By Rev. Spencer Rouse
The United States was founded on the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We have the right to take action to preserve and enjoy our lives. We have the right to think independently, and then act independently. We have the right to live for our own self-interest and not for an established group, whether that group is political, religious or society in general.
For generations, people have sought a new beginning by moving to the New World.
Some wanted freedom to worship. Others escaped famine. Adventurers came seeking new opportunities. Some transgressed the law and were fleeing. Whatever the reason, most who passed through Ellis Island survived great hardship in their search for freedom and independence.
Today, we are still on that same journey, which at its core is a soul search for truth and enlightenment. We benefit from drawing upon the lessons of our past and then applying the wisdom learned when making the choices for the future.
The Soul Attributes of Freedom
Think about some of the soul attributes early settlers in the United States had to draw upon: courage, independent thinking, trust in self, persistence, inner strength, and faith in something greater than themselves. Their entire beings were stretched as they found the strength to survive and pursue. Many did not make it, but those who did brought a combination of unique qualities to the New World, qualities that formed the basis of a new ideology. However, this ideology was not easy to sustain.
As each generation was born and matured, people assimilated more and more into the “melting pot.”
The independent spirit that brought all manner of people to the United States found its way into entrepreneurship, pioneering the West, and inventions that changed commerce and communication. Complex structures of business and politics emerged. Ways of relating to others changed. Values began to shift.
Shifting Values
As a result, conflicts over values surfaced between the generations, and also within individuals. Over time, moral teachings of religions did not always fit the circumstances people were facing. The role of women changed. Segregation came down like a vice grip on the South. Then minorities began to exercise their rights and persevere under duress when these rights were challenged.
Today, women and other minorities are now found at every level of business, commerce, and politics, but not always in equal numbers. A wider variety of sexual choices is becoming more prevalent, but there is still underlying disagreement over what is acceptable. People are practicing religious and spiritual beliefs as they choose, but there is conflict within many over what is right and what is wrong. This is a process of progress, not perfection.
Through all eras, one thing is always constant: change.
When we embrace it, there is an opportunity to grow and make forward progress as individuals, societies, and soul groups.
We are now living in a new age, one with cosmic energies of higher frequencies. To live harmoniously with ourselves and others at this level, most of us need to elevate the frequencies of our soul attributes. We may have acquired them through experience or the experience of our ancestors, but they are still ours to deal with. Qualities such as courage, faith, self-reliance, honesty, integrity, wisdom, patience, and compassion are examples that still serve us well and ease the transformation within us to a higher, finer level of existence. At the other end of the spectrum, attributes such as overconfidence, bigotry, carelessness, naiveté, vengefulness, stagnation, gullibility, suspicion, and stubbornness become stumbling blocks to our growth. It is time to develop more attributes that will help us and replace or eliminate those that hold us back.
It is challenging to explore deep within ourselves. Many have not developed the personal acceptance, confidence, and determination necessary, and it can be confusing or frightening to confront traits that do not live up to a perfectionist ideal. We are constantly reminded to smile; stay positive; and reflect the light that is within us all. While these are great directives, we must not get lost in them at the expense addressing what is stifling our growth.
Ancient Wisdom for the Modern Day
As we address this challenge, we can look to ancient Toltec wisdom for a code of conduct to help us stay on the path of self-discovery. In his book, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Don Miguel Ruiz explains that our conduct stems from agreements we have made with ourselves, our family, and our society. He also notes that the agreements we make can prevent us from reaching our greatest potential if they are based on fear or on outdated family values, manipulated religious teachings handed down for generations, negative personal experiences, and other source with powerful influence over us. The following, paraphrased from the book, encompasses a powerful way to transform and balance ourselves as we make effective, self-supportive choices in our modern world.
Be Impeccable With Your Word – Speak with Integrity and say only what you mean. Avoid speaking against yourself or to gossip about others. Use your words wisely.
Don’t Take Anything Personally – Nothing others do is because of you. It is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you will not be the victim of needless suffering.
Don’t Make Assumptions – Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. This one agreement alone can transform your life.
Always Do Your Best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment. You may be sick one time or without sleep. Under any circumstance, simply do your best at that particular time and avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
The Toltec code of wisdom is an ancient guideline that we can use today for establishing new agreements to assist us in discovering our true self, inch by inch. As we acquire life experiences, we can express new soul qualities and hone skills that will help us increase our understanding of the world: develop the ability to deeply perceive our true Self, become willing to venture into the unknown, find freedom from constrictions and control, and recognize what is out of balance within ourselves and bring it into alignment.
As we embrace new levels of awareness, we are in charge as individuals. We make our own decisions. We negotiate the choices. However, in the process we tend to become addicted to old patterns and outdated perspectives and regard them as TRUTHS, not to be judged or questioned. It is time to let go of this safety net and develop faith in ourselves to understand that we can grow with honor for the past AND respect for ourselves as pioneers in a New Age of the Soul. In this New World, we must acquire both the humility to understand when we have made mistakes and the good humor not to take ourselves too seriously. Always remember that life is a journey, and we must learn to enjoy the ride!
Rev. Spencer Rouse has been a psychic medium, teacher, counselor, writer and healer for more than 25 years. She recently completed her Level 1 and 2 studies of Acoustic Sound, Color, and Body Movement with Fabien Maman (Father of Vibrational Sound Therapy) at the Tama-do Academy in Malibu, CA, and Switzerland. Spencer teaches “Soul to Soul” classes in Sarasota, FL, which focus on how to tune into the true self through the tools of sound, color, and ancient teachings. She also will be presenting an interactive class focused on color, sound and Chi in relation to healing this summer. For more information visit www.psychicspencer.com, email PsychicSpencer@yahoo.com or call 941-706-1005.