A few decades ago, I lived in a big home in New Mexico. My life was comfortable and secure. My children were all grown and on their way out of the house. I had my Master’s degree and I should have been able to do just about anything I wanted to do; however, I was unhappy.

I remember sitting at the bottom of that big staircase in my home by myself, looking around and crying. I was in deep pain, yearning for something, not knowing what it was.

Eventually, I moved from that staircase and out into a new life that was waiting for me. It wasn’t always easy, but I landed in a life of personal fulfillment, and by doing so have touched the world in an extraordinary way as my true self.

I’ve found myself on that same staircase at other times since then, and what it took to rise up was a lifting of myself to a higher consciousness. It all started with a decision to change, to do something, to move out into the world in action. Each time, it could only take place from right where I was. One step at a time, I’ve walked myself up the stairs to a new way of being.

I have recently found myself on that staircase again amidst the recent COVID19 restrictions and how they have impacted our Center for Spiritual Living Kaua`i. I have found myself letting myself feel stuck by outside conditions that I cannot control. This is not the usual behavior for one who professes to believe in a Power within that is greater than outside conditions. It doesn’t make sense to a Mind that knows that everything begins in the invisible; yet, I was caught there.

And so, I’ve changed my perspective about it all. I’ve risen up off the staircase and am beginning my climb upward in consciousness. I’m opening up to new ways of expression amidst this challenging time. I’m relying on my inner strength in Spirit to climb one step at a time to a life free from the baggage of false gods that tell me I cannot grow in my power at this time.

How am I doing this? Through Spiritual Mind Treatment, I am first claiming that I am at choice and that I am free. This opens me up to the new ideas that have been flowing in and through me for the first time unaffected by COVID19. Affirming that I am free and at choice, has removed the obstructions of fear and doubt and “I cannot.”

Just this morning I started a FaceBook Live meditation on abundance. After it was over, I was looking at the newsfeed. My husband noticed that my face was brighter than it had been in a long time. He asked, “Who is that? You look like a little girl.”

I knew exactly what it was. It was the unleashing of Spirit’s desire to express itself in terms of creation. It was Love pouring through me through my creative spirit.

None of us need permission to find what we are passionate about and to begin expressing it. It might be anything from working with numbers to painting the most beautiful painting. We are free no matter what. We have choice on how we respond to outside conditions. That is our freedom. When we express our passion, we serve the world. The world needs passionate people loving their lives right now.

I’m up now and I am so grateful. Thank you for joining me.

Love and Aloha,

Rev. Rita Andriello-Feren

Spiritual Director CSL Kaua`i, Practitioner and Spiritual Coach