The Spirit Within
Many of us believe in a Higher Power, Universal Spirit, or some form of power larger than ourselves. In fact, ABC News reported this month (June 2008) that a recent survey showed 92% of Americans believe in a spiritual power. Unfortunately, many of us also believe that this universal spirit is illusive, or ‘out there somewhere.’
There are many references, however, by spiritual masters, around the world and across the centuries, to the God within, to the inner Divine. For example, in Siddha Yoga, the mantra OM NAMAH SHIVAYA is Sanskrit for “I honor the God who dwells within my Self.” We can actually tap into this inner source of wisdom or Spirit very easily. (Incidentally, what name we give to this power tends to be influenced by religious upbringing and cultural roots.)
Lucia Capacchione, Ph.D., my mentor and teacher writes extensively about her experience of dialoging with her Divine Inner Wisdom. She was greatly inspired by Carl Jung’s work. As she explored metaphysics, Eastern philosophies and various spiritual practices, she kept getting the same messages, ‘the answer lies within.’ She went on to develop a large body of work, teaching a journaling methodology for accessing the right hemisphere of the brain where we are better able to communicate with the spirit energy within.
This journaling method, known as The Creative Journal Expressive Arts, involves both the dominant and non-dominant hands. The theory behind how and why this works will be left for another article or see The Power of Your Other Hand, Capacchione. You may also visit her website, www.luciacapa.com, for more of her story and the many other applications of creative journaling.
I, myself, have been teaching this method of journaling for many years. Very simply, this is how it works, relative to Spirit:
With your dominant hand, ask Spirit or Higher Power (or whatever name you prefer) for guidance or clarity about anything you wish.
Then, with the pen in your non-dominant or non-writing hand, take a few slow
breaths and be still.
With your non-dominant hand, let the answer come through. Don’t think about it
(thinking is a left hemisphere task) – just allow the words to come.
Do this back and forth as long as you like. Spirit will always be loving, supportive, and non-judgmental. Sometimes your answers will sound biblical. Usually, Spirit is very direct and cuts to the core.
When I first began this journal method I didn’t always trust the answers I got. I thought I was just making it up. I’ve learned through experience that I can trust what my Higher Self has to say. This is a spiritual practice that comforts me and that I can do anytime. You, too, can have your own inner guidance in the same way, like a trusted friend, but one who is always with you and very wise.
If you would like to learn more about this Creative Journal Expressive Arts method, please contact me at 949-459-1080.
©2008/2009 Beverly Staley, MS, Certified Life Coach
|