Often the truth student finds it most challenging to live as a noble being in the presence of family and friends who are seen only at holiday times.

Perhaps you have had the experience of feeling quite accomplished and even pleased with yourself and your soul development as a spiritual seeker. Then at Thanksgiving or Christmas, you return to your family of origin, maybe even in the home in which you grew up, and not one single relative recognizes your more enlightened self.

It seems that everyone present is treating you as if you were still 13 years old. This is quite annoying to you, and you do your best to rise above the uncomfortable situation. But in this situation you can no longer catch yourself—your inner adolescent is reactivated, and you are 13 again.

All that you thought you had buried and healed rises to the surface, and you are not the new you, the spiritual person, but the wounded or angry child. And you become additionally upset because you were unable to control yourself.

Know that this regression in consciousness is very common. It has happened to the best of us. It is our human nature—rather than our noble nature—rising. It continues to occur until the awareness of our divine nature is so firmly grounded in our consciousness that no experience can sway it from its center.

What is important in these situations is that we remain poised and centered. When we know who and what we are in God Mind, nothing can throw us off base, not even a nagging parent or an irritating sibling who still sees us in our old, unhealthy way of behaving.

Here are a few helpful affirmations to help prepare yourself to share the holidays with anyone who does not “get” who you are:

•    I (name) am poised and centered in Divine Mind, and nothing can disturb the calm peace of my soul.
•    I (name) honor my divine nature and so does everyone I encounter.
•    I (name) behold the Christ in all my family members and myself.
•    I (name) now have loving, supportive interactions with my family (mother, father, brother, etc.).
•    My family recognizes and loves the new me, the noble me.

If you find yourself slipping into an old, unskilled pattern, quickly forgive yourself, breathe deeply to release the old behavior, silently repeat an affirmation and begin again. We know the holidays can bring added responsibilities and stress, so let us be gentle to ourselves and faithfully practice the truth we know.

Be fully who you are, live as your noble self and blessings will follow.
 

This article originally appeared in the “Living A Noble Life” column in the November/December 2006 issue of Unity Magazine®.