"There are two aspects of individual harmony: the harmony between body and soul, and the harmony between individuals. All the tragedy in the world, in the individual and in the multitude, comes from lack of harmony. And harmony is best given by producing harmony in one's own life."
~ Hazrat Inayat Khan
As a Sufi teacher from India, Hazrat Inayat Khan, has created several beautiful writings exploring human evolution one of which is "The Art of Being and Becoming."
In this work we receive instruction concerning getting to the center of life. Master Khan believed we could produce harmony in our lives through "the tuning of the heart." As we commit to this work of "tuning" we can change its vibration, he has said, which allows us to experience the joy and ecstasy of life and as a result we can offer the same to others.
"The natural tendency of every soul is towards harmony, and the tendency towards inharmony is an unnatural state of mind or affairs. The psychology of man is such that he responds both to harmony and inharmony." ~ Hazrat Inayat Khan
Much is discussed in this offering concerning the great unrest and discord in the world and from where it emanates. As humans we have the natural tendency to give back what we receive, be it criticism or praise. And Khan says it is from our ignorance of this one fact: that inharmony creates inharmony and that by giving way to inharmony, we allow inharmony to multiply.
As inharmony exists within our responses to inharmony if we learn ways to change ourselves for the better from within, we can help transform our world into a more peaceful, welcoming, and loving place.
A study of this reading might encourage you to examine the following:
Do you function in harmony in your daily living?
What habits have prohibited your ability to increase harmony in your life?
What mechanisms can you begin to apply to help increase your ability to live in a more harmonious way with yourself and others?
"God has never created a soul without giving them a gift." ~ Steve Harvey
As an active part of Creation, all we do produces a ripple effect in the Universe.
We don't often give much conscious thought to the fact that each of us is operating within spiritual gifts poured into our being by our Creator. Consider how the work you engage in serves humanity in big and small ways. Though not in the traditional sense as what we experience at church, mosque, temple, or synagogue, each of us has a ministry.
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone, it is the same God at work." ~ I Corinthians 12:4-6
Most spiritual gifts will fit along the categories of serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, compassion, wisdom, knowledge, discernment, faith, healing, and helps to name but a few. And it is within these realms of service we find our divine purpose in the Earth plane.
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." ~ I Peter 4:10
As you enter your sacred space this week, consider asking for revelation in the area of spiritual gifts. Allow the Creator to reveal how your hands become His in the service of your fellow travelers. The needs of humanity are great indeed and God operates in abundance through each of us.
There are enough hands in the Earth to break every chain and meet every need once we know how we fit into His Plan. Submit to His Purpose by becoming a good steward of the gifts He has endowed and watch Him work through you in mighty ways.
Have your spiritual gifts been identified?
In what ways have you been applying your spiritual gifts through your work?
How has sharing your spiritual gifts with others broadened your human experience?
"Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it." ~ Buddha
The third chakra, the solar plexus, is our seat of empowerment. The energy of this center allows us to meet challenges and move toward goals with confidence. "Fired up and ready to go" would be the mantra associated. Blockage here stunts a desire for growth as it determines our level of self worth. A well functioning manipura aids the belief that we have something meaningful to contribute to the world in an excellent and effective way.
Fortunate are those who find their vocational niche early in life. My work with students gives me great joy as I have a passion for encouraging them to develop their best selves so they can make informed choices that set the tone for the rest of their lives. Though I cannot choose for them, I can walk alongside them as a guide through the process of discovery, courage, planning, and perseverance. My excitement for them is palpable as they are just beginning and are awakening to the possibilities.
"The only work that will ultimately bring any good to any of us is the work of contributing to the healing of the world." ~ Marianne Williamson
We are all servants and vessels of healing. What we offer, we receive in like kind within ourselves whether positive or negative. Consider the work you have chosen or that which has chosen you. If you examine your motivations closely you can identify an internal need that drives you toward it. You are either giving from an abundance of joy or pain.
It gives me joy to serve as teacher and encourager in my work. I have been abundantly blessed and it provides an opportunity for me to give back in a way that suits my talents. Even at the end of the most challenging of days, I am fulfilled.
We are ever seeking balance within and our vocation plays an active role in this process. As you walk through your day, meditate on the work to which you have committed your gifts and time. Discover the place from which you are giving, to what purpose, and whether you are left with the feeling of being half empty or half full.
Like energy begets like energy. Be healed as you are healing.
"All work done with love is healing work." ~ Eric Micha'el Leventha
Are you making a daily offering from a place of joy or pain in your work?
What parts of your internal self are you seeking to heal through your work?
Did you choose your work or did the work choose you?
