The Art of Self-Advocacy
All too often our so-called strength comes from fear, not love. Instead of having a strong back, many of us have a defended front, shielding a weak spine. In other words, we walk around brittle and defensive, trying to conceal our lack of confidence. If we strengthen our backs, metaphorically speaking, and develop a spine that’s flexible but sturdy, then we can risk having a front that’s soft and open. How can we give and accept care with strong back, soft front, compassion, moving past fear to a place of genuine tenderness? I believe it comes when we can be truly transparent, seeing the world clearly and letting the world see into us.
Roshi Joan Halifax
Imagine with me for a moment that a spark of the Divine lives within you. It wishes to express through you using your unique personality, mentality, experience, and filters. If you believe this spark is part of a greater Divine whole and you see the Divine whole as powerful, majestic, beautiful, creative, and loving, then are you not capable of expressing these same qualities? You are connected to the Divine always through this spark within you.
The Divine represents the pure potential of life, unblemished, whole, and complete. These qualities are often dimmed in us as we give into low self-confidence, hurt, injury, and bad experiences. The masterful wisdom of the Divine is ever available to us through our unbreakable connection with it. If we can get past our filters and mental blocks, we can access this wisdom and let it flow into our mind and personal experience.
Because the Divine lives within you, you have worth, meaning, and value in this world. It is your mission, if you choose to accept it, to fully express your Divine inheritance through your thoughts, words, and actions.
Self-confidence and self-advocacy extend beyond asserting personal rights; they are expressions of our divine nature. Self-advocacy is a spiritual practice, not just a skill. It acknowledges and expresses the divine whole within us. When we understand that we are manifestations of the Universal Mind, we recognize the immense creative power of our thoughts, beliefs, and words. Embracing this truth allows us to advocate for ourselves with confidence, knowing that the infinite wisdom and love of the Universe supports us.
When it comes to self-advocacy, cultivating positive self-belief and confidence is key. By affirming our worth and capabilities through our thoughts and words, we project confidence, which influences how others perceive and respond to us. This reinforces the importance of consciously shaping our inner dialogue. Practical tools like affirmations and reframing negative thoughts help us build this confidence, ensuring that our self-advocacy reflects our true potential.
Recognizing our divine nature is crucial for effective self-advocacy, as it empowers us to speak up with the confidence that we are supported by a higher power. Engaging in spiritual practices such as meditation and prayer can strengthen our connection to this inner divinity, enhancing our ability to advocate for ourselves with authenticity and authority.
Through positive affirmations, meditation, and visualization, we harmonize our inner beliefs with the creative laws of the Universe. Self-advocacy then becomes an act of honoring the divine within, fostering personal growth, empowerment, and the realization of our deepest aspirations.
The power of our thoughts, the strength of our divine nature, and the impact of aligning with Universal Laws are all vital to our ability to advocate for ourselves and others. Our beliefs shape our reality and recognizing our inner divinity can inspire every aspect of our lives. Embrace the power of positive self-belief and affirmations to build your confidence. Connect with your divine essence and let it guide you in advocating for yourself with authenticity and strength. And as you align your actions with the creative power of the Universe, watch as your intentions transform into reality.
When you are faced with adversity and lack confidence in how to overcome it, remember who you truly are: a spiritual being having a human experience. Bring the spiritual nature into the human side to help guide and strengthen your resolve. There is enough for everyone. All are equal in the spiritual realm. Your opinions and expressions are just as important as anyone else. Come from this place to boost your confidence and speak your word with truth and conviction.
Questions for Discussion
Is there a Divine? What does it represent? Is it human or totally of the spiritual realm?
What does it mean to have a spark of the Divine within you?
What do you inherit from your Divine birth?
How is self-confidence built upon this knowledge?
What is self-advocacy then? What are your rights grounded in spiritually?
With gratitude and attribution to the Centers for Spiritual Living Global Themes Committee and Sonia Harte, RScP