Energy Guidance Complete

Embellished living and returning to the basics

When I started writing down the spiritual guidance, the first book I wrote contained a lot of information about life in the modern world and our expectations and responsibilities. I’m rereading this book, and one chapter particularly jumps out at me. It’s called “Embellishments” and its focus is on how most of us live “embellished” lives in which we focus on more than the basics of living. The emergence of the pandemic draws me to this chapter. Here are excerpts from it:

“Once a person’s basic needs are met, embellishment can occur. Embellishment refers to the extra elements that enhance existence. After the most basic level, embellishment means a bit more choice—choice between this berry and that berry; this location to sleep in and one slightly more secure; or a higher feeling of security. Further embellishments could be an abode to sleep in; more abundant food choices; time to enjoy surrounding features and life; and personal care. Continued embellishments could include interaction with the surroundings for enjoyment; interaction with unnecessary accouterments, or a permanent dwelling to live in. Taken to the extreme, embellishments include excessive amounts of money, food, and possessions; more than one dwelling; or having an inflated sense of oneself and one’s worth…

In the modern, Western world, life has become so embellished that we assume, feel, and demand that the embellishments are our basic survival requirements and our deserved rights. We know that we are meant to live in a secure environment that provides not only shelter from the elements but also a place to express who we are (decorative items, pleasing furnishings, and extra touches). We know that we are entitled to labor in endeavors that supply us with satisfaction and monetary remuneration. We know that we deserve to be acknowledged for our efforts, be they for the good of our society or for our own betterment. We know that we deserve to be capable of providing our families and/or friends with whatever they want (for example, gifts). We know that we can choose to do this or that, be this or that, refuse this or that…

But the reality is that the natural world does not consider our expectations. From time to time, the natural elements push us to remember that the world has its own rhythms and expectations, that our embellishments are minor in the scheme of the flow and ebb of the world. In these instances, we are humbled and returned to our less embellished lives. The focus of our existence becomes unmistakably apparent and clear. Our expectations lessen and we accept less. We live more authentically and more thoughtfully. Our manipulations and interactions become less important; our basic needs become the focus.

Fortunately, life usually returns to some semblance of its former, advanced presentation and people return to interacting and manipulating as before. The flow and ebb continue, and the cycles of natural existence and created reality perform their own¾and intertwined¾dance of the forces. Nature and crafted reality move towards one another, then away, and then together in a different variation, and so on. People find their place in the cycle of this constant change…”

“Embellishments” is in the book The Gift of Intuitive, Dedicated Comfort. You can find it at this link.