Written by Ora Nadrich and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

Evelyn Underhill, a poet and writer of Christian mysticism, describes mysticism as the “Art of union with reality,” and that reality can be filled with spiritual truths, which can create feelings of bliss and euphoria. Each of us can experience a mystical state of consciousness by being fully present and aware.

What is delusional is believing that the only way we can experience bliss and euphoria is through drugs, alcohol, or even the overuse of our smart phones, which stimulates chemicals in the brain like dopamine. There’s no wonder we can’t stay off our devices when we are so used to the instant reward we get from successful social interactions. But the flip side of that is increased levels of anxiety and depression, caused by the very thing we seek pleasure from, when we can’t disconnect from our devices in a healthy way.

©2021 by Ora Nadrich. All Rights Reserved.

Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

In order for things, or people, to change they need to be flexible. A willow tree bends in the wind while the branches of a more rigid tree like an oak can be broken by a strong wind. The river flows around obstacles that stand in its way. If you are the river, you seek the easiest way. If you are the object in the way of the river, you either stand your ground and get worn down by the water, also known as erosion, or you let go of and let the water move you along to your next destination.

Many people are not willing or feel capable of letting go and going with life's flow. For some, that means denying what they see right in front of them. It may mean sticking to a job they hate, an unloving relationship, or living in a location they do not enjoy.

If we want things to get better, we have to be willing for them to change... which means we have to be willing to change ourselves. In other words, we must step beyond the rigidity of our preconceived notions, our old beliefs, and any barriers we have erected between "us" and "them" -- whether the "them" is other people, or parts of ourselves that we don't like or haven't yet accepted.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being willing to change (today and every day)

Written by by Paola Knecht and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.

You might be familiar with this situation: On a regular workday, you wake up, and before you even get out of bed, you reach to grab your smartphone from the bedside table. A subtle feeling of discomfort crosses your mind as you think, “I should wait until after breakfast to check my emails.” But then you take a quick look at your notifications and see something interesting. Twenty minutes later, you’re still in bed scrolling through new Facebook pictures from your friends, replying to likes and comments, and getting the latest news and videos from TikTok.

Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.

Should usually refers to rules or preferences set out by others, whether by parents, authority figures, or society. Some "shoulds" are beneficial, as in you should not yell "Fire" in a crowded theater. However, shoulds tend to relate to controlling personal behavior to fit an established norm. Our heart needs to be free to choose its own path -- not to follow the path prescribed for us by others.

Today's Daily Inspiration was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of letting go of "should" (today and every day)

A stance that keeps us stuck in the past is playing the victim. The traits that we embrace when we choose to play victim are not only rigid, they are disempowering.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of acknowledging your power (today and every day)

Two things that act like cement in our lives are guilt and shame. They keep us stuck in the past, and unable to step forth into a wonderful future. Guilt and shame are both constructs of the ego, of the mind. They have nothing to do with the heart. The heart loves! End of story!

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of choosing joy and love (today and every day)

One form of rigidity is when we conform to the "norm" and do not express our true nature. In many ways, society expects us to conform and fit a rigid mold: get a good job or career, get married and have children, buy a house and a car, and live your life without making waves. Waves are fluid, flexible, and free. Fitting someone else's mold for our lives is rigid, and the most pronounced form of rigidity is death.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being fluid, flexible, and free (today and every day)

Habits can be another form of rigidity and resistance to change. Some habits are helpful, as in brushing your teeth after a meal, or taking a walk at a certain time, or automatically securing your seat belt in the car. But some habits, as we all know, are not healthy or helpful. Habits like smoking, eating junk food, and not exercising -- yes, not doing something can also be a habit -- rhese are not a helpful.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being aware of your choices (today and every day)

Many people are not willing or feel capable of going with life's flow. For some, that means denying what they see right in front of them. It may mean sticking to a job they hate, an unloving relationship, or living in a location they do not enjoy.

Today's Focus was excerpted from the InnerSelf.com article:

From Rigidity to Change

Read the original article here.

This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of being flexible (today and every day)