I wrote this post months ago but for some reason never published it. Gill Edwards has since passed away; I recently read one of her books, Life is a Gift, and am now almost finishing Living Magically, both of which I have REALLY loved, so now feels like a good time to share this.

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I read an article a while ago about Gill Edwards, a healer, psychologist and author of several books. She talked about an experience she had at the place in the Sinai Desert where Moses was said to have received the Ten Commandments.

I was brought up in a Christian home and school, and it never resonated for me. I rejected it pretty early on, and one of the reasons was the dictatorialness of it {if that wasn’t a word before, it is now}, or at least the way it was presented. {We got punished if we didn’t go to church! There’s no way God would be ok with that, I just know it.} The Ten Commandments are a classic example of this. As Gill puts it ~

I have long felt uneasy with the Ten Commandments, because of the negativity and judgment they carry, and their parental and imprisoning tone. Saying ‘Thou shalt not…’ is such bad psychology – guaranteed to throw people into shame, conflict or rebellion… Surely we could find more positive, empowering and inspiring guidelines for our lives?

Anyway, Gill’s experience brought her the Ten Invitations, and these make so much more sense to me I thought I would share them with you.

1. You are invited to love yourself, others and life without condition – trusting that, in an evolving Universe, everything is unfolding perfectly.

2. You are invited to do whatever makes your heart sing and your spirit dance. Only that.

3. You are invited to live fearlessly and passionately – to step into your divinity, while embracing your humanity.

4. You are invited to treat yourself and others with extraordinary respect and kindness – reaching out with love towards all beings, and seeing the Light within everyone.

5. You are invited to honour everyone else’s beliefs, feelings, values and choices – knowing these add to the variety of life, and that everyone’s path or guidance is unique.

6. You are invited to honour the earth, your body and all creation as sacred and divine – and to celebrate life in all its richness.

7. You are invited to choose your own mission or purpose, expressing your creative gifts, talents and vision in whatever way feels most joyful.

8. You are invited to listen to the inner voice of Love, which always sets you free – knowing that your goodness and worthiness are never in question, and that you can do no wrong.

9. You are invited to trust in a loving and abundant Universe. Ask and it is given. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened.

10. You are invited to follow your dreams and desires – trusting your feelings, and using your imagination, to create your own heaven on earth.

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Even if these don’t all sing to you, how much gentler and more enticing to be invited, than commanded. {And then given detention for not obeying.}

I really recommend ‘Life is a Gift’ and ‘Living Magically’; Gill writes with an empathic gentleness that brings me comfort every time I open her books. Her words and message are clear and simple; you feel like you are in the company of a wise and supportive mentor. I will definitely be reading more of her books. Have you read any of them? Any thoughts/recommendations?