Richard Burton: Distractions, Help or Hindrance?

Recently there has been a spate of distractions in my life, minor but energy depleting medical stuff, family coming and going, an influx of the flotsam and jetsam of daily life such that I have not made it here as often as I like. So I asked Richard for insight.

Ann: Richard?

Richard Burton: Yes, you are picking me up correctly. And, yes, in spite of the distractions, I believe we can proceed.

Ann: Sorry to have been absent.

Richard: Not to worry, recent events have naturally led to decreased . All have conspired to lower the frequency of your channel, but, not to worry, with a little effort you can reconnect.

So lets talk about distraction.

Ann: Yes, but you have just said that outside events have affected my vibrational level so maybe that is at the root cause of the situation.

Richard: Well, there is definitely an effect, but all cannot be ascribed to the physical effects of such events. What happens when our physical systems are challenged is that our focus in honed down to include only that which is necessary for immediate coping. In your case, nothing life threatening was occurring, your energy was simply needed elsewhere.

I would like, however, to explore the correlation between spiritual connection and life events, large and small, having indulged in various distractions, not to say addictions, to keep myself from accepting the power in my life.

Many people forget about Spirit when all is going well. Others naturally turn to include Spirit in grateful rejoicing. In times that are less obviously joyful though of the not-so-critical variety, the same can be said, that is, some turn toward Spirit and some turn away.

In critical times, however, such mild reactions take a back seat to surrender, vitriol, or despair depending on the inclinations and state of learning of the individual, but today we speak of the ordinary ups and downs of spiritual life, the turning toward and then away from elevated consciousness for one reason or another.

For example, the chronic effects of aging carry a weight as does the drip, drip, drip of daily and often dispiriting news. When it gets too much for us we often go to our distractions and then beat ourselves up for not turning to Spirit. But sometimes we need a break.

You tend to turn to novels, phone surfing, television pablum, nature, and animals any of which can provide an inexhaustible supply of items to occupy your mind, perhaps raise your blood pressure or trigger your sympathy but nothing that touches your immediate circumstances such that an existential crisis is triggered.

It may surprise you to learn that such is fertile ground for whatever seeds that have recently been sprouting in your unconsciousness. Sometimes these seeming detours are just the ticket, providing a place of rest and underground renewal while your system calms itself down and allows repair through a subterranean connection while your attention is turned elsewhere. You may then find yourself returning to your life and its current issues refreshed and ready to move on.

Note, however, that the efficacy of restorative distraction is diminished if you linger too long. Your mood then becomes depressed and you begin to try turn a helpful distraction into a way of life rather than an interlude, and that is when our deep level connection with Spirit is disrupted. Our happiness is found in our connection with Spirit and, therefore, only when distraction furthers that connection is it attuned and helpful.

You can always tell the difference. Think of a delightful experience that elevated your mind and spirit, perhaps a lovely day, delightful meal, or entertaining interchange with your fellows.

But then if you try to recreate it, your efforts fall flat, devoid of the joyful impetus that so elevated the former. That is when you know it is time to get up and move on, that you have received all the rest and renewal that you need.

So when you question the value of your distractions, do what you are doing now. Reconnect, ask what’s next, look beyond the immediate to the infinite in your life.

And don't be surprised when the dross of something that no longer fits turns into the gold of an evolving and expanding spirit that is the real “you” in your life, a unique and resonant part of the whole of the loving creation.

June 7, 2023

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