the need for ego-comparison and conformity is so purely empowering, freeing, and enlightening that the sacrifices all but disappear in comparison to what is gained! The Ultimate Purpose When fully seeking and expressing your soul purpose, you will find that not only provisions for your needs and desires follow—but most importantly, wholeness, happiness, and fulfillment. Yet, ultimately, seeking purpose, the self-realization, self-actualization, healing, liberation, and awakening you achieve can be purpose and fulfillment enough. It has been said in many ways by many theologians, philosophers, and gurus that the fundamental purpose of life is to devote your whole heart to seeking purpose. When you can do that without ego-comparison, expectations, norms, and “obligations,” you no longer need to seek love, success, and wealth; it inevitably finds you! In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
What is shadow work, and how do you do it? Therapists, coaches, influencers, and daytime tv hosts – everyone is talking about shadow work. It can be a buzzword to get likes, presume sagacity, or establish a pseudo-guru status. However, shadow work is more than a hashtag; it is a profound tool for meaningful healing, trauma recovery, relationship rehab, and self-actualization. Fundamentally, shadow work is a healing journey of personal reclamation and soulful integration. It is the recovery of lost parts of the self that have fallen into the obscurity of the unconscious – the shadow self. Meeting The Shadow Self Id, Ego, Superego, Inner Child, Higher Self, Lower Self, Mask Self, Conscious Mind, Unconscious Mind, Subconscious Mind, Soul, Spirit, and Shadow Self… There are many aspects and labels for states of being and aspects of personhood. The shadow self relates to all aspects of the self that do not respond to the ego ideal and become unconscious with time. Despite the ego and shadow, conscious and unconscious, or shadow and light becoming disjointed, they are still part of the same soul, resulting in dis-ease from a fractured spirit. This is painful because it is not a natural state! Each lifetime we arrive as an integrated soul, ready to learn, grow, and enlighten. Yet, over time and across interactions, we are conditioned to view certain aspects of ourselves as unacceptable and unlovable. These internalized beliefs, often established by what triggers the shadows of others, such as parents, define the shadows self. We refuse to acknowledge and accept these shadows as a defense mechanism to avoid dissonance resulting from shame, guilt, and self-loathing. The Darkest Shadow It is important to remember that the shadow self isn’t bad; we are only conditioned to believe it is “bad.” There may be gifts and talents repressed by the shadow self because we were mocked or punished for them, like the creative mind of a daydreamer or a little boy’s love of dance. What is actually “bad” are the harmful effects of denying who we genuinely are. Self-denial leads to disconnection from the higher self, Source, the destiny they co-created, and the path of enlightenment it leads to. As a result of this unnatural, disconnected state of being, intrapersonal issues arise, such as Emotional Triggers such as anxiety, depression, anger Emptiness and lack of personal fulfillment Lack of life purpose Negative self-talk Self-loathing Self-victimization Self-harm, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, overeating, overworking, etc. The harmful effects do not happen in a vacuum, extending beyond our inner being into our interpersonal experience. These challenges include Toxic relationship patterns – domestic violence, infidelity Jealousy and envy Being overcritical due to projection Alienation and loneliness Unhealthy or lack of boundaries – co-dependence, defensiveness Generational trauma Ultimately, we can’t be or give our best, or even better, selves if we cannot first be our whole selves. Coming to the Light Shadow work isn’t all love and light, nor doom and gloom. Recovering “unlovable” parts of who you are can be painful, jarring, and disorienting, but it is also profoundly freeing, healing, and empowering. It doesn’t take years and years of probing deep within the depths of your soul to experience the transformative power. Some people successfully embark on and accomplish a solitary journey of soul retrieval. Because shadow work can be facilitated by practices that override the conscious mind, like hypnotherapy, art therapy, and shamanic healing, some people seek therapists, counselors, or Shamans. But shadow work doesn’t take degrees, certifications, crystals, herbs, or leatherbound journals. Shadow work requires an open awareness of what has been hidden and a willingness to welcome it into the light. You neither forsake the light nor eradicate the shadow. There may always be aspects of yourself you are uncomfortable sharing or acknowledging, just as there will be aspects you want to put front and center. The goal of integration is awareness, acceptance, and allowing- awareness of both your shadow and light, accepting them both equally, and allowing the authentic experience of both. The Shadow is the Greatest Teacher There are many paths along the shadow work journey. It is your soul; therefore, you know best how to retrieve the aspects that make it whole. Still, the following past-present-future perspective should offer some illuminating guidance for every step of your journey. Past Review – Take an inventory of your life thus far; journal prompts can be very helpful in this respect. Examine your childhood, relationship history, personal accomplishments, and regrets. As you do inventory, take note of any recurring themes and patterns. Accept – Understand that you may experience some discomforting revelations and recover painful memories. Accept that what is done cannot be changed, but by acknowledging it, you can change your future! Present Observe –Practice being the watchful observer, taking a non-judgmental, unemotional look at your reactions and responses. Pay particular attention to your emotional triggers. Remember, not all triggers flare immediately. A midday occurrence in the office may come to a head in the evening during an interaction with a spouse. Question – Once you have gained insight as the watchful observer, identify any patterns that arise. Question the who, what, when, and why surrounding an emotional trigger. Next, explore where; At what point in my life did this trigger start? Finally, how does this connect to my shadow? Future Allow – Integrating the conscious self with the unconscious self is a process. All aspects of the shadow won’t reveal themselves at once, nor does unlearning conditioning happen overnight. Change and healing are not linear; trust that your shadow will reveal itself at a pace that honors your greatest good and highest purpose. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Honor – You may not love or even like all you discover as your awareness expands. No matter what you face, try to honor your shadow self, even if you aren’t ready to embrace it. Shadow work is a journey of awareness. The more awareness you gain, the more fully embodied you are as a conscious being sovereign over your personhood and path. Only in your fullness and with agency and authority can you live your destiny and follow your fate – your authentic and unique path to ascension and the brilliance of enlightenment. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
What Is the Hype? “Don’t believe the hype,” “believe the hype,” “create the hype,” … “Hype” has become mainstream vernacular, but what does it really mean? Hype can be more than a fast-spreading wide-reaching craze like Elvis Presley during the 50s or Chia pets in the 80s. Hype can happen globally, politically, socially, or individually. Hype is anything that becomes disproportionately admired, exaggeratedly important, and intensively influential. Manufactured Hype We’ve all witnessed the mass media “hype beast” at work, sensationalizing whatever whets the public’s voyeuristic, fear-mongering appetite. Capitalistic hype is also very familiar. It can be presented as “medical discoveries” such as the new popular superfood of each decade - ginseng, echinacea, goji berry, acai, or psilocybin. While these foods and herbs can be healthy, it becomes hype when acai, for example, is everywhere we look, in everything we eat, and touted as a cure for every ailment we have. There are other types of hype that can be harder to recognize. Over the holidays, you may attend a family dinner where everything your cousin says is viewed as insightful, funny, or beyond reproach by the family. The same cousin, or perhaps their parents, often talk at length about how much they know, possess, or have accomplished – This becomes a type of social hype. The hardest hype to recognize is the hype we create for ourselves. We can aggrandize someone or something in a way that is inconsistent with their actual power, influence, intelligence, or significance to our life and well-being. We may do this with social media likes or views, a parent, a love interest, a job, or even a lifestyle. This is an example of how we both create the hype and believe it. Don’t Believe the Hype Whoever first said, don’t believe the hype, had a valid point! Believing the hype can be very costly financially, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Hype can drain our bank accounts as we shell out hard-earned money to partake in the latest wellness craze. It can be tiresome and stressful to continually re-condition our beliefs based on the newest guru on the scene. And how emotionally exhausting to repress our own desires and thoughts to align with what has now become the most socially acceptable value system! What at first seems like going with the flow or staying current can have deleterious effects! Believing the hype can rob us of what we have, who we are, and what we believe. Ultimately, it diminishes our true selves, disconnects us from our higher selves, disrupts the path of destiny, and delays our spiritual evolution. Demystifying the Hype So, why do we buy into the hype? It is often due to ego-based fear and comparison. We are so afraid that we will miss out, be left behind, or be excluded, that we buy into what we are conditioned into believing. While getting swept up in the hype is nothing to be ashamed of (if it didn’t work to some degree, why would it be such a common tactic), it can be avoided. The best defense against buying into it is remaining grounded in your personal truth and conviction. You won't get swept up in the swirling waves of crazes and trends when you are rooted in your unique sense of integrity and values. You may sometimes find yourself swimming among them, but you won’t drown. Reconnection is Key You must first reconnect to yourself and then reconnect to the Divine. The best way to unlock these two doors with one key is by getting out of your left brain and reawakening your right-brained, higher consciousness. By quietening automatic conditioning, which is highly suggestible, programmable, and readily accepting and instead heeding inner knowing, intuition, and Divine Truth, what will become extraordinarily clear is that hype is temporary, and the truth is transformative. Dismantling the Hype Our approach to the hype determines whether it is harmful or healing. Ultimately, it is healthy, even beneficial in some cases, to be intrigued enough by the hype to try, explore, and learn about it. Instead of approaching the hype like a mindless participant, we strengthen our higher consciousness by observing, as mindful watchers, fostering the ability to disseminate and process our experience by connecting with intuition and truth. Similar to what Gandhi said, hype doesn’t become truth the more widely it is spread, just as truth cannot be denied no matter how deeply it is hidden. Yet, the truth is never hidden from those willing to look with their hearts instead of their eyes. In love and truth, Lori Lines By Lori Lines
Despite what we thought after our first childhood or teenage experience with unrequited love, rejection won’t kill you! Yes, the blend of shame, self-loathing, loss, and alienation can make rejection extremely painful, but the only thing that may die as a result is the ego’s comparative compulsions. We’ve all been rejected in our lives, and we have lived to tell the harrowing tale- but does rejection always have to be so painful, profound, or personal? The Truth is a Double-Edged Sword You see, rejection is a double-edged sword. It is manifested interpersonally (between two people) but is often an intrapersonal (within oneself) expression and experience. This double-edged sword is usually wielded by those who are triggered by ego comparison, but they are blindly swinging with no personal vendetta. For example, the “mean girl” who gets laughed at for her reading skills and, in turn, won’t let the student with straight A’s sit with the group at lunch. Or the colleague who is used to being the boss’s “go-to-guy” and starts belittling the new employee who has also garnered the boss’s favor. In these cases, the people whose egos are threatened don’t have interpersonal issues with those they reject; they are indiscriminately lashing out at the discomforting ego comparison. How is rejection a double-edged sword? When we are on the receiving end of its blade, it can cut to the core of an ego wound, and when we are brave enough to examine this wound, we can genuinely heal, gaining self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-worth. For example, the student who, at their parent’s urging, applies and is rejected by all the schools they reached out to discovers their true passion is culinary arts. Or the man seeking love who is in a depressing cycle of romantic rejection and finally realizes he is not ready for love until he heals his codependent tendencies. Power is the Ability to Achieve Purpose The truth is that rejection isn’t all bad; it can also be rather beautiful, purposeful, and powerful when you think about it. Sometimes rejection is a Divine gift of protection or postponement for something better. For example, the woman who desperately wants the man she is casually dating to commit. But Spirit has other plans, and instead, he rejects her. She is heartbroken over the abandonment. What she doesn’t realize is that he is a narcissist who would have emotionally abused her, but Spirit wouldn’t allow it; this woman’s destiny is to meet her soulmate six months later… Rejection may also be a Divine intervention to steer us towards our greatest good and highest purpose- the ultimate path of ascension. Imagine a new graduate getting rejected for all the teaching jobs in his area. So, he journeys abroad and takes a teaching job in China. He learns about Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reiki, and QI Jong in his spare time and discovers his purpose as a holistic energy healer. Sometimes the slammed door of rejection is a necessary redirection! Just as we must learn to accept our own rejection, we must be willing to reject others when circumstances call for it. Many people struggle with dispensing rejection because of their experience and emotions towards receiving it. When we view being rejected as personal, it can trigger thoughts and feelings of unworthiness, shame, abandonment, loneliness, inferiority, and ridicule. This makes it difficult for someone, with any modicum of compassion, to dole this pain out to anyone else- understandably! However, when we understand that rejection is intrapersonal and rarely interpersonal, malicious, or targeted, we can use rejection as a healing tool, enabling us to protect ourselves and our boundaries. What’s more, when we are comfortable rejecting who and what is not meant for us, doesn’t, or no longer serve our purpose, we are better able to accept and move on after being rebuffed, allowing us to process, learn, and progress quicker and with greater ease. Rejection is Divine Redirection In all these ways, rejection can be a powerful and painless tool for Divine Guidance Divine Protection Ending Ego Comparisons Finding Purpose Self-Discovery Self-Worth Setting Boundaries Shadow Work Trauma Recovery Depending on your point of view, rejection can become a key to unlocking a better you, a better path, and a better future. What changes it from a weapon into a key? Quite simply, how you perceive it. How you feel about rejection plays an influential role regarding how much you can benefit from it, whether on the giving or receiving end. A willingness to see rejection for what it truly is, be it a lesson, opportunity, Divine protection, or emotional intervention, can create opportunities for growth, empowerment, evolution, and abundance. Often, when rejection closes a door, it is because it no longer leads anywhere; honor rejection as a doorway to the path of enlightenment and ascension! In love and truth, Lori Lines |
Author Lori LinesDisclaimer: Lori is a high-level channel. The information contained on this site is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment by a licensed physician. You should seek prompt medical care for any health issues and consult your doctor before using alternative medicine or making a change to your regimen. Categories
All
|