In your everyday world, how often do you encounter two people who appear to be connecting heart-to-heart in a fearless and non-judgmental way? Ask any person if they’d like to feel more love and open-heartedness in their world. Chances are, they’d say “yes.” Many people will even tell you that having more love is a major priority in life. It’s natural to want to feel accepted and connected with others. The alternative is feeling rejected and disconnected. When you feel separate and wounded, the world may seem to be a very unfriendly place. You may not feel secure enough to be in your heart. The ordinary world conditions you to play it safe, avoiding genuine heart connections except in rare instances.

Right now, consider how many of your typical human interactions involve intimacy and sharing at a heart level. Of the many people you see and communicate with, which ones mirror back to you a feeling of being whole and complete? As you contemplate their names and faces, remember to include the people you love as well as others you encounter in the happenstance of your life. Imagine them one by one, picturing typical conversations and energetic exchanges. Invite your intuitively guided reason to give you examples of your open-hearted relating, reminding you of what it is that happens between you, and what you say or do that keeps you centered and peaceful. Even if only one person comes to mind, focus on that one person for now. It could be a friend you have learned to trust, a romantic partner who helps you to feel cared for, or some other special person you feel uplifted being around. Picture talking to or being with this person. Be sure to include both sides of the communications, yours and theirs. Imagine different scenarios, including those that trigger negative emotions. Reflect on how much of an effort it is to relate lovingly and openly, and how much of the time you are able to do it. Let go of blame when you think of the other person or yourself. Simply allow for an honest appraisal. Invite the Divine to help you uncover the patterns that cause you to erect a wall around your heart. These are learned and artificial ways of being. The time to begin dismantling them is now.

Living in a heart-focused way is each person’s Divine birthright—just waiting to be discovered, cultivated and realized. This state of being, which many would call bliss, is not for a select few who have trained at mystery schools. It’s not something you have to earn. However, due to human conditioning focused on pain and suffering, a quantum shift in viewpoint is required. To change and shift into a higher, more loving consciousness, you must be willing to fully excavate the undiscovered territory within. You must become fully engaged with all that you experience, allowing people and circumstances to teach you and to help you grow. Resistance must be recognized, faced and dealt with if you are to succeed. This simple though intricate process involves developing a quality of fearlessness, because you will encounter the good along with the bad and the ugly.

Perhaps you feel weary at times, and even discouraged about your progress. You may sometimes doubt that you are up to the task of returning to your heart and fully residing there as you face life’s obstacles. The challenge oftentimes may seem beyond what you can handle. Even though a part of you knows better, it can be tempting to retreat into a victim role. Humans have lifetimes of training in how to blame, compare and complain. You have learned victim tendencies through observation and life experience, and you have also inherited many of these patterns from the DNA of your ancestors. The victim mentality has been part of the human landscape for so long that it isn’t easy to shake, even for the advanced person.

When you find yourself feeling wronged, take a “time out.” Breathe deeply and let go of the need to figure things out or to change your circumstances in this instant. Remember that the painful patterns did not magically appear overnight. Know that even as you begin to unravel and heal these destructive issues, it can take time for you to recognize the subtle changes within yourself. This means the journey may sometimes appear to involve the same scenery you are used to seeing, when in fact elements have shifted and it only looks identical to the untrained eye.

Becoming Aware of Life’s “Resurfaced Road”

As you make changes and transform yourself, the road of life you travel on may seem like the same two-lane highway you have traveled for a very long time. It takes experiences of awareness to help you recognize that this road has been resurfaced and widened. There is now more room and space for the cars to pass one another. Fewer cars honk their horns, and when they do, you are increasingly able to remain centered and unbothered. The signals at intersections are green more often too. You notice this, connecting this outer manifestation with your calmer inner state. When the light does turn red, you are less likely to take it personally or to become concerned about your “important” appointments. You realize that you are learning to be more present, including with the element of time. There is freedom in recognizing that time isn’t your nemesis. If you have a flat tire, the renovated road has a new turn-out lane, and all you need to do is pull over and help naturally comes to your aid. You discover that the help you need comes much more quickly when you are grateful for what you have in the moment. Therefore, you regularly remind yourself of your blessings and make mental checklists of things that you are thankful for. Sometimes you forget the gratitude and just get angry at the flat tire. “After all,” you complain, I shouldn’t have to suffer like this!” Remember that even when you travel the resurfaced road, you are still human. You won’t be able to control the outcome, or to prevent the ups and downs that are part of the rhythm of life. You can, however, learn to travel a Middle Path of balance. You can learn to BE the love you have sought for so long, broadcasting that love to others. Over time, the potent force of love you generate within creates a life filled with love.

As you continue the journey of rediscovering your Divine nature, we surround you with our love and blessings.

We are The Council of 12.