Rest and recreation life

Every four or five lives we opt for the rest and recreation life. After dealing with many of our lessons we give ourselves a break. During this life things go pretty easily with no real dramas and no great learning. It’s like a “breather” along the way. These paths are set up in a similar way to the other paths, except that they are not as challenging.

As I mentioned in an earlier chapter, we can recognize the people who are on a rest and recreation life because they seem to have very good lives. While we are struggling with constant dramas, they just breeze through life. There seems to be few difficulties in their world. They have enough love, money and plenty of opportunities.

It can feel weird when our own life is so contrasting, but don’t despair, for in time we will reach the rest and recreation life too. As a rule, we have a support person with us who is experiencing the rest and recreation life, while we are living in the soap opera one. It is good to have these souls to travel along the journey with us, as they create stability. The paths in this life are fairly similar. Few challenges will arise on them, and it is only a matter of personal choice which one we opt for.

Rest and recreation lives are a chance to recuperate and enjoy the human experience. It’s like sitting in the middle of the see-saw instead of the two ends, so there are few ups and downs. Family life is normal and without too many dramas and there is enough work, money and usually plenty of travel to enjoy. Time is made available for creative pursuits and fun activities. All in all, it’s a great human and spiritual holiday.

When I first encountered people living these lives, I could not understand it. Why was my life full of challenges and theirs so easy? Was there a lesson for me?

Now that I know the way the paths work, I can understand why we would set up a life like this. I realize that my rest and recreation life is coming up, and I look forward to it. In my case, I hope sooner rather than later.

 

Path four

Path four is the highest, the hardest and the most satisfying path, in my opinion. On this path, we feel connected to our soul. It is like the light inside you is finally switched on and on a deep level, you know who you are, and what you need to do. On path four we live the greatest purpose of our life. At times it will feel daunting, yet it is, as if we are truly alive. Now we can fulfill our true destiny. To me, it feels like I have finally come home to myself.

To think this is the easiest path is a mistake, but it is the most rewarding. On this path, the trail is steep and hard. There are countless lessons to learn and constant personal challenges to deal with. In a sense the learning never ends. I believe we can only truly serve our soul’s purpose when we work at our highest level. On path four there is the opportunity for enormous growth and rapid change.

On the highest path, I have found my spiritual connection to be extremely important. I feel guided by my inner voice and close to my spiritual guardians. I know I am on track. In my human world, some people are critical of my choices, especially those on other paths. However, I know that if I stand by what I intuitively feel, I can’t go wrong.

On this path, you may pursue meditation, yoga and be actively working on personal growth. You will find life very exciting, as you explore new horizons and are constantly learning. There will always be something to work on or ideas to explore. It’s a never-ending process.

Socially, you may realize that you are not as popular as before. You may spend more time alone and being in the company of others may not thrill you as much. I noticed I could often feel out of place and would soon bore of the conversation. It was as though my shift had created a shift in my social world, subtle, but nonetheless, powerful. I could no longer spend hours talking about subjects I found less interesting to me. It was a shift that I took a while to be comfortable with.

It is okay to be in one’s own company and spend less time in mainstream. Invitations once automatically accepted may now present problems. Remember, if it does not feel right for you, then it isn’t. Only attend social functions when you really want to because the time for doing the “right thing” is over. Be polite when you refuse, knowing there is no need to explain why. Once you start to say “no” to these events you will feel a sense of relief. Honestly, I found it truly liberating.

Your social world might shrink for several years when you move up onto the highest path. Time is frequently given for you to spend more time alone, enabling you to work more quickly through your issues. During these times, you may almost feel like you are on some kind of retreat, except instead of being on a hill side in Nepal, you are tucked away in your little house in suburbia. This time ends, so be patient.

Some people have an illness or lose their jobs, so they have to stop. In this way, they are being given time to shift to the higher path. During this process, you can feel lost and unsure. You will, at times, feel like you are in a mess, both mentally and emotionally. Have faith, for all will be made clear, just ride the wave until you come into calm water.

There is generally a money shortage at this time and that adds even more pressure. To follow the higher path regularly entails an initial drop in income and status, and this can be hard to handle as money gives us power and security. Occasionally, this drop in money can be for a long time. It may be necessary for us not to be working in order to move in another direction. Once we let go of the money strings, we will be free to make personal changes. At this time, learning the difference between what we need, and what we want, is enlightening.

The loss of income can mean the loss of status. I think getting money is easier than getting status. Although our society loves money, I think it loves status even more. Status is like an external pat on the back, a bit like a power trip. Unfortunately, if we choose the highest path less people may value our choices, and our status may drop. In a world that measures success in terms of having lots of money and being employed in a powerful job, being able to connect to the spiritual world or dealing with our personal issues holds little weight.

If we choose this path we will generally go alone. We must support ourselves at this time, and not seek approval from others. They will be coming from another place, and their judgment will be based on different things.

Path four can be like being out in the desert on our own. Yet, like the desert, it has a beauty of its own, a freedom. For the sense of peace and personal happiness, I think it is worth it.

 

Paths Two and Three

The next two levels can blend together and seem like the same, although they are slightly different. On path three there are more opportunities for personal and spiritual growth, than on path two. Some people can move back and forth from one path to the other. It is like there is a bridge between the paths. Some of the lessons may be similar, just with varying degrees of difficulty.

The outcomes in life are dependent on which path we mostly frequent. Normally, there will be the same people on both paths, while at other times one will only encounter them on the separate paths. I think that paths two and three allow much more flexibility than path one and four. People seem to be able to cross back and forth easily as there are open gates along the way. These paths give a variety of opportunities and choices. In some ways that can be good, although whilst tracking back and forth specific issues may not be addressed. That can be one of the challenges of working on these levels.

People working on their highest path will occasionally take refuge in path two or three. In general, this will be in times of great stress or illness and won’t be for long. Vibrating at the high level required for path four makes it hard to stay on a lower path. It is a similar experience for those on paths two and three. One may also slip back to path one when tired or ill. This can be a trap for some people, as it will feel comfortable, and they may be unwilling to step up again.

Paths two and three are separated by an easier route. That is why people crisscross more regularly. The leap to the highest path is harder because it is like crossing a chasm, so there is more incentive to remain on path four.

The majority of people live on paths two and three. Here they can live in the more material, superficial life and only sort out things when they feel like it. There is less urgency to work off karma or face lessons.

If level one was sitting still, this is walking. On the highest path, one will need to sprint and jump some hurdles.

Paths two and three are okay, but there is always that yearning. The yearning comes from one’s soul, from not being on the highest path. Some lessons will be worked out, and a moderately good life lived, but it will feel at times, as though one is just going through the motions.

 

Path one

The first path seems like the easiest, and in a way it is. However, life cannot progress much on path one, except on a human level. The focus is on worldly issues. How one looks, what one owns and one’s position in society overrides everything else. On this path one judges and is judged by others, and there can be much “fakeness” as everyone tries to project the “right” image.

Power and control are major features on this path since these attributes are seen as valuable. No one works on improving themselves on a soul level at all for everything is on a human level. Denial is a common thread in path one, as dealing with one’s issues would be too challenging. People essentially hide here because it can seem like a safe place. You can be sure no one else on path one wants to dig deep and face their issues either. Once in this place one is forced to link into the mindset of the group because individuals are not well-tolerated as they are a threat to the status quo.

Mostly, people who suffer with addictions will frequent this plane. Denial fits in well and one can stay in the same place and no-one minds. Addiction is tolerated because through the use of food, cigarettes and drugs outstanding and deep-seated emotions are suppressed to avoid dealing with difficult memories or traumas. People who have grown up in harsh environments will feel comfortable on path one, while others who have lived in punitive homes will welcome the lax ways.

There appears to be little structure except, I have noticed there is an unspoken rule. Basically, one is expected not to rock the boat. When one chooses to live on this path one constantly meets people similar to them. The people have different names, but they are all the same. Everyone vibrates at the same rate, and carry similar unresolved issues and dark baggage. There is little light and much inner confusion for people on this path. There are no long-term goals, only transient ones that beg to be met. Sadly, with all things transient, satisfaction is small and short-lived. These people dream about a better future except, they make no move to activate it. Much time is spent waiting for someone else to fix it up. It feels that life is unfair and that a cruel blow has been dealt.

Here not much soul growth occurs. I liken it to being on the merry-go-round, you go around a lot, yet in spite of this you go nowhere.

It is not our role to judge others if they decide to experience this trip. We all make our choices. Some stay on this path because it is easy. For others, it is a starting point. Young souls frequent this plane to gain wisdom and an understanding of how the earth works. These souls can choose to start working on some difficult life lessons, especially if they need the earth experience as a platform for the work they have come down to do. Knowledge can be gained by experimenting in drugs, alcohol or crime. Living this life will bring with it a deeper understanding of the issues that people can encounter, and so these souls can develop the necessary compassion. Experience is the best teacher and on this route, they can gain wisdom. In time these souls move out and onto their next path. It is merely a learning path for them. Often later, these souls will work with others who have been lost on the path. They may become counselors, youth workers; work in shelters or in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Sadly, though, the majority of people never progress and can spend lifetimes on path one. Many people on path one fail to accept responsibility for their own lives, and therefore, cease to learn. The people who inhabit this path regularly act like victims. We can find the real victims of abuse hiding on this path. Survivors are not welcome in this place as they present too much of a threat, so anyone wishing to deal with anything will need to move to the next path.

Normally, people existing on path one will be challenged by others from paths two and three. The universe is constantly sending in others to encourage us to ascend. People will come in and try to encourage movement ahead, but if there is no hope of advancement those from path two, three or four will move on. We have all been with others on this path. I have observed that these people really don’t want to move. When they are given the chance to move up to path two, many will resort to their old ways and stay.

Path one is a good place to begin when learning about the human world. On the other hand, I don’t believe it is the best path for growth.

 

The paths

During each life on earth, we have several paths we can choose. Before entering the earth plane, we planned these routes. Nonetheless, once we leave the Garden of Remembrance all can be forgotten. The paths rank from the easiest and least productive life, to the one giving us the greatest spiritual and personal growth. The paths in between are like half-way houses with varying degrees of difficulty. Some people opt for three paths, while others have four. It does not matter how many paths each of us has. The first real challenge is to recognize that these paths exist. The second is to understand what path we are on during various stages of our life.

Our time on earth is about the lessons we have set for ourselves. In the human form, we can learn many soul lessons and achieve great spiritual growth. The quest is  about personal and spiritual growth. It is not about money, status and power. Once we understand why we have chosen to be here, we can advance more rapidly. We have planned our lessons and the various paths we can travel. The people we need to meet are waiting along the way. The gifts we need to embrace will emerge as we grow.

Many earthbound people want to blame others for the bad things that happen. They have forgotten their time in the Garden of Remembrance. In that place, we set out our lessons and the obstacles that we wished to surmount. We chose the people who would help us learn these lessons, and we set up our paths.

Regardless, most of us have forgotten this time. Once we remember the reasons we chose to come to earth, we will be closer to our God than we could have imagined. Coming home means seeing the way our universe really operates. Our happiness is directly connected to this understanding. No longer do things happen to you. There are no failures, only lessons. Each person with whom we come into contact has a learning to give us.

Some people are with us due to karmic connections, as we have all chosen the connection for mutual learning. Often, once the lesson is learnt, either the person moves on or the relationship moves to another level. Many souls have chosen to burn off  a lot of karma at this time. There is a quickening throughout the world, a speed in communication, and this applies not only in the physical world. The internet is symbolic of a rapid change in communication in our daily relationships. On a personal level, many of us are speeding along our paths and learning our lessons quickly.

The paths are a fascinating avenue for growth. They give us personal power to evolve and develop in ways we never dreamt possible.

 

The sacred contract

Some of us would have made our sacred contract in the Garden of Remembrance. The sacred contract is a promise made when we were in spirit form. If you have made a sacred contract it would be activating in this life. Universally, the contract is similar to a promise. As with many promises, not all are honored.

Some promises are karmic in nature. These promises are to others to balance or repay karma. However, the sacred promise is not like the karmic promise. In my understanding, sacred contracts are specifically made for spiritual endeavors. You would have agreed to fulfill a particular mission, like being a healer or advancing some area using spiritual means. When I speak of it being spiritual work, I mean coming from a spiritual intention. It does not have to be only in a spiritual area like healing or Reiki. Our sacred contract can be work we will do in society like science, finance or beginning a particular project. Part of our sacred contract could be in supporting a project to take off and be successful. A sacred contract made in the Garden of Remembrance holds much weight. It is not to be taken lightly. It is a promise to serve the bearers of the Light while on earth.

Of course, we don’t have to do it. I have met lots of people who just couldn’t go through with the contract once they arrived here. Often these people needed to sort through their own stuff, face their issues and heal before they could begin their real work. Given the challenge of all that personal work, many simply walked away. Maybe they will honor their promise another time. I do believe our own issues need to be cleared before the real work begins and honestly, that part can be extremely hard.

The sacred vow usually involves contracts made to support others too, and I have found that along the way, desertion is a very real outcome. Perhaps we were supposed to work with someone, and then they decided not to do it with us. In these situations, their decision will directly affect our plans to complete our contract. Once they leave, it takes time and new resources before we can follow the path again.

During the years, I have always felt a strong drive to do the work, while others around me have not shared my enthusiasm. I have met countless readers and healers who have chosen to move back into mainstream. In retrospect, I think several of them were meant to work with me, and now their decision has changed my course too. We may have to accept other’s choices if they don’t want to carry out the work. Spirit will send in replacements. It just takes time.

The sacred contract directly affects marriages and long-term partnerships. If it was written that our partner was supposed to work with us on the same project and chooses otherwise, the whole plan goes astray. Unfortunately, I have also discovered that if one person is steaming ahead, while the other one is far behind, the relationship can get out of sync. This poses a real threat both to the relationship and the promise made. The same thing can happen in relationships at work.

We always have free will, even when a sacred contract is agreed on. I believe there is little point in giving up, as we will probably have to come back in another life to do it again. I would rather soldier through it this time.

We will know if we are one of the sacred contract groups. By understanding the setup, we will be able to understand our strong conviction in the work we have to complete. I believe it was easier once my head understood what my soul already knew, that we are a complimentary team working together for the same goal. Although I understood my vow it took time for my sacred work to unfold, and I had to wait for guidance and assistance along the way. Our spiritual helpers are clever as they choose to show us step by step. I think if they revealed everything from the beginning it might be too much to comprehend, and we might run away.

Enjoy your service work as it unfolds. Eventually, as you look back, you will marvel at how beautifully it has been designed, and you will be pleased you stayed and completed your sacred contract.

 

The Garden of Remembrance

The Garden of Remembrance exists in the ethereal planes, and it is there that we decided our life’s mission. Before we arrived on earth we sat with other light beings and planned our visions for this next life. However, once we entered the earth plane the memories of this time were erased and most of us have no memory of our visit, let alone the plans we made.

It is important to realize that we planned our life because it means that what happens to us is what we wanted to happen. In the garden, we set out several paths and many choices for our present life. When I first realized I had agreed to the life I had lived, it was a bitter pill to swallow. I mean parts of my life had been awful, and it took time for me to come to terms with my new reality, and the fact I had really agreed to all that had occurred in my life. Therefore, I suggest you take time to come to this understanding of your life’s paths.

People unfairly blame other people, God or the universe, for their difficult times. Just the same, on a universal level it does not work that way. We planned our lessons and paths; we cannot blame anyone else. I think to take responsibility for that can be quite challenging, especially for our human side.

In the garden, we decided who we would meet, where it would be and when it would occur. Of course, we did leave some room for us to move and negotiate. Still, we set it all up. When we made the plans in the garden, we made it through our soul mind. We were not constricted by the human mind or the denseness of earth.

Now the soul can be like a big bulldozer, as it knows what has to be achieved and the lessons to be learned. I am sure my guardians tried to explain how hard various things I had chosen to do were going to be. However, I was not thinking about the human condition there in the garden. I am sure my soul just took over and thought it would all be fine.

Once on earth most of us realize that we have bitten off more than we can chew and feel that back in the garden we may have opted for more challenges than we should have. The human always opts for the easiest and least painful journey. It goes with being human and feeds our way of thinking, which is predominately based on fear. Given that, I feel that we are still human and ought to be kind, rather than harsh on ourselves. It has been said that we never ask for more than we can carry, and I do believe this to be true, but that is not how it feels some days. Whilst working through hard times may feel lonely and difficult, please remember that you are never alone. Help is always available to you if you seek it.

When things are tough try to avoid the “victim attitude” because nothing is ever “done” to you. All is as it needs to be. Keep in mind that somewhere back in the garden these lessons were put in place by you and your guides.

I own all of my life. I am not a victim. Only if I refuse to learn the lesson do I become one, a victim of my own making. When I struggle with life I ask myself what am I supposed to learn from this event, what have I set up to look at in my life? Then I can focus on my learning and not get bogged down in feeling sorry for myself. Of course, it is normal to whine and complain, and so I just let it be over quickly, so I can move ahead and do the lesson.

Sometimes, we will set a very difficult life with considerable growth. Other lives can be what I refer to as the rest and recreation life, an easy, non-taxing path. You may have met some people opting for this life. Everything goes smoothly. It is simple with no dramas or big lessons for them. The rest and recreation life is like a pit stop. Maybe you have some friends enjoying the rest and recreation lives. One of my dearest friends has been sailing through and enjoying this kind of life. My life, on the other hand, has been like a never-ending soapie, while her life has been calm and without many dramas.

Initially, I did not get it, and I could not understand why her life was so easy and mine seemed so rocky. Now it makes sense. I had not chosen the rest and recreation life, she had. Having her with me has been wonderful. Her support and love have made it so much more bearable, maybe more for me than for her. Treasure such friendships. These souls have chosen to spend their lives helping us with ours. They can be the calm in our storm. What a gift, what a love!

There is another life choice I call the compressed one. It seems like the rest and recreation life. All goes well at the beginning of the person’s life. Everything is lovely and without problems. Then, at a designated time, hell breaks loose. Instead of having the difficulties spread out, in this life we opt for a condensed version. Normally, we choose the compressed life when we want to burn lots of karma in a few months or years, instead of spreading it out over a life-time. I believe all the parties involved would have agreed to this compressed version. We would have witnessed families dealing with one thing after the other. In general, with the compressed version, life becomes very challenging and everything seems to happen all at once.

The compressed life is extremely difficult because we have little or no time to recover. When you set this life up you would have placed people around you to give assistance. Remember to recognize who they are. Keep in mind that you don’t have to do it alone. Friends, family and health practitioners are always near, so use the support available.

Our spiritual guardians are there waiting for our call. Much help can be given by these wonderful beings. Ask for assistance regularly, and try to connect with them to receive healing and guidance. Remember, support can be given by those in other dimensions, including loved ones who are no longer earth-bound. In my readings, ancestors from people’s families have come forward offering help. Quite often these ancestors were unknown to the person I was reading. A couple of times, I could see lines of relatives from the person’s extended family waiting to help, so ask, and you will receive.

I have frequently made a joke about the life I have chosen this time, remarking that next life before I come down, I will definitely read the small print. I feel my soul made choices my human has struggled with. You might have times here when you feel like me. Still, through it all, I know I can find my way and so can you.

Think of the Garden of Remembrance with love and reverence. It is a wondrous place. Here is where your journey began and here is where it will end, in a place of light and love.