sunrise-pages-october

Welcoming the New Day, Beloved Creator!

The dawn sky is clear this morning.  The sun below the horizon radiates colors and brightness upwards in an arc that pushes against the retreating night, filling the sky.  I missed the very beginning of the sun’s appearance above the horizon, but I sit in stillness as it rises into full view, leaving me blinded for some minutes after.

I usually have Wednesdays off from my retail job, so I am planning for the next 4-5 weeks to tackle the exercises in each section of Martha Beck’s DIY Integrity Cleanse Kit (digital).  There is audio to listen to, as well as some questions and writing prompts.

 

In yesterday’s Sunrise Pages, I employed the metaphor of nakedness, and I’m intrigued how that idea triggers so much discomfort in me.  To the point where, even now, I am resistant to continue writing about it.

Yet, there is a part of me that imagines that, when completely naked and revealed, with nothing more to pretend and nothing left to hide behind, when I accept the pure, basic, fundamental me – What Freedom that will be!

And, so it is with Integrity.  I’m a little saddened that there’s a part of me that thinks that studying and attempting a practice of integrity will prove too difficult and too complicated, and make me too vulnerable.

Still, there is that part of me that believes that once I can burn up those ego fears programmed in me and blocking my way, I will open up a world of real simplicity and beauty, grounded in Integrity and Authenticity.  I will be Free!

It’s the Great Exploration – not knowing exactly the path to get there from here.  One part is about the faith that there is a path, even when we don’t see it.  Another part is bravely doing the next step we are called to do, not knowing where it will lead.

 

For now, I offer you this Prompt:

Why ask why?

Each time we come to a choice, we get to examine what factors are influencing our decision.  Are you in your integrity, or are you being guided by your fears, social conformities, and politeness?

Take a moment to reflect on the decisions you’ve made in the last day, and ask yourself why.

How often did you choose a path that avoided possible conflict, the need to speak up for yourself, or the risk of being perceived negatively?

Aligning with your integrity will mean risking these things, rather than avoiding them.

But, as Byron Katie says, “That’s when the real fun starts.”

 

Dare I say it, Dear Guides?  Beyond the fear of having nothing to hide behind is the Freedom of not needing to hide anymore!  Onward!