THE PHOENIX PROCESS: BREAKING COMMITMENTS

[Guest]

THE PHOENIX PROCESS: BREAKING COMMITMENTS
By Shaman Perry

Everyone has a true self. This is our core intent, the inner-fire that fuels who we are and what we do. In our natural state of harmony, our actions reflect that true self; in this state, we are ‘being’. However, by the time we are six years old, we are already ‘doing’, instead of ‘being’, because our parents are more powerful, and we want/need to please them. As an adult we can choose our agreements and commitments to reflect our true selves. So it is vital that we acknowledge and embrace our nature. We can only do this through serious introspection.

We sometimes make commitments that seem to be in harmony with our nature, but in time we may discover that this commitment is not what we originally thought it to be; either we discover that we did not have enough information, or we become aware of latent levels of ourselves that are not in harmony with this commitment.

Society expects us to maintain agreements and commitments regardless of any change. However, as conscious, awakened adults we do not have to bind ourselves to agreements that are not in harmony with our true selves. Society will tell us that we are being wrong and selfish; but on the contrary, by being in harmony with our true selves we elevate our nature and demonstrate the ultimate act of self-respect.

Occasionally, everyone needs to let go of past commitments and embrace a new ‘self-created’ future. To do this, we must break the commitments that bind us and create new agreements to reflect our true selves. This requires introspection to discover if our actions are supporting or undermining our desired goals. If, after serious introspection, we find that our choices are undermining us, it is time for the ‘Phoenix Process’.

We begin this ‘phoenix-style’ re-creation process by defining the agreements we are currently ‘doing’ vs. the agreements we would like ‘being’. When our actions match our desires, we are in a state of ‘being’. When our actions do not come from our internal fire, but out of an ‘obligation’ to fulfill a ‘commitment’ that no longer satisfies even our most basic desires, we are in a state of ‘doing’. In a state of ‘being’, we find ourselves balanced and in harmony; our actions seem almost ‘automatic’ and flowing as we are more fulfilled and at peace with ourselves. Conversely, in a state of ‘doing’, we find ourselves nervous, stressed, anxious and worried, expending energy for things which we can discern do not reflect who we desire to be.

The second step is to realize that all agreements are self-created, where we take responsibility for all of our commitments. There is so much power in responsibility. When we ‘agree’ we are responsible for our actions, we also ‘agree’ we are responsible for our motivations and therefore have the power to change our actions and/or motives to match our ‘inner fire’.

The third step in the Phoenix Process is to determine which agreements are stronger and more binding than others. These ‘binding agreements’ are commitments to which we give special attention. Commitments usually encompass a majority of our time, thought, energy and action. Targeting and re-discovering our commitments, one at a time, we can determine which ones undermine our desires, deciding to break those, and choosing to create new agreements that better match our desires and intentions.

The fourth and final step is action. With as little hesitation as possible, we must cease ‘doing’ the actions dictated by our old commitment and begin creating new actions that come from our true intent. Concisely and accurately communicating our new intention to those immediately involved and affected by the old commitment is as necessary as communicating to those who we wish to involve in our new commitment, should there be one.

The Phoenix Process is a term I use to assist me in the process of self-awareness and re-creation inspired by Aleister Crowley’s ideals about the True Will. I hope this will prove to be an effective tool to you, as it has to me.