Each week I try to highlight spiritual principles that we can use to help us look at ourselves and lighten up. There is at least one spiritual principle that’s the opposite of every personality flaw that we have. When we act out of spiritual principles instead of our shortcomings we become messengers of God. We cannot be controlling and let go saying, “How important is this?” at the same time. We cannot be arrogantly self-righteous and humble at the same time. We cannot expect others to be how we want them to be and accept them at the same time, and it’s impossible to feel resentful and grateful at the same time. So, when we find ourselves in these negative states, we have a choice. Pain is inevitable but suffering is optional. Our ego, which I offer as an acronym for

“E-edging - G-God – O-out,” drives our personalities If we’re uncomfortable calling the Source “God,” we can think of the word as an acronym for “G-good O-orderly

D-direction.” When we’re moving forward in good orderly directions we’re not usually causing or attracting chaos and crisis in our wake.

Twelve years ago for my 42^nd birthday, I decided to get a tattoo. Please don’t ask me why I chose this symbol.  I had no idea how much it would hurt and I was the mother of a 4 year old. Perhaps rebellion fueled the decision or I wasn’t having enough excitement in my life chasing after my son. I brought in a beautiful card showing the feathered back of an angel with her arms extended trying to catch a butterfly to use as a model.  At the time I was acutely aware that I had two distinctive voices working in my head that I actually pictured speaking to me perched on each shoulder. On my right was the voice that leads me down paths of self-destruction and pain. On my left was the voice of my higher consciousness, the voice of God. I decided to have the angel tattooed on my back to the right so she would be symbolically look over my shoulder to counter the voice of my self-destructive impulses. It’s become a conversation peace and sometimes I’m embarrassed to tell this story. Would I make that same choice today? I doubt it. Yet, I observe people’s opinion of me soften when they hear this story. They often share the symbols they have in their cars and homes as reminders that encourage them to take the higher road.

Many people ask me, “Is Islands your real last name?” I tell them the truth. When I was 30 years old and getting divorced, I decided to change my name to something I liked that had no association to my family of origin’s or my ex-husband’s name. When I met my present husband a few years later, I proudly announced that I wouldn’t change my name to his. He said, “That’s okay, I’ll change mine to Rocky Beach.” He didn’t, and we laugh about it because humor is one of the most profound spiritual principles. Would I make the same choice today? I doubt it. Again, I feel embarrassed sometimes and want to make up a story that doesn’t relate to the pain that lead me to this choice. Then, I remember that the truth will always set me free, that perhaps the person asking me about my name or the tattoo is struggling. They may want to change theirs or find a spiritual symbol for comfort and my story helps them know that they’re not alone. Revealing our true selves at certain moments might be just the message to help someone suffering.

What if every chance encounter was really a “God moment,” where we have the opportunity to open up and be the messenger? We might feel afraid but we push through those fears and act with integrity. Any act of service becomes an expression of our deepest selves. We feel freer, more caring of others and able to participate more fully in life. Let’s be the messengers of our highest truths and awaken our spirits each step of the way helping to make the world a better place.

Please write to Dr. Sandy Islands at sandyislands@hawaii.rr.com and feel free to browse previous articles at www.sandyislands.com