Arleen Hannich, MA |
Spiritual Facilitator |
Return to ResourcesArticles
|
 |
Connecting with the DivineAHannich@bellsouth.net / (919) 460-3028 / www.ArleenHannich.com |
How to Have a Personal Relationship with the Divine -- Part 2
Welcome back! Last month I gave you some suggestions on how to strengthen your conscious relationship with the Divine. I hope you found the suggestions to be practical and helpful. If you missed last month’s article, I encourage you to check it out; it has introductory information you may find helpful.
This month, I’d like to provide you with a few more suggestions. Feel free to focus on those items which appeal to you the most to help you gain some momentum. Perhaps, none of these items will appeal to you, but they may help you think of something you do find meaningful. In that case, run with what you know is right for you!
How to bring new life to your relationship with the Divine (continued)
Be grateful.
Be grateful, especially for everything you love in your life. Express your gratitude to others--don’t keep it a secret!
Trust the connection you already have.
How/where do you feel most comfortable receiving information from the Divine? Trust in your answer to this question, and take full advantage of your strengths in this area, while staying open to other avenues as well. Trusting in the information that you receive is very important. Your mind will tell you that you are making things up, imagining things, etc. Go with your deep, inner Knowing--your own inner Divinity. The more you practice this trust, the easier it becomes.
Take God with you.
You are not limited to talking with God. You can sing with God, create art with God, work and play with God, etc. In which of your daily activities could you consciously include God?
Connect through nature.
Sometimes it’s easier to feel God’s presence when you are enjoying the beauty and magnificence of nature. If you’re feeling disconnected, go outside and enjoy the gifts of nature. If you can’t spend much time outside, how about focusing on your pet, a flower, or one of your houseplants. Take a few minutes, and allow yourself to get totally absorbed in the beauty and perfection you see. If you wish, ask the Divine to make his&her presence known to you during this time.
Take the plunge.
Remember that the Divine has a much bigger picture of you and your life than you do, so do not limit yourself to receiving only the gifts and information you request. Keep an open mind! Do not be surprised when you receive an insight to do something that you find totally unexplainable. You can strengthen your relationship with the Divine by following these insights and being willing to see where they lead you. Your mind will want to try and figure everything out, but that is not necessary, and that mental chatter can keep you from receiving all the support and guidance that is available to you.
By the way, there’s no need to panic. It has been my experience that you will not be asked to jump over huge chasms--you may just be asked to S-T-R-E-T-C-H a little in some cases! Know that you will be guided step by step in the way that is perfect for you.
Love yourself. Be kind to yourself.
For many folks, this item is the hardest one on this list. If that’s true for you, tell the Divine about your difficulty loving yourself, and ask for help. Remember, you are an aspect of the Divine, a Divine creation. If you reject yourself, you are rejecting the Divine.
Keep at it.
By having an “everyday” relationship with the Divine, you are constantly reaffirming that you want this two-way connection to be strong and vital.
Get help.
If you feel like you need help, ask for it! Then pay close attention and see where you are being led. What activities/topics keep coming up for you? What are you attracted to? Do you find yourself wanting: A Blessing? Some healing work? An energetic clearing? A book on prayer? A Spiritual teacher? A meditation class? An intuitive reading? Some psychotherapy? A workshop on creativity? Would you now like to attend a church you never even considered before? Pay attention to what comes your way; notice what catches your eye and your heart.
Expand your horizons.
If/when it appeals to you, there are highly evolved, powerful human beings who can help you grow spiritually--by helping you see and understand yourself from a larger perspective and by providing you with Blessings and energy that clear you and expand your consciousness. For example, Sri Amma and Sri Bhagavan, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama, have been incredibly helpful to me on my path.
Know you can’t get this wrong.
There is no “wrong” way to have a relationship with the Divine, and so you need never worry that you are doing it incorrectly. You can shape your own relationship in the way that feels right for you--through an established religion or through a path of your own choosing and creation.
In closing…
Once you set the intention to have a personal relationship with the Divine and ask for assistance, the Divine will support you in the way that is perfect for you. Your relationship may build slowly and imperceptibly, but then one day you will be amazed at how your relationship has deepened and how much more accessible the Divine feels to you. I wish you great joy in nurturing this most wonderful and enjoyable relationship.
