Pay Attention - 11/17/09

I think spirit is constantly talking to us, whether we're aware of It or not.  It guides us through sights, sounds, words, thoughts, and the experiences that surround us.  But on most occasions, we're too preoccupied with our own inner machinations to realize the beauty and the significance of the moment.  There are hints scattered throughout our existence, coincidences and meaning embedded in our lives that often go unnoticed for one reason or another.  But if we were only to awaken to the truth that spirit and, indeed, God is attempting to make us aware of It's presence, than our lives would truly be blessed with this awareness. 

A newfound set of purpose and appreciation would reveal itself to us, and we would live fully in the moment....utterly observant and unbiased, as we would be too busy taking everything in and searching for meaning, rather than putting up walls and casting judgment on the people, places, and things that we see. 

In the realm of the spirit, we are constantly being given gifts......and these gifts range from subtle to obvious, but they are almost always profound and will significantly change your perspective should you comprehend their relevance.  But first, we have to reciprocate these gifts....we have to pay for the gifts of the spirit ~with our attention~.  That is the only exchange which will truly serve us and enhance every moment of our lives.  If we were to forgo our thoughts, our constant analyzing and judging, our incessant fears and petty desires, we could finally be objective and see the world as it is.  Magical, meaningful, and filled with messages that seek only to guide us to self-actualization and happiness. 

One of my favorite pictures is one that hangs in my house.  It's a small painting of a secluded, dark forest...with a simple message written above it.  It says, "When you happen upon a magic place....listen."  And while this statement resonates with me completely, I also think it's missing the point.  The world itself is a magic place.  Beauty and truth are right here, right now,  We simply must have the eyes, and the heart, to see it.

I've played the song "Welcome to England" by Tori Amos below because for months I heard this song on the radio station at work, never realizing it was my favorite artist of all time until I finally PAID ATTENTION!!