On our shared path of “Becoming Today”, change is the one constant. We must always be willing to embrace the idea, to seek to better ourselves, our families, our communities and society in general.
Where there is risk, there is always the potential for reward. We must choose to act in those moments and not react to circumstances that develop from our lack of action or the outright refusal to act, decide or choose.
However you will never be able to find out if you are right if you’re not willing to risk failure. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and make mistakes, which we all do, is how you can learn to hear from God.
In order to do that we need to expand our circles of understanding and influence.
As we continue our shared journey along this path of “Becoming Today”, it should not be a surprise that while we “travel” together, no two routes are identical. Most times they are more like rivers than highways. Traveling forward with an ebb and flow, meandering at times rather than the constant buzz and speed of an Interstate.
I have been sharing about my recent journey away from familiar surroundings on a trip that took me places I hadn’t planned on and taught me lessons I didn’t even know I needed.
I’m now referring to this somewhat unexpected, yet intensely needed course correction as, “My Revival”.
That’s not how it began, but when I had a “chance” encounter with a woman of significant prominence, who walked up and spoke to me it’s what I just blurted out. I told her I was on ”my own personal revival trip”.
In that brief moment of complete vulnerability and honesty I realized that’s what it was and that I was being led to some deep questions and answers.
For 11 days I appeared to be wandering, but was being guided, my every step directed.
Standing up to any fears or doubts, ready to overcome any objections or obstacles asserting my truth, aligning my intentions and thoughts then vocalizing them became an instrument to catapult me forward in making goals Becoming reality.
I knew when I first contemplated my trip that I needed to expand my circles. Not just of people around me or people I’m in contact with, but also I needed to enlarge my vision. That is only possible by enlarging our Circle of Living.
The “Circle of Life”, is much like the song shares:
“It’s the circle of life
it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
‘Til we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the circle
The circle of life”
It is the essence of daily movement, not to be running around in circles, but rather to keep the circle rolling, moving forward, building with increasing momentum lifting us all a little higher.
This living ellipse, constantly in movement, symbolizes the universe being sacred and divine. The idea of life as a circle or a wheel exists across multiple spiritual and religious beliefs and spheres of philosophies.
For myself, I first learned of it as the Sacred Hoop, these days more often or not referred to as the Medicine Wheel.
Though widely used the later term is not of original origin and much like many names and even identities of the indigenious residents of Turtle Island, was derived by the language and believed understandings of European influenced settlers of what we today call the Americas.
Due to language differences, the Sacred Hoop has many different names amongst the tribes. However the concept is the same.. The Sacred Hoop is symbolized by a very basic, yet perfect shape: the circle.
It is widely accepted that the Sacred Hoop is a symbol of life additionally representing perfection plus infinity as the circle has no beginning nor end. There can be many reasons behind the meaning of the circle itself among Nations. These range from representing the stages of life; to Earth or other heavenly bodies including the Sun and Moon; as well as aspects of humanity.
Using the parlance of our times, the Medicine Wheel serves as a reminder of the need for each of us to balance all aspects of our being; the Physical, Intellectual, Emotional and Spiritual.
When we allow ourselves to Become unbalanced, it results in diseases of the body, mind and / or soul. Since disease has its origins in the combination of two words, “dis” and “ease” meaning, ‘distance from God’. If our circle of connection with the Creator is broken then we lose focus, balance and control.
When used in ceremonies the Sacred Hoop’s movement is circular to the right. In a clockwise, or “sun-wise” direction. This helps to align the petitioner with the forces of Creation.
Coming to recognize these insights should help to enlighten why we should Always Be Becoming or seeking to expand our movement, actions and the many circles within our sphere or influence of life.
Additionally, psychologists agree that expanding your circles has many benefits.
Involving ourselves with more people and diverse groups allows for us to live more in the present moment. Something more and more doctors are coming to understand improves our health.
As the Reader’s Digest often proclaims, “Laughter Is The Best Medicine”.
Having a larger circle of friends and associates allows for more opportunities to unwind, smile and enjoy life. The endorphins released by laughter and excitement can help to co-create a lifestyle that is naturally happier, and more resistant to both mental and physical pain.
Friends can also assist your Becoming. Supportive companionship makes achieving your personal goals a lot easier. Spending time with others allows you an opportunity to put things in perspective and focus on getting them accomplished.
More people also increases your networking circle. The most valuable and long-lasting connections are the ones that are the most genuine. They give back in ways that extend beyond our own spheres.
Friends can become some of the best teachers, opening your eyes to fresh perspectives and assisting you in realizing the solutions.
Recognizing the importance of doing so, now tomorrow, here on “Becoming Today”, we’ll delve into some specific areas and ways you can expand your circles including your understandings, experiences and vision.
Becoming Today with Rochelle Jeanette 