In co-creating our reality, we have to accept responsibility for our thoughts, words, and choices in life. That is, we have to be “response-able”― able to respond to events, situations, and people in our lives, instead of reacting to them. It also means becoming consciously aware of our fears, beliefs, and patterns that block the manifestation of our intentions. And to co-create the life we truly want, we must compassionately let go of all that is not in alignment with our soul’s journey.
Unfortunately, many of us try to shift the burden of responsibility for our spiritual awakening onto others and don’t acknowledge the innate power we have to co-create it for ourselves. From the time we are born, we acquire, model, and develop attitudes, mind-sets, and behaviors that have nothing to do with the divine energy of love that we are.
I define love as an infinite, dynamic, all-encompassing energy source that is our divine essence. Defining love as an energy source rather than a feeling gives us a spiritual perspective on love and helps us understand that we have a responsibility for being such a source in our own lives. Our brains have no comprehension of love, but our hearts know love as an energy source we can express through inspired actions. This puts the responsibility for co-creating a loving world on us. In his book The Road Less Traveled M. Scott Peck supports this premise, stating, “Love is as love does.” So being love is being responsible for our lives.
Responding rather than reacting to life requires making more discerning choices, practicing compassionate detachment, not taking things personally, and listening to the our heart more than our head. For example, suppose you are ready to leave the house for a scheduled appointment and someone who is going with you is dawdling and not ready to go. You could react by nagging or becoming upset and feeling at the mercy of the other person’s choices. Or you could be response-able, communicating your need to be on time, maintaining your sense of humor, and then making a choice with your best interest at heart, trusting that your choice will work well. In the end you may opt to take separate cars, leave for the appointment alone, and meet the other person there without anger or blame; you are fully aware there is no right or wrong, no duty or obligation, only personal responsibility.
Although we are solely accountable for our reactions, the more we set healthy energetic boundaries, the less vulnerable we will be to the negativity of others, and the more proactive our responses will be. When we set healthy energetic boundaries and hold others accountable for their choices, we become more loving, compassionate people. And, when we take full responsibility for every choice in our own lives, we cannot be a victim, only a creator. Above all, when we set compassionate boundaries, we love and value ourselves by showing others how we wish to be treated. Then we can be response-able even in the most challenging circumstances, and attract everyone and everything we need to manifest a more fulfilling reality.
In accepting responsibility for our choices in all situations, we also circumvent the interactions that get us into self-destructive conflicts. For example, many of us have had the experience of being pulled over by a police officer for a traffic violation. We hear the siren, look in the rearview mirror, and have a sinking feeling inside. At this point, we can be response-able by opening our hearts, confidently pulling over, then, when the officer approaches the car, immediately being accountable for our actions. If we are presented with a ticket, we can graciously accept it and thank the officer for encouraging us to slow down, affirming that we energetically set up the intervention as an incentive to take better care of ourselves. Finally, we can view the situation as an opportunity to pay closer attention to our well-being.
Recognizing that we are accountable for our lives through our choices can result in a tremendous shift in our consciousness over time. When we realize how every choice we make today defines our future and affects the future of our world, and remember that every choice we make either adds to or detracts from the overall quality of our lives and the world in which we live, we must, by necessity, make more impeccable choices in all areas of our lives.
The willingness to take responsibility for your choices allows you to take charge and be flexible in any situation, from getting a traffic ticket to experiencing a flight delay, or any other sudden change in plans. Then, instead of expecting the worst, you can respond with trust that everything is working out for the best and openness to whatever spiritual information the situation might offer.
Our spiritual development is evolving to the point where we are taking more responsibility for our choices. We are finally recognizing that we have the ability to consciously co-create our reality instead of relinquishing that power to others, our circumstances, or shirk our responsibility to make discerning choices.
If we are going to transform our world to one of peace and harmony, we must recognize that we are our own power source and accountable for our own lives. Our true power originates from within, and initiates our reality. As co-creators, we can wield this power to make soul-hearted rather than self-centered choices, and stop relinquishing our power to others or our external circumstances. When we trust our divine connection to source, and are aware of love flowing through us, we are able to channel it to support the fullest expression of ourselves, others, and our planet.
A world of love begins with us. If each of us takes responsibility for the energy we project by becoming more conscious of our intentions, thoughts, feelings, and choices, it will be possible to increase the flow of love and ultimately transform our world.
