Growth Through JOY!

The topic of "growth through joy" was brought up on the Michael Teachings list this morning. The question asked was "Have you experienced growth thru joy?" Do certain circumstances lead to growth through joy? And how do you promote growth through joy for yourself? Since this is a conscious choice I have been making more and more for myself over the last couple of years, and since last year in particular, this is something I have thought about a lot. In fact, I just reaffirmed this choice last night, as my reply to the list relates:

What a great topic! I'm not sure that one can "experience" growth. It just happens as a by-product of living. One can experience CHANGE which is probably the best evidence of growth. Some growth happens rapidly, and so is easy to notice. Other growth happens very slowly and might only be noticed over several lifetimes. I believe that Michael has said (but don't have an exact quote at hand) that growth through pain is the most rapid, direct approach. If you want things to change quickly, pain will do it. Growth through joy --- well, most of us are too impatient to go this route.

But, scholar that I am, I am doing an experiment this lifetime. First half - growth through pain. Second half - growth through joy. You can all read my report when we are back on the astral! It has been interesting so far. For the past year, I honestly can't tell if there has been any growth at all. Of course, I also have a GOAL of Growth, so there is a certain "drive" to experience MUCH. And I have perseverance to go with it. Now one thing I am realizing : perseverance goes very nicely with learning through JOY. But I have actually wondered if perhaps my overleaves, or some of them, have changed. I know that isn't usual, but I am finishing 7th mature and beginning 1st old. I do believe it is POSSIBLE. But lately, I have been experiencing a sort of restlessness. I'm not sure what it is that I am restless FOR, unless that goal of Growth is sort of stirring again behind the scenes. I am looking for something to CHANGE but I don't know what yet. Am I restless in my career? Do I want to experience a romantic relationship? Do I need a new "project"? (Scholars always have LOTS of projects, heh heh.) What is it? I don't know! And it is beginning to feel uncomfortable. Can perseverance keep me from rushing into something painful? Certainly I don't need to up and quit my job or anything like that. But I want something to change.

I was with a group of folks last night, and a friend was reading "Fairy Cards." So I asked my question about this restlessness that I am feeling, and here is the reading:

Laurel: I'm feeling restless lately, but not sure for what. I think it may be career oriented (or life task?)

K: I have drawn the card 'letting go'
You aren't receiving positive results because you're struggling too much to solve the problem. By letting go, you're opening yourself up to a miraculous resolution.

Laurel: letting go of choosing a direction?

K: Problems are caused by human thinking and action. That's why problems are solved by additional human thinking and action. When we think hard or struggle to resolve a crisis, things may actually get worse! By drawing this card, you are being asked to stop the human struggle. Stop thinking about the problem since a focus on negativity can manifest even more negativity. Say aloud or silently "I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now."

Laurel: well, I wouldn't say I'm struggling - just wondering what essence wants to do next.

K: By affirming this statement, heaven is able to intervene on your behalf. You will instantly feel relief, and will be gratified to see how easily and naturally the situation resolves itself. Affirmation: I am willing to surrender this situation to my Creator right now. When I let go, Everything turns out perfectly.

Laurel: can we add a card to that?

K: I am also getting the additional information that you are trying so hard to see what your essence wants that you are actually blocking yourself from seeing what your essence wants. Feel more playful and relax into it and you will let the response come through when you least expect it.

Laurel: just looking for an idea to play with...

K: (shuffling again...) 'problem resolved'
An issue that's been bothering you is being healed behind the scenes. The solution is creative, ingenious and is a joyful surprise for you.

Laurel: I like joyful surprises!

K: You're on the cusp of experiencing welcome relief from a problem that has been bothering you. The fairies want you to know that you have reason to smile, as heaven is working on a solution that is so creative that you'll chuckle with delight at God's sense of humor.

Laurel: wonderful!

K: Basically, it's a win win for everyone. You'll be receiving good news such as the healing of a strained relationship, an unexpected financial resource, a resolved health issue, a happy addition to your home, a new career opportunity or a romantic proposal. Please don't strain to figure out 'how' this situation will be achieved or in what form it will manifest. Instead, enjoy feelings of excitement and gratitude as you allow heaven to help you.

Pretty cool, huh? I think once you make a CHOICE to experience growth through joy, the universe really will bend over backwards to make that happen. You just keep going forward. I do think the "fairies" are right - growing through joy means letting go. You let go of trying to control things. Control = impatience = painful lessons. You let go of knowing HOW things are going to happen. It doesn't mean you stop doing things. Manifesting something requires being WILLING to do whatever it takes. You may not HAVE to do anything, but that willingness has to be there. I learned this lesson last year about this time, when I was looking for a new place to live. I had decided that it was going to be easy, it was going to come about through joy, etc.... BUT, I actually was limiting the universe's ability to bring it to me, by letting my money fears get in the way. I have a fairly limited budget, and there wasn't a lot in my price range. Ironically, when I got to a point where I let go of those fears and became WILLING to look at higher priced apartments, I found what I needed AND at the price I could afford.

Now, instead of frowning and feeling vaguely restless, and needing to know what is next, I am feeling marvelously open and with a delicious sense of anticipation. Whatever essence wants next, it will be WONDERFUL! Is today any different from yesterday? No - all I did was choose again my intention to grow through joy. And it feels so much better!