Randy Siegel's Blog - Posts Tagged "spirituality"
Being Open at The Opening
“I bet you’re excited about your art opening and book launch this week!” My friend emailed. She continued, “I’m sick I can’t be there. Know I will be with you in spirit.” My friend was one of the close to one hundred RSVPs “No” I had received in the past two weeks. Folks were traveling, and there were a number of competing events in Asheville. And despite 25 years of public relations experience, I had only been able to generate one tiny article, and that was three weeks ago. Was the Universe sending me a message?
On Tuesday, Don and I hung the show; it looked great, but as Thursday night closed in, my anxiety rose. What if only a few people showed up? I didn’t want to embarrass myself, and I didn’t want to disappoint my friends who were kind enough to offer the exhibition space.
I confided my insecurity with a group of dear friends. “Of course, you’re nervous, Randy,” they emphasized. “You’re sharing some pretty vulnerable stuff—not only in your art, but in your writing.” Another wise friend reminded me that the number of people who showed up for the opening wasn’t the only measure of success. I was attached to a specific outcome. For heaven’s sakes, it was an opening. Perhaps I needed to be a little more open.
I have been recently writing about the Buddhist notion of non-attachment, and now I had an opportunity to practice it. Paring the words with my breath, I silently repeated the prayer: “Into Your hands.”
Thursday morning, at my YMCA spinning class, I continued repeating my mantra. When the song “Tonight is going to be a good night” came on, I laughed knowing my prayer had been answered. It was going to be a good night—no, a great night—no matter who did—or didn’t—show up.
Don and I arrived a half hour early to set up the bar to find two beautiful floral arrangements sent by out-of-town friends. Fifteen minutes later, two friends walked in with two more arrangements composed of glorious flowers from their garden. As the guests started to trickle in, I was able to spend a little quality time with each. Unlike past openings, I was more relaxed and present. Before I knew it, a small crowd had gathered: old friends, new friends, and a number of people I had never met.
I had arranged for each guest to receive a “You are divine” sticker with the book’s logo. Standing in the middle of the room, I saw not only the stickers, but more importantly each divine soul wearing one. My heart swelled. Gratitude replaced anxiety, and love overcame fear.
On Tuesday, Don and I hung the show; it looked great, but as Thursday night closed in, my anxiety rose. What if only a few people showed up? I didn’t want to embarrass myself, and I didn’t want to disappoint my friends who were kind enough to offer the exhibition space.
I confided my insecurity with a group of dear friends. “Of course, you’re nervous, Randy,” they emphasized. “You’re sharing some pretty vulnerable stuff—not only in your art, but in your writing.” Another wise friend reminded me that the number of people who showed up for the opening wasn’t the only measure of success. I was attached to a specific outcome. For heaven’s sakes, it was an opening. Perhaps I needed to be a little more open.
I have been recently writing about the Buddhist notion of non-attachment, and now I had an opportunity to practice it. Paring the words with my breath, I silently repeated the prayer: “Into Your hands.”
Thursday morning, at my YMCA spinning class, I continued repeating my mantra. When the song “Tonight is going to be a good night” came on, I laughed knowing my prayer had been answered. It was going to be a good night—no, a great night—no matter who did—or didn’t—show up.
Don and I arrived a half hour early to set up the bar to find two beautiful floral arrangements sent by out-of-town friends. Fifteen minutes later, two friends walked in with two more arrangements composed of glorious flowers from their garden. As the guests started to trickle in, I was able to spend a little quality time with each. Unlike past openings, I was more relaxed and present. Before I knew it, a small crowd had gathered: old friends, new friends, and a number of people I had never met.
I had arranged for each guest to receive a “You are divine” sticker with the book’s logo. Standing in the middle of the room, I saw not only the stickers, but more importantly each divine soul wearing one. My heart swelled. Gratitude replaced anxiety, and love overcame fear.
Randy Siegel Releases New Book
Like many of us, Randy Siegel felt paralyzed. He wanted to make a positive difference, but the world’s multiple ecological, economic, health, racial, spiritual, and social concerns felt too overwhelming. In his latest book Change Begins Here: Adopt the Mind of Christ and Build a Better World, Siegel turns to a number of faith traditions to conclude that as spiritual people we must awaken to the realization that change begins here—right now—with us. By adopting the mind of Christ, or Unity Consciousness, we can become the change we want to see in the world.
In his down-to-earth style, Randy Siegel shares how heaven is attainable when we adopt the mind of Christ. Not just for saints, sages, and shamans, Christ or unity consciousness is something all of us can employ regardless of our faith. Siegel explains how with three practical spiritual strategies supported by insights, practices, and exercises. The three strategies are:
One: Lean into The Longing: We are creatures who long, and the source of all longing is union, reunion, and communion with the Divine. When we lean into longing, nothing becomes more important than strengthening our relationship with God.
Two: Awaken to Our Presence: By being present to the moment, finding God in silence and stillness, and seeing divinity in all people, places, things, and situations, we strengthen our relationship with God and increase our capacity to receive and give love.
Three: Choose Love: We follow what Jesus called the greatest commandments—to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Change Begins Here: Adopt the Mind of Christ and Build a Better World is available on Amazon, and readers are invited to join the community Facebook page, Change Begins Here: Change Your Consciousness; Change The World.
Randy Siegel has written five books, including the Amazon best seller In Search of The One: How to Attract the Relationship You’ve Longed For. For more than thirty years, Siegel has been inspiring thousands of men and women worldwide to “stand in their power and become the full expression of all they are” through art, workshops, and writing. For more information on Randy Siegel’s work, visit LinkToRandy.com.
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In his down-to-earth style, Randy Siegel shares how heaven is attainable when we adopt the mind of Christ. Not just for saints, sages, and shamans, Christ or unity consciousness is something all of us can employ regardless of our faith. Siegel explains how with three practical spiritual strategies supported by insights, practices, and exercises. The three strategies are:
One: Lean into The Longing: We are creatures who long, and the source of all longing is union, reunion, and communion with the Divine. When we lean into longing, nothing becomes more important than strengthening our relationship with God.
Two: Awaken to Our Presence: By being present to the moment, finding God in silence and stillness, and seeing divinity in all people, places, things, and situations, we strengthen our relationship with God and increase our capacity to receive and give love.
Three: Choose Love: We follow what Jesus called the greatest commandments—to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Change Begins Here: Adopt the Mind of Christ and Build a Better World is available on Amazon, and readers are invited to join the community Facebook page, Change Begins Here: Change Your Consciousness; Change The World.
Randy Siegel has written five books, including the Amazon best seller In Search of The One: How to Attract the Relationship You’ve Longed For. For more than thirty years, Siegel has been inspiring thousands of men and women worldwide to “stand in their power and become the full expression of all they are” through art, workshops, and writing. For more information on Randy Siegel’s work, visit LinkToRandy.com.
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