Another paradox: we really can "have it all", but only if we are willing to give up everything. This is precisely why we must have Faith as our foundation. From the human perspective, giving up everything leaves us with nothing. When we come to these critical choice points, our Faith is what allows us to take a deep breath and say, "Nevertheless, I AM willing."

When we are still in the "John the Baptist" state of mind, we are coming to understand with our intellect that, at some vague point somewhere, maybe, probably, we will have to give up everything we have previously held as primary in consciousness, and this is a very frightening prospect. John the Baptist said, "I must decrease and He must increase," which we interpret to mean that the personal, human sense consciousness must lessen as our awareness of our spiritual nature grows.

Another helpful thing along the journey is spiritual companionship, and it is for just this very type of critical choice point that these relationships are so very helpful. The "Buddy System" is not only wise when swimming or hiking or scuba diving, but it is equally wise when we are exploring new frontiers of our spiritual path! Your spiritual companion may or may not be a relative, friend, or lover. It is wonderful when you existing relationships are able to transition in this way, but it is not necessarily the norm. This is why many people find it helpful to associate with a community which is intentional in its dedication to nurturing spiritual growth.

Begin with small choices as you do the work of releasing your grip on your personal self and begin to more fully express your Divine Self. Choose to reduce your tv/email/facebook/whatever time by one-half hour each day and devote that time to Spirit. Relax in quiet, meditate, pray, read a book of Truth. Some good ones to start with are "Discover the Power Within You" or "Breaking the Ten Commandments" by Eric Butterworth, "The Five Principles" by Rev. Ellen Debenport, "The Sermon on the Mount" by Emmet Fox, Myrtle Fillmore's "Healing Letters". If you have a video-streaming service such as Netflix, instead of watching yet another action flick, browse the "Spiritual Documentaries" category and watch something from there. "I AM", "Happy", "Fierce Grace" "With One Voice" "The Dhamma Brothers" and "Kumare" are some good ones.

As you read or watch these things, begin a process of self-inquiry; in addition to considering what you think, ask yourself how you feel about what you've seen. Ask yourself if you agree, disagree, and how the ideas in these books and films might intersect with your real day-to-day life. (note- another good book is "Ask Yourself This" by Unity minister Wendy Craig-Purcell)

As you go about your days, notice when you are presented with choices, and instead of making the same habitual sense-based choices you've always made, pause, breathe, and ask yourself which choice you would make if you wished to choose to more fully express the Divine Within you. It doesn't mean you'll always actually make that choice, but just become aware and begin observing (without negative judgment!) when you are choosing and acting from the sense mind and when you are choosing and acting from Divine Mind. When it seems doable, aspire to choose from Divine (Universal) Mind. As you practice with things like giving up FaceBook time for meditation, you will begin to find that it is easier to make other Spirit-based choices. Write the following on a small card or piece of paper, and look at it when you have a choice to make?

"If I really believed I was the Christ in expression at the point I AM, what would I choose?"