Knowing when?

[Milfoil]

There is a lot of metaphysical information in various belief systems regarding following your path, learning to recognise and understand the messages all around us and then following those.

Given that there are messages all around us every day, how do we differentiate between following the 'breadcrumbs' and being blown about by fates (ie having or demonstrating no free will).

When do we know when to stand our ground, pitch in, keep going and stick to a course of action, even when everything seems to be going against us? Likewise, when should we just go with the flow?

How do you determine this and what are your deciding factors?

 

[Carla]

This isn't much of answer, but I think you just know. *biting lip* That sounds glib, but it's the only answer I can come up with.

 

[Yora]

This isn't much of answer, but I think you just know. *biting lip* That sounds glib, but it's the only answer I can come up with.

I sometimes get a feeling in how close or far of it aproximatly is. Might not always be accurate LOL i might have to learn further on it! *bites her paw*

 

[Milfoil]

Actually Carla it makes sense but since I can't find adequate words to express how I 'just know' I thought it would make a good discussion here and I could explore and lean more about what the indicators are.

When I have felt insecure and sometimes depressed in the past it has been easier to just be swept along by life, it seemed like fate that took me wherever I was going. The more I grow and learn, the more it seems that sometimes we have to know when to go with that flow and when to stand firm against the maelstrom.

I ask myself if this comes down to logical 'knowing a right course of action' which is inherently fraught with problems of ego and the assumption that I know anything at all!

Perhaps it is more an inner, gut feeling where the 'knowing' is of a more visceral nature or perhaps when one overlaps the other to create a much stronger viewpoint.

For example, I may be able to logically reason that I should be involved in a movement to promote awareness or change in a certain area but only when that gut feeling kicks in along with a series of 'coincidences' and messages do I 'know' that I need to put myself on the front line in some way (protest, stand up and say something unpopular or take the heat for an issue).

The thing is, sometimes I need to make a decision and although I ask for direction, no message is clear. So what do I do? Go with the flow, make a logical decision, stand on principle, do nothing?

It's never easy and I guess there are also questions about fearing to make mistakes. Sometimes no matter which choice you make you are damned if you do and damned if you don't.

The question remains, however, what indicators do others use to make spiritual decisions (specifically)?

 

[gregory]

This isn't much of answer, but I think you just know. *biting lip* That sounds glib, but it's the only answer I can come up with.

Me too...

Actually Carla it makes sense but since I can't find adequate words to express how I 'just know' I thought it would make a good discussion here and I could explore and lean more about what the indicators are.

HONESTLY I can't think of a single one. I could say it just hit me in the gut - but that's no help either.

I do think occasionally - and especially when low - when you find something that feels as if you'd LIKE it - it is often exactly the wrong path to follow...

Perhaps it is more an inner, gut feeling where the 'knowing' is of a more visceral nature or perhaps when one overlaps the other to create a much stronger viewpoint.

For example, I may be able to logically reason that I should be involved in a movement to promote awareness or change in a certain area but only when that gut feeling kicks in along with a series of 'coincidences' and messages do I 'know' that I need to put myself on the front line in some way (protest, stand up and say something unpopular or take the heat for an issue).

I think you do know. I really REALLY think you do, Milfoil, and that is not a generic you.

The thing is, sometimes I need to make a decision and although I ask for direction, no message is clear. So what do I do? Go with the flow, make a logical decision, stand on principle, do nothing?

I think the message there is that it is YOUR (back to generic now !) direction and you have to make your own decision. That the fact of MAKING that decision is part of the process you need to follow.

I think that sometimes we know perfectly well what needs to be done, and just want someone else to tell us - and for "someone else", I include spirit, and guides and everything. And I think it isn't OK to abrogate the responsibility for everything we do to "I asked my guides and they said..." or "I looked to spirit for guidance." I think we have to be our very own selves. This isn't just a "free will" thing as I imagine spirit allows that. It is a personal responsibility thing. Examine yourself (generic) instead of asking another of any kind. It is how to grow, too.

I think I may get into trouble here in a minute....

 

[Libra8ca]

Actually Carla it makes sense but since I can't find adequate words to express how I 'just know' I thought it would make a good discussion here and I could explore and lean more about what the indicators are.

That's easier said than done. I taught that "I knew" what to do in the past but the outcomes at times unfortunately were not what I had in mind.

I ask myself if this comes down to logical 'knowing a right course of action' which is inherently fraught with problems of ego and the assumption that I know anything at all!

That's so true! I think we do a lot of things based on some sort of logic or experience but there is no logic to meeting a certain person at a certain time or having an accident etc, but events like that can alter the entire course of one's life.

For example, I may be able to logically reason that I should be involved in a movement to promote awareness or change in a certain area but only when that gut feeling kicks in along with a series of 'coincidences' and messages do I 'know' that I need to put myself on the front line in some way (protest, stand up and say something unpopular or take the heat for an issue).

I've become wary of "coincidences". I've followed them but the outcomes were not what I expected or wanted.

The thing is, sometimes I need to make a decision and although I ask for direction, no message is clear. So what do I do? Go with the flow, make a logical decision, stand on principle, do nothing?

I wish spirit gave clearer messages! LOL

The question remains, however, what indicators do others use to make spiritual decisions (specifically)?

I think it is a combination of logic and inner feeling. I now also consult with my tarot cards and check my astrological chart when making important decisions. Positive outcome unfortunately is not guaranteed.

 

[Milfoil]

I do think occasionally - and especially when low - when you find something that feels as if you'd LIKE it - it is often exactly the wrong path to follow...

Yes to that. The easy path is often not the one which leads to the best learning or growth experience. The difference between natural and easy is often mistaken.

I think the message there is that it is YOUR (back to generic now !) direction and you have to make your own decision. That the fact of MAKING that decision is part of the process you need to follow.

I think that sometimes we know perfectly well what needs to be done, and just want someone else to tell us - and for "someone else", I include spirit, and guides and everything. And I think it isn't OK to abrogate the responsibility for everything we do to "I asked my guides and they said..." or "I looked to spirit for guidance." I think we have to be our very own selves. This isn't just a "free will" thing as I imagine spirit allows that. It is a personal responsibility thing. Examine yourself (generic) instead of asking another of any kind. It is how to grow, too.

I think I may get into trouble here in a minute....

I was thinking just that too, that in those times it is our decision to be made and THAT is the bigger part of the lesson, however it starts to make me consider everything about who I am and what will come into play about making such decisions? Do we do what we have always done (learned to do) or step outside our usual boundaries and try something different, scary perhaps or what may seem wierd/unsafe to others? There may be no right or wrong way to answer that, merely a shorter or longer way round to learning a specific lesson or achieving growth.

I've become wary of "coincidences". I've followed them but the outcomes were not what I expected or wanted.

Now that really does raise an interesting question. I too have followed the coincidences or messages which seem to point in a certain direction only to find that it pans out completely differently but always a major lesson learned. Even if it was painful, incredibly so, the overall (bigger picture) outcome was worthwhile. Rather like having a baby in some ways!

I think it is a combination of logic and inner feeling. I now also consult with my tarot cards and check my astrological chart when making important decisions. Positive outcome unfortunately is not guaranteed.

Well, that's the thing isn't it? What we consider positive is sometimes only gained by going through trials and pain so we think we have made the wrong decision initially.

 

[DownwardSpiral]

When do we know when to stand our ground, pitch in, keep going and stick to a course of action, even when everything seems to be going against us? Likewise, when should we just go with the flow?

To answer the first question quite simply we don't.

For the second question.......I wouldn't go with the flow just because it's what everyone else is doing.

 

[DownwardSpiral]

The thing is, sometimes I need to make a decision and although I ask for direction, no message is clear. So what do I do? Go with the flow, make a logical decision, stand on principle, do nothing?

For me.....do nothing. Too many times I've jumped the gun and made a decision I wasn't ready to make with unfavorable results. So now if I'm unsure I do nothing......give it more time.

 

[DownwardSpiral]

The question remains, however, what indicators do others use to make spiritual decisions (specifically)?

The best way I know to answer this is to say "what feels right to me" And this I'm sure is heavily influenced by my upbringing, moral beliefs, life experiences. I'm not interested in what everyone else is doing and I don't care if people frown at what I'm doing.