Living Being

   In the creation story told in the Bible, “Then the LORD God formed a human [ha-adam] from the dust of the ground and breathed [rua’h] into his nostrils the breath of life, and the human became a living being [nephesh]” (Genesis 2:7). The Hebrew words rua’h, ha-adam, and nephesh indicate that because the very breath/spirit of the Divine Creative Energy is within each of us. We are not merely “created” beings but “living” beings. Our every breath is an expression of the presence of Divine Spirit.
   What do the two words living being really mean? I answer this question in these acronyms.
LIVING--

• Love. God is Love. You ARE Love. As you are in God, so you are IN love. Being in love is not merely an experience you might share with someone romantically. There is nothing you need to do to be in love. Know that you are already in it.
• Inimitable. You are unique. There is no one else like you. As you show up in your unique authentic self, the world is blessed. When you stay connected to the truth of who you are, you radiate joy, live in peace, express love, and showcase the beauty of authenticity.  
• Victorious, powerful & courageous. The possibilities for winning and overcoming are in your spiritual DNA. You’ve got the power within. And you are not alone – angels and ancestors journey with you, supporting your success, achievement, and excellence.
• Imaginative & creative. Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.”
• Natural wonder. “For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139). The good you do in the world allows others to see the natural wonder you were born.  
• Great Gift for the world. As William Arthur Ward said, “Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service & character.” The seeds of greatness are within you. Nourish them with love to grow.

BEING--

• Beautiful. God sings over you, “You are so beautiful to me. You’re everything I hoped for. You’re everything I need. You are so beautiful me.” Despite what you may think or what others may have said about you, listen closely and delight in this Divine serenade.
• Embodiment of the divine. Hindu monk Vivekananda said, “We want to worship a living God. Where shall we go to find God if we cannot see God in our own hearts and in every living being?” Your breath and all aspects of your being manifest Divine Spirit.
• Intimate connection. The capacity for deep, meaningful connection is at our core. It help keep us alive. Breaking through the fears of being hurt that cause us to barricade our hearts behind self-protective walls, enables us to experience life more fully and richly.  
• Non-anxious. Never giving up, but knowing when to let go becomes possible as you trust Spirit to guide you. As you trust Spirit, anxiety goes down. As you are non-anxious, you are able to make wiser choices and create healthier boundaries.
• Grace- & compassion-filled. As you embrace what it means to be a living being – perfectly imperfect, you can extend more grace and compassion to yourself and others.  As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun.”

   What difference can these words make in your life as you fully embrace them? You are a living being. Ase.