Phase 2: Honour Your Self with ...
 

1.   Awareness 

This is intuitive knowledge enabling us to recognize the truth in action. It is void of emotional charge or judgment. Life, through circumstances, makes us aware of what we need to know, but we cannot change what we are unwilling to face. Awareness opens the mind and heart to new possibilities. We can choose to be aware (focus on) the beauty of life and living including the simple pleasures in life, joy, peace, love and goodness. What we are aware of and focus on will then become the reality in which we live. 

2.   Acceptance 

This is recognition of what is, receiving it without criticism or judgment, embracing the fullness of a situation or experience, and an inner realization that all is well in the long run, regardless of the appearance. We need to accept reality, even if unpleasant, in order to make conscious choices – otherwise we remain victims of circumstances. Only when we withdraw the emotional attachment can we see clearly to make a wise decision. We then need courage, trust and patience to deal with the situation. 

3.   Affirmation 

This is holding steadfast in mind or speaking aloud a statement of truth. Focus on good things about yourself since it is thoughts and words that ultimately determine our actions. Self-affirming expressions are needed to counteract the unpleasant things we have heard about ourselves. Remember that we each are a divine miracle and an instrument of the Divine present here to be a light of the world. The way we treat ourselves will determine how others treat us. 

4.   Choice 

This is the ability to recognize alternatives and possible consequences, thereby enabling the selection of that which is most desirable, admirable, and honourable, and then act in response to the recognized alternatives. Choice is our divine teacher. Conscious choice is the path to personal power, while unconscious choice wins by default. Silence is a choice not to choose. If attuned to the Divine within, our choices will be sustained by divine wisdom. 

5.   Conservation 

This is a state of mindful relaxation as well as preservation and protection of resources. To conserve our body, mind and spirit requires the willingness to occasionally be physically, mentally and emotionally still – even at the risk of appearing lazy. We also need to conserve resources such as our time, money and knowledge – giving with discretion and only to worthy causes and people. Also keep some for a rainy day. Conservation is a form of healing that results in self-awareness, self-forgiveness and self-esteem. Through conservation we learn to heal wounds acquired through toxic and self-defeating childhood beliefs. Conversation enables us to give our best when we are giving, doing or being. Learning to relax and conserve energy is one of the greatest gifts we can offer life. 

6.   Freedom 

This is the spiritually induced quality or state of being without restraint, bondage, limitation or repression, and a state of inner and outer well-being. Freedom is not determined by physical positive or negative circumstances but rather is a state of mind. We become free when we learn to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty, when we learn to ask others for help, when we follow what we feel is the right course of action no matter what others think, and when we face the things we fear. Freedom from fear, guilt, false responsibilities, and the need for approval from others opens our mind to new choices, opportunities and amazing possibilities. When we make ourselves available for service to God, the guidance will come. Knowing the truth that we are in God’s will and grace shall truly set us free. 

7.   Fun 

This is a pursuit of joy in life. Every now and then we need activities that provide amusement as well as a mental and emotional release. Playing and having fun provides a new outlook on life. It expands the mind and spirit, keeps us young and vibrant, and allows us to think about other things than chores and responsibilities. Give yourself permission to have fun, find what you love to do, and do it just for the enjoyment. 

8.   Surrender 

This involves the ability to achieve mental and emotional release, acceptance of what is, and submission to a Higher Power and spiritual principle. Surrender allows us to face what we fear before it becomes a reality. While fear paralyses, surrender puts us in the offensive position. We mentally go to the imagined outcome of our fear, which releases the fear thoughts from our mind. Through surrender we acknowledge that God is in control and we cannot make anything happen. Surrender makes room in the heart for divine inspiration and opens a way for a miracle to happen. 

Reference: Iyanla Vanzant, One Day My Soul Just Opened Up (Fireside, New York, 1998)

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