Reading for your enjoyment - On this page:

• Forgiveness - Gail Goodwin
• Flight Plan for the Soul - Gail Goodwin
• Geneology of Archetypes - Gail Goodwin
• Living in the Present Moment - Gail Goodwin

A Life and Soul Purpose Workshop Experience

Forgiveness
Gail P Goodwin ฉ 2010

How do we move on and forgive? Forgiving another, even for the smallest of things is a very real challenge, let alone attempting to forgive horrible acts of greater proportion and impact.

So why should I forgive others? They don’t deserve my forgiveness anyway. With this frame of mind we remain stuck in our discontent and self righteousness thinking that we are being asked to give something of ourselves in the process, when actually the reverse is true.

There are four stages you can work through that will bring you closer to forgiveness.

1. Acknowledge that a lack of forgiveness is costing your personal power - your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy. It makes it easier to forgive another when you have been hurt by something someone has done and that person says sorry or is remorseful. If you’ve been hurt and that person is not at all remorseful, you are at greater odds with the forgiveness process. How do you get over this? What do you do when others won’t even acknowledge the result of their actions? The longer you hold a grudge or refuse to forgive another the more personal power and precious life force you loose every single day to the other person and the situation.
Holding a grudge or holding onto an inability to forgive feeds the situation. It also feeds the other person involved. Eventually this depletes your health and well being.

The other person or people involved, and the situation or the event has all the power, and it’s your power. And it’s costing you enormously. After you’ve run the fuel tank in your heart chakra dry, you end up paying for your misery with your cell tissue. An unforgiving person may develop illnesses either at the heart centre, or through the physical vulnerabilities they’ve inherited, and so illness and disease manifest in those susceptible areas.

It’s impossible to put a price on your health, but you may as well write a cheque for a zillion dollars and hand it over to those you hold back on forgiving. Forgiving another becomes the biggest investment you make for your health and wellbeing.

2. Acknowledge that what has occurred is not personal. It’s not about you, but the process or what was going on at the time in the life of the person you need to forgive. The way you were treated has more to do with the difficulties in the life of the other person than it is about you.

3. Identify and try to understand the challenge or lesson within the experience. Firstly examine how you feel about your experience. Do you feel rejected or abandoned? Are you feeling betrayed or humiliated? Are you left with a sense of injustice about the experience? Do what is necessary, without harming yourself or others, to release the emotional response held within the body.  Then consider what it is that you are learning. Consider the possibility that at a deeper level of your being, your soul has a set of life lessons for you to work through in this lifetime (it’s your ego that kicks and screams about it) and you can’t do this in isolation.

We need others to help us work through these challenges. I am not able to learn about or cope with betrayal until someone betrays me. I’ll learn to deal with disappointment when someone disappoints me. I may only be able to empower myself by standing up and taking charge of my life, once I’ve been taken advantage of, used or even abused.

4. Even when you have nothing, you still have one thing: choice. You have a choice. You can always choose your attitude and response. So choose a higher perspective. Life is a journey of challenges and your purpose is to hold the vision of your highest potential. See it manifesting through your experience as you work through those challenges. Having identified the challenge or lesson, see the situation from this higher perspective with understanding, love and compassion for your self and others.

Give everyone involved in the situation permission to learn their lessons, just as you are learning yours. Only then can you look back in gratitude to find the blessing in disguise, knowing now that the situation has served to strengthen your character.
Forgiving another will increase your personal power. It will enhance your health and wellbeing once you can be objective, look for the challenge and focus on the higher meaning and purpose in the experience. Rather than remain victimised, you will be truly empowered. 

Flight Plan for the Soul
Gail P Goodwin ฉ2005

If you could view your life from a spiritually symbolic perspective, the presence of chaos and confusion would give you a powerful clue. It means the Divine has never been closer.

The world behind your eyes, your thoughts and emotions, are undergoing major psycho-spiritual renovation. Your soul is urging you to grow, your spirit is craving liberation and so the Universal Source of Life, God, the Divine, call it what you will, begins to move the furniture around in your “house”. The renovation of your interior has begun.  The manifestation of the changes this will bring to your life are yet to be revealed, and you know there is no turning back.

This process can be a little unnerving for some, if not completely unsettling for most of us, so I’ve outlined the five stages in our journey of spiritual transformation. It acts as a guide map and a framework for your soul that will hold you as you follow the path of your spiritual journey, where you’ll be able to recognize your development and growth through each stage. 

These stages are the essential steps towards a healing of our perceptions of truth and reality that we undergo on our journey towards spiritual wholeness. For some, each stage may occur very distinctly from the next and for others; stages may overlap or even occur simultaneously. Some may find themselves skipping a stage, later to return to for integration.

Each stage represents an internal transformation of consciousness, an enlightened change of attitude, an inner shift in the way we perceive ourselves, others, situations and events. They are -

1 Breakthrough - the ‘ah ha’ experience, as we awaken to the spirit and life force that threads through and connects every one of us. We realize we are primarily spiritual beings living a physical experience and that life holds more than what we are now experiencing. We’ve asked ourselves in earnest “Is there more to life than this?” and “What is my purpose in life?” These questions literally invoke the appearance of the next stage in our lives that is:

2 Purification – we remove everything from our lives (and we thought we sabotaged ourselves) that we feel stands between us and our relationship with the Divine. We are accused of being selfish as we try to find our Self. Our career, where we live, friendships, even relationships might lose their meaning for us or their power over us.  Feeling inspired by the first stage, we are still on a high as we begin to develop a sense of personal authority, taking responsibility for the changes and transformation we desire. We need to bring our energy into the present if we want to continue on this journey, so we retrieve the energy we have left behind in the wounds of our personal history and we call our power back from the worries and concerns for the future. We bring our precious spirit back into our bodies and into present time.

3 Discovery – with more of our energy in our bodies, in the present and available to us, we are able to perceive all of life and our circumstances through a spiritual lens. A light is thrown on the true nature of life - which is pure energy. We realize we have the ability to take control of our personal power. We are able to send this energy on negative missions - that deplete our personal power and our health, or positive missions - that enhance our personal power, well-being and humanity, and so we experience a heightened sense of choice, consequence and connection with all creation.

4 Soul Searching - “the dark night of the soul”. Now the Divine takes away the things we think is “good” in our lives, for out of necessity and for our growth and learning we now need to experience something even better. The universe requires well rounded beings and this means we will be pushed if necessary into bringing out the best in ourselves by integrating the worst, so that we might reach for our highest potential in a state of greater wholeness.

This stage requires a surrendering to the Source: unlimited divine energy. We have to stop ‘boxing’ with God. During this time we need to highlight the grace we’ve received rather than focusing on the obvious struggles and difficulties that seem to be all consuming. This is a time of ‘being’, rather than ‘doing’. Time must be set aside for going within using meditation, reflection, visualization and contemplation to enable integration: pulling together the pieces of our spirit into one whole.

Endurance will be our teacher because we will be called to practice the development and establishment of a True Love and Respect of Self and Humanity. We will be called to develop our faith in the process of the universe and a trust in the Divine. These strengths must then be called upon, and so provide an opportunity to grow into:

5 Revelation – with gratitude and true acceptance of self and others, we experience a willingness to be at one with the Divine and all creation, to become co-creators with the universe and thus our own reality. By making a conscious decision to align your head with your heart you make it easier for to align your will with Divine Will. You are transformed into living expressions of ‘love in action’. You are then able to live in state of grace. In gratitude, with the realization that when we align our will with Divine will, being on track with the universe means all things are possible.

Genealogy of Archetypes

Gail Goodwin 2010

What are my Archetypes? Archetypes are universal patterns of behaviour. They’re roles that you play – healer, mother, teacher, artist, hero, and student are just a few you might recognise. Identifying your personal archetypes – in other words, your individual roles – can give you insights into the big picture or the grand themes that impact and determine your destiny. Archetypes give you an idea of the themes that play out in your life. They are stories that will script the direction your life takes. 

Archetypes can also give you insights into your life lessons because they influence the type of challenges that confront you day in and day out. Mastering the challenge to be a good mother as opposed to neglectful, a talented artist rather than an unproductive one, or an astute, rather than idle student, will define and strengthen your character.

Archetypes are meant to bring out the best in you. They’re the symbols and signs you can read along the road to your potential. You’ll find deeper life meaning and discover the reason you were born by learning to understand your world in terms of archetypes.

There are four archetypes we all have in common. They are the Child, Victim, Prostitute and Saboteur. Each of these archetypes symbolically gives birth to the other eight personal archetypes we have, which make up a total of twelve altogether.

To help you determine your eight personal archetypes, you might like to use the following method.

Ideally, but not necessarily, we might choose archetypes from across all four groups.

GROUP ONE – Power of Innocence
CHILD – learns joy and responsibility
Challenge – Nurture vs. Neglect
Gives birth to:

• ANGEL
• ARTIST/Actor/Poet/Musician/Painter/Craftsperson/Sculptor/Photographer/Designer
• CELIBATE/Virgin
• DISCIPLE/GURU/Devotee/Follower
• FOOL/Clown/Jester
• HERMIT
• HERO
• MOTHER/FATHER/Caregiver/Caretaker/Parent
• STUDENT/Scholar/Apprentice/Master

GROUP TWO – Power of Protection
VICTIM - learns protection and empowerment
Challenge – Strength vs. Weakness
Gives birth to:

• ADDICT
• BEGGAR
• COWARD/BULLY/Tyrant
• DAMSEL/KNIGHT
• HEALER/Nurse/Physician
• HEDONIST
• GAMBLER/Entrepreneur
• MIDAS/MISER
• OLYMPIAN/Athlete
• PIONEER
• PRINCE/ESS
• REBEL
• RESCUER/Co-Dependent/Liberator/Advocate
• RULER/King/Queen/Emperor/Empress/Chief
• TRICKSTER/Con-Artist/Provocateur
• WARRIOR/Avenger/Mercenary/Soldier/Policeman/Protector/Defender/Crime Fighter
• TEACHER/Trainer/Instructor/Tutor
• THIEF/Villain/Crook/Pirate/Swindler/Burglar/Robin Hood
• SLAVE/Puppet
• VAMPIRE

GROUP THREE – Power of Integrity
PROSTITUTE – learns integrity and self worth
Challenge – Loyalty vs. Betrayal
Gives birth to:

• COMPANION/Side Kick/Friend/Right Arm/Consort
• EXORCIST/Shaman/Priest/Minister
• GODDESS/Diva
• LOVER/Seducer/Siren/Femme Fatale/Don Juan/Enchantress/Circe/Black Widow/Casanova/Gigolo
• MARTYR/Messiah/Savior/Prophet
• MEDIATOR/Peacemaker/Stateperson/Orator/Go-Between/Diplomat/Ambassador
• MONK/NUN
• PRIEST/ESS/Guru/Evangelist/Minister
• SCRIBE/Reporter/Librarian/Editor/Copyist
• SEEKER/Wanderer/Nomad
• SERVANT/Novice/Rookie/Bureaucrat/Pleaser
• STORYTELLER/Gossip/Networker/Narrator/Minstrel

GROUP FOUR – Power of Intention
SABOTEUR – Learns choice & intuitive co-creation
Challenge – Fear vs. Faith
Gives birth to:

• ALCHEMIST
• DETECTIVE/Sleuth
• DESTROYER/Murderer/Serial Killer
• ENGINEER/Organiser/Scientist/Inventor/Creator
• JUDGE
• GUIDE/Sage/Crone/Wise Woman/Mentor
• MYSTIC/Renunciate
• PHILOSOPHER
• VISIONARY/Seer/Dreamer
• WIZARD/Genius/Spell-Caster/Magician/Sorcerer

Living in the Present Moment

Gail Goodwin ฉ 2009

Ancient sages and mystics have said that one of the roads to enlightenment can be found through learning to live in the present moment. It sounds simple, but in the hustle and bustle of the world as we know it today, how do we do that? By drawing on the chakra system, an ancient model that represents stages of personal, emotional, mental and spiritual development we can gain an understanding of what it means to be present, to live life more fully.

The Chakra system is a primordial model that represents seven centres of energy that can be used to define and gain access to your personal and spiritual power. Each chakra is like a warehouse or data bank that registers all of life’s events and records the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual information and experiences, from the exchange between friends to your response at the loss of a partner. Each event and experience is recorded within its related chakra from the time you are in utero, where you inherit and carry the genes of your family’s physical strengths and weaknesses, their qualities and beliefs, throughout the whole of life until death.

From a physical perspective, the Chakras of the human energy system are centres of energy that correspond to physical locations in the body. From a soul perspective, they represent stages of growth and the development of consciousness. The chakra system provides a map for your journey of self-understanding. It will help you develop and increase awareness of your ego, it’s role in your life and ultimately, the integration of the Self.

The chakras are vertically aligned, running from the base of the spine to the crown of the head. At each stage or chakra you gain a more refined understanding of personal and spiritual power, since each chakra, from a spiritually symbolic perspective, represents universal challenges common to all human beings. As you master the challenges within each chakra, you empower youself and gain self-knowledge that is integrated into your spirit, advancing you along the path toward a greater awareness of your Self.

The journey through the chakra system represents the classic hero’s journey, the ability to liberate your spirit on its accent towards greater consciousness, and the ability to manifest your potential. This suggests that if you compare the chakra system to a ladder, you ascend in consciousness as you gradually master the seductive pull of the physical world. In effect, you are liberating your spirit. You can use the chakra system to access grace and inspiration, bringing this energy down through your human energy system to help you manifest your ideas, projects and most of all, your presence and potential in the physical world. 

You can use the following as a check list, concentrating on one chakra at a time, studying one chakra over a four week period for example, to help you concentrate on being present.

To be more present at the first chakra, you would have:
• a solid sense of connection to nature
• a strong sense of community
• an appropriate sense of responsibility
• a sense of belonging and connection towards your family
• a practical and organised attitude to life
• be able to stand up for yourself
• an ability to provide yourself with the basics in life such as roof over your head, clothes on your back and food on the table
• recognised that there is more to life than just merely surviving
• a sense of unity and oneness towards the whole of life

To be more present at the second chakra, you would have:
• a well balanced approach to work, rest and play
• an appropriate sense of fun and light heartedness
• solid financial acumen
• a sense of self satisfaction
• mutual respect
• creative instincts
• appropriate sexual or sensual expression
• solid personal values
• found a balance between your personal desires and your sense of duty and obligations towards others
• respectful interpersonal relationships
• be aware of your personal boundaries

To be more present at the third chakra, you would have:
• a solid  sense of self esteem
• the ability to be self sufficient and independent when necessary
• a strong sense of personal honour
• congruency: solid personal ethics where your actions align with your words and values
• an appropriate sense of self discipline
• be self motivated
• an appropriate sense of personal ambition
• courage and determination when necessary
• the ability to trust your instincts
• an awareness of your ego and how it influences your life

To be more present at the fourth chakra, you would have:
• a sense of compassion towards yourself and others
• a sense of hope and trust in yourself and others
• self acceptance
• the ability to commit or keep a promise
• the capacity to forgive
• the capacity to be a loving individual
• the capacity to use ‘tough love’
• balanced your emotional power
• be aware of what motivates you to do what you do
• an ability to let go of that which no longer serves you

To be more present at the fifth chakra, you would have:
• a sense of creative expression
• an ability to speak your truth and express yourself
• effective communication skills
• an ability to co-operate when necessary
• a sense of personal authority
• an ability to relinquish control or to surrender when necessary
• an ability to use your will power appropriately
• an ability to pursue your dreams
• a capacity to make decisions
• a capacity to utilise your power of choice
• faith in yourself and others

To be more present at the sixth chakra, you would have:
• a clear intellectual ability
• the capacity to learn from experience
• a sound sense of rationality, logic and reasoning
• imaginative skills
• access to your intuition
• the capacity to evaluate your intuitive insights
• the capacity to use your intuition wisely
• an ability to distinguish truth from illusion
• a clear perspective on  life
• openness to new ideas
• open mindedness
• a capacity for appropriate self evaluation
• a belief in yourself and others
• a degree of self understanding

To be more present at the seventh chakra, you would have:
• a strong sense of humanitarianism
• the ability to be of service
• a degree of self knowledge
• the ability to trust the process of life
• spiritual awareness
• a sense of appreciation and gratitude for life, yourself and others
• an ability to see the ‘big picture’ of your life
• an understanding of your purpose
• the capacity to liberate your spirit
• the capacity to manifest your potential
• a personal spiritual philosophy that you live by
• the ability to clear up unfinished business in your life
• the ability to focus your time, attention and energy
• the ability to withdraw your energy, time and attention out of draining investments in the past
• the ability to withdraw your energy, time and attention out of worry or inappropriate concern for the future

Understanding the seven chakras of the human energy system means you will learn how to manage and maintain your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual power. You will strengthen your energy and power on every level of your being. Ultimately you awaken your spirit to ways you can fulfil your potential both personally and globally. The chakra system is an archetypal model, a ‘road’ to follow, that will help to contain your ego, and give you access to the wisdom of your soul as you travel on your spiritual journey. You can use it to access and enhance your physical energy, your creative power, financial power, and so much more. You can use it to be more present, so that you discover where and how well you need to concentrate and focus your energy in order that you manifest more of what you want out of life.  

A Life and Soul Purpose Workshop Experience

Photography by Benno www.matterandlight.com