What does Glenda, the good witch of the North (Wizard of Oz), Father Christmas (The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe) Yodo (Star Wars) and Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) all have in common? Renowned mythologist, Joseph Campbell, in describing his template for the hero’s journey, highlighted the significant aspect: The Assistance of Spiritual Aids! No matter who we are, where we are going or what we are doing, we are never alone. We are always in the presence of a team of divine guardians to help us—whenever called upon to do so. Psychologist Carl Jung also found this to be true, so much so that he had the following words carved in stone over his front door, “Called or not, the gods are here.” Author Sam Levenson said it like this, “Walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.” Stressful times can certainly make us feel abandoned or disconnected. While we are always connected to our divine source (whatever you conceive this to be), it is unresolved issues of anger and fear that cloud our metaphorical vision to make us feel isolated and cut off. It is the ego, in moments of weakness, that perpetuates the belief of separation, abandonment, even punishment. As the expression goes, There is no I in the word teamwork.
Stress Tip for the Day:
Never deny yourself the opportunity to ask for help from the unseen world in whatever way your faith supports. One way to ensure that the assistance of spiritual aids is received is to “domesticate” the ego, and one of the best ways to do this is by adopting a regular meditation practice. Learn to tame the ego, who’s negative voice often drowns out the voice of reason, when stressed. Take time to cultivate a relationship with the divine, whatever you choose to call this, whatever you perceive this to be. And….Let the force be with you!
Links/Books/Movies Worth Noting:
One of the most remarkable books I have ever read is the book, SOUTH, by Ernest Shackleton, the captain of the ill-fated ship, The Endurance. Forced to abandon this ship due to ice floes near Antarctica , Shackleton and his crew were able to survive 2 years of frozen hell. How, do you ask? Read his account in his autobiography, SOUTH, but here is a tip: He will be the first person to tell you he didn’t do it alone. He had divine assistance.
Quote for the Day:
“Some of my best friends don’t have bodies.” —Ram Dass
Photo for the Day:
Capturing a photo of guardian angels and spirit guides has appeared elusive to me so far (are they camera shy?) Some people suggest that orbs that show up in digital cameras are traces of the angelic realm. Who knows? Instead, I would like to share a photo of the Milky Way I took last fall in Tahiti. It’s a BIG Universe….
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
