by Connie Habash | May 4, 2026 | Beauty, Divine, Nature
Few events in nature inspire us more than a rainbow. On a cloudy, rainy day, it fills me with exuberant joy when the arch of light and color magically appears across the sky.
We may complain about wet days, the dark clouds, the need for umbrellas, windshield wipers, and galoshes. But the truth is that there are no rainbows without rain.
This is true in our lives as well.
As I’m writing today, it’s a rainy Thursday here in Northern California. As I turned from my street out onto Middlefield Rd., I was met with a double rainbow arching over the trees across from me.
The Beauty That Emerges from Rain
Another miracle of nature. The extraordinary properties of light, revealed in rapturous beauty as a glowing arc of the entire color spectrum available to the naked eye.
Rainbows only come with rain. They’re only possible when we have clouds that drop precipitation on us. The sun is partially obscured; yet the light that does shine through bends into this extraordinary glow.
Seeing Ourselves in a New Light
Often, extraordinary parts of ourselves go unseen by our eyes. Through the perception of our ordinary consciousness, we don’t recognize our beauty and divine qualities within.
It may take something that partially blocks out our traditional way of seeing ourselves – a sacred filter, so to speak – in order for us to perceive our gifts, talents, and precious qualities.
The rainbow happens because the water droplets filter the light in a new way. Maybe not the best scientific explanation, but we need new filters in order to see what we’re missing. Photographers are keenly aware of the power of a filter to reveal new perspectives. We need our Divine Filters, that see us through the eyes that Spirit sees us – as our highest and best selves.
May we be blessed with the Divine Filters that can see our own spectrum of sacred light within. May we be blessed with abundant rain, radiance, and rainbows!
May you begin to see your inner light more clearly, even through life’s rainy moments. Join Awakening Women of the Earth (AWE) to deepen your connection with yourself, others, and Spirit. Want one-on-one support? Check out Spiritual Mentoring!
by Connie Habash | Feb 25, 2026 | Divine, Essence, True Self
Today, I responded to a request from a major publication for quotes about “toxic thoughts to get rid of.” The thought I wanted to junk was “I need to improve myself.”
Why get rid of that, you might think? Shouldn’t we all endeavor to make our lives better? Sure, there’s no problem in wanting to create positive change. But when we think of it as self-improvement, there’s a sneaky little imp within it that says, “You aren’t good enough. There is something wrong with you that you need to fix.”
You know how that feels, don’t you? Yucky. No one wants to be told there’s something wrong with them, that they have a problem they need to fix.
You’re Already Good Enough
I prefer to approach our personal and spiritual growth from the point of view that we’re already Divine beings, we’re already good enough, whole, and lovable. We have beauty and gifts within. Our problem is that we’ve believed the thoughts that tell us we’re lacking and less-than. The problem is believing the thoughts, not improving or fixing yourself.
Negative, self-attacking thinking is what spikes our anxiety and causes us to seek out unhealthy comfort through substances, consumption, or endless distractions.
It’s fine to have goals, to set intentions, and seek to expand our capacity for love, success, and well-being. But see it as a deeper unfolding of your Divine Self, rather than getting rid of something “wrong” with you. You’re already good enough!
Revealing Your Divine Essence
You may wonder, well, how do I do that? How do I discover my Divine Self? That’s the life-long journey, isn’t it? There are many practices that help us access our true Essence: yoga, meditation, being in nature, practicing Presence to name a few. The main core within all these practices is to turn our attention away from our thoughts, which lead us down that rabbit-hole of not being good enough, and towards the abiding consciousness that is the foundation of you, me, and all of existence.
That’s a longer conversation than this blog, but if you’re here reading this, you’ve probably already begun the journey. Practice patience, self-compassion, and most of all, persistence. It doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent practice will reveal more and more of That Which You Are, beyond thoughts.
Feel inside the part of you that is beyond the thoughts, the emotions, the sensations in the body – your Divine Essence. It is already one with All That Is. That Divine Essence doesn’t need improving – it needs to be revealed.
Ready to move beyond self-improvement and into self-revelation? Discover Spiritual Mentoring and reconnect with who you already are.
by Connie Habash | Dec 19, 2025 | Consciousness, Divine, Spirituality
Almost every day, I listen to something inspirational. Downloads, audiobooks, podcasts – whatever I can get my hands on that speaks to me, listening and learning from a variety of spiritual teachers.
Many of you know that one of my favorites is Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith. Minister of Agape International Spiritual Center in Los Angeles, CA and author of several books and inspirational recordings and DVDs, his teachings have profoundly impacted my life.
He has some favorite sayings, and one of them is a quote from the bible. From Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I hadn’t delved into the bible very much until my interfaith studies, and found myself becoming more intrigued by this passage as I would hear him say it time and again. Then, a couple days after hearing Beckwith once again quote this verse, I heard it in a very different way that suddenly impacted me. It was read by Arthur Samuel Joseph, a leading authority on the human voice, who created a set of CDs called Voice of a Leader. He read the passage like this:
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be.
Suddenly, worlds of understanding opened up. This simple phrase addressed spiritual truths in a succinct and clear way, much like the short verses of the Yoga Sutras or the Tao Te Ching convey profound ideas in just a few words. For me, this way of distinguishing parts of the passage answers many questions along the path to enlightenment. Here, I share with you my inspirations from this phrase, and may it spark your own process of understanding what it means for you.
Be still and know that I am God.
We begin with perhaps the most controversial and yet most essential aspect of this passage, the word God. We all have different feelings about this word, depending on how we grew up and what spiritual tradition, if any, we were raised with. You may notice some resistance or even disdain with this word, while others may feel joy or fear. This is why I don’t usually use this word, God, but rather the more expansive and undefined terms such as The Divine, The Infinite, Source, Spirit, The Universe. Each of us comes to a term that more befits what feels right and true for us. And ultimately, each of us needs to come to our own understanding of WHAT that is.
I think if we are to find common ground amongst the many possible interpretations of this word, it’s helpful to first understand what God isn’t. God isn’t an old man (or even male, necessarily) with a long beard and robe, sitting in a chair up in the clouds. God isn’t throwing down thunderbolts at you. God isn’t looking at a list of who is good or bad and deciding to dole our punishments or rewards for your behavior. These are anthropomorphized ideas of God; in other words, God made in (hu)mans image, pictured as some sort of person with magical powers.
No, if we’re to talk about something ultimately transcendent, God can’t possibly be these things. The Divine is a transcendent Reality, it is beyond shape, form, physical limitations, and even what we can think of or imagine. Just about every religion agrees that God, whatever they call it, be it Allah, Yaweh, Siva, Goddess, Great Spirit, Olodumare, etc. is Infinite. That is, there is no limitation, no beginning, no end to what God is. So any imagination of a person-like form is not the reality of what God is, but rather a form that makes it more convenient to relate to something that is beyond form (after all, it’s a bit challenging to have an intimate conversation about the most important things in your life with an amorphous, intangible energy-presence).
That is something else that is universal: God is energy and a presence that is the source of all power, all life, all love, and all peace. She/He/It (for something infinite would be neither limited to male nor female, and yet also include male and female) is Omnipotent. It is the source of all knowledge and wisdom, which reveals itself to us, so it is Omniscient. This doesn’t mean it is a person listening in to your every thought. Again, that’s projecting our fearful human images onto a Presence that can’t be limited by our projections. Rather, that the Divine is Consciousness itself, and is conscious of everything that occurs in every possible space of consciousness including your own mind. Again, this is not to dole out punishments or rewards for our thinking (we are the ones doing that), but to reveal to us our own ability to become conscious of ourselves and to be empowered to choose what we focus our attention on, rather than unconsciously reacting mentally, emotionally, and physically.
So, what do we have for our new definition (which would be an oxymoron, really, of something that can’t be defined) of God? An Infinite energy and presence that is everywhere, that is conscious of all things (and the consciousness of all things), that is the source of all power and possibilities.
Beckwith adds another important aspect to what is The Divine. It is constantly expanding into greater and greater possibilities. These possibilities manifest in the continual evolution of our universe. Thus, my understanding of God/Spirit/The Divine is the Infinite presence and source of all, expanding and evolving through all that is. That includes evolving through you and me. This can be food for thought, as you contemplate what God is for you.
Be still and know that I am.
The words I am are very powerful words. They are a recognition of existence. There is nothing to prove, but a beingness that is self-evident. God is, period. Everywhere, always. Its evidence is in all that is, for all have emerged from something. The Divine has nothing to prove, for what would something that is Infinite and the source of all have to prove? It simply is, and continues to be. We can feel this when we open ourselves to the interconnectedness of all life and all things in the universe.
There is a presence that is in all things. To be Present is to be here. I remember as a child, my teacher would always call roll. Connie? the teacher would ask. Here, I’d reply. Or we could say present. But what we’re really saying is I am here. We assert our existence in this very moment and place. God is the I am in all things, asserting its existence always, in all always.
This is why the statement I am is a very powerful affirmation. We are asserting our Spirit, our true nature or essence, when we say the words I am. We don’t have to qualify our essence by following it with a boy, a woman, a therapist, an accountant, married, divorced, Hispanic, bisexual, happy, good, guilty etc. We don’t have to explain anything. We simply ARE, and that is powerful. When we are in touch with I am, we are in touch with the ability to create ourselves anew in each moment, and to allow ourselves to be what we are in that moment, rather than holding on to our old definitions or perceptions of who and how we are. I am.
Be still and know.
Knowing is different from believing or thinking. It is, for lack of a better word, an experience. You can imagine what chocolate tastes like all you want, you can study it, read books about chocolate, watch someone bake with it or eat it and see their expression, even smell it. But you don’t know what chocolate tastes like until you let yourself taste it. And then you KNOW. Ah, that is chocolate. And forever you have that knowing in you.
We are being asked to take that bite, to open up to experiencing what the Divine is. This is not as simple or clear as taking a bite of chocolate. It requires us to let go of all the ideas of what we think is Spirit and let ourselves be open to it revealing itself in our heart. It is an experience that may be inspired by something around us, like a candle flame or the big sky of New Mexico, but is always felt within.
My understanding of knowing is that it is beyond words. Something that is infinite, again, can’t really be described, although we certainly try to approximate the experience of knowing through language, music, movement, or art. But really, it is more akin to something you feel. And it takes patience and time to allow that understanding, that knowing, to unfold for each of us. When you do know, it’s undeniable.
Be still.
Now we have the instruction on how to know by being still. This, of course, is the foundation of meditation. Meditation is the practice of opening ourselves to have an experience, a knowing of The Divine. We sit down and become still, in body, emotions, and mind. The Yoga Sutras tell us that in order to experience Yoga, or Union, which is the oneness of the individual self with the Infinite Self of the Divine, our consciousness becomes completely still. That means that all the distractions of thought and emotion have to stop in order to know God.
God is unlimited, infinite presence so how could one experience it when we’re caught up in limited, finite ideas presenting themselves to us over and over in our mind? The Sutras then say that if we aren’t able to stop these fluctuations in our consciousness, we become identified with those fluctuations, instead of with our true Essence. This is what happens to most of us. If we think we’re unworthy, we become identified with that. If we perceive someone else as more successful than we are, that’s what we experience. If we think we don’t have enough time, we’ll end up creating that.
Meditation, as challenging as it may be, opens the door to know what is beyond all these thoughts and perceptions; our true nature, and the Infinite. When things become still and quiet in the body, mind, and emotions, what IS then can reveal itself. Stillness within and without is the path to knowing.
Be.
The sutras say that once our consciousness is quiet, then the one who is seeing/meditating/knowing abides in his or her true essence. We abide in that Presence, the Infinite Consciousness that is everywhere, including in our own inner being. Knowing and experiencing that happens when we let go of doing and just be.
When we have more and more experiences of this during our times of stillness, that beingness eventually permeates our lives. We feel more and more at One with the Infinite Presence, the Infinite Love, and Infinite Power of G-O-D or whatever you call it, and the quality of our life transforms. Allow yourself time to Be, and this will allow you to Be your True Self more and more.
Be still and know that I am God. Words to reflect upon for a lifetime.
As you rest into the wisdom of “Be still and know,” may you open to the quiet guidance already within you. Discover Spiritual Mentoring to nurture your connection to the Divine in daily life.
by Connie Habash | Mar 1, 2025 | Divine, Gratitude, Spirituality
If we want to spiritually awaken, we need to create space in our lives for the Divine. Here’s how.
Beneath the daily routines, the to-do lists, the commute to work, and lugging the groceries home, there is a stirring within, like a tremor deep in the earth. Something longs to come alive in each of us; greater than we can imagine yet finer than a spider’s thread. The Divine is whispering, tugging a bit at your sweater. Most of the time, we’re just too busy to look and listen.
The Divine is the Sacred — not just in a church, synagogue, mosque or temple, but right here before us in everyday life. The Sacred is called by a plethora of names through many cultures and spiritual traditions, but its essence is the same: goodness, aliveness, consciousness, peace, and love. It’s not a thing that we can see or touch, and yet it is in everything.
Beyond the Phenomenal Realm Yet in Everything
The Divine is beyond emotions, yet we feel it. It is the Creator of the physical world yet far more than the phenomenal realm, bringing the world to life, igniting our passions, impelling us to action, and touching our hearts. The Divine is the Source of all, and it transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.
It is not the pomegranate itself, but what makes the seeds seem like rubies and the juice taste like immortal nectar. It is not the golden retriever, but the joy inspired by that caramel-colored dog bounding after a tennis ball, tail wagging, and happily depositing it at your feet with a panting smile.
We see Divinity in the icy mountaintop, but also in the eyes of a lover, and the delight of a child making her first cookie. Spirit dwells within simplicity and profound truths equally. And if we make space for it in our life, the mundane will take on the shimmer of the majestic.
5 Aspects of Holding Space for the Divine
Although the Divine is ever present, in order to experience it we need to make space for it in our lives. Holding a space for the Divine involves five aspects: intention, receptivity, time, place, and expectancy.
Intention
To deepen our relationship with the Divine, we first must have clarity of what we are asking for. When we hold a space, we’re asking for something to fill that space.
What do you want to invite in? Is it a particular aspect of the Divine, like Jesus or Kali? Do you want to experience greater awareness of the sacred in day-to-day life? Do you wish to feel more connected with the universe in a palpable way? Are you asking for support from the infinite source in practicing peace, love, or kindness? Take some time to write down or mentally formulate what spiritual aspect you’re ready to invite into your life.
Receptivity
Then, we must become receptive. Holding is embracing, containing, and receiving. When we embrace God/Goddess/All That Is, we hold the Divine like we are hugging a loved one. It is an active practice of love and gratitude for the sacred in our lives. Whenever we recognize what inspires us and see the spark of the divine in something or someone, we can embrace that moment with our appreciation.
This is much like the biblical use of the word behold. When we behold Spirit, we perceive it, whether with our inner or outer eyes. To Behold is like saying “Look!” “Wow!” Behold the beauty of the rainbow as it reveals itself in the glisten of sunlight streaming through an afternoon shower. Behold the beauty of Yosemite Falls, and the sacred feeling they inspire within. Behold the kindness of a child that drops a dollar bill in the cup of a homeless woman.
Become a Container
We also practice receptivity through the idea of becoming a container, a receptacle for Divine inspiration or love to pour into us. Imagine becoming a large bowl, a beautiful goblet, or a simple cup. When we sit for meditation, this is essentially what we are doing — allowing ourselves to become a receptacle for inspiration, wisdom, or positive energy to flow into us. Take time to be still and allow yourself to be poured into!
In your daily life, too, you can become receptive to all the good that is available to you. It is amazing what inspiration and joy we can find all around us when we have receptivity to the infinite source of goodness that we call the Divine.
Just this morning, I was at the gym and an elderly woman smiled at me and said, “Happy New Year!” I stopped and took the time to ask her name. She lit up and expressed appreciation for my interest in knowing her. I chatted with her briefly and noticed the radiance and love coming from her eyes.
We both went about our day with smiles on our faces, and I know my heart filled with joy and a sense of connection. I glimpsed God in another’s eyes, and it moved me. A simple act of reaching out and making that connection with another can fill you with that inspiration, too.
Time and Place
Certainly, it makes a difference to set aside time and a special place for holding space for the Divine. I have an altar in a particular spot in my home, and at one time in my life I had several little altars in various places, so that almost anywhere I was, something reminded me of the Sacred.
These can be as elaborate or simple as you like. A small vase with a flower, changed regularly with intention to awaken a sense of Spirit can be enough, as well as a special stone or crystal, or a candle. A bowl filled with water can remind you to open yourself to receive inspiration. And of course, images that speak to you of your connection to the Divine are perfect, too.
But wherever you are, you can consecrate that space — in a conference room at the gym, out in a park, waiting at the dentist’s office — simply by standing or sitting mindfully and having the intention to open yourself to that greater presence.
It takes some time, even if just a couple minutes, to create that sacred space every day. If you commit to a regular time for holding space for the Divine, you will find that the feeling of connection increases over time, just as you experience greater results when you practice yoga on a regular basis.
Traditions for Making Time to Hold Space
In many traditions, this time with Spirit is before the sun rises or before going to bed, when it’s dark. The nighttime invites us to look inside, rather than outside, for our inspiration. Then, light a candle to awaken awareness of the inner light. If you can’t sit in front of a candle, it’s also fine to be sitting up in bed with the lights out, taking a few minutes before sleep to pray, meditate, express gratitude, or simply reflect on what touched your heart today.
My family has a tradition of sharing what each of us is grateful for every day before we go to sleep. This practice of gratitude creates a sacred space that opens all of us to the abundance that the Divine offers whenever we’re receptive. Morning, noon, or night — any time is a good time to hold a special space to connect to something greater.
It Can Be Effortless
Keep in mind that you’re holding space –it doesn’t weigh anything and therefore can be effortless! When you have the attitude “I should take some time…” or “I have to make space for God,” it becomes one more burden on your to-do list. Have a light, effortless attitude — the Divine is here anytime, anyplace, and it doesn’t have to be work or a struggle to bring it to your awareness!
Expectancy
Finally, when you hold someone’s space, you know that they’re going to show up. It’s reserved. This is expectancy — an inner knowing that Spirit will reveal itself when you have the intention, openness, and create the space for it.
This is different from having expectations. Expectations assume a particular outcome and often lead to disappointment. Expectancy, however, is the ability to wait with confidence and trust that what arrives is good, whatever it is, even beyond your imagination! Have confidence that you will begin to experience the Divine in new and meaningful ways when you hold a space for it in your life.
Get Ready
And get ready! When you expect a guest to arrive, you set the table, clean up the house, and have everything in place. What would you like to do to prepare yourself for this transformation of awareness? What inner or outer changes would support you in receiving more inspiration, more love, and more peace? Prepare for your guest, because when you hold the space for the Divine you can be assured of a special occasion.
The easiest and perhaps most effective way of inviting in the Sacred is to practice it in your daily life. Have the intention to deepen your connection to the Universe. Become receptive whenever and wherever you are. If the Divine is everywhere present, infinite, then it will be in any place you wish, at any given moment, if you are willing to perceive it.
Ready to create space for the Divine and deepen your spiritual journey? Explore Spiritual Mentoring today.
by Connie Habash | Aug 24, 2024 | Acceptance, Divine, Higher Self, True Self
It’s a standard response to the question, “how are you?” But what are you really saying when you respond as “Fine.”? Fine can become a powerful declaration of your highest self and change how you see others, too.
Most of us have said it – I’m fine. We might believe that people don’t really want to know how we are, so it’s easy to say it and dismiss a conversation beneath the surface.
The 4 Meanings of the Response “I’m Fine”
Typically, there are 4 things that “I’m fine” can mean:
- The standard response – i.e., so you don’t have to think about it. It just comes out of us automatically.
- Cut-off response – i.e., I wouldn’t tell you anyway.
- F.I.N.E. – I heard this version from Janina Fisher, author of Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma. It’s code for “Fucked-up, Insecure, Nervous, and Emotional”. But prefer not to say it directly.
- Honest answer – you really are pretty good, doing OK.
However, “fine” can be transformed. This declaration can become an empowering statement, even a transcendent one. And no one else needs to know other than you.
Less-Commonly Used Meanings of Fine
Let’s look at a few of the other definitions of the word fine from the Merriam-Webster dictionary. They are not so frequently used, but can shift our perspective on when we respond this way.
- Superior in kind, quality, or appearance – we know this one. When a woman is described as looking fine. It’s also related to being refined.
- Delicate, subtle, or sensitive in quality, perception, or discrimination
- Free from impurity – this is in reference to the purity of a metal
Think about how you could apply these to your inner qualities and your spiritual essence.
Superior in Quality
Alright, I’m not suggesting that we become boastful or that our egos get out of control. But when we identify with our Divine Self, we align with the highest qualities we can be. Our soul is indeed fine – it transcends our reactivity, shortcomings, and negative thoughts.
Remember that your True Self is refined, or above and beyond your self-imposed limits. You don’t need to keep identifying with the mistakes you have made; you can acknowledge that they have happened, but your Divine Self is who you are, not the things you have done, good or bad.
Keep this in mind in your interactions with others, too. You can choose to believe the more empowering meaning when they respond with “fine.” Rather than being quick to judge, can you allow yourself to perceive their finer qualities and their Divine Self?
Sensitive in Quality and Perception
As we evolve spiritually, we tend to become more sensitive. We increase in awareness and can perceive and detect emotions and energy more strongly than ever before, whether in ourselves or others. Although sometimes this is a challenge (see Highly Sensitive Persons, or Empaths), it’s a sign that our consciousness is expanding and we are much more finely attuned to people and the world around us. You can affirm and appreciate your new, fine gifts!
Free From Impurity
This is another acknowledgement of your Spirit. Many of us are so hard on ourselves. We focus on all our flaws, or believe that we have fatal ones. Again, similar to the “superior in quality” definition of “fine”, we can use this word to remember that the Divine has no blemishes. It is inherently pure and true. That is who we really are, but we need to look beyond the outer appearances to perceive the pure Divine Self within. In every living being, including you.
Just Between You and Me
Sure, you could just keep saying the standard “I’m fine” whenever anyone checks in with your well-being. But you can also have a secret smile and let it be an uplifting affirmation – and you don’t need to tell anyone else what you’re thinking.
The next time you hear it come out of your mouth (or someone else’s), you can choose to focus differently. You can allow “fine” to direct your thoughts and attitude towards your highest Self, your refined awareness, and the pure essence within you and all others. This “fine” is a powerful declaration that can transform your outlook on yourself and your life.
You’re fine, and I’m fine. Let it be our little secret. 🙂
If being highly sensitive causes anxiety and stress, you can discover your True Self and the finer qualities of calm, courage, and confidence with my book, Awakening from Anxiety.
by Connie Habash | Nov 26, 2023 | Divine, Energy, Flow, Nonattachment, Source
Many of us complain about feeling drained, as if all our energy empties out from our day to day responsibilities and encounters. To feel more vibrant and sustainable energy, it’s helpful to distinguish between the water-based concepts of Drain and Flow.
Drain is a one-way system. Water pours into the bathtub; it fills, and then we pull the plug and it empties out. No more water. This is how many of us operate, and it’s based on using our personal energy.
Personal energy is like a traditional battery. It has a finite amount of charge, and when that’s used up, it’s dead. That’s how we feel when we’re operating from the idea of using our own personal energy and pouring it out, as if down a drain. It feels like it’s gone, and we end up depleted, looking for a new battery.
Let’s shift from the Drain metaphor to Flow. Rather than energy being retained and stored up, then spent, we become an open, cyclical system. Water flows continuously through rivers and streams; it is replenished in the spring after snowmelt.
When the river spills into the ocean, it doesn’t stop there. Evaporation carries it up into clouds, which transport it elsewhere to fall as precipitation on the Earth. This is the water cycle, and it keeps creeks and waterfalls flowing.
We can experience our energy more like that Flow of the water cycle by tapping into the infinite source of energy that continues to replenish all life – the Universal, or Divine energy. When we allow that Divine energy to flow through us rather than using our personal energy, we enter the Flow. This is much like what athletes and other performers experience when they describe Flow.
How do we do that – how do we tap into Flow and experience the Divine source of energy moving through us? There are several keys that support us in experiencing Flow rather than Drain.
- Your Breath – The exhalation and inhalation are a microcosm of the water cycle. As we inhale, we receive Divine energy, and as we exhale, we allow it to flow through us to whatever needs to be done. We inhale again and are replenished. This is what the yogis call Prana.
- Done Through You – Then, let your ego and mind step aside. Allow things to be done through you,rather than by you, using your personal reserves. Let Spirit write, speak, move, and act through you. It takes a lot less energy than believing that “you” are doing it!
- Release Attachment to Outcome – Non-attachment supports the continual Flow of energy, like the water cycle. Expectations lead to disappointment and feeling depleted. But when we offer our gifts without attachment to the outcome, we feel lighter and undisturbed no matter how things turn out. The river does not have a caveat on its flow – it continually offers the water downstream, trusting in the Divine Flow to bring more.
- Honor the Infinite Source – Spend a little time each day honoring the Infinite Source from which all life comes and which Flows through you. Sit still and quiet; imagine it pouring through you, reviving every cell. Envision that, with every act created through you, more light pours in again.
Step out of the Drain and into the Flow. You are continually sourced with all you need. Develop the trust of a river, knowing that the water cycle will replenish your flow. That infinite source is always available if you believe and open yourself to receive it.
For more details on how to practice Flow, see my other blog post on Living in the Flow!
by Connie Habash | Feb 13, 2020 | Divine, Intuition, Universe, Vibration
When you’re looking to learn the language of the Universe don’t think English – think vibration.
Remember that old joke about the guy who is drowning in the ocean, calling upon God to send help? How a life preserver, a boat, and finally a helicopter are sent to rescue him, but he keeps saying, “no, I have faith in God, I’ll wait for Him.” He ends up drowning, and when he arrives in heaven, he asks, “why did you let me die?” And God says, “Hey, I sent a life preserver, a boat, and a helicopter…”
Sometimes, it can be tough to figure out which way to go in life. We long for someone to come along and make it completely clear. We’re often seeking signs from “God” – what I call the Divine or the Universe – in our lives, and we’re expecting those guideposts to show up in an obvious way. To be in our native language; for me, that would be English.
But like the man flailing in the ocean, the rescue team probably won’t appear as a big old guy in robes descending from the heavens: likewise, our messages from the Divine may not show up in a easy-to-read English format. We need to learn the Universe’s language: vibration
Spandana
Sanskrit has a word that captures this Divine energy of the Universe: spandana. Spandana has a number of meanings, all focused around pulsation and vibration. We know, scientifically, that everything in existence is made of energy: vibrating, pulsing energy. All atoms are 99% fluctuations of energy and space. Yeah, all this stuff that we believe is stuff isn’t really – it’s always energy in motion within the emptiness of space.
Spandana is that energetic vibration, which is information. If we think of the source of everything in the Universe as Divine, then this energy that vibrates and pulsates in all of existence is the language of Spirit, creating all that is – and communicating to us through this medium of vibrating energy.
Attuning to Vibration
The key to connecting with and understanding the Universe – and it’s messages for you – is attuning to its vibration. Whether it’s a rock, a tree, a hippopotamus, or the wind, you can learn to pay attention to the energy that you feel in its presence and gain a world of understanding. By picking up on the spandana, you can receive a download much like a subtle symphony of energetic vibration.
A musical instrument, like a singing bowl, can give us a sense of this in a more overt way. When a mallet strikes a singing bowl – those metal bowls that make a harmonious sound when you tap them – you hear the various tones that bowl creates.
But that isn’t all that you pick up on. Sound travels in waves of vibration. If you’re attentive, you can also feel the vibration in your body when you hear the bowl struck. Even if you can’t feel that, if you put your hand near the bowl (or if need be, actually touch it), you would feel it literally vibrating in your fingers.
If you were deaf, you could still discern the vibrations coming from the bowl. That’s a very physical representation of the pulsing energy or spandana in the Universe, and a lot easier to pick up on. But the Universe works in a similar way.
It’s a Feeling Thing
Once we pick up on that fluctuation of energy, we can discern its meaning through feeling. The easiest way to feel the vibration is through our own instrument, the physical body. We can attune to the sensations we experience viscerally to attempt to understand what we’re receiving.
Let’s look at an example of this. If you walk into a room, and you begin to feel tight and constricted in your stomach, what might that be telling you? Do you feel safe? Is there tension between people in the room? Is something out of order or unbalanced? Once you notice the response in your body to the energy around you, your analytical mind can then assist you in sorting out what your physical and intuitive selves have picked up on.
Listening to the Language of the Universe
When we’re looking for guidance in our lives from a Higher Source, we can similarly tune in to vibration. The Divine communicates to us all the time in this energetic way, but we often dismiss or don’t even notice these more subtle feelings of pulsing energy.
Take a moment right now. If you have a question, hold it in your mind, and notice what you feel in your body. Jot down sensations; pay particular attention to vibration and movement of energy (or static stuckness) in any area within you. Note as well your emotions, thoughts, and images. Don’t discount anything. Write it down.
Then, give yourself some time to sit with the information. Allow it to percolate a bit, to be processed through your body as well as your mind and heart. Give it a few days if it’s an important question. Pay attention to your dreams. Once you’ve received the vibrational download, it can take a while for translation, just as it does for translating an ancient manuscript.
This is a very simple explanation of a more involved practice, so give yourself time and practice to learn. The spandana, or vibration, of the Divine is always available for you to attune to. You truly can develop your inner knowing and understand the messages of the Universe, if you learn the language of vibration.
Want to learn more? Come to the Listening Within Workshop on March 14th at Unity of San Jose, or join my email list for announcements of upcoming events, in person and online!
by Connie Habash | Jan 2, 2019 | Alignment, Being, Divine, Presence, Self-Care
It’s the beginning of the year and I have been looking at the fact that, in my mad scramble to get my book finished, I have not been so good at self-care the last couple of months. Meditation has been sporadic, yoga practice minimal, trips to the gym only 1-2 times per week, rather than my ideal 3-4. Only been on one hike. Getting to bed too late.
I’ve been pretty disappointed in myself, but also embraced and accepted that part of meeting my deadlines involved putting a lot of condensed time into editing and preparing for the book launch.
Still, it’s been gnawing at me, and I knew that it was an excuse. My soul longs to be back on track. Ever since I was sick over Thanksgiving, it’s been hard to get back up on the horse, build up my conditioning again, and return to the habits that keep me feeling healthy, whole, and energized. I needed to get self-care back into my regimen.
Then, I read Angela Lauria’s blog (she’s The Author Incubator – the program that pulled this book out of me!) She’s dropping self-care. What? I knew there was more to the story, so I read on.
In a meditative insight, she realized that the idea of “self-care” made it seem like a “should”. Something you have-to do, something extra to put on your plate. I felt the heaviness in my body. She was right. Self-care shouldn’t (hmmm, there’s another should!) be a have-to, or something extra. That didn’t sound like the healing practice I intended it to be.
Her reframe was to call it Upgrade Time. OK, that makes sense. But it still didn’t sit right with me. The idea of an Upgrade made me feel like I wasn’t already good enough. That wasn’t in alignment with what I believe, or what I teach. We are all being Divine Beings, and my approach is to reveal that truth, to let go of anything that hinders our perception of our sacred essence.
There’s nothing wrong with us – there’s only misperception and blocks that we have created to realizing our inner truth. Those blocks aren’t who we are, but learned behaviors and perceptions from the world. It’s not a matter of upgrading ourselves to a “better” version of us, but rather seeing the truth of who we already are.
As I sat still for a moment and checked in with my own inner truth, I returned to the word Alignment. That was the word that resonated with me. I’ve been feeling out of Alignment with the Divine, with my essence, and with my body. Those practices of exercise, time in nature, meditation, and yoga return me to feeling aligned with my Higher Self. I know that when I’m aligned, I’m more present, relaxed, joyful, creative, productive, and calm. Some of the very qualities I talk about in my book. I knew I was on to something.
Some of the synonyms of alignment are balance, harmony, accord, and symmetry. To be aligned with the Divine and my true Self was harmony. That’s what I long for and relish when I’m in Alignment.
Moreover, Alignment is something that I can practice all day long – not just when I’m doing a “self-care” routine. It feels like a deeper level of self-care. I can notice if my breath feels in Alignment; my actions, my state of mind. Alignment connects with one of my main spiritual values, Presence. I don’t have to wait until I’m working out or meditating to practice Alignment; I simply open myself to it, wherever I am.
I could easily use this, though, as an attachment to being perfect, and criticizing myself for not being in Alignment. But that self-criticism wouldn’t be an alignment practice. It’s not about getting it right… it’s about feeling that inner ease and attunement to my greatest Truth. Alignment can simply be my compass to help re-orient myself, and feel connected to Spirit and my Divine Self as often as possible. Exactly the idea I had for my January retreat, too.
When I am aligned, I allow the natural flow of Spirit to come through me. I open myself to receive. My body relaxes, tension releases, and my mind calms down. Alignment isn’t a doing, it’s allowing myself to Be. From that harmonious state, I gravitate towards choices that are healing, creative, inspired, and soothing as well as energizing.
Upgrade Time works for Angela – for me, Alignment is the word. So I’m pointing my compass that way, and allowing even this moment of typing at the computer to be in Alignment with Source. I relax my shoulders, take a deep breath, and quiet my mind, so that the inspiration can flow. Now, I feel complete and motivated to get dressed and step into my day.
How about you? What feels like Alignment to you? Or do you have another word that fits better for ways to care for yourself in body, mind, heart, and spirit? I’d love to hear from you!
by Connie Habash | Dec 21, 2017 | Divine, Light, Seasons, Solstice, Uncategorized
Today is the winter solstice – and I did a guest podcast on David Clarke’s Different Strokes for Different Folks radio show. Learn several ways to “find your light within in the dark times”… no matter what time of year it is.
May you have a Blessed Solstice… light some candles, and let them remind you of your Divine Light within.
by Connie Habash | Nov 19, 2017 | Acceptance, Challenges, Choices, Divine, Gratitude, Let Go, Mindfulness, Presence, Release, Seasons, Self-Care
Thanksgiving: a unique American holiday that is universal, unlimited by religion, race, or any category. It’s a special time to come together with family and friends to feel gratitude on this day of the celebration of abundance (oh yeah, and feasting!).
But for some of us, this isn’t an entirely pleasant holiday. We may be faced with “going home” to tension, crazy family dynamics, feeling ignored or attacked, possibly being the black sheep of the family. Perhaps you are hosting a large gathering, and stressed about pleasing everyone’s palates – or having everyone in your house! There may be a recent loss in the family that makes holidays, especially the most family-oriented one of the year, somewhat painful. Or we may be apart from our family, or feel that we don’t have one, and are faced with spending this holiday alone.
I have found myself in most of these scenarios at some point in my life. It’s difficult, and you’re not alone if you feel this way. But I have found, over the years, some ways to make Thanksgiving easier, more meaningful, and more fulfilling, no matter if you have a wonderful, warm family to spend it with or you find yourself feeling stressed and left out of the loop.
- Let go of expectations – Expectations increase the risk of disappointment. If you’re going home, set the intention to flow with whatever arises. You have what you need within you to respond appropriately. Having everyone over? Relax and accept that you’ve done your best: you don’t have any control beyond that. If you’ll be on your own, allow yourself to appreciate whatever you have.
- Take time for yourself – I tend to feel overwhelmed when surrounded by a lot of people, even (and sometimes especially!) my own relatives. I always plan for some alone time away from the pack, where I can rest, process, and re-center myself. Even if that is in the bathroom!
- Be present – When you’re with your family or friends, really be there in the moment. Notice when past situations, conflicts, or resentments arise in your mind; acknowledge them, and do your best to return to simply being there with what is right now. Listen, smell, taste, touch, and see. Feel your breath, chew slowly, notice what is happening within you and around you.
- Make other plans – If you’re alone for Thanksgiving, see if there are neighbors or friends in a similar boat you can share a meal with. Or create your own ideal day by yourself. You could take a hike, sit by the ocean, go to a movie, do a craft, etc.: whatever brings you joy and fulfillment. And if you are with family and you feel you need a break, make plans to go out for a while with whomever you feel most comfortable or meet up with some old friends in the area (and take some alone time, as mentioned above).
- Create a gratitude collage – It helps to find what you’re thankful for in your life, and focus on it. One way to do that is to create a collage, either with images (the traditional way) or words. Cut out pictures from magazines to represent what you feel grateful for in your life and in the world, and paste them on a board. Or use colorful markers to write the words of what and who you are grateful for. Get playful and creative!
- See the Divine in you and in everyone – Practice looking into other people’s eyes and envisioning their spirit, the Divine within them. It’s there if you are willing to see it. While you are at it, look in the mirror into your own eyes, and see it in yourself. This is the single most powerful practice I have found to connect myself to others, even people that I don’t particularly care for. It helps me overlook their (and my own) personality flaws and see a glimpse of our Oneness.
Remember that Thanksgiving is a once-a-year holiday; no matter how uncomfortable the circumstance of that day is, you’ll survive it. But to truly thrive in your life, use it as a jumping-off point to focus on gratitude every day. With that consistent practice, you can fill yourself with the abundance that life offers in every moment, overflowing.
Copyright © 2017 by Rev. Connie L. Habash
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It’s the beginning of the year and I have been looking at the fact that, in my mad scramble to get my book finished, I have not been so good at self-care the last couple of months. Meditation has been sporadic, yoga practice minimal, trips to the gym only 1-2 times per week, rather than my ideal 3-4. Only been on one
Today is the winter solstice – and I did a guest podcast on 
Thanksgiving: a unique American holiday that is universal, unlimited by religion, race, or any category. It’s a special time to come together with family and friends to feel gratitude on this day of the celebration of abundance (oh yeah, and feasting!).
