Learning to Live Week 7: Getting Help from the Universe

Everyone needs help. You aren't meant to get through this life on your own. Unfortunately, the action of asking for help is often seen as a weakness when, in fact, it is a great strength. To ask for help means you are setting aside your ego for the good of yourself. Fortunately, it's not just your friends, family and co-workers who can be of assistance; you can also call upon the greatness of the universe, or spirit, to come to your aid. It's an absolute truth that when you ask for help from the universe, help is given. Keep in mind that the help may not always come in the form you think it will. Rather, it comes in the form that is needed.

Maybe you are someone who thinks you're always asking for help and you've used up your help quota. Please be assured there is no limit on the amount of help you can ask for, and the universe is happy to respond in kind.

If possible, it is always best to ask for help through some type of ritual. If you have an altar set up at your home, you can meditate for a while at your altar and then ask for the help you need. If you don't have an altar or an area set up for stillness, you may try lighting a candle, finding a quiet place to sit and being still with your thoughts. State what you want help with and then return to your silence; it's very possible you'll hear an answer or receive guidance in the form of a knowing thought about what to do. If you have a regular routine of meditation, this is helpful because you can sit quietly for 10, 20 or 30 minutes each day to simply listen. Prayer is the act of asking for something, and meditation is the act of listening. I really do think the art of listening is more important than the act of asking. When we listen, we are open, we are still and we are in a state of openness and acceptance.

Once you have asked for help, it may be brought to you in a variety of ways: You may be sent somebody from out of the blue with your answer or assistance; you may be guided to do something different in your life that you wouldn't have normally thought of doing. It is important to stay in a state of awareness after you have asked for help so you don't miss what's coming to you. If you have a sudden, nagging urge to stop at a bookstore or call an old friend, pay attention to those nudges, as they are the universe's way of getting you the help you need. Remember help often comes in a way that's different from what we expect, so keep an open mind and reflect on all options presented to you.

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