Wednesday, September 2, 2009

CHOOSE “FOR” NOT “AGAINST”

Everything – every thing – in the Universe is formed from energy and is “fed” by energy. The more energy a thing has the more form it has.

Most people make choices in their lives by choosing what they do not want to have. Some choices are simply “default” choices…not knowing what they want, but pretty sure of what they do not want. What then occurs is more of what they do not want. “That which I have feared the most has come upon me.”

Many people are extremely “anti” something – war, abortion, brown/black/yellow/white people, Democrats, Republicans, this religion or that thing. And yet, despite all their efforts, what they protest remains. “What you resists persists.”

The Law of Attraction states that what you hold in thought/vibration will be drawn to you. That is because as you think about something you are “feeding” it energy and making it more “solid” in your reality.

If you were to have several small plants and you gave one of them fertilizer, water, love and attention, it would grow into a taller, healthier, hardier plant than the others. Now, here is the interesting part. If you “accidentally” fertilized and watered a “weed” next to that plant, it would also grow to be healthy and hardy. You see, to nature, all plants are equal. You may call one a daisy and the other a weed, but nature knows no such designation. And so it is with the Universe and its energetic forms. Remember, Universal Laws apply ALL the time.

Therefore, it would appear obvious that when you are “against” something – particularly if you have great emotion attached – you are “feeding” that thing energy just as if you were “for” the thing. You are perpetuating the very energy form you would not like to have. You might as well be an advocate “for” the thing because by the very nature of your acknowledging its existence you give it credence and form.

It is a far higher vibrational choice to choose “for” something. Choose “for” peace rather than “against” war. Choose “for” a new career, rather than “against” this lousy job. Choose “for” a healthy relationship, rather than “against” this toxic marriage. By chosing “for”, rather than “against”, you align yourself with higher frequencies and create in your life more joyful, healthful, positive situations.
Serendipitously, you also help the planet and its people raise the collective consciousness. It is the ultimate “win-win” scenario.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

PERSONAL NOTE: I have been “off line” for a while. There has been a great deal of “movement in the force” lately, and I have been waiting for the “spiritual dust” to settle so I could ascertain in which direction to proceed. The “fog” has cleared and direction received. The next few postings will be designed to help you gain the maximum spiritual movement as easily as possible.

GOOD VIBRATIONS

PREFACE #1: All things in the Universe are composed of energy and that each energy vibrates at a certain frequency. The lower the frequency, the denser the energy and its manifestation, i.e. a rock. The higher the frequency, the lighter the energy and its manifestation, i.e. an angel.

PREFACE #2: There are immutable Laws of the Universe. They have no delineation of “good” or “bad”. They simply “are”. They do not care if you believe in them or not. They simply “are”. No one is exempt from the Laws of the Universe.

At this time the most applicable Universal Law is the Law of Attraction. Its existence in being made known on several levels – both sacred and secular. Most of the emphasis has been on creating “what you want” by drawing to you what you think about. This process of goal setting is the first step in understanding the Law of Attraction. However, there is a great deal more to it that just manifesting good things.

The Law of Attraction works ALL the time. Every thought, word, emotion and deed creates in the Universe. And, you draw into your life experience ALL the time. There are NO “time outs” or “King’s X’s”. Every thought, word, emotion and deed draws to you according to the vibration that you emit.

You are likened to a tuning fork. You vibrate at a certain frequency. And the Universe responds accordingly. Now, here’s the hitch. The Universe responds to the vibration that you ARE, not what you pretend to be, not what you want to be, not what you hope to be.

At this time in the human story, there simply is not anything more important for the spiritual aspirant than to become absolutely conscious about his/her vibrational frequency, and to take responsibility for it and his/her creations. The collective consciousness is a swirl of frequencies. The spiritual aspirant is charged with the duty to add only the highest frequency available at any given moment…ALL THE TIME.

How can one do this? Become aware of the frequencies around you. Tune into your body and let it help you. Does the conversation you are listening to make you contract inward and want to run in fear or does it bring about an expansive feeling and make you feel loving and kind? Does the thought you are having make you feel ill or are you filled with well-being? Are the words out of your mouth diminishing or uplifting? Is what you are doing in the NOW adding to the life force of mankind and the planet or depleting it?

At every single moment of every single day, do the VERY best you can. Look for the highest vibrational option in every situation. Try to engage in ONLY “positive” high vibrational activities. And, for goodness sakes, if you “slip” and find yourself participating in something less that the highest vibration available, DO NOT demean yourself in ANY WAY. Simply take note and move away from the moment. Damning yourself for “not getting it right” is one of the most destructive of energies and creates nothing positive at all.

It may be necessary for you to make some changes in your life. Are your friends positive or negative? Is there conversation? (I have been known to walk out of a room rather that participate in some conversations.) Is your work place an uplifting environment? Are the TV shows and movies you watch or a higher or lower frequency? Remember, you are effected by EVERYTHING you allow into your personal space.

If you will “take on” this teaching, your life will change dramatically, with little effort. And, you will be doing the very best thing you can for the planet and humankind. And…..if you can get still, and listen quietly…the Heavens will rejoice at your efforts.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

APATHY REVISTED

(Note: This writing is in response to an inquiry. We welcome inquiries as they are often impetus for further discussion.)

The Question: What does one do if one is stuck in the “nothingness” of apathy?
The Answer: Nothing…………that’s right, nothing.

Well, first of all, pat yourself on the back. True apathy is a road sign on the journey of the spiritual aspirant. To reach a point of true apathy, one has done some serious spiritual work, examining one’s beliefs, deeds and general perspective on anything and everything. Only when one approaches an understanding that it is the individual who assigns meaning and important to objects and events can the question be raised, “why bother?”…true apathy.

When one reaches this point in the journey it is important, no, it is imperative that one be as truthful as is possible with self. Therefore, do not “pretend” anything. If you find yourself in the state of “nothingness” do not try to “act” your way into another state, and do not deny where you are. Just explore every thought and feeling you have.

We will be discussing “mechanisms” of energy a bit later, but this it a perfect point of development to just watch and feel what is going on in your mind and in your bodies – mental, emotional, spiritual and physical. As you attune yourself to letting yourself follow the energy you may be in for a surprise. You might not be as apathetic as you think you are. You may very well find pockets of abject anger, fear, frustration, love, attachment, vehement judgments, etc. And, behind these emotional pockets will be deeply embedded belief systems and thought processes to which you are really, REALLY attached. As the energy moves around and hits these pockets, you may begin to feel like a spiritual pinball game.

Apathy is a trick behind which the Spiritual Ego hides. By convincing you that you “don’t give a damn” the ego can hide just how ferociously it is holding onto limited thought patterns and beliefs. When such “ah-ha” moments happen, simply, quietly, allow yourself to look at what has been unearthed and as you examine what you find ask yourself, “Is this the truth? Who says? What if it is not the truth? Who would I be if I didn’t believe this?” And then, quietly release the limited thought/belief that has kept you bound and separated from your true Self.

During this time, focus on practicing the 4th Agreement – Always Do Your Best. Apply yourself to each endeavor as best you can, realizing that some days are better than others. Be as present in the Now as you can; again, some days are better than others. Refrain from having whatever you are doing “mean” ANYTHING – about you, who or what you are, or about life in general. By all means, do not assign values of good or bad or best or worst to anything. Just BE with what you are doing.

Slowly, but surely, you will begin to feel the energies of the Universe move in and through you. Your so-called apathy will have disappeared when you were not looking and you will find that Joy is the natural state intended for human Beings on the journey back to Source.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

UNATTACHMENT VS APATHY

“Nothing I see means anything”. So begins A Course In Miracles. There comes a time in every spiritual journey when the aspirant confronts this lesson, which is…nothing has any inherent meaning. All meaning is assigned by the ego and is significant only to that ego. Oh, some meanings are agreed upon in the collective consciousness, but the depth of the meaning is an individual decision.

The lesson is meant to lead the aspirant to a place of detachment from “things” and “ideas”. It is also meant to help the student take responsibility for his/her thoughts, words and deeds. But, sometimes, when the “truth” of the lesson, at its fullest, is realized by the spiritual sojourner it can be devastating and throw him/her into apathy. After all, if nothing means anything, why bother assigning meaning to anything just to have to “undo” it later. More often than not every person along the spiritual path will spend some time in a meaningless apathetic limbo. How long is spent there depends upon the individual. Although not necessarily depressed, the spiritual traveler finds it difficult to “do” anything, since it is meaningless anyway.

The way out of this limbo is by searching for the difference between detachment and apathy. Apathy means to not care at all. Detachment means that one is not identified by a thing/event/person. It is what it is…neither greater nor lesser than any other thing/event/person. Its significance is that it is at all. It is a manifestation of All That Is, perfect in either its beauty or ugliness (which of course, still is an assignment of meaning).

One then realizes that the reason to “do” a thing was best taught by Mother about the age of three when she answered, “Because.” Do whatever you do “because” it is there to be done. It will give you an opportunity to be present in the moment, to practice the 4th Agreement – always do your best – to give thanks and praise to God, and mostly to just Be.

Go. Do. Be. Because……

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

LIFE SAVORS

I was listening to the news the other day and it occurred to me that it was getting harder and harder to focus on the "good" rather than the "bad" that seems to be permeating the air waves. I then recalled an incident from my past.

Several years ago a colleague came into my office and snuggled up in the corner of the couch and began writing in a book. I asked her if she kept a diary. She said it was a journal and that she was writing her Life Savors. "Life Savers?", I asked, "are you writing about mints?" "No", she answered. "Not savers -- savors -- you know, those things that happen during the day that you want to savor -- to remember -- because they make life worth living."

Not long after that, Oprah introduced America to the concept of keeping a gratitude journal. Well, I did that for a while and then noticed I was writing down the same things all the time -- my family, my pets, my home, etc. etc. -- and so I gradually quit the practice.

As I listened to the news that evening, I pondered the difference between "life savors" and "gratitude". What I decided is that the things we are most grateful for seem to be more or less constant and easily taken for granted; but, those things one "savors" are the things that just happen and make life wonderful and sweet -- the unexpected hug from a young child, a compliment from out of nowhere, the kindness of a stranger who holds open a door in the wind. I also decided that one has to "look for" those things to savor or they are easily missed. It then occurred to me that if I was busy looking for my "life savors" I probably wouldn't spend so much time worrying about things I can't do anything about anyway.

So, my new resolution is to find at least 5 things a day to write down in my journal of "Life Savors". Want to join me? I think we'll begin to find the sweetness in life again. May your life be filled with so much goodness your list is endless!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

MORNING & EVENING “LITANY”

Take command of your day. Start by setting your intentions for the day before you get out of bed – before you open your eyes to the so-called reality of this dimension. Remember, YOU are the creator of your experience of this lifetime. How you do this, what you say, what choices you make are not as important as the fact that you consciously set a course for your day with the intention of being your own master.

Finish your day’s experience acknowledging your creation with gratitude and thanksgiving.

The following are examples that I use….make up your own and have a wonderful day.

MORNING:

First thing – before opening the eyes:

Let me look through the eyes of the Creator, with love for all I have created.
Let all the words that I utter be loving words of appreciation
Let all my thoughts be of kindness and compassion.
Let me be excited to be alive.

Then, construct your day, as you want to experience it; i.e.

Today I will consciously experience connectedness with my Higher Self 3 times. I will have some “pleasant surprise” that I will recognize as a “gift” from myself to myself. My day will be filled with laughter. Etc., etc., etc.

Then, remind your Essential Life Force that it knows what it is to be about today while you are busy taking care of business on this plane.



EVENING:

Upon retiring, acknowledge all your “gratitudes”; i.e.

I am grateful for a roof over my head, and food for my body.
I am grateful for my beloved husband and my precious dogs.
I am grateful for………..etc., etc. (don’t be afraid to be redundant)

When finished –

I love myself for the giving myself the precious opportunity to be a human at this time.
I am a Human Becoming, please help me to become.

Then, focus on your breathing until you fall asleep. Whenever you notice that your mind is busy in the past or in the future, bring it back to the now by focusing on your breath.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

ACCOUNTABILITY

One of the hardest things for the ego to do is to take absolute accountability for its creations. The collective consciousness is steeped in the idea of “victim”. “It’s not my fault” is the mantra of the self-protective ego. It is always someone else’s fault or there was some extenuating circumstance which “caused” the event.

It is a mark of great advancement for the spiritual aspirant who can say to his/her self, “I alone am responsible for this”. The aspirant understands that whatever is being experienced is a result of some thought, word or deed in this or other lifetimes. The aspirant accepts responsibility and looks for the understanding or lesson inherent in the event. Oftentimes, however, there is nothing more to be learned than to understand that it is the individual who determines how events are experienced.

It was some twenty plus years ago when I first began finding myself in front of a panel of my teachers and mentors. I would be shown a thought, word or deed that I had created and asked “Did you (do this thing)?” At first I would begin to side-step the issue, trying to explain away my actions. Every single time I tried to skirt the issue, I would quietly and patiently be asked “Did you (do this)?” I would still try to explain away my actions with “well, you don’t understand, there was this other thing going on” at which point I would quietly and patiently be asked, “Did you (do this)?” I would then next try, “Well, I did my best.” (That had always worked with my parents). My teachers would quietly and patiently ask, “Did you or did you not (do this)?” I struggled for a long time. Finally I understood that this was a “yes or no” question. (It is a little like the pregnancy issue – the answer is either “yes” or “no”. One cannot be “sort of” or “kind of” pregnant.)

As the years have passed, whenever I find myself in front of this Council, I now understand that the “Did you or did you not” question is meant for me to take absolute accountability for every thought, word or deed. Sometimes the view into the looking glass has been uncomfortable, but I have come to understand that its wisdom is far, far reaching. For me, it is the first step in impeccability and the first step of freedom outside of collective consciousness.

Whenever you can, allow yourself the opportunity to take inventory about your day. Look at what you have said, thought and done. Ask yourself if you told the truth. Were you kind? Did you make choices that progress you along your spiritual path? And, when you notice you begin to make excuses for your actions, ask “Did you or did you not (do this)?”

Thursday, April 9, 2009

READING MATERIAL

I have been asked about reading material or authors I might recommend. At this stage of my life I am somewhat reticent to recommend much. The reason is that I have found that the ego is a “getting mechanism” – particularly the Western ego – it is most concerned with “getting”, whether it be stuff, recognition or information. I have watched as spiritual aspirants get derailed from actual spiritual growth by becoming over-concerned with reading the next “it” book, or attending the next “in” seminar.

It is also easy for the aspirant to become bogged down in studies of how the Universe is designed, levels of Light Beings, the esoteric history of the world, extra-terrestrials, etc. Although fascinating information and great fodder for the “getting mind”, it doesn’t really help the aspirant in this third dimensional reality deal with the issues at hand and can often lead to one becoming “side tracked”.

Nonetheless, I recognize the value of keeping the mind focused and on having something to counteract the negativity of the collective consciousness. To that end, I will recommend the following books and authors.

I firmly believe that if one could “become” the information in the following three books, one would achieve enlightenment. By that I mean, actually live the truth of the teachings within each book at all times – no vacation days, no time outs. Those books are:

(1) The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
(2) The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
(3) Ask and It Is Given by Esther & Jerry Hicks (This is the best book I
have ever found on the Law Attraction.)

I also recommend A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle as a vision of what one aspires to be. I find the works of Deepak Chopra and Wayne Dwyer to be very useful in today’s world.

For more advanced reading I recommend the works of Gary Renard, David Hawkins and A Course In Miracles.

Although the writings of the East contain some of the most ancient and insightful materials, its language and Hindu and Buddhist references often confuse the Western Mind.

In general I suggest that one trust one’s inner self when contemplating reading material. If you find it uplifting and hopeful, read it. If it makes you feel contractive or hopeless, do not read it.
WHAT CAN BE DONE

What often frustrates and derails the spiritual student is the quandary of “how to be”. It is generally felt that by studying long and hard enough one will then know what to “do”. If the teachings of the enlightened who have gone before are to be believed, such is not the case. One can only “know” what one “is”. Only a tree can truly know a tree. One can only know what it is to be a mother/father when one is a mother/father.

Therefore, for the purpose of this blog only, set aside intellectual pursuits trying to ascertain how to “be”, as years can be spent in esoteric discourse regarding the meaning of surrender, forgiveness or the difference between detachment and non-attachment. The desire to “understand” before one begins to “be” can lead to an impasse of inertia. Instead, this material works from the assumption that as one practices being a thing one will become that thing and then, and only then, will one “know” that thing. To that end, the focus of this material will be on what “can” be done.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

BREATHE, RELAX, LAUGH

Take it easy – breathe, relax, laugh, have a good time. It is a spiritual journey, not a spiritual destination. Give yourself permission to enjoy the process (yes, even on the “bad” days) and delight in the experiences along the way.

First – forget about ENLIGHTENMENT. Yep, totally forget about it!

In 21st Century Western culture the emphasis is on “winning”, “achieving”, “arriving”. In spite of what coaches are telling Little League baseball players and young soccer players, the consensus of popular opinion is that it really isn’t good enough to do your best…you must WIN, be #1. Look at Michelle Kwan. This young woman has won ___National Championships, ___World Championships, and a Silver and a Bronze Olympic medal. Still some “tsk” that the poor thing never captured the elusive gold. Please!

When on the spiritual path, each step along the way brings gifts of wisdom. To deny the value of each and every moment and focus only on the “goal” of enlightenment will not only cheat you out of precious realizations and joy, but most probably will ensure that you will not achieve your desire. Enlightenment is not something to be acquired, it is something you become. And, again, if the great teachers are to be believed, enlightenment is only the beginning point for yet higher states of consciousness.

So, lighten up. Don’t worry about becoming enlightened. Seek, instead, to express at the highest vibration possible at each and every moment. (Some days will be “higher” than others.) Higher states of consciousness up to, including, and beyond enlightenment will happen naturally, and inevitably.

Remember to laugh, often and heartily. Laughter releases the mind from its busyness and elevates vibrational frequency. Pure, joyous laughter that is. Laughter at the expense of another is a lower frequency and would be best avoided. Instead, seek the squeal of a young child splashing in a puddle, the giggle of teenage girls at nothing in particular or the chuckle of a parent at the antics of a baby. Life is filled with excuses to laugh. Seek them. Enjoy them. Bask in them.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

MEMORY

Watch a school of fish or a flock of birds. Notice how, without any seeming outside influence, they will all turn at one time. This is an example of the group mind. It works on a level outside the field of communication as we know it.

When Spirit first began to play in human bodies, its individuated parts knew that it was part of the Whole. Communication was not necessary as everything was shared telepathically. All information and knowledge was available in the Now, everywhere present at all moments in the time-space continuum.

It was only as the narcissistic ego became self-reverential that words and speech became necessary. The ability to communicate telepathically was lost and a method of exchanging experiences and ideas was needed. Words were developed as a way to harness an “energy” of experience or knowledge and exchange it with an-other.

As the developing human ego became more self-absorbed and identified as an individualized separate entity, it also lost the ability to be all-knowing. Without the ability to draw upon the Isness and “know”, it became necessary to develop a mechanism to retain certain knowledge. Thus, the memory was created.

Several of you have mentioned that you seem to be “losing your memory”. The ego, of course, wants this to be a source of drama and concern. What it also wants is for you not to acknowledge that you have spent years in spiritual pursuit with a goal of learning to live connected with Spirit in the Now. If you have ever had even one moment of connectedness with Spirit, you will know that there is no need for “stored memory”. Should a question be posed, the answer is instantaneously available. (Of course, most often, there is no need for even a question.)

Next time you seem to have an experience of “losing your memory”, try getting quiet, become connected with Source and allow the information to flow to you from the Universe. It is there…..waiting on you.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

A PENNY FOR THE UNIVERSE

It has been my great honor to have participated in many rites, rituals and celebrations over the years. I have found great beauty in many of them and had profound experiences in most of them.

One of the ceremonies which made a significant impression upon me took place on a mountain top in Washington, with only a few in attendance and with little pomp and circumstance. It was a Native American ritual of giving thanks to the Earth. Around a campfire we spread some tobacco, poured some water and laid some fruit on the ground. Then we buried a penny at the base of a tree. We were told that our gift/offerings represented our acknowledgement of the bounty that comes to us from the Earth and we were returning a “portion” in an act of gratitude.

I had participated in “offering” ceremonies of many cultures and was used to gifts of food, water, flowers, etc. It was the penny in this ceremony which struck a cord with me. I realized that the financial abundance of our lives is seldom thought of as a “gift” and even if one tithes, it somehow remains apart from the “whole” of the supply of Nature.

I’ve thought about this ceremony over the years. What it meant, but more importantly, the simplicity of it. And, about that penny. It was just a penny, after all. No great wealth, in the scheme of things, and yet……

Those who know me know that it has been like pulling teeth to get me to “write” in spite of the best urgings to do so. I finally realized that writing this little blog is my “penny”. If I give back a portion of all that has been given to me, I will be contributing my wee bit to the collective consciousness and in effect be giving my “Penny to the Universe”.

My husband loves the Earth and would love to have a major impact for its healing. Until such time as that may come to pass, he feeds the birds, picks up litter, hugs a tree, etc. – his “Penny to the Universe”.

Often one overlooks a way to “invest” in Humanity and the Earth because it is easy to say “Well, it isn’t significant enough to make a difference”. But what if we all just gave a Penny to the Universe? Wouldn’t we all be richer for it?

Do you have any pennies that the Universe could use? Give them in joy and gratitude and the Universe will smile.
SPIRITUAL EGO

One of the many “tricks” the Ego uses as the spiritual aspirant progresses along his journey is to “go along for the ride”. This the Ego does by “pretending” that everything the Self is doing is okay and that the Ego approves. Eventually, however, what sneaks up on the aspirant is the arrival of the Spiritual Ego.

The Spiritual Ego (Ego in disguise) takes on a mantle of false humbleness, false caring and kindness and develops all the mannerism it believes would “show” that it has an enlightened being. The Spiritual Ego can become a “do-gooder”, not because it truly cares, but because it wants to be known for its deeds. The Spiritual Ego often volunteers for all sorts of charities and events so it can be seen doing good things, often judging the very things it pretends to be helping. The Spiritual Ego will help the less fortunate in a false pretense of kindness, all the while feeling “superior” to those in need. The Spiritual Ego secretly keeps “score” of its advances and takes pride in all of its studies and wisdom. It compares itself to others in a competitive way, seeing who is “more” and who is “less”, and it grades itself with a spiritual gradation, not unlike a Brown Belt or Black Belt in Martial Arts. It is always asking of everyone, “Can’t you see how spiritual I am?” And, the Spiritual Ego indulges itself in false humility. It pretends to be above material concerns, needing nothing, when, in fact, its needs are a hunger which has to be constantly fed.

Occasionally, the Spiritual Ego comes at the aspirant through the back door. Instead of saying “Good job, you’re really developing spiritually” the Spiritual Ego will say “Who do you think you are? What makes you think you have anything worth while to say? What makes you so special?” Although there is a tendency to think this is low self-esteem, it is quite often a very sneaky way of separating self from Self…the ultimate in denial of the Divine within. After all, what could be more “special” than to be the worst of the worst.

The antidote to the Spiritual Ego is to take no credit or blame for anything. For everything that comes into you life, simply say “Thank you, Holy Spirit” and know that all things work for the greater good (whether it seems so at the time or not) and that all that comes to and through you is by the Hand of God through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, you understand that you are an instrument of the Divine and your Ego nor your Spiritual Ego has anything to do with anything.

Go forth, become partners with Holy Spirit and see how very many places you can “take” God today. And, do so in great Joy.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

NO MORE GRAY

Years ago I found myself with a teacher who would ask “Did you….(fill in the blank…but for these purposes let’s say….) tell the truth in this situation?” I would normally begin fidgeting around and trying something like, “Well, I did the best I could,” or “Considering the circumstances, I thought it best if I….” At which point my teacher would quietly ask, “Did you or did you not…..(fill in the blank)?”

It didn’t matter how I tried to squirm around the issue or how many times I backed up and tried again, the question was just quietly put to me, “Did you or did you not?” Eventually (every single time) I was made to understand this was a “yes or no” question and no amount of explanation could alter the fact that the ultimate answer was either “yes” or “no”. (It’s a little like the pregnant issue – either you are or you are not.) As the years past, I kept trying to “get away” with not answering directly, but always quietly came, “Did you or did you not?”

At first I thought this was a lesson in telling the truth. Later I came to understand that telling the truth is the first step in absolute accountability, and without it any attempt to be “accountable” is just a farce.

For years it has been socially okay to “tell a little white lie” and say that things are not always black or white, but sometimes gray. As the collective consciousness is raising those times are no longer an option for the spiritual aspirant.

Upon examination it can be seen that the “need” to tell a little fib is really a defense mechanism of the ego hoping to escape examination. “But what about trying to spare someone’s feelings?” you ask. If one has stopped offering opinions without them having been solicited or from commenting on every topic of discussion, many so-called occasions can be avoided. Watch and see how many times no comment is needed at all! On the rare occasion when one is questioned directly it will be necessary to “tell the harsh truth, but not tell the truth harshly”. This can be most easily accomplished by beginning your statement with “It is only my opinion” or “My personal prejudice is” or “I am not qualified to judge (because you aren’t!)”.

As for areas of gray – they don’t exist. Everything is what it is – it isn’t “sort of this plus sort of that”. The question becomes, “Is it or isn’t it?” (A discussion about “labeling” will follow.)

And, obviously, the “Did you or did you not?” question is about being accountable for ones actions – thought, word and deed. There simply is no passing the buck on this one.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

LOSE THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Every ego sees itself as the “star” of its story … his/story, her/story, our/story, my/story. Every ego considers itself the center of all that is important, and makes it choices from that self-reflective viewpoint. And, every ego keeps an unbalanced set of account books, tilted in its own favor.

At lower vibrational frequencies this is so paramount that there is no “other” – only “me”. As consciousness raises in vibration the ability to see outside of self and consider other people, the environment, humanity as a whole also grows and develops. Ironically, when the consciousness has been raised to the frequency of illumination, it realizes that there truly is no “other”. But, at this higher frequency it stems from the realization that all is “one”.

The self-referential narcissistic ego dominates the airwaves of the mind, selecting the thoughts that support and defend its existence, its perceptions and its importance. All opinions, indeed all beliefs, are born here.

Who “I” am, what “I” think and what “I” do are the most important things in the world to “me”. Even in relationships – one-on-one, family, business – everything reverts back to how it affects “me”. This is a natural effect of the human experience. It is, however, a huge roadblock on the pathway to higher consciousness.

So, what CAN be done to chip away at this blockage? Refrain from, (1) editorializing, reporting or giving opinions unless specifically requested and necessary for crucial decision making, (2) taking credit for doing good works or needing the limelight to show what you have done, and (3) using personal pronouns as much as possible.

Again, simple, but not easy.

Stop editorializing. Realize that every opinion is based upon perception, born from a selection process of the ego’s thoughts. These perceptions have their roots in childhood – family history and culture, geography of birth, schooling, religion, and other life experiences. Unless every opinion or belief has been carefully examined from the viewpoint of universal and divine truths, it is most probably a biased opinion, in place to safeguard the ego and its domain. And, unless one has reached at least a consciousness of unconditional love, it is a pretty safe bet that such an examination has not taken place. Therefore, realize that everything you think about anything is only a partial truth matching the vibration frequency of consciousness in place when the thought was first selected.

The process society calls “conversation” is merely the exchange of opinions, often escalating to one-upmanship. Such conversations can become heated and frequently result in defending one’s own positionality.

The serious spiritual aspirant will gain much insight into the workings of his mind and thought selection process by keeping quiet, observing and listening. It then becomes excruciatingly apparent how much of common discourse is center around “me and my story”. Of course, this is most easily observed in others, but once the presence of “me and my story” (seen as “you and your story” in others) is acknowledged, it then becomes easy to spot in one’s self.

As the prevalence of “me and my story” makes itself known, it may become embarrassing. There is no need for it to be so. It is the state of the collective consciousness at this time. However, this is not to be used as an excuse by the aspirant, but will be recognized as a limitation of consciousness to be released.

By being quiet and realizing no one appointed you as reporter of any and all things, by ceasing to express opinions, particularly when they are not solicited, the aspirant can break habit of the ego of making itself the center of the universe and holder of the “real” truth.

When genuinely asked for an opinion, for the purpose of serious decision making, it might be a good idea to preface the statement with an admission of the realization of bias, i.e. “Realize my opinions are based upon my personal perceptions and bias.”

The most difficult time to interfere with the reporting from the viewpoint of “me and my story” will occur when the ego feels threatened in any way. When the fight or flight mechanism is engaged, it is always to defend self. When embroiled in mental combat with another, either vocally or silently, try to see it is merely a struggle between “me and my story” and “you and your story”, each striving for supremacy. As soon as the realization takes place, one can disengage from the conflict and begin to examine the situation from a higher vibration, insuring a more peaceful outcome.

No where are opinions more volatile than on subjects of politics, religion and social mores. The serious spiritual aspirant can ill afford to take a stand on these or any other topics. What any one thinks or believes is a result of many factors and is inclusive in the vibration frequency of their consciousness. As consciousness changes, so too will opinions. Love and allowance are best practiced here.

Take no credit
There is an old saying, “God’s name is Anonymous”.

In the process of spiritual evolution there will come a time when the aspirant understands the meaning of the words, “It is not me by the Father within me that does all things.” It is blasphemy, however, to the ego.

Needing to brag, report, or show off about one’s achievement is the domain of the ego only. And it is never more so than with someone else is listing his achievements and accomplishments. The ego screams, “But look what “I” did!”
It doesn’t have to be Pulitzer Prize worthy. It can be as simple as getting the car washed or doing the laundry. What the ego wants credit for is not important. That it wants credit is.

As the aspirant lets himself become aware of this tendency, it can become amusing. But just noticing this phenomenon is not enough. The practice must be halted. All that is required is the realization that it is Spirit through you at work. To yourself say, “Thank you Spirit/God/Universe”. To others merely say, “Thanks” … and nothing more.

Personal Pronouns

One of the easiest ways to break the habit of “me and my story” is to cease using personal pronouns. Relinquish “I”, “me”, “me”, “mine”, and even “we” and “our”.

It can easily be seen how the use of personal pronouns perpetuates the ego’s position as center of all creation. More subtly, it can be seen how the ego then uses its position to separate from all the rest of creation.

If a car ceases to be “my” car and becomes instead” the” car, the charge of possessiveness is dispelled and the need to defend what is “mine” is lessened. One-upmanship of what “I’ have is no so easily entered into when “I” do not possess anything.

It is surprisingly easy to discourse without the use of personal pronouns. In fact, they can be done away with altogether. However, there are times when it becomes apparent the listener is not fully engaged and will not follow what is being said until the end of the sentence. Should such an occasion arise, feel free to use whatever language is necessary to make communication clear.

As the spiritual aspirant becomes more connected to All That Is, the word “I” takes on an altogether different meaning of oneness. It would appear that the bridge is not easily crossed, however, until the self disengaged from the personal identify of the ego and becomes reunited with the Self.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

TRUTH - PERCEPTION
The First Agreement (of “The Four Agreements” by Ruiz) is to “Be impeccable with your word.” We have been forever admonished to “tell the truth” or “the truth will set you free”. So why is it so hard to do? Because, the one that we lie to the most is the self.

The problem begins with birth. The esoteric discussion of whether we choose our point of birth aside, we arrive on the planet and no one asks us what language we want to speak, what religion we want to be raised in, what social customs we want to adopt, what prejudices we want to participate in, what foods we want to be accustomed to, etc. etc. We – without conscious thought – merely accept what is given us by our family, schools and peers. This package then begins to define who we are and what we believe. Occasionally, along life’s path one may question certain aspects of the package, but, for the most part, the package remains in tact. (The two most often examined ideals center around religion and politics.)

We spend a great deal of our lives “preaching” the “Gospel of My Beliefs”, trying to enroll others in seeing things our way. This is very important, because it solidifies the unconscious need to believe “I am right”. Particularly in the areas of religion and politics, it can become a source of extremely heated debate, with one adamantly “defending” one’s views. This is the source of all wars.

Whether it is religion, politics, socio-economic policies, what dress to wear/car to buy/place to leave, or any number of other topics, most do not ever stop to examine “why” the believe what they believe. Without such self scrutiny one can never truly know if that is your “truth” or just part of the package you picked up at birth. Without such scrutiny one then lazily puts on a pair of “perception glasses” through which the world is viewed. One can only then see what one wants to see or expects to see. Additionally, one becomes so invested in their own belief system they become closed to seeing in a different way because then their entire self identity may need to be examined. That being so, how can one then know if he/she speaks “the truth”.

An interesting example is a one room house. If you were to put someone at the front door and someone at the back door and ask each to describe what they see, you would get 2 different descriptions. Both would “swear” they were right and the other wrong. Both are merely seeing things from their own perspective. Both are “wrong”. Both are “right”.

Therefore, “defend” nothing….”attack” nothing.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

EXPANSION/CONTRACTION
INCLUSION/EXCLUSION



There is a tendency to see your world as fragmented. You want to segment out various aspects of your life --- your personal life, your professional life, your social life, your intimate life, your spiritual life, your political life, etc. etc.

It is true that when you do this you also segment your vibrational frequency – your personal life frequency is thus-and-so, your professional life is thus-and-so, etc. HOWEVER, your life as experienced by the Universe is NOT segmented. So, it is the composite of your segments that vibrates in the All – the “average” if you will. While on some level that may give you comfort, i.e. “I’m really doing well in this phase of my life”, it would behoove you to move beyond this and begin to think in terms of a whole light of expression.

In other words, the Universe functions as inclusive, not exclusive. Given the above example, the Universe includes the lowest of your vibrations, it does not exclude the “high” and “low” for computation.

This becomes important as you endeavor to consciously create. An appropriate goal would be to express at the highest vibration possible in any and every given moment, excluding no moments for the “luxury” of “time-out”. It is a little like being pregnant – one either is or is not. One cannot be pregnant during certain circumstances and not pregnant in others.

It is not important to worry about “what” the frequency is so much as to understand that it is either a frequency of inclusion or exclusion. An easy way to become aware of this is to begin to differentiate between your energy of expansion or contraction. If you are feeling expanded, or open, you are including. If you are feeling contracted, or closed, you are excluding. Allow yourself to become acutely aware of this at all times. As you would say, 24/7/365.

Be conscious of the fact that one cannot be expansive if one is not also giving. In other words, hoarding, in any form is contractive. This applies to your time, your love, your goodwill, your good thoughts. You cannot open to receive and then “stop” the energy when it arrives at “you”. By function, it must come to and through you. If you perceive lack of receivership in any area, look to see how you are “giving” in the same area. This does not necessarily mean in tangibles. It does mean in energy.

Remember, everything --- everything, everything, everything, EV-ER-Y-THING is energy. And everything – everything, everything, EV-ER-Y-THING is included in the Laws of the Universe. And EV-ER-Y-THING is a part of the One.

Go, be joyous in All That Is.

Friday, February 13, 2009

SPECIAL/SACRED

The teaching was first given you through A Course In Miracles in its discourses on “specialness”. Then, it came to you through the Lord God Id and the teaching that “all things are holy, no-thing is sacred”.

This is a very subtle aspect of judgment driven by the ego’s need to be “special”.
And the ego has worked its spell in very insidious ways. When the spiritual aspirant begins its work with the ego, it attempts to become very humble, often adopting a position of false humility….”I am nothing”. What is not realized is that this is an arrogant position. If God/Divine Mind considers you to be ALL then “you” must think that you are ABOVE GOD to be able to declare that you are Less Than All.

Another trick of the ego, is to attribute everything it accomplishes in the spiritual progression to its self, thereby developing a “spiritual ego”….”see what I know/ have done/ can do.” Again, this is an attitude of arrogance, designed to separate by placing one “above”.

The identification of special or sacred is meant to determine delineation of “above” or “below” for the purpose of exaltation. To the ego, it is VERY important that such a distinction is valid, because the ego constantly judges itself as above or below and determines its mode of experience by such determination.

In Truth, there is no-thing that is special/sacred because there is no-thing that is not special/sacred. There are no sacred places because there are no not-sacred places. There are no sacred stones because there are no not-sacred stones. There are no holy people because there are no not-holy people. There ARE difference expressions of frequency, but ALL are of the whole – holy that is the ALL.

Set no-thing and no-one apart in any way, neither above nor below. Rejoice instead in the ALL that is the One.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

JOY/HAPPY

What is the difference between joy and happiness? It is a matter of collective conscious usage.

As it is now used by collective consciousness, “happy” carries a connotation that requires an “about something” attached to it. You are “happy” because of something, or you are “unhappy” because of something. In other words, “happy” implies outside stimulus and is a “result” of something. It is experienced from the outside in. It also implies a fulcrum point of vibration that would indicate you could be “knocked off” your point of happiness.

Joy, on the other hand, is simply a state of being. Observe, that you do not say, “I am in joy about….” Or “I am out of joy about….”. Joy just IS. If you are “joyous” you take that emotion into every experience you have. In other words, it expresses from the inside out. And, as it is generated from within, you are less likely to be “knocked off balance” from without.

Choose to be joyous in each and every moment regardless of the activity around you – then watch the activity change to match your vibration of joy.

This is the first step to the state of Bliss.
HUMAN BODY

Go to a mirror – preferably a full length mirror. Stand before it and look at yourself. Study yourself.

Notice the placement of the hands, the head, the feet. It would appear that the feet are “lower” than the hands. However, as you contemplate their purpose you begin to understand they are exactly where they need to be. How useless would be the feet if they were on top of your head, although they then would be “above” your hands.

Now, sit down. Stand up and turn around and look at your buttocks. Isn’t it wonderful that they are placed where they are instead of, say, on your chest. Imagine the contortions necessary to sit down if your buttocks were on your chest.

As you look upon your body allow the understanding to come that each and every aspect of your body is exactly where it needs to be for its function and purpose. And you rejoice that this is so. And, it is the composite of such perfectly placed individual aspects that make your body whole. And so you think of yourself as a whole body.

So it is with the body of humanity. Each and every aspect is exactly where it needs to be and its compilation is the “whole” of humanity.

As you gaze upon that which you have previously considered to be an “other”, realize that it is but part of your Self, the wholeness that is One. Allow your self to rejoice that each seemingly individual aspect is fulfilling its purpose and function and rejoice that it is so.

Now, return to your mirror.

Notice the height of your head in relationship to some other object in the mirror. If you want to “raise” the height of your head, step upon something, a stool perhaps. Notice that as your “raise” your head you also “raise” the height of your knees. It is impossible for you to raise your head and keep the knees at their previous level. The whole being is raised, regardless of whether your intention is to raise the head or to raise the waist. So, too, is it with the body of humanity. When you raise your vibration, you raise the vibration of the whole. It must be so.

This, then, is your function and purpose in the body of humanity. ..to consciously raise your vibration. This is your only function and purpose.

Rejoice that it is so.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

EXPLANATION

It has been asked of me “who” is coming through at this time. The answer is – no one. There is no coming through. And there is no “one” out there. It is a stream of consciousness. Let me explain.

I no longer “channel”. Probably I could, but I have come to understand that, for me, this is a non-forwarding endeavor and one in which I choose no longer to participate.

So what is happening.

Think of the pneumatic tube at the drive-up teller window at the bank. Swish-ka-thump it goes to the teller. Swish-ka-thump it arrives at your window. I receive a swish-ka-thump of energy. It literally comes in as a “block” of energy. I can “see” how everything works together…..Oh – this effects that – that effects this, etc. etc. But, as this Universe is a hologram, it all comes at once. Although the form is NOT important, I think of it like a Rubic’s cube. I then have to begin “turning” the blocks on the cube in order to translate. Because our mode of communication is linear, I must find the “end of the string” so to speak, to figure out how to begin “translating” the energy block.

At first this requires a great deal of hand use and arm swinging. I can tell when I am beginning to “get it” when the glassy-eyed look passes from Don. (I try out everything on him first.) As I begin to “translate”, appropriate analogies come. Yet – and still – it is very difficult to decide the “order” of things. Which comes first – chicken or egg. BECAUSE, it is all one when I receive it.

All of the so-call “missives” at this time are a part of one block of energy. There is no “first”. There is no “more important”.

This is my first real attempt to translate these blocks into the written language.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

THOUGHT, WORD & DEED

THOUGHT, WORD & DEED

You are aware of what is called the “butterfly effect” – every action affects all things.

So it is with every aspect of energy that you emanate.

It is important that you begin to take accountability for your creations. Begin by being conscious of all that you do, that you say, that you think. The majority of your life is expressed unconsciously, without “you” present. The following is a technique to assist you in bringing your conscious awareness into your life.

Start with the denser modality of “do”. Before you begin any new activity, no matter how “small” or “different” than what you have been doing previously, STOP and take a breath…one breath will do, two will do nicely. No matter how hurried you are in your activities, one or two breaths will not hinder your day. But it WILL bring “you” into the activity. At that point you may proceed unconsciously, decide to imbue the activity with conscious intent or change your activity all together. At first you will continue to rush about, but you will start to notice that you have just performed some task and not been “present”.

Next, move to the aspect of “say”. Before you speak, STOP, pause one beat. A single breath with aid in this as well. At first you will be aware “after the fact” that you had just rattled on and had not stopped to pause. Slowly you will begin to pause occasionally. Then it will become your normal experience. With the pause of one beat, you may “look” upon what you are about to say and “take a reading” of the energy involved. Is it truly one you wish to create? If so, proceed.

Lastly will come “thought”. This would appear to be the most difficult, but is, in fact, the place of greatest power. As the stream of thought passes through your mind, simply choose to let it direct your mind, or not. If the “subject” of the thought process is not of the vibration of your choosing, simply STOP thinking it. A breath or two will serve as a point of focus for you. In time you will become aware of the silence and it will be your cherished state of being.

As you practice bringing your “self” to the present moment and become more adept at doing so, you will notice that you will begin to bring your “Self” to the moment. And, is that not the goal after all….to bring your Self to your self.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Tests By The Universe

TESTS BY THE UNIVERSE

You often approach a situation in your life and label it a “test”, indicating that the Universe/God has given you an examination of some kind. This is not so. A “test” would suggest “pass” or “fail” – concepts which are not a part of the Universal Mind.

What have appeared in your experiences are apexes and/or crossroads of energy. These points of expression provide you with an opportunity to stop, look, listen and take assessment. At these points your choices – conscious or unconscious – can determine a “route” for you – a “flow” or energy – an insertion into a stream of consciousness or vibrational field. These points arrive and manifest as a result of the choices you make in every moment. By choosing – consciously or unconsciously – the “same” over and over again, you manifest an experience you can no longer ignore. As the Universe is a supportive energy, it allows you to become aware of your choices, in hopes, if you will, that you will pay attention.

Rather than think of anything as a “test”, think of voting booths. That’s right, voting booths. At every moment – every NOW – of your physical experience you are stepping into a voting booth and voting for your “next” NOW. YOU and you alone are “deciding” what it is that you will bring to manifestation. The Universe is incapable of choosing for you. It can only respond to you. You are the one that must “vote”. You are the one that must “choose”. And, please be aware, that a failure to do so is not a “non-vote”, it is a vote for “more of the same” unconscious selection.

Be an aware “voter”. Do not continue to vote the way you always have because you always have. Question your belief systems. Are they expansive or contractive. Are they inclusive or exclusive. Do they enliven you or make you feel dull. Do they enthuse you or depress you.

Begin with “voting” for the experiences of each day. Then, as you begin to master that, consciously select your experiences of the morning, the afternoon, the evening. Then, each endeavor. Then, each moment.

And….”dress up” when you go into your voting booth! Put on your best garment of JOY!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Criticize Nothing

We would ask that you read, re-read, and re-read all the portions of your book (Ask & It Is Given) regarding inclusion and exclusion. Read it until you can recite it. Read it until it is in your bones. Read it until it is your truth.

You will then understand that it makes absolute sense…particularly as you contemplate Oneness. How can one begin to consider being “one with all things” and have exclusion even be a concept. This would defy even the logical mind of the ego, which, of course, would have you be “one” with no-thing. It will then be easy for you to understand that exclusion is the tool of the ego that fosters separation.

The “world” in which you now live is one that supports and promotes exclusion. It does so by comparison and condemnation. Although not necessarily and easy task, there is a method by which you can learn to extract yourselves from this trap.

CRITICIZE NOTHING. CONDEMN NOTHING.

Criticism and condemnation are the cutting tools of exclusion. Collective consciousness is geared to compare, criticize, condemn and separate out everything. Your thought processes are such that you “pigeon-hole” everything…finding just the right box into which literally every thought you have.

We will give you a technique for extricating yourselves from this snare of collective consciousness. First, allow yourselves to become aware of this pattern of thought. Then, take steps to intervene in your own thought process. Next, begin to stop yourselves. Whenever you find yourselves having the thought (or saying) “that is…” with the intention of labeling/quantifying/qualifying ANYTHING, “hear” the words “that is” and finish your thought with “that”. So, instead of your thought being “that is nasty/ugly/wrong/etc.”, your thought becomes “that is…that”.

Your goal during this process is to have ONLY thoughts that are of praise and thanksgiving. ALL other thoughts “about” things should become “that is that”.

Note: One by-product is that you will cease your cursing. Not because it is “bad” or “wrong” but because it is a tool of exclusion and it carries a vibration that is too “expensive” for you to afford.

This process will raise your vibrational frequency at a rate that will please you greatly. You will find your world becoming supportive of you and your life experience and joy will become the operational emotion of your life.

Once you have mastered the “that is that” technique, proceed to the next step, which is “that is”. Then, “that”. Then, silent observation and oneness.

The ultimate goal is to LABEL NOTHING – either good or bad. For the meantime, however, we will focus on having thoughts be those of praise and thanksgiving. When all labeling ceases (that means nothing is even called “beautiful”), there will be nothing left but gratitude and lovingness.

We share this with you in the hopes that you will also share this with those who will be open to these words. Remember, to receive is to allow that which is to flow to and THROUGH you – regardless of whether it is love, money or wisdom.

Live in the fullness of the love that you are and rejoice in these times of unfoldment.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Allow

ALLOW

Of all the Universal Laws, Allowance is the one that should be your focus at this time – for it is the means by which you access all the others. For example, the Law of Attraction works with or without your participation as does the Law of Balance, etc. But it is the choices you make within the Law of Allowance that determines your level of participation in all areas of your physical experience in this time/space continuum.

When the Law of Allowance is fully embraced, you realize that everything is according to the perfection that is Divine. All things express within the confines of Karma, Divine Intent, Balance and Harmony. This, of course, includes you. And, if you expect that allowance applies to you, then you must assuredly acknowledge that it applies to all “other” as well.

“But,” says your ego, “there are wrongs that need to be made right.” “He/she needs to be held accountable.” “Justice needs to be served.” “That sucker needs his come-uppance.” Etc., etc.

Maybe so. But, IT IS NOT YOUR JOB! If there is indeed balance, justice, accountability at issue, it belongs to the Office of the Director of Karma. NOT YOUR JOB. If it is enlightenment or education that is needed, it belongs to the Office of the Christ. NOT YOUR JOB.

YOUR JOB is to allow all things to BE, realizing that all things express as a function of vibration. And every-one and every-thing is exactly where it is supposed to be and expressing exactly how it is meant to be according to the chosen vibration of expression. If it is appears to be something that you do not wish to experience, be very intentional in choosing the vibration that you DO want to experience. Simply do not “visit” the other vibration. (If you don’t want to visit Spain, don’t go there.)

When you are irritated, aggravated, insulted or feel “righteous indignation” by ANYTHING or ANYONE realize that the what you are feeling is resistance to what is and ANY thought other than “it is what is it is” is NOT YOUR JOB.

This should relieve you of a heavy burden – that of “solving” all the so-called ills of the world – and should leave you free to live in joy.

Go forth and be joyous. DO YOUR JOB!