Key Lesson

Part 1: Any real intention we set for ourselves to rise above our present level of being is going to reveal a lower level of self that doesn't want to change. This is a powerful spiritual law that creates both challenge and opportunity at the same time. The challenge: agreeing to see how our unconscious nature -- encased and enchanted by its own negative reactions -- is incapable of doing anything other than resisting unwanted moments. The opportunity: to win the freedom born of dying to this lower nature each time we're shown who (and what) we can no longer agree to be.

Part 2: Negativity is inexcusable.

Exercise

First, you must be firm in the understanding that no negative state is your friend, because until you see that nothing good comes out of negative reactions you will keep giving yourself to them. Second, in seeing the truth of this, you must resolve to never run with a negative reaction again. If and when you do find you have "re-friended" a negative friend, work to "Stop, Drop, and Endure."

Stop: When you see yourself running with a reaction -- impatience, self-importance, anger over what someone said -- shift your attention to the part of you that knows this is not the right feeling. Stay aware as your "old friend" pushes you to do what it says.

Drop: Work to un-friend this false friend and drop everything it's telling you. Remain active as that part of you gets louder when you don't listen.

Endure: Bear the pain and stay firm in your intention until the old friend is finished and a new birth occurs within you. Each time you go through this process consciously you will be lifted to another level where you will be able to more quickly discern the difference between true and false inner friends.