Don't Start a To-Do List

Dear Empowered Wayers:Lists are a wonderful way to take the items out of your head and capture them on paper (or your hand).The problem with creating to-do lists is that they are focused outward, on action and behaviors. All very necessary, but there is an essential step that comes before any to-do list.It’s called a “to-be” list. And it is the first step in being human.Being Human is the KeyTo be or not to be, that is the question. — ShakespeareThis famous quote spoken by Prince Hamlet is a neon sign pointing the way.Shakespeare could have easily used a different two-letter word than “be” but he didn’t. Imagine that he wrote, “To do or not to do, that is the question.” It’s a declarative statement without a foundation.Actions taken because we feel compelled to do something never ends up well. In my own life, when I have taken action because I didn’t trust the process or system, the result was not what I expected.In college, I entered a drawing for an important class that could only accept a small number of students. The volunteers taking the applications didn’t know what was going on, so I waited until the shift changed, and submitted my application again.It didn’t turn out well. I was excluded from the class because it looked like I was trying to game the system by submitting two applications. My motivation was to make sure my application didn’t get lost by incompetence, so I acted when I should have trusted.Lesson: don’t let fear of loss or distrust motivate your actions.If I had taken a step back from the situation and trusted the process, I would have been front and center in that class. Instead, I allowed fear to direct my actions and it didn’t end well. My being was fueled by fear, which then propelled me to act from fear.Remember, fear always limits or constricts; love and trust always expand. Your choice in every moment is to choose your state of being.What is Being?Vocabulary.com defines “being” as “the state or fact of existing…that can develop the ability to act or function independently.”During meditation one morning, I saw the image of the word “being” written on a wall. Next to it were words that crystallized the concept.Repeat these words to yourself and notice the power it gives you. You have the ability to express, experience and energize the infinite nature of God.[Pause while you catch your breath.]It’s your choice how you express the infinite nature of God.It’s your choice what you experience of the infinite nature of God.It’s your choice when you energize from the infinite nature of God.Are you beginning to see why I suggest making a “to-be” list before you start doing? Who you are being in any moment directly impacts what you are doing. As Sarah Landon, a spiritual visionary and teacher, always reminds us that:You are the creator inside your creation.You create your external reality from the inside - the energy of your being. Think about the times when you felt frustrated or angry. As you moved through your day, didn’t you discover more to be angry about? As soon as you realize that your negative being is impacting your life, it’s time to step back and recalibrate your energy.One way to recalibrate is to create a “to-do” list of the being states you desire right now. Your mind will calm and you can enter the sacred space of your heart. Learn to pivot your being, because it is the key to a loving and uplifting life.Your To-Be ListBefore you get out of bed, allow gratitude to flood your body. Enjoy the feeling of being held while your awareness gently shifts from sleeping to waking.Before you run down your to-do list for the day, intentional set a state of being. Some examples are:* gratitude* abundance* love* trust* forgivenessRemind yourself of your intention as you move through your day. Use the most powerful form of affirmation: “I am ______.” As you repeat the affirmation, breathe in deeply and allow the energy to settle in your body.Before you go to bed, write down what you noticed as you moved through the day in your intended being. Keeping track of what shows up in your life is one way to convince your logical mind that this process really works.One other step you could add to either your morning or evening routine is to meditate for 10 minutes. Meditation is the best way to bypass your thinking mind and enter the space of oneness. One of my most popular meditations is called, “The Astonishing Light of Your Being” available on Insight Timer.Discover what works for you. The key takeaway is to live being human. Your to-do lists will flow from your being energy and your life will become magical.To your prosperity,KathrynP.S. Another way to shift your being energy is to practice mindfulness. I created the “Sacred Feminine Journal” to provide that experience of being present in the moment. The journal is filled with insightful prompts, inspiring graphics to color, and QR codes that lead to meditations. It’s waiting for you :-) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit empoweredway.substack.com