spiritual

Soul-Filled Moments

/ Shirley Sorbello / 8 Comments

We came here to connect with, not disconnect from, our true selves. For some of us, this takes a lifetime; others seem to be born with a knowing that we are more than our physical body. Sadly, there are those who barely connect and continue to live a life of quiet desperation, with an empty feeling they try unsuccessfully to fill. Others never connect at all until they die and reunite with their true higher self.

Some of us feel our soul in the whispers of the wind; others in the crashing of the sea upon the jagged rocks. It might be heard in the spring song of a robin or seen in your baby’s first smile. It is that feeling of joy and infinite peace that you experience when you hook up with all that you are – the part of you that never dies but lives through all eternity. How do you connect? What is it you do when you lose yourself completely and time no longer exists?

When you take the time on a regular basis to experience soul-filled moments such as losing yourself in a hobby you adore or quiet moments of meditation, you will find it easier to keep your life in perspective. You will tend to detach, not escape in addictive behaviors, from the pain or complexity of your existence. You will be able to see through more neutral eyes as your ego-driven personality relinquishes control, and you become capable of seeing who you really are, in love and light. Not only will your health improve, but you will feel at peace as you see the wholeness and magnificence of this unique, loving being you were created to be. Nothing will seem impossible to you then. All problems are solvable, and they no longer even matter. Isn’t that a good place to be?

Do You Live Your Truth?

/ Shirley Sorbello / 19 Comments

“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
—— Hamlet, Act 1, scene 3

These words of Polonius have stayed with me since I first read them at age fifteen. But it’s hard, isn’t it, to be true to yourself as a teen when the urge is to conform? We come into this life fully being ourselves and then lose who we are under the parental guidance of early childhood and the peer pressure of adolescence. At least most of us do, and I was no different. I always knew, though, that I felt happiest when I allowed my inner light to shine on my own uniqueness.

As the years go by, many of us become more familiar with our true selves. Perhaps we have grown more confident because we’ve found recognition and success in using our natural talents or skills. Or, it might be because we’re fortunate to have solid emotional support from close family or friends with whom we’ve dared to share our deepest thoughts or craziest ideas. Regardless, they still love us. Best of all, maybe it’s because we’ve learned to genuinely love, as well as like, ourselves. It simply feels good when you know you are saying, acting or writing in a way that is an honest reflection of your true self, doesn’t it?

As a therapist and social worker, I‘ve come across many adults from all walks of life who worry too much about what others think of them. Perhaps they are still trying too hard to please a parent or a spouse. Maybe it’s a writer who hesitates to write about controversial issues or an actor or musician who denies some of their creativity and presents himself or herself in a way they believe will be most approving to their audience. It’s more important to play to your soul than to your audience. Ignore the negativity that haunts the internet, the press and the chatter from those who are not capable of understanding you. You will touch those who are meant to find you in very meaningful ways.

If you have trouble connecting with your real self, take a little time to meditate, listen to your favorite music, or simply enjoy nature. That relaxing glow you feel after a glass of wine takes you right there also and is a good time to write down your thoughts or feelings. Journaling daily, with or without the wine, is another pathway. For others, the joy of a religious experience puts them in touch with that deepest part of themselves.

True success lies in living your truth, whatever it is, both professionally and personally. This doesn’t necessarily mean achieving a worldly measure of success, but rather success in the eyes of your soul. It means being open and honest with others to the extent you possibly can. If you can allow your real self to consistently express freely, you will undoubtedly find peace in your life because you have become who you were born to be. You are accomplishing your goal by doing the work you are best suited for and touching others’ lives in very special ways. Your soul will applaud you.

Why Do You Write?

/ Shirley Sorbello / 11 Comments

Madeira Beach, FL

It seems that the “why” of writing has a lot to do with how one presents their work to the world. I took a closer look at this recently because I was feeling frustrated over initial rejections of an article and short story I had written earlier this year. When I thought more about how I truly believe that my words will find their way to those who are meant to read them, it all became very simple. I am not writing to become a New York Times best-selling author. I am writing about things that are important to me and hoping that others will find value in my words. Any monetary reward is welcomed as a bonus.

Lately, I have been reading a lot of comments about the merits of self-publishing. Having more control over the whole process is a big factor. Not waiting months to hear “no,” or nothing, from an editor is a major one. Moving things along at your own pace sounds very attractive to me.

Every author’s situation has its own unique qualities. As an older person who has had full time commitments for most of my life, I am looking for a little “me” time. It doesn’t mean that I am not serious about my writing; it simply means that I am not looking for a full time career, nor do I have a lifetime of writing ahead of me. It’s writing on my own terms. That sounds to me like a self-published writer.

So, for those of you who are writers, what are your goals for your writing?  How does it fit in with your lifestyle?

Thoughts for 2012

/ Shirley Sorbello / 1 Comment

Change is upon us whether we like it or not.  We can be proactive and make it easier on ourselves or we can continue to react with negativity and fear.

We are seeing evidence of the change worldwide. Humanity is coming to terms with itself, looking into the mirror of human consciousness. It forces us to face our fears, our failures; look at who we are individually, as a family, as a citizen of a country, as a member of the world family, dysfunctional though it may be.

We are all in this together.  Many of the same societal trends we see in the United States are also in Europe and elsewhere.  Values have become skewed.  Kids are bullied worldwide because those who bully see so little of value in themselves. Homes and cars are often treasured more than family relationships and integrity. Greed is a monster lurking everywhere in the shadows. Political parties are on power trips.  They value their own party’s interest more than their own country.

The globe continues to be riveted with earthquakes, ecological disasters, volcanoes, economic collapses of institutions and countries, and wars.  2012 is here now. Some say it’s the end of the world, at least as we know it.  At the very least, it does seem to be a time of endings and new beginnings.

Whatever needs to change is smacking us in the face now. Such things as poverty, hate, greed, dishonesty, discrimination, hunger, abuse and war will no doubt continue until we seriously take a look at them, both as a society and as an individual.

Are we losing sight of the forest while climbing our own trees of righteousness and separatism?  Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but thoughts and words are things. There are a lot of harmful ones floating around.  Just look at what the haters are posting on the internet, even about things they know nothing about and people they don’t even know.  Where does this come from?  What is going on in peoples’ own lives that fosters this kind of thinking?

We cannot survive alone, whether as an individual or a country.  We are all one.  What we do to another, we do to our own selves. Seeking the spiritual in our lives can put us in touch with the whole of human consciousness.  The path to spirituality is a personal choice.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s through a church community, listening to beautiful music, enjoying nature, or meditative experiences.  What’s important is that we reach a state where we feel at one with the universe; a place where we can feel love for the whole and most importantly for ourselves.  It is impossible to hate anyone else when we truly love ourselves.  Raising individual consciousness will raise the consciousness of humanity.  Life will become easier with an increase of positive, higher energy thoughts floating around the world.

Appreciation is a golden key when it comes to bringing more good things into our lives.  This includes appreciation of such things as love, friends, family, health, objects, opportunities, those annoying people in our lives, and most importantly, everything about ourselves.  Yes, I said, “those annoying people in our lives.” Why? They are here to teach use something about ourselves.  When we learn what it is, they are likely to go away or fade into the background.  There is something good in everything and everyone; we just need to look more closely to discover it.

It’s time to houseclean our own personal lives.  What’s really important?  What issues keep repeating themselves and need to be finally dealt with? A “wants” versus “needs” assessment is a valuable tool.  Many of the things we think we want will really not make us any happier.  It’s also time for an elimination of excess baggage, whether it’s things or relationships. Keeping around what we’ve outgrown, or no longer interested in, weighs us down.  Our inner world mirrors our outer world. If we can make our personal worlds more satisfying, loving and peaceful, then we will be better prepared to face the challenges that 2012 brings.

Why Does It Matter?

/ Shirley Sorbello / 1 Comment

Many people worldwide believe in reincarnation, the idea that the soul survives physical death and returns to another physical body. For those who believe in the immortality of the soul, the idea of returning as another physical being can be quite intriguing and enlightening. It offers a broader perspective of the present, and comforting thoughts around the issue of death.

It is said by many that we return again and again to experience the learning that is necessary for our soul’s growth. Prior to each incarnation we select lessons to work on so that we can evolve to a higher spiritual level. Our goal is to reach the highest vibrational level, that of the God source.

It is thought that we choose our parents and our significant others for a particular lifetime, whether they be friends, lovers, life partners, siblings, etc. These are the players joining with us in the drama of our new life. It is with these souls, some of whom reincarnate with us again and again, that we have our most intense interactions and learning opportunities for soul growth. They are our greatest loves, our deepest connections, and our most painfully conflicted relationships. They are our teachers, and we are theirs.

A reincarnation perspective can enrich your life. It explains many of your likes and dislikes, your hobbies, the places you love to travel to or dream about. The soul remembers; it still feels the memories of those past lifetimes. They are expressed through the emotions…the feelings you cannot logically explain away and those that consistently intrude on your most private moments.

Embracing reincarnation as part of your belief system can be the means to healing any present life difficulties. Understanding gained through past life regression and knowledge can be a framework for healing both mental health issues and physical conditions.

My Other

/ Shirley Sorbello / 2 Comments

Sometimes it’s hard to get in touch with our true essence…

I’ve searched for you all my life.

I saw your reflection in others whom I loved.

I reached out for you, but they weren’t you.

They were just reflections, passing glimpses of your essence, which left me feeling empty inside and alone.

I was, as an unrequited lover, inconsolable at times, and so lonely without a knowing of you in my life.

I felt you coming closer.

Now, I realize you are here.

You send me gentle waves of comfort and reassurance from somewhere deep inside my heart that radiate throughout my physical being.

I embrace the messages of your comforting warmth, your peaceful reassurance, your eternal love, as none other.

Come closer my eternal spirit, lets play together here and now as we become reacquainted.

As each day goes by, I know we’ll take more and more delight in our existence.

Together we are free, we are love, we are gentle, we are powerful; we are everything, and so will my life be, here and now.

You are perfect, as I now realize I am; no one knows the perfection of our soul better than we do.

No one else understands who we really are, nor do they have to; our knowing is enough.

You were always here, always with me.

I had only to stop looking outside of myself to find the dearest part of me, tucked deeply inside.