"The majority of men live without being thoroughly conscious that they are spiritual beings."
Søren Kierkegaard
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Exercise: Visiting A Spiritual Place
“Be Here Now” was a 1971 book by Baba Ram Dass (Richard Alpert), and its core message (the title of the book) is just as relevant today with respect to living a spirit-centered and fully-empowered life on a moment-to-moment basis.
When our awareness is distracted by thoughts of the past or future, or of events happening in other places, we diminish our abilities to fully experience the magic and power and the infinite possibilities of the present moment at that one particular place and time.
So, generally, being “here now” is a wonderful philosophy and I usually try to keep that focus myself.
On the other hand, the “here now” that some people may be experiencing right now may perhaps be able to be improved upon, if only for a moment, and this is a quick and easy exercise you can do right now that can achieve that sort of improvement, and maybe get you feeling quite happy and spiritual.
And it’s really very simple.
[The following is written in the style of a guided meditation, so you could repeat it into a recorder and play it back to yourself or have a friend read it to you.]
So just close your eyes for a moment, and imagine the most spiritual, sacred place in the world. It might be a temple, church, pyramid, mosque, or other religious building, or it might be a place where some very sacred and holy event took place.
And if you don't know any particular sacred place right now you can just invent one in your mind, just as spiritual and powerful as any place on earth.
And just imagine that place as clearly as you can, in all the little details.
And when you have a very clear imagining of that sacred and spiritual place in your mind, then imagine that you are actually at that place, that very spiritual place.
And notice all the details and qualities of what it’s like to be there: the feels, the sounds, the colors, the textures. Let your senses fully experience what it would actually be like if you were there, right now, in person; whatever sights, smells, or sounds that you would actually experience if you were there right now.
And then finally allow your inner self to feel the spirituality of that place, the true magic of being there, all the way from your feet through your whole body to the top of your head. And just allow it all to happen, and let the sacredness and spirituality of that very special place fill you completely.
And when you are completely filled with the feeling of the spirituality and power of that place, so much so that you are actually almost glowing with that beautiful sacred feeling, and when you’re ready, then come on back to the “here and now” and allow your eyes to open at their own pace. And take a deep, slow breath, and then let it out.
And just allow that wonderful feeling of sacred spirituality that you received from that special place to stay with you for the rest of the day, and maybe tomorrow too, nurturing you and empowering you and making you feel so good, inside and out.
Perfect!
When our awareness is distracted by thoughts of the past or future, or of events happening in other places, we diminish our abilities to fully experience the magic and power and the infinite possibilities of the present moment at that one particular place and time.
So, generally, being “here now” is a wonderful philosophy and I usually try to keep that focus myself.
On the other hand, the “here now” that some people may be experiencing right now may perhaps be able to be improved upon, if only for a moment, and this is a quick and easy exercise you can do right now that can achieve that sort of improvement, and maybe get you feeling quite happy and spiritual.
And it’s really very simple.
[The following is written in the style of a guided meditation, so you could repeat it into a recorder and play it back to yourself or have a friend read it to you.]
So just close your eyes for a moment, and imagine the most spiritual, sacred place in the world. It might be a temple, church, pyramid, mosque, or other religious building, or it might be a place where some very sacred and holy event took place.
And if you don't know any particular sacred place right now you can just invent one in your mind, just as spiritual and powerful as any place on earth.
And just imagine that place as clearly as you can, in all the little details.
And when you have a very clear imagining of that sacred and spiritual place in your mind, then imagine that you are actually at that place, that very spiritual place.
And notice all the details and qualities of what it’s like to be there: the feels, the sounds, the colors, the textures. Let your senses fully experience what it would actually be like if you were there, right now, in person; whatever sights, smells, or sounds that you would actually experience if you were there right now.
And then finally allow your inner self to feel the spirituality of that place, the true magic of being there, all the way from your feet through your whole body to the top of your head. And just allow it all to happen, and let the sacredness and spirituality of that very special place fill you completely.
And when you are completely filled with the feeling of the spirituality and power of that place, so much so that you are actually almost glowing with that beautiful sacred feeling, and when you’re ready, then come on back to the “here and now” and allow your eyes to open at their own pace. And take a deep, slow breath, and then let it out.
And just allow that wonderful feeling of sacred spirituality that you received from that special place to stay with you for the rest of the day, and maybe tomorrow too, nurturing you and empowering you and making you feel so good, inside and out.
Perfect!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Marianne Williamson on Spirituality
"Love is what we are born with. Fear is what we learn. The spiritual journey is the unlearning of fear and prejudices and the acceptance of love back in our hearts. Love is the essential reality and our purpose on earth. To be consciously aware of it, to experience love in ourselves and others, is the meaning of life. Meaning does not lie in things. Meaning lies in us."
Marianne Williamson
Very clearly and cogently stated. Nothing more need be said. If I could buy a thousand billboards I would spread this message across the nation. If people could learn only one thing, this would be enough.
Thank you, Marianne!
Marianne Williamson
Very clearly and cogently stated. Nothing more need be said. If I could buy a thousand billboards I would spread this message across the nation. If people could learn only one thing, this would be enough.
Thank you, Marianne!
Ya Mo B There
Michael McDonald and James Ingram perform their classic hit.
Crank up the sound and get up and dance and sing along!
Crank up the sound and get up and dance and sing along!
Friday, August 22, 2008
An Exercise In Scrying
This is a two-part exercise in "scrying." Scrying is simply obtaining psychic information from gazing at or into a visual source and observing images in this visual source that help provide answers to the question in mind. This might be a crystal ball, a pool of water, smoke smudges on a card, tea leaves, or a variety of other sources.
In this on-line exercise, we're going to use clouds as our scrying source.
The first video presented here is simply a montage of pretty images and music to get your mind into a relaxed state. Just click on it, relax, and enjoy!
Then we come to the second video. This video again presents pretty, relaxing music, along with a lot of pictures, mostly of clouds. Before you start this video, fix your question firmly in mind. Then click on the video to get it started, and relax, and look to see if you notice any images, symbols, signs, or other "pictures" in the clouds that might bear on or relate to your question.
Once you've clearly formed your question in your mind, then just let it go and enjoy the music and the video. If there are relevant images, symbols, signs, or other pictures in the clouds that you see, you will become aware of them, and you will remember them.
Here's the first video. Just to get you into a relaxed state of mind. Simply click on the arrow in the middle of the picture and enjoy!
Wasn't that nice? Ummmmm!
OK, now here's the second video. Just get your question clearly in your mind, release it, and click on the arrow in the middle of the picture, and notice any images, symbols, or pictures in the clouds that might help you answer your question.
In this on-line exercise, we're going to use clouds as our scrying source.
The first video presented here is simply a montage of pretty images and music to get your mind into a relaxed state. Just click on it, relax, and enjoy!
Then we come to the second video. This video again presents pretty, relaxing music, along with a lot of pictures, mostly of clouds. Before you start this video, fix your question firmly in mind. Then click on the video to get it started, and relax, and look to see if you notice any images, symbols, signs, or other "pictures" in the clouds that might bear on or relate to your question.
Once you've clearly formed your question in your mind, then just let it go and enjoy the music and the video. If there are relevant images, symbols, signs, or other pictures in the clouds that you see, you will become aware of them, and you will remember them.
Here's the first video. Just to get you into a relaxed state of mind. Simply click on the arrow in the middle of the picture and enjoy!
Wasn't that nice? Ummmmm!
OK, now here's the second video. Just get your question clearly in your mind, release it, and click on the arrow in the middle of the picture, and notice any images, symbols, or pictures in the clouds that might help you answer your question.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
From "Spirituality For Dummies"
"The study of spirituality goes deeply into the heart of every matter and extends far beyond the physical world of matter. Spirituality connects you with the profoundly powerful and divine force that's present in this universe. Whether you're looking for worldly success, inner peace, or supreme enlightenment, no knowledge can propel you to achieve your goals and provide as effective a plan for living as does spiritual knowledge.
"* No financial or societal stature helps you get ahead in life as much as spiritual wisdom.
"* No amount of outer efforts bears as much fruit as understanding and flowing with the spiritual laws of this universe.
"* None of the powerful people you know can 'connect' you like the power of knowing your own self.
"* No friend can know and guide you as much as that truly best friend who exists behind all friends, behind all enemies, and in your very own soul."
- Sharon Janis, Spirituality For Dummies
And, yes, I happily and proudly own a copy of this book and will quote from it from time to time. Part of our growth into spiritual awareness is acknowledging the (previous) limitations and the "dummy-ness" of our earthbound minds, releasing those limitations, and rejecting any shame or guilt that we may attach to such limitations. And I think that any resource that can move us along the path to becoming truly and deeply spiritually enlightened is a good thing!
"* No financial or societal stature helps you get ahead in life as much as spiritual wisdom.
"* No amount of outer efforts bears as much fruit as understanding and flowing with the spiritual laws of this universe.
"* None of the powerful people you know can 'connect' you like the power of knowing your own self.
"* No friend can know and guide you as much as that truly best friend who exists behind all friends, behind all enemies, and in your very own soul."
- Sharon Janis, Spirituality For Dummies
And, yes, I happily and proudly own a copy of this book and will quote from it from time to time. Part of our growth into spiritual awareness is acknowledging the (previous) limitations and the "dummy-ness" of our earthbound minds, releasing those limitations, and rejecting any shame or guilt that we may attach to such limitations. And I think that any resource that can move us along the path to becoming truly and deeply spiritually enlightened is a good thing!
Monday, August 18, 2008
What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Listening to this song always raises my vibrations. I hope it does the same for you. I just love the lyrics - what a beautiful perspective on life it offers!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Illuminations22 Services and Birthday Party Report
The non-denominational interfaith Illuminations22 Ministry holds services at 3:00 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month - including tomorrow, August 17, 2008 - at the Learning Light, located at 1212 East Lincoln Avenue (near the intersection with East Street), in Anaheim, California, telephone number (714) 533-2311. Healing services are provided from 2:20 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. Join us!
The birthday party was HUGE fun. I only got a few pix before my camera battery ran out (no, even psychics don't think of everything), but General Manager Kerri also had a camera and so I may be able to post more pix later.
Highlights:
* Sonja (our events director, who arranged the event) and her athletic family won many of the prizes for the games. Are we surprised? Was the fix "in"? (Just teasing!)
* Rosemary's son Noah was also an event favorite and took home a prize.
* Lilith Mageborn made a TON of food. A delicious taco bar, beans, vegetables, plus the beverage bar run by Mary. No one went home hungry - and I think Andrew took home 8 cupcakes or so himself!
* Illuminations22 pastor Suzan sent over a beautiful hand-made birthday cake and a HUGE card for me but had to miss the event to take care of her sick puppy Kiki.
OK, let's see some pix:
The Learning Light
Waiting for guests to arrive
OK, Charley's here! Time to start the party!
The smart people hit the taco bar early
It all looks good to Richard!
Meanwhile, me and Andrew are getting our butts whopped by Kerri and Camille. (Nevertheless, Andrew keeps strategizing!)
The birthday party was HUGE fun. I only got a few pix before my camera battery ran out (no, even psychics don't think of everything), but General Manager Kerri also had a camera and so I may be able to post more pix later.
Highlights:
* Sonja (our events director, who arranged the event) and her athletic family won many of the prizes for the games. Are we surprised? Was the fix "in"? (Just teasing!)
* Rosemary's son Noah was also an event favorite and took home a prize.
* Lilith Mageborn made a TON of food. A delicious taco bar, beans, vegetables, plus the beverage bar run by Mary. No one went home hungry - and I think Andrew took home 8 cupcakes or so himself!
* Illuminations22 pastor Suzan sent over a beautiful hand-made birthday cake and a HUGE card for me but had to miss the event to take care of her sick puppy Kiki.
OK, let's see some pix:
The Learning Light
Waiting for guests to arrive
OK, Charley's here! Time to start the party!
The smart people hit the taco bar early
It all looks good to Richard!
Meanwhile, me and Andrew are getting our butts whopped by Kerri and Camille. (Nevertheless, Andrew keeps strategizing!)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Spiritual Beings Having A Human Experience
I wanted to talk a bit about the quote at the top of the blog: "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience." The quote is by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955), the French philosopher and Jesuit priest.
This is a very important concept to master in traveling the spiritual path.
I remember when I was teaching classes about ghosts and hauntings. There were always some people who were a little nervous about actually encountering a ghost. I would remind them: Well, what are "ghosts" anyway? Just people, like us, but people who are no longer using their bodies. After the body dies the spirit remains. The fact that ghosts exist is one of the strongest bits of evidence that the spirit doesn't die, and that "dying" simply refers to letting go of the human body. But we, as spiritual beings, go on.
The same thing applies to the concept of "angels," as well. If we become angels after our bodies die, then doesn't that imply that the angel essence is within us all along, and that we free that angelic essence when we let go of the body?
There's another quote, from the Jedi master Yoda from the Star Wars movies (I believe it's in The Empire Strikes Back), that reinforces this concept: "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."
And, indeed, we are "luminous beings." Those who have learned or been trained how to see "auras" can literally see (although it's not really done with the eyes) the spiritual glow of all living entities. (Parenthetically, this is not a difficult ability to master, but its use in the material world seems to be rather limited, unless one goes on to learn how to do psychic "readings" of auras.)
The Sanskrit greeting "Namaste" (literally, "I bow to you") is yet another reminder. From Wikipedia:
"Namaste is one of the few Sanskrit words commonly recognized by Non-Hindi speakers. . . .
"In recent times, and more globally, the term 'namaste' has come to be especially associated with yoga and spiritual meditation all over the world. In this context, it has been viewed in terms of a multitude of very complicated and poetic meanings which tie in with the spiritual origins of the word. Some examples:
"I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to author Deepak Chopra
"I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
"I salute the God within you."
"Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." -- attributed to Lilias Folan's shared teachings from her journeys to India.
"That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is of the Divine in you."
"The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you."
In using the Namaste, we are reminded that not only are we primarily a spiritual being, but that all other beings are primarily spiritual as well.
The challenge, of course, is that 99% of the other entities that we encounter during the day will primarily treat us as a human entity, rather than a spiritual one, and so we tend to respond from our human aspect, rather than our spiritual part. It's an easy trap to fall into.
But if we are going to succeed in our journey on the spiritual path then it is a trap we need to learn to avoid.
You are a spiritual entity, magnificent beyond all possible comprehension of the human brain. Your "angel essence" is entirely within you right now. Your "divinity" is entirely within you right now. Don't let the illusion of the body and the physical world interfere with your awareness of your true spiritual magnificence.
Keep reminding yourself, like an affirmation: I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience. We need to re-train our brains from their addiction to the physical world. This is a great way to start doing that now.
So in closing, to you I say: Namaste! The divine Spirit in me recognizes and acknowledges that the same divine Spirit is also in you, and my human part honors and bows before that divine Spirit.
This is a very important concept to master in traveling the spiritual path.
I remember when I was teaching classes about ghosts and hauntings. There were always some people who were a little nervous about actually encountering a ghost. I would remind them: Well, what are "ghosts" anyway? Just people, like us, but people who are no longer using their bodies. After the body dies the spirit remains. The fact that ghosts exist is one of the strongest bits of evidence that the spirit doesn't die, and that "dying" simply refers to letting go of the human body. But we, as spiritual beings, go on.
The same thing applies to the concept of "angels," as well. If we become angels after our bodies die, then doesn't that imply that the angel essence is within us all along, and that we free that angelic essence when we let go of the body?
There's another quote, from the Jedi master Yoda from the Star Wars movies (I believe it's in The Empire Strikes Back), that reinforces this concept: "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter."
And, indeed, we are "luminous beings." Those who have learned or been trained how to see "auras" can literally see (although it's not really done with the eyes) the spiritual glow of all living entities. (Parenthetically, this is not a difficult ability to master, but its use in the material world seems to be rather limited, unless one goes on to learn how to do psychic "readings" of auras.)
The Sanskrit greeting "Namaste" (literally, "I bow to you") is yet another reminder. From Wikipedia:
"Namaste is one of the few Sanskrit words commonly recognized by Non-Hindi speakers. . . .
"In recent times, and more globally, the term 'namaste' has come to be especially associated with yoga and spiritual meditation all over the world. In this context, it has been viewed in terms of a multitude of very complicated and poetic meanings which tie in with the spiritual origins of the word. Some examples:
"I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me." -- attributed to author Deepak Chopra
"I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are One."
"I salute the God within you."
"Your spirit and my spirit are ONE." -- attributed to Lilias Folan's shared teachings from her journeys to India.
"That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is of the Divine in you."
"The Divinity within me perceives and adores the Divinity within you."
In using the Namaste, we are reminded that not only are we primarily a spiritual being, but that all other beings are primarily spiritual as well.
The challenge, of course, is that 99% of the other entities that we encounter during the day will primarily treat us as a human entity, rather than a spiritual one, and so we tend to respond from our human aspect, rather than our spiritual part. It's an easy trap to fall into.
But if we are going to succeed in our journey on the spiritual path then it is a trap we need to learn to avoid.
You are a spiritual entity, magnificent beyond all possible comprehension of the human brain. Your "angel essence" is entirely within you right now. Your "divinity" is entirely within you right now. Don't let the illusion of the body and the physical world interfere with your awareness of your true spiritual magnificence.
Keep reminding yourself, like an affirmation: I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience. I am a spiritual being having a human experience. We need to re-train our brains from their addiction to the physical world. This is a great way to start doing that now.
So in closing, to you I say: Namaste! The divine Spirit in me recognizes and acknowledges that the same divine Spirit is also in you, and my human part honors and bows before that divine Spirit.
Learning Light's Birthday Party
. . . is tomorrow night!
From the Learning Light website:
Celebrate the LLF's 46th Birthday...
Come enjoy:
*BBQ
*Margaritas
*Music
*Games
*Prizes
*AND FUN, FUN, FUN!
SATURDAY, August 16
6-9pm, $25
We'll see what happens as far as the margaritas go. I guess they're getting a one-day alcohol permit. It's very unusual for us to have alcohol at events.
But certainly no one is required to drink. So, whether you drink alcohol or not, please do come and join in the fun! It's a "beach party" theme, so Hawaiian shirts and dresses will probably be the way to go. I hope to see you all there!
From the Learning Light website:
Celebrate the LLF's 46th Birthday...
Come enjoy:
*BBQ
*Margaritas
*Music
*Games
*Prizes
*AND FUN, FUN, FUN!
SATURDAY, August 16
6-9pm, $25
We'll see what happens as far as the margaritas go. I guess they're getting a one-day alcohol permit. It's very unusual for us to have alcohol at events.
But certainly no one is required to drink. So, whether you drink alcohol or not, please do come and join in the fun! It's a "beach party" theme, so Hawaiian shirts and dresses will probably be the way to go. I hope to see you all there!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Kitaro: Theme From Silk Road
One of the ways to raise our vibrations discussed below is to "Listen, dance or sing to happy or spiritually uplifting music."
Right on cue, I therefore present for your enjoyment some beautiful music indeed from one of my favorite musicians, the Japanese composer Kitaro. Here he performs the hauntingly delicious "Theme From Silk Road." Click on the arrow in the middle of the picture and enjoy!
Right on cue, I therefore present for your enjoyment some beautiful music indeed from one of my favorite musicians, the Japanese composer Kitaro. Here he performs the hauntingly delicious "Theme From Silk Road." Click on the arrow in the middle of the picture and enjoy!
Exercise: Raising Your Vibrations
One of the things that we discussed at the last manifesting workshop was the importance of keeping our vibrational energies high. But raising our vibrations is good for all spiritual work, not just manifesting.
The best part is that it's fun and easy to raise your vibrations!
Here's a list of activities that can help you raise your personal vibrations. Try and do as many of these as you can every day, and have fun with it!
* Meditate and/or do creative, positive visualizations
* Develop your natural spiritual and psychic awareness and healing abilities
* Experience and express gratitude for all of the wonders in your life right now
* Use affirmations
* Give yourself permission to delight in love and experience abundance freely and openly
* Listen, dance or sing to happy or spiritually uplifting music
* Every day, give something away and make someone else feel happy (even if it’s just your beautiful smile!)
* Keep close to and work with tools that nurture your spirituality (like chakras and crystals)
* Spend time in natural settings, amongst living plants and animals, and clear running water
* Practice deep, regular breathing
* Eat light, high vibration foods like fresh fruits and vegetables
* Think positively, and use “go towards” strategies instead of “away from” strategies
* Keep company with loving, giving, positive-thinking, kind and gentle people
* Keep in touch with your feelings, and be aware of what is causing them
* Purify, nurture, and pleasure your body
* Tickle your funny bone - read/tell jokes, watch comedies, and laugh often and long
* Use positive and uplifting colorology and aromatherapy
* Forgive yourself and others
The best part is that it's fun and easy to raise your vibrations!
Here's a list of activities that can help you raise your personal vibrations. Try and do as many of these as you can every day, and have fun with it!
* Meditate and/or do creative, positive visualizations
* Develop your natural spiritual and psychic awareness and healing abilities
* Experience and express gratitude for all of the wonders in your life right now
* Use affirmations
* Give yourself permission to delight in love and experience abundance freely and openly
* Listen, dance or sing to happy or spiritually uplifting music
* Every day, give something away and make someone else feel happy (even if it’s just your beautiful smile!)
* Keep close to and work with tools that nurture your spirituality (like chakras and crystals)
* Spend time in natural settings, amongst living plants and animals, and clear running water
* Practice deep, regular breathing
* Eat light, high vibration foods like fresh fruits and vegetables
* Think positively, and use “go towards” strategies instead of “away from” strategies
* Keep company with loving, giving, positive-thinking, kind and gentle people
* Keep in touch with your feelings, and be aware of what is causing them
* Purify, nurture, and pleasure your body
* Tickle your funny bone - read/tell jokes, watch comedies, and laugh often and long
* Use positive and uplifting colorology and aromatherapy
* Forgive yourself and others
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Love everything
"Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love."
Fyodor Dostoevsky
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