Self-referral speaks to having our spirit as our internal reference point for how we live in the world.  The opposite of this would be object referral whereby we are looking outside ourselves for guidance and approval regarding how to live our lives.

The reason this struck me is that we are facing some difficult, unprecedented times right now where many of those external cues many of use as a guide are breaking down.  Financial success is being challenged as people are furloughed or let go completely from jobs that they felt were secure.  Relationships are challenged for some people as they are thrown into close quarters at home on an intensified basis or are isolated from people altogether.  Many of us who are accustomed to the distraction of lots of external activity are having to sit with less of that and more down time.

Our capacity for self-referral seems all the more critical at this moment but I do not think that we are as well trained in this area.   If we can recognize that our core values, our core ideals, our acceptance of ourselves do not change because circumstances around us are changing, we will be better able to weather whatever is coming down the line without completely losing our way.  That internal compass is much more reliable during times of stress as we have to rethink so many aspects of our external life.

So I urge you to take some time to just stop and BE with yourself every day.  Whatever that means to you – meditation, prayer, a walk in the woods or along the water.  Recognize that you are your best reference point.  You are valuable, lovable and worthy and you have the inner resources to face what comes your way if you just connect with them.  It is, in my opinion, the only way to cultivate an oasis of peace in uncertain times.

A blog offering by Heartwood Core Member Kathy Kessenich