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Connecting with the Divine — April 2009
by Arleen Hannich
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How to Have a Personal Relationship with the Divine -- Part I
While a relationship with the Divine may feel very abstract to some
people, it can actually be a very tangible, vibrant relationship--no
matter how you define the Divine in your life. You have great power
in shaping this relationship, perhaps more power than you can imagine!
Yes, your relationship with God may feel one-sided in the very
beginning, but soon you will begin to notice subtle changes
that help you become aware of God’s presence with/within you. Perhaps
you will feel a physical sensation when calling on God, or you’ll ask
a question and receive the answer “automatically” through an “unexpected”
source. You may notice synchronicities and “little” miracles in your
life, or feel the Divine’s very practical assistance with timing or
planning. You may “know” things you have “no way” of knowing, or see
beauty where you saw no beauty before. Perhaps you’ll wake up one morning
with a love song from God playing in your head, or God will leave a
note for you in the form of a billboard or a license plate. The possibilities
are endless. Don’t hold out for a major miracle--every time you experience
the Divine, celebrate!
Below are some of my suggestions on how you can enliven your relationship
with the Divine. If the list resonates with you but feels overwhelming,
why not choose just one item and focus on it until it becomes second
nature? More importantly, R E L A X and enjoy this process of unfolding.
Don’t let the list format of this article mislead you. This unfolding/blossoming
is not a linear process, no matter how much your mind may want it to
be. While you have great power to shape and contribute to this process,
you are not in control of the process--the Divine is! You wouldn’t take
a rosebud and start tearing the petals open to see the rose in full-bloom,
so PLEASE don’t place that kind of pressure on yourself or this relationship.
How to bring new life to your relationship with the Divine
Start from where you are.
No matter where you are right now in your relationship with the Divine,
you’re in a great place to start building (or continue building on)
your relationship. God loves you, and God wants to support and be with
you. Move forward knowing that.
Set an intention.
If having a close relationship with the Divine is important to you,
set that intention. If you like, include in your intention the type
of relationship you would like to have. (Do you want the Divine to be
your friend? Mentor? Guardian?) Then do what is helpful with all important
intentions in your life: keep positive attention/action on the intention,
and imagine how your life will look and how you will feel when you have
the relationship that you desire.
Model the relationship after one that already works.
Anything you can do to help reduce the feeling (the illusion!) of distance
between you and the Divine will be to your benefit. An easy way to begin
having a relationship with God is to model the relationship after other
vital, enjoyable relationships in your life. How did you develop your
favorite relationships? What do you do today to maintain them? When
you look at how you developed and currently nurture your favorite relationships,
you will see many of the same aspects can apply in your relationship
with the Divine.
For example, in my favorite friendships, we: talk frequently and about
everything--from the silliest little thing to the most serious issues,
really listen to each other, share our fears as well as our excitement,
have fun and laugh together, rely on each other in times of need, share
different perspectives and things we’re learning, share resources, make
time for each other, and love/support each other as unconditionally
as we possibly can.
In looking at my list, I could create a “cheat sheet” and keep it handy
to remind me how I could be relating with the Divine as well.
Be yourself. Be authentic.
The more honest and open you are with yourself and in a relationship,
the more meaningful and fulfilling the relationship is. Your relationship
with God is no exception. The more vulnerable you are, the more support
you can receive. In your relationship with the Divine, be honest about
ALL your feelings--not just the pretty ones. If you’re angry with God,
feel your anger fully, and let God know. If you don’t feel connected
with God, and you find that unacceptable, feel into that sense of separation
and the pain it brings you. Talk to God about it. If you can’t access
all your emotions, ask the Divine to help you feel them. Feeling and
stating your truth to the Divine will always bring you closer to the
Divine--it will never separate you.
Listen.
Sometimes we get so busy barking requests at God, we forget to listen
for the response! It is as important to listen as it is to express yourself.
Allow yourself the time and the space to receive, even if it is just
when you take a shower or while you drive to work. Know upfront that
responses may not come immediately or in the form that you expect. Be
on the lookout for HOW the response does come to you.
The Divine is unlimited in its ways of supporting you and is unlimited
in its ways of communicating with you. Again, don’t be so busy looking
for a “burning bush” that you block yourself from receiving the information,
guidance, love, and support that is coming to you from every direction.
Breathe with the Divine.
Being conscious of your breath and your connection with the Divine--even
if it is just for a few moments each day--will make a huge difference
in your day. Simply breathe in the Love of the Divine. Feel the Divine’s
Love for you in each breath.
In closing this month…
I wish you many Blessings this month as you bring new life to your relationship
with the Divine. Join me again next month for Part II of this article.
I’ll provide additional suggestions to help you strengthen your relationship
with the Divine and make this sacred relationship even more conscious
and enjoyable.
by Arleen
Hannich | Email me if you
questions or comments | Back
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