Living Free of Hate and other Intensely Negative Emotions

These are crazy times, I know. I'm struggling too. Critical, condemning movements of spirit are making gains in many areas. They are getting stronger and getting more and more associated with things that should be led by love (like Christianity). It’s extremely hard to witness. It's hard not to feel intense anger, and maybe even some hate, no matter what side you may be on in any debate. It's difficult to not let fear and negative feelings take over in one’s heart and start governing one’s thinking and ultimately, one’s life.

But today I read a great line from Matt Kahn's book, "Whatever Arises, Love That" - ". . . the true benchmark of spiritual maturity is how often your words and actions are aligned with love."

The really good news is that we never have to get stuck in negative emotions like hate. Never. The way out of hell is to follow the way and truth of love out.

Whenever you feel intense negative emotions - like hate, anger, despair, fear, etc. – pause and come to rest with the part in you that feels them. Love that part of you. Love the one who is struggling. Have compassion for that aspect of yourself. See why it feels that way. (It's probably very understandable). Rest regarding all other debates and simply allow the feelings. Make space for them with understanding and compassion. Give every part involved to God, including both the person/situation you struggle with and the part of you who is struggling.

In particular, if hate is active, notice the pain. Feel the anger behind it. Feel the yearning to lash out and say something hurtful. Accept it as simply the way you are feeling (because you are). Have the courage not to deny it (denying it will lead you to project your part in the situation onto someone else, which will probably lead to hateful activity). Simply rest and open your heart to Divine Love. Know that God can handle you and the situation.

Then, after calming down, gently notice how the burning coal in the hateful hand is burning it (and you). If a Christian perspective speaks to you, hear Jesus saying, "Father, forgive them they know not what they do" from the cross. He knows how to handle the anger that can lead to hate. You can ask him for help in dropping the coal. He will help. Do whatever it takes to see yourself relaxing your grip and dropping the coal. Again, give the people involved to God asking God to love them in whatever ways you can’t yet. Feel the relief in doing so. Feel the even greater relief that comes when you genuinely want them to be loved too so they can heal too. (This is how Jesus and God heal).

The rest that works is a way to re-align with love as we go.  It keeps saving me by helping me let go of whatever takes me out of love.  It safeguards my heart from being governed by spirits other than a spirit of love for very long. 

Keep remembering - God's Character is Love (it doesn't really matter if anyone acts or says otherwise).  Pray and ask for God's help to feel the grace that gives life. You can feel what gives life as you settle in with your breath. Let me invite you to take a moment to do so now. (It will only take a couple of minutes).

Feel how good it feels as life is created in your body, moment by gentle moment. In your exhale, feel the letting go of the past that makes space for what creates life in the present. Feel your body center itself as it comes to rest. Then feel the trust that welcomes the creative energy that accompanies your lungs expanding. Trust the Spirit at work in your breath. Open to the Living, Loving Creator Behind it - behind and at work in you!  Live creatively with God as you seek to love whatever arises the way Our Creator loves. There may be correction, but there will not be condemning hate. Trust that any effort made to love with God is worth it.

You may feel a strong need to take a stand on an issue, and if so, DO, but you will not feel a need to hate anyone no matter how lost they may be. You do not have to go there. When you do, you do not need to stay there. Be free. There is no need to live in hell or participate in the condemning kind of hate that spreads its borders. 

Thanks for journeying together. More power to you in living free.

Blessings,
​Scott

(P.S. I'm offering a new rest that works 2 class in April for anyone who went through the first class or has read the book. Here's more information: http://www.therestthatworks.com/events-calendar.html)

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