As 2022 begins, PFL focus is ‘Alignment’. Many people think of car tires or the spine and a chiropractor when the word alignment is spoken. There are multiple basic examples of alignment, such as the letters of the alphabets; numbers from 0 to infinity; the planets of the universe in order from the sun; a straight line; etc. These inanimate (non-human) examples naturally flow in alignment.
Animate, specifically human beings, internally, our condition (mental state of being) do not naturally flow towards alignment. External factors impact our state of being. External factors such as unfair treatment, betrayal, anger, hate, jealousy, and envy etc. disrupts our alignment.
The human condition of being out of alignment is to live ‘By Default.’ Being out of alignment spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially is expensive; it is a robbery of time and talent; can be expensive to correct; and creates serious problems. Out of alignment is exhibited in an individual’s thought, words, and deeds / habits.
Within alignment, there is rotation. Just as the earth remains in alignment in its’ role in the universe, by completing a 365-day rotation; The humanistic rotation is similar to a circular spiral going upwards in age. By Design: As we age, every 365 days, our consciousness craves to be heightened in awareness, in maturity. From age to age the experiences (whether positive or negative) impacts thought processing, maturity, and internal growth. Beginning with thought an individual expresses through word and responds through deeds / habits their inner inclinations. (Basically, thought = word = deed / habit = who I am and to whom I belong.)
By Design: To be in alignment REQUIRES overcoming the experiences of life’s ups, downs, highs, lows, achievements, defeats, advancements, setbacks, betrayals, and loyalty. To be in alignment EXPECTATIONS are personal growth, development, cooperation, and willingness to work with others. To be in alignment DEMANDS forgiveness strong enough to move on without holding grudges.
Alignment requires maintenance: As days become years and years become the past, in order to continue striving towards a higher conscience mark of maturity, we must evaluate our deeds/habits. If our deeds / habits are not producing peace and improving society, then a true reassessment of self is necessary. Change is by choice and reaching for alignment is self-motivated.
Alignment releases freedom, peace and joy. Individually we must be willing to strive towards our higher spiritual self. (It takes a lifetime of work. It is not easy. It is not accomplished overnight.) In order to do this, we must be willing to truthfully evaluate self, rest, restore, and reconcile to find balance.
Remember this…what is alignment without the even weight of balance on all sides?
I am an evolving, fabulous work in progress, a timid soul engaging in a full human experience.
Tina Smiley-Overton is a 15-year public servant in the Federal Government. She holds master’s degrees in business administration and Environmental Management.
She is a native of Selma, Alabama and has extensively studied, written publications, and delivered presentations related to the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. She has had extensive interviews and discussions with foot soldiers of the movement. Dr. Frederick D. Reese, Selma’s leader and one of Selma’s courageous 8 leaders was her life-long Pastor.
At the beginning of the 21st Century, she was recognized as a distinguished Poet. She is the first published Christian Poet to incorporate acronyms in poetry. She is currently working on elements of Haiku in nature pics.
She is married to Vaughn Overton (New York). She is the mother of Timorra Price-Rogo and Kirk Price II.