Stepping Forward

        "*So many times it is difficult to move forward, to reach a destination, to even continue a trip. The trip can be a lifetime of desire and striving, a lifetime of goals, successes and failures, a lifetime of movement. It is often that we feel that we are not moving, that we are not accomplishing what we should or we feel so very busy that we do not see, or do not take the time to see where we are going, and even where we have been. Routine is a necessity for life's daily living, but routines can entangle and slow down one's progress. We get locked into routine and we forget to search for or venture out in a different direction. It is comfortable and we stay within the confines of that comfort.

        There are those who constantly push the confines, the boundaries, and continuously look for new experiences. This is good if not carried to excess in such a way that one has no definite movement in a particular direction. How then to find a balance that is not too confined with one that has no confines at all? It would seem appropriate to look first at the journey. Where is it leading? Perhaps it is a day by day journey with no particular goal in sight. This can be rewarding if each day is treasured as a goal within itself, but somewhere along the journey, one needs to stop and see the scenery, look at the journey, measure the progress, and then continue stepping forward. Going too fast with activity after activity and not taking time to commune or communicate with the inner spirit leaves out a necessary ingredient for the journey. That ingredient is guidance. Guidance as to how the spirit within feels, guidance with the mind reviewing the journey before moving forward. We have talked about steps and passages, but during this journey we need to stop, to look, to ask, to listen. Listening often surprises one with answers that come forth. Listening can guide the inner to manifest in the outer, to change the direction of the journey before moving forward. Other times the direction is not changed, but strength is gained for the continued movement toward progress.

        Stepping forward too fast makes it too easy to miss details, to miss corrections that can be made, to gain enlightenment that would not otherwise show itself. As we move forward in a continuous way, in a progressive way, we ask you to hear more. Hearing takes listening and listening takes quiet time - a commodity that is difficult for many to find. Make time to listen, make time to hear, make time to grow with understanding."