Spiritual Care of Self

The quest for the holy grail.

Nothing is more elusive than the quest for spiritual care of self in this very physical world we live in. The balance between being-ness and doing-ness is comparable to the quest for the holy grail. And why is that?

Well, pick a theory, any theory, and play along. Underneath many intellectual quests is this desperate search for why are we here, how are we here, and what the hell are we supposed to do with it when we’re here. And amidst all of that is the pesky issue of WHO are we? Traditions upon traditions have sought to answer this and, really, any one of them will do as an explanation. But what about the experience of who we are and the desire to live in the most harmonious way possible?

I know, I know, I just lost many of you. It’s too easy to look at the world and point at all the things that are obviously not exemplifying harmony and some of them seem to really enjoy discordance. But what if they don’t? What if the desire to be out of resonance with each other, with the environment (stop it, this is not a political statement about global warming or a carefully crafted left-wing recruitment subliminal message — keep reading), and with ourselves is a cry for help? A desperate wail for someone, something, to fill the gaping void we all possess that keeps us from truly living. If there’s even a chance that this is true, isn’t it worth exploring?

Justin Recla, Tonya Dawn Recla, Gary Renard and Cindy Lora-Renard

I’ve made no secret of my deep love and appreciation for Cindy Lora-Renard and her husband, Gary Renard. As with many people, Gary’s book The Disappearance of the Universe reminded me of aspects of myself I buried so deeply it took a carefully crafted map and guide to help me find them. But the love affair didn’t stop there. Some months after reading the book, I found myself exploring a random internet rabbit hole and happened upon Cindy’s website. I immediately heard guidance to interview her on the SuperPower Up! podcast. So we reached out and she agreed to come play with us. The magic that followed was nothing short of miraculous. My husband, Justin, and I met Cindy and Gary for brunch in Sedona, Arizona and all had the experience of knowing our interaction was pre-ordained. And so it goes when you commit to living a completely different existence. The Course refers to it as following the Holy Spirit script. At Super Power Experts^® (SPE), we refer to it as embodying the abstract frequency. Regardless of which modality or vernacular you choose, the end result is synchronistic living with ease and grace. And it’s pretty freaking fun!

*A big shout-out to Super Power Expert Eric Weiland for following the guidance to introduce Gary’s work to me. 

Regardless, it’s rare for any works based in A Course in Miracles to hold my attention for long since Gary spoiled me with his practical, down-to-earth, humble works of what living the course really looks like. In retrospect, I really shouldn’t have been surprised. From the first moment I spoke with Cindy, I felt her amazing energy and the unique combination of artistry and strength she brings to the conversation. Where Gary lays it all out, Cindy magically weaves it together. Combined they traverse the world as a powerful symbiosis of oneness and wholeness representing as two individuals. The complementary nature of their relationship is endless.

But in her own understated way, Cindy simply glides over those objections with amazingly powerful statements like: “You are always exactly where you need to be and there are no accidents. Nothing happens at random” and “the ego made sickness as a defense against the Truth.” These statements have the effect of gently quieting the lower frequency aspects of us that white-knuckle grip our linear, Newtonian-esque versions of reality. Slowly and methodically, the entire book eases us into a steady acceptance of the truth that resonates deeply within the very essence of our being. Where Gary’s style declares the message of miracles from every mountain in the world, Cindy’s weaves a magical tapestry of support and encouragement to go beyond the cognitive understanding and ease into the stream of true embodiment.

This quiet center will remain with you.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

In the midst of the genius represented in Cindy’s book, a major point stands out — worthy of significant note. Going back to one of my initial points, after the relationship with the body, one of the most challenging areas of reconciliation is in the being-ness and doing-ness. Just as we master surrender, going-with-the-flow, trusting, etc. it seems we’re called back into action. At SPE we call it coming down off the mountain to do our work in the world. This is where we get to test and demonstrate our ability to be in the world, all while being consciously aware that we are not of it. So how do you know when to act and when to allow? Doesn’t being at peace and connecting to God mean that no effort is necessary?

Of course, this confusion is another trick of the ego, but it’s common enough that any solutions to thwart it should be widely shared. Cindy does just that deferring to the brilliant guidance provided in the Course:

There is a line in the Course that says, ‘I need do nothing.’ This statement is often misinterpreted to mean that you just remain passive when it comes to the body, deny the body experience, and just wait around for something to happen to you…the Course explains further. ‘To do nothing is to rest, and make a place within you where the activity of the body ceases to demand attention. Into this place the Holy Spirit comes, and there abides.’ And, ‘This quiet center, in which you do nothing, will remain with you, giving you rest in the midst of every busy doing on which you are sent. For from this center will you be directed how to use the body sinlessly.’

The magic in addressing this major objection from the ego is powerful. It is possible to be at rest and in action simultaneously. The key is to understand which aspect of you you’re choosing to associate with and how conscious you are in observing your various frequencies. It also makes no secret of the importance of committing to do the work and be of service in the world.

And from that place of awareness:

This process helps you to withdraw your belief in the ego being your identity, and you will more likely act from a place of inspiration instead of fear.

That sounds like a pretty powerful existence to me.

Thank you, Cindy, for your contribution to this conversation and your continued commitment to guiding others closer to the highest aspect of who they are. We honor you and the work you do in the world.