1. The Ego. The lower self, or ego, thrives on fear, blame, and judgment, and is threatened by our spiritual seeking, peace and love.
2. Distractions. Anything that consumes our time and energy focusing on problems: weight issues, health issues, relationship issues, money issues, etc.
3. Addictions, Obsessions, and Compulsions. Food, drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, or anything that fills the "God-shaped hole" in us. We develop negative attachments to people, substances or behaviors in order to alleviate the suffering we experience when we're out of touch with our Higher Selves.
4. Inadequate Breathing. Holding our breath or breathing shallowly will cut us off from the flow of higher guidance coming through.
5. Poor Diet or Eating Habits. Eating "dead" or over-processed foods tends to deaden our receptivity to inner guidance, while eating fresh, alive foods strengthens our connection.
6. Worry. A pattern of worry and low self-esteem ties us to the constricted thinking of the ego.
7. Thinking Too Much. The ego loves to think, plan and scheme. The Higher Self aspect of us is content just to be, understanding that we will be guided to take any necessary or beneficial action.
8. The Media. The media focuses on, amplifies, and sensationalizes problems, while spirit would have us focus on, and thus create more good.
9. Chronic Negativity. Indulging the undisciplined mind in a pattern of negativity and complaining kills inspiration and creates more opportunities to complain.
10. Past and Future. Dwelling on the past or projecting into the future cuts us off from our internal guidance, because spirit lives in the present moment.
11. Drama!!! When we're busy putting out fires and riding an emotional roller coaster we cannot hear the peaceful voice of spirit, and we get trapped in the little world of the ego.