santa claus, and other made up things

Today we ask that you investigate your belief in untruths that other people say.

People rarely speak the truth.  Mostly people tell stories.  And stories, you know, are fiction.  It does not make them liars.  But everyone has their own point of view about things; everyone only knows what he has been taught.

As a child, your parents and teachers taught you a lot of fiction.  

For example, you may have been told that Santa Claus would give you gifts if you were a good child and did your chores.  You may have been told that Santa Claus denies gifts to bad children.

You may have been told that Jesus loves little children, and they go to Heaven.  But bad people suffer forever in Hell.

Your parents may have told you that you were lazy and you wouldn’t get anywhere in life unless you worked harder.  They may have scolded you for your physical appearance, for hanging out with the wrong friends, for reading comic books or playing video games when you should have been using your time productively.

Children believe what they are told.  Even if it is a made-up story like Santa Claus, children will believe a parent who speaks with authority.

As you grow up, you begin to see your parents are wrong about many things.  You know that Santa Claus is not real.  By adolescence, you may have discovered how very false your parents’ worldview is.  

And yet even knowing all this, people still go on believing the things authority figures say.

You may still believe that if you weigh too much no one will like you, that your curly hair needs to be straightened, or that you are an unmotivated, lazy person — all because some parent or authority figure said so, possibly many years ago.

You may look at your parents and know in your heart that you do not wish to live the way they do, even if you love them and feel compassion for them.  Even so, you listen to their advice.  You cringe at their judgments.

Here is a good rule:

If someone lives a life that you admire, if someone projects a very good energy for you, then it wise to listen to such a person.  Do not think you need to do what they do, for you are unique, and must find your own way of doing things.  But such a person, you may be open to.

If someone is miserable, unhealthy, and always complaining about life; if someone makes you feel unpleasant in your energy, then definitely do not listen to that person — especially when he judges and criticizes.

Use your discernment in this matter.  See how you feel in your body, when someone says something to you, or gives you advice, or is critical, or speaks judgments about someone else.  Hear people out, but check in with yourself.  Be very honest with yourself about how your energy feels.

If you interact with someone and feel bad during or afterward, most likely it is because you are believing untruths that this person is saying — about yourself, other people, or reality.

Do not listen to miserable, complaining people, even if you love them.  You may attempt to help, but be cautious.  If someone is gripped in a deeply negative state, there is nothing you can say that will not arouse further hostility.  Often with such people it is good to say as little as possible, and quickly go about your business.  Certainly do not believe them.  Clear your energy field after such an interaction, by asking that all harmful energy and thought forms be cleared from your field, and returned to where they belong.

Cultivate relationships with people who make you feel wonderful.  Limit relationships with people you don’t feel good around.

And really look at these things people say, that you just accept and believe without question.  Most of what people say isn’t true.  It’s just a story, like Santa Claus.