Tag: divine guidance

The Ever-Churning Mind: Aging, Intuition, and Finding Purpose

Post author By Di Tran
Post date August 9, 2023

Have you ever laid in bed, eyes heavy with fatigue, but your mind refusing to rest? With age, it seems that the inner monologues, reflections, and musings only intensify. Our minds are in a perpetual state of activity, like a river that never ceases to flow. One might ask, “why would you want to silence it?” This inexhaustible mental engine might very well be God-given, a divine compass guiding us toward our purpose.

The Constantly Working Mind

With every passing year, our life experiences accumulate. They say that with age comes wisdom, but perhaps it’s more accurate to say that with age comes contemplation. A study by Maillet and Rajah (2013) suggested that as we age, we shift towards using our medial prefrontal cortex more, an area associated with self-referential thoughts. This could account for the heightened self-reflection and introspection many report as they grow older.

Your Mind: A God-Given Guide

For believers in a higher power, the mind’s relentless workings can be seen as divine. Many spiritual teachings emphasize the significance of intuition as a link to the divine. “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God,” reads Romans 8:14. In this view, the thoughts, insights, and intuitions that arise in our minds could be perceived as whispers from the universe, guiding us towards our destinies.

The Flow of Intuition

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a prominent psychologist, coined the term “flow” to describe a state of optimal experience where individuals feel fully immersed and engaged in an activity, with a perfect balance between challenge and skill. When one is in flow, there is a sense of effortlessness, as if being carried by a current. One could argue that when we align with our intuition, we are tapping into this flow, a harmonious state where decisions feel right, and paths unfold naturally before us.

Listening with a Heart

Learning to listen and trust our intuition requires both work and a listening heart. As Lao Tzu once said, “Knowing others is wisdom; knowing the self is enlightenment.” This path towards understanding and trusting our inner voice is not about suppression or force but rather about creating space. Meditation, mindfulness practices, and self-reflection can all cultivate this space, allowing for our intuition to shine through more clearly.

Conclusion

The mind’s ceaseless activity is not something to be silenced but rather to be embraced. Whether seen as a gift from God or a product of years of experience, our thoughts and intuitions serve as guides, leading us towards our purpose. By aligning with this inner compass, by flowing with zero friction, we can navigate life’s currents with grace and ease.

References:

Maillet, D., & Rajah, M. N. (2013). Age-related differences in brain activity in the subsequent memory paradigm: A meta-analysis. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 37(10), 2405-2417.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
The Bible, Romans 8:14.

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The Joy of Parenting: Embracing Faith Over Fear

Post author By Di Tran
Post date June 7, 2023

Every once in a while, as a parent, you may catch yourself immersed in a pool of questions. Am I doing this right? Am I good enough? What if I fail my children? These are just a few among many doubts that may occasionally cloud your mind. Di Tran, renowned author of the compelling book, “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERs”, and the soon to be released, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH”, offers some profound insights that shed light on the joys of parenting and the intrinsic beauty of this role.

Parenthood isn’t about being perfect; it’s about striving each day to be the best version of yourself for your children. It’s about fostering a nurturing environment that shapes your children into kind, smart, loving, capable, independent, creative individuals who understand the value of contributing to society.

As parents, we often invest the best of ourselves in our children. We offer them the best guidance we can, we instill them with the best values, and we hope for the best outcomes. We continually learn from the best sources and implement these lessons in our parenting, all with the goal of nurturing the best possible versions of our children.

One of the most gratifying experiences in parenting comes from witnessing the tangible results of these efforts. A recent event in Di’s life perfectly illustrates this point. His three children recently had their first piano lesson with a gentleman who, despite being in his 60s, still actively plays piano at their local church. After their lesson at their own home, the children spontaneously showed their kindness and respect to the elderly man, making sure he had water to drink, chocolates to eat, and thanking him profusely – all without any parental prompting.

Observing such moments from behind the scenes, parents feel a sense of overwhelming pride and fulfillment. The fear of not being a good enough parent dissipates, replaced with a sense of profound satisfaction and bliss. This is one of the unspoken joys of parenting – witnessing your children reflect the values you’ve instilled in them, and to see them extending kindness and respect towards others.

But even in such moments of joy, there will be instances when fear and faith intersect. Parenthood is often a balance of these two – the fear of failure and the faith in one’s abilities as a parent. How does one choose between the two? Di’s advice is to simply act, do your best, and let faith guide you.

Faith is about believing that you’re doing your best, even when you stumble, and it’s about trusting that things will turn out alright in the end. Let your actions be driven by faith and not by fear. Leave the rest to the divine, or to the universe, or to whichever higher power you believe in.

The journey of parenting is as challenging as it is rewarding. It’s full of self-doubt, but also brimming with moments of joy, pride, and accomplishment. So drop the fear, focus on faith, and embrace the journey, for it is one of the most beautiful and fulfilling roles you will ever play.

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Living in the Present: Drop the Fear and Focus on the Faith

Post author By Di Tran
Post date May 14, 2023

Introduction:

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in worries about the future or dwelling on the past. However, this mindset can lead to anxiety and depression, preventing us from fully experiencing the present moment. Di Tran, a renowned author, is set to release her upcoming book titled “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” which delves into the importance of living in the present and finding peace within ourselves. This article will explore the profound statement that “if you are depressed, you are living in the past, if you are anxious, you are living in the future, and if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” By referencing Di Tran’s upcoming book, we will further elaborate on this concept and provide valuable insights into achieving inner tranquility.

Living in the Past: Depression and Its Connection

Depression often stems from dwelling on past experiences, regrets, or painful memories. It involves getting stuck in a cycle of negative thoughts and emotions associated with past events. Research has shown that rumination, a common symptom of depression, intensifies negative thinking and perpetuates the feeling of sadness and hopelessness.

Di Tran emphasizes that to overcome depression, it is essential to break free from the clutches of the past. Her book discusses practical techniques and exercises to let go of past traumas, forgive oneself, and embrace self-compassion. By consciously redirecting our focus to the present, we can start cultivating a mindset that fosters healing, growth, and positive change.

Living in the Future: Anxiety and Its Implications

Anxiety, on the other hand, often arises from excessive worrying about the future. Constantly anticipating potential challenges, failures, or uncertainties can create a state of fear and restlessness. This preoccupation with the unknown can rob us of the joy and peace that the present moment offers.

Di Tran’s forthcoming book stresses the significance of shifting our attention away from the future and focusing on the here and now. By embracing mindfulness and grounding techniques, we can train our minds to remain centered, calm, and fully engaged in the present. This enables us to tackle challenges more effectively, make better decisions, and develop a deep sense of peace and well-being.

Living in the Present: Cultivating Inner Peace

The concept of living in the present involves consciously immersing oneself in the current moment without being burdened by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future. It is about finding inner peace, contentment, and gratitude for the present circumstances.

Di Tran’s book offers valuable insights into adopting a present-oriented mindset. Through spiritual practices, self-reflection exercises, and real-life examples, she guides readers on a journey to let go of fear and embrace faith. By cultivating an attitude of trust in the present moment and surrendering to the divine guidance of life, individuals can experience a profound shift in their overall well-being.

Conclusion:

In an era filled with distractions, uncertainties, and pressures, the wisdom of living in the present becomes increasingly relevant. Di Tran’s upcoming book, “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH,” provides a comprehensive guide to help individuals break free from the shackles of the past, alleviate anxieties about the future, and find solace in the present moment.

By embracing the teachings within the book and adopting practices such as mindfulness, self-reflection, and faith, individuals can experience a transformative shift in their mental and emotional well-being. Remember, if you find yourself depressed, anxious, or seeking inner peace, it’s crucial to realign your focus on the present. Embrace the power of the now and let go of fear, allowing faith to guide your path towards a fulfilling and contented life.