Tending the Flame Within
Your flame is your truth. Keep it burning
The realities of our life today are often a result of the choices we made yesterday, three months ago or a year ago. Our relationships don't fall apart overnight because of one decision. Nor do we gain thirty unwanted pounds as a result of a few decadent meals. If we want to understand why and how we created our present-day reality, all we need to do is look at the choices we made in the past.
Each of us has an inner flame (spirit) that is the keeper of our life force. Each choice we make either adds to this life force, making it stronger, igniting and feeding our flame, or diminishes the force, dampening our inner flame, reducing its power.
When our inner flame roars, we feel strong, powerful and confident. We have the courage/strength to speak truthfully and ask for what we need. A strong flame propels us into higher states of consciousness, where self-love and emotional freedom reside.
When our flames are low, we are vulnerable, weak, feel scared and apprehensive. When our flames have not been cared for and fed, we hunger for things outside of ourselves to make us feel better. The size and health of our flame also affects those around us. Your only job in life is tending to that inner flame, keeping it vital and roaring. It alone can give you the security and peace of mind you desire.
Choices That Dim Your Light
- Being around people that criticize you and can't see your magnificence.
- Trying to get others' approval.
- Lying to yourself.
- Gossiping.
- Being late.
- Judging yourself or others.
- Not enjoying what you already have.
- Looking to others to make you happy.
- Living in fear.
- Ignoring your inner voice.
Choices That Make Your Fire Roar
- Taking time for yourself.
- Investing time with those you love.
- Appreciating what you already have.
- Rest.
- Play.
- Spending money wisely.
- Planning for the future.
- Hanging out with people who inspire you.
- Being compassionate.
- Doing what you love.
- Going after your dreams.
- Creating a powerful support system.
Before you make any decisions in your life (big or small), here are ten questions spiritual teacher Debbie Ford shares in her book The Right Questions that will assist you in making the right one:
- Will this choice propel me towards an inspiring future or will it keep me stuck in the past?
- Will this choice bring me long-term fulfillment or will it bring me short-term gratification?
- Am I standing in my power or am I trying to please another?
- In this situation, am I looking for what's right or am I looking for what's wrong?
- Will this choice add to my life force or will it rob me of my energy?
- Will I use this situation as a catalyst to grow and evolve or will I use it to beat myself up?
- Does this choice empower me or disempower me?
- Is this an act of self-love or is it an act of self-sabotage?
- Is this an act of faith or is it an act of fear?
- Am I choosing from my divinity or from my humanity?
Creative therapist Bradford Keeney, Ph.D., reminds us that "There is a wick within you that is waiting to become the light of your soul. When this inner flame burns brightly you will feel a magnificent awakening in your life."
Rev. Richard Brendan has been an ordained minister in the Indianapolis area for decades. During that time he has served as a pastor, hospice chaplain, founder and president of JourneysFire International, co-founder and emcee of the Walk the Talk speaker series, executive producer of a CD with Cathy Morris titled Sacred Romance (featuring the music of Cathy Morris and Richard giving voice to the mystic poetry of Rumi and Hafiz), and host and producer of a weekly talk radio show for over twenty years on 88.7fm, WICR at the University of Indianapolis. The show, JourneysFire with Richard Brendan, featured a full hour of conversation with leading visionaries and social change artists. Learn more at RichardBrendan.net.
