Moving Beyond the Words: Experiencing God in Every Moment

For so many years, I read spiritual book after spiritual book.  I was searching for the answers from the greatest Masters known to man as well as the sages of today.  I thought that acquiring more knowledge would ultimately lead to a closer walk with God.  If I could quote more of the scriptures and ancient texts, and understand the life stories of the great mystics, saints, and sages that I would achieve the same level of spiritual understanding that they had.

After doing so much reading, and participating in many spiritual and personal growth seminars, I was overly confident about “knowing” the Power of God.  I stopped reading as much because I thought I already “got” it.  I also began to give up on my commitment to any type of daily practice.  Complacency made its home in me, and lived there for many years.  I thought I was fine.  Until early last year; when I found myself emotionally bankrupt.

When I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was confused and ashamed.  I couldn’t understand how I ended up in such a low place.  Among my friends, I was known as the optimist.  I was the one that was always looking on the bright side of things, and encouraging them to see the best in their life situations.  So, how did I end up in such a state of sorrow?  What was I missing?

While I do still believe studying the “Word” (whatever form resonates with you) has its place, I learned firsthand that is not enough.  There is a wonderful Zen saying that goes, “To know and not to do, is to not yet know.”  That’s what was missing for me.  While I understood many of the spiritual principles intellectually, and could recite some of the words, I wasn’t living in integrity with them in all areas of my life.

“To know and not to do, is to not yet know.” ~Zen Wisdom

After that emotional low, I made the commitment to be a “doer” and not just a hearer of the Word.  I was not interested in philosophizing anymore.  I was only interested in living completely in integrity.  This meant I had to give up some things.  Some examples of what I gave up include: judgment, resentment, dishonesty, selfishness, impatience, closed-mindedness, the need to be right, retaliation, materialism, and attention-seeking.  At the same time, I had to embrace and embody the qualities of the Spirit including, but not limited to:  compassion, kindness, forgiveness, unconditional love, patience, tolerance, joy, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness, and honesty.

This may sound simple to those reading it, but the key is how you respond when things aren’t going so well.  When someone attacks or disrespects you; responding with unconditional love and non-judgment.  When you don’t get something you’ve desired for quite some time; responding with complete trust in the Divine plan for your life.  When you are annoyed by a particular person; responding with total compassion.  When you see negativity in the news; responding with a prayer and non-judgment.  When someone does something you think is absurd; exercising self-control and not gossiping about them.  You get the picture.  It can be a challenge in those moments, but that’s where the rubber meets the road – how you respond when the stuff “hits the fan.”  I know it’s possible to respond in Love in every moment!  I know it’s possible because I made this very shift in my own life.

When I got to a place of living in integrity, which took me nine months (Ego wasn’t going down easily in me :-)), I experienced a powerful awakening.  I woke up to the Kingdom of God which was always present, but I couldn’t see while living out of alignment.  I know what Jesus meant when he said “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  I know what Buddha meant when he said “I am awake.”  I know what all the saints, sages, and mystics tried to put into words with their beautiful poetry.  I now see the Light of God in everyone and everything, without exception.  I can experience peace in an instant, no matter the situation or challenge that arises.  And I want nothing more than to help others do the same.

Have you been feeling stressed?  Have you been living with doubt or fear?  Do you, despite going to church and/or reading the Word, still feel lack of peace in your life?  Do you get annoyed or frustrated with certain people?  Are there situations from your past that have been hard to release from your mind?  Are you influenced by the negative circumstances around you?  Are you interested in experiencing the Peace of God in every moment, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in?  Could you use some encouragement along the way?

I know how challenging it can be to be living in the midst of the apparent negativity of the world, while also trying to experience the Peace and Love of God.  My greatest passion has become helping others on their journey to inner peace.  I am close to completing my Spiritual Life Coach certification (So exciting!).  As I am getting my practice established, I would love to provide free and deeply discounted services to my first clients.

If you’re interested in learning more about Living in the Light coaching services, email me at coach@kandacejones.com to set up a free 30-minute consultation (please indicate in the email which day(s)/time(s) work best for you).  I will send you a brief survey to fill out so I can learn more about your current situation which I will use to guide the 30-minute session.  As an added bonus, I will offer 3 free 30-minute coaching sessions to the first 12 people to email me!  All coaching sessions are conducted via phone, so feel free to reach out no matter where you are in the world.  My coaching services are also non-denominational – no matter your faith, I can assist you on the path to experiencing union with God!  I look forward to supporting you on your journey to inner peace!

Keep shining!

~Kandace

———————-——
Kandace Jones
———————-——
BLOG: http://kandacejones.wordpress.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/livinginthelight
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/queenkandace

About the Author: Kandace Jones

I used to live life shackled by fear, doubt, and worry. I put on a happy face while navigating my day-to-day duties, but I was emotionally drained, stressed, and unhappy. When I hit rock bottom, and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety, I was determined to live life differently. I knew there had to be another way. Out of that determination, and guidance from Spirit, the "Living in the Light" blog was born. It documents my spiritual journey out of the darkness and into the Light. After nine months of publicly sharing my journey, and consciously releasing my attachment to the ego, I experienced a powerful spiritual awakening. I went from living in fear, doubt, worry, and stress to complete inner peace. My greatest passion has become assisting others on their own journey to inner peace. My spiritual memoir, From Stress to Peace: An Intimate Journal on the Journey from Living in Darkness to Living in the Light, is available now on Amazon and BN.com. Click the tabs at the top of the page to learn more about the From Stress to Peace 21-Day Challenge, Living in the Light Retreats, 1:1 sessions, and the Living in the Light Community - all of which are designed to support your journey to inner peace. I appreciate you taking the time to visit the blog and look forward to supporting you in any way I can!