When I was a flight attendant, what seems like a lifetime ago, I wasn’t aware of how addicted I was to the job and the lifestyle. But it was a MAJOR part of my egoic identity—my mind-made self image. I began flying when I was 21, first for a small charter airline based in Miami, Rich International, then, when Rich went out of business a few months later, I was hired by a major US airline.
On a deep level, I had never felt that I “belonged” and the uniform made me feel like I was finally a part of something. Now I understand that this feeling of not belonging stems from the ego’s core belief, “I am separate from Life”. On top of that, there was the addictive lifestyle of having four days off a week and free flights and layovers in exotic countries where we could shop and drink and dine to our heart’s content. At a certain point, however, I felt like a hamster on a wheel, always going somewhere but never getting anywhere!
About 7 years in, I remember hearing that a flight attendant I knew had been fired and I felt really sorry for her. I mean, how could you find another job like this?! I didn’t believe in life after the airlines. Then when I was fired, I discovered that life after the airlines did exist, and it was actually much better! I didn’t have to be perma-jetlagged and exhausted all the time. I discovered that I was actually a homebody. I loved being at home, lounging around, cooking and baking. I actually could maintain a normal relationship. I didn’t want to have to get up at 5 AM and serve drinks and chicken or beef to hundreds of passengers a day. It was so draining for me to be around that many people. I’m an introvert, for Christ’s sake! The job physically, mentally, and energetically drained me.
When I was fired, I was in a state of resistance. But it was just another moment. If I hadn’t been such a state of resistance, the transition could’ve been so much smoother. (Do you see the analogy here?) My life has been so much better since then. I’m so much healthier and more peaceful now and have the space to grow spiritually. And I get to live in my spiritual home, Maui. I really don’t like to leave Maui, by the way. I leave reluctantly when I do go and usually only for a week at a time.
When we cling to things, we don’t allow Spirit to express through us. When we’re in a state of resistance, Consciousness can’t come through us. Attachment and resistance are other words for ego. When we pursue dreams and goals that bring suffering to ourselves and others—in other words, we find ourselves in a state of resistance while trying to attain them—that means these dreams and goals come from the ego. Dreams and goals that come from Spirit/Consciousness/God don’t create suffering, in fact, just the opposite. There may be some obstacles, but if we watch our inner state (keep an eye on our ego, in other words), let go of resistance, and aren’t attached to outcome, then we can adjust and flow with the divine energy of the present moment. The whole goal/dream/vision may change in the process, and that’s fine!
Dreams and goals that come from ego will neither make you happy nor last. Even if you your goals come from God/Source/Consciousness, they can still morph into egoic goals or visions, based on the state of consciousness you’re in while you’re striving for them or maintaining them once realized. Just look at all the world’s religions! Most have become quite egoic affairs, despite pure intentions in the outset. What’s the old saying? The road to hell is paved with good intentions! Well, the road to heaven is paved with good intentions, too. The difference is you reach heaven by not allowing yourself to get attached, be in resistance, suffer or cause suffering to others. And you stay in heaven by maintaining this high state of Consciousness.
Things that stem from Consciousness/God/Source/Being will last the test of time unless they morph into ego, in which case they will inevitably crumble and fall away. That seems to be what’s happening with a lot of organized religions at this time!
I’ve also seen this process on a smaller scale, searching for properties on the island of Maui. I’ve seen many dilapidated properties that were not cared for and left to literally crumble. Often these were purchased by people who don’t live on the island but have a lot of money and wanted them as their second homes. They had a dream of having a second home in Maui, usually more for a status symbol (i.e., ego) than anything else. Then they weren’t here long enough to take care of the property and when the owner got sick or died or moved on to something else, the property became dilapidated. Or they may have never given then time and energy to care for it, so it became run down right away.
It always saddens me to see a run-down property that was once beautiful and full of life. Some ego’s dream, no doubt! I am very grateful for any property I own or caretake and I bring Love and Consciousness to it. I lift it up, I don’t run it down. I allow Life’s energy to flow in and through. I think that’s the key to any conscious goal or dream: allow Life’s energy to flow in and through. No resistance, no attachment, no suffering. That’s how to live!
Peace and Aloha! 🌺🌈✌️
