practicalspirituality

As The Light of Venus Rose - Part I, Chapter Two

2012-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

Part I, Chapter Two

Santa Fe 2001

Charles and Amanda lay in bed resting after their exhaustive sexual exploits of the evening, and she knew he would be leaving soon. She hungered for more time with him, always wanting what wasn’t available, disliking that she was having this affair with a married man, but reconciling that her connection with him was too strong to resist. That was her rationale anyway, and he was so insistent that they would be together soon.

“Amanda,” said Charles, his voice startling her as she thought he had fallen asleep.

“What?” she inquired, moving closer and turning on her side to face him.

“You wondered about moving to Taos,” he commented, referring to her recent thoughts. There was a strange tone to his voice.

“Yes,” she said, hesitating.

“I’m here to help.”

“Oh, really, Charles, and how is that?” she asked, with a hint of sarcasm, always annoyed when he tried to tell her what to do with her life.

“I’m not Charles,” was the response.

“And who are you?” Amanda laughed, figuring this was his way of preaching wisdom under the guise of another.

“I’m your guide. What would you like to know?”

Now Amanda was beginning to question what was going on, concerned that this voice didn’t sound at all like the deeper resonance of Charles, yet not feeling threatened. More than a few glasses of her favorite Beaujolais, a gift from Charles, had mellowed her out significantly, but she knew the difference between him fooling around and something more serious happening. Even though he was connected to the spirit world, as their conversations bordered on discussions of spiritual practices and other dimensions, and even though he prided himself on his intellectual and spiritual abilities, she was unprepared for a meeting of another entity in his body in her bed.

She had never known him to channel anyone before; in fact, he didn’t trust many of the self-proclaimed channelers of Santa Fe, those who would relay messages from spirits, either the dead or other nonphysical beings, hoping to communicate with humans. Their intent was usually of a helpful nature, but one could never be sure and there was often no way to validate the information received. Most channelers went into a trance, such as Edgar Cayce, or simply conveyed messages, yet Amanda had heard of spirits taking control of a human body.

And here she was, talking with a voice claiming not to be Charles in Charles’ body, and why was it that she felt she could trust this being talking to her, especially with the unusual element of a first meeting in the nude in bed?

“What is your name?” she began.

“Avedar or Avedon, your choice,” came the reply.

“Avedon sounds too final, so I’ll go with Avedar, if that’s all right.” Later, she could never remember why she said that, all she knew is that she had replied immediately and chosen the name “Avedar.”

“That’s fine.”

Amanda, ever focused, continued, “Now, do you think I should move to Taos?”

“That would be a good experience.”

Amanda was wondering what else to ask and beginning to question the reality of this experience, when she saw Charles’ body twitch and his head shake, as he questioned “What was that?” in his normal voice, as if he hadn’t been part of the past few minutes.

Amanda looked at him, incredulously, “Don’t you know?”

“All I know is that I was relaxing here and drifted off, imagining myself on a beach. Some blonde, tanned guy in a bathing suit caught my attention and the next thing I knew, I was out of my body and he had stepped in. Never had that happen before. And I don’t want it to happen again, ever. Why, what’d you experience?”

In disbelief at the sequence of events, she explained the conversation, yet after questioning Charles extensively, she was convinced that he was not joking and that he really did feel this other entity had taken over his body when he got distracted on the beach. And he was not happy about it, “I’ll never be out of control like that again.”

As far as Amanda knew, he never was. But then, she and Charles discontinued their affair shortly after that. His claim of being in love with her, which she knew was true, was not enough for him to leave his marriage. She never had an encounter with Avedar like that again, wondering if sex was a prerequisite to such an occupation of another’s body; if so, no future sexual encounters ever produced this same result, either with Avedar or any other being.

In fact, there was very little contact with Avedar at all. Once in a while, such as when watching the movie Yentl, she would be surprised at her reaction as she heard the name of one of the characters, “Avedor,” which was similar to Avedar. That would remind her and she would think of him, but nothing happened. He seemed to be around, yet there was no direct communication, only the vague sense that she had this spiritual guide on another dimension. And that did not change until three years later.

As The Light of Venus Rose - Part I, Chapter One

2012-01-30T14:04:00.000-08:00

As The Light of Venus Rose
Part I, Chapter One

Connecticut 2010

Amanda Peterson wondered about her latest thoughts. Why did she feel she was going to die and move on to another life on another dimension? She couldn’t quite grasp the whole concept. Reincarnation was not new, the existence of other planes was not new, and dying didn’t seem so scary. Yet this idea of accepting death, when she wasn’t even ill, to help her spirit guide, Avedar, on another level was something even her vivid imagination was having trouble comprehending. The thought, however, excited her. Crazy or not, this commitment, made after days of meditating, seemed real and believable. There was never any real doubt about her decision, but how could she ever explain this idea to anyone when there was so little clarity for her? And she wasn’t going to kill herself; somehow she was just going to die.

Disbelief became her companion for the next six months. Despite the nagging internal conviction, she couldn’t allow herself in the sane moments of the daylight to trust the seemingly insane idea of the spiritual, nightly communication. When she was brave enough to present the idea to her sister, Nancy listened sympathetically, which made her feel better, then offered a psychic reading with an acquaintance who proceeded to tell her that she was surrounded by negative energy and needed to drink more water. An astrology reading from a friend didn’t shed any light, either psychically or astrologically. Left with either trusting her own awareness or dismissing the idea as foolish, Amanda continued to proceed cautiously in her mind and spent weeks assessing if her fascination was simply wanting another challenge.

Although she was happy with her life, once the idea sank in, so did more and more dissatisfaction. While her research and writing continued to be inspiring, social activities left her feeling lonely and empty, whether in a crowd or a small group of friends. Any plans for the future didn’t quite measure up. National and international news became less interesting with all of the negativity to be transcended, and she felt a shift to a bigger picture, even if that image had little focus.

More thought created more excitement about a new adventure, with surprisingly no depression, as if she had been offered a job with a different future than anticipated, and that intrigued her. Dying wouldn’t be bad, even if she wasn’t ready to leave earth with the pull of family and friends and so many things to do. Facing the finality of death and uncertainty of the process became less and less frightening and she wondered why the idea didn’t worry her more. Exhilaration, not concern about life on another plane, permeated her being with the reassurance of reincarnation providing another life experience even if, in this case, that venture was on another planet. A psychic told her, many years earlier, that she had lived over 1500 lives on earth, both as male and female. Never sure, she joked with friends, whether that meant she was a slow learner or not, she did accept, after years of research into past lives, both hers and others, her hundreds of learning opportunities as a human. Perhaps now was the time to move onto another venue.

More than twenty-five years earlier, Amanda had begun her conscious quest into the mystical realm. That changed her life. During that time, she built and sold a successful business consulting firm, established her current spiritual/metaphysical training company, weathered two marriages and other romantic relationships, and lived in numerous towns and states. The most significant change, however, despite all outward appearances, was the internal growth from a seemingly self-assured woman to a less-secure but overall more accepting spiritual being.

Let’s see. How did I get here? How did I arrive at this feeling of not being satisfied, which is less about discontent and more about recognition that my way of life no longer works and a different approach is needed? Why do I think that I can help create that from another level? Where did I come up with a weird idea that I am being asked to leave this incarnation earlier than expected, or perhaps this was the plan all along, to work with a group on another dimension to impact, in some small way, earth’s evolution – whatever that means? I’m an educator, one of the consistencies in my life, so if I have been chosen, or more likely, if I volunteered, teaching would be involved. How I can help is totally beyond my understanding at this point, but I’ve learned not to worry about the details, oh, and that’s only taken about 60 years to accomplish. I can’t believe I’m not even concerned about the cause of death. I always imagined I would die of a heart attack as my Dad did and expect that will be my ending, but even if there is a fatal accident, life-threatening disease or something quite different, I seem to have no fear or obsession with not knowing at this point. Wonder how I’ll feel in a few months…if I’m still around. How did I get here?

Wish I could trace my spiritual focus back to one meaningful event. But then, there was the initial meeting with Avedar that began this chapter of my life.

New Approach: Work-in-Progress of a Mystical, Spiritual Novel

2012-01-25T13:17:00.000-08:00

Beginning this month, I will begin posting my new novel, As the Light of Venus Rose, a work-in-progress. In this mystical, spiritual novel, Amanda Peterson struggles with her decision to die in order to join Avedar, her guide and lover, on another dimension to assist teaching souls before they reincarnate on Earth.

Themes in this novel include:

Personal, Spiritual Growth
Acceptance of the existence of Advanced Beings
Understanding of Ancient Ancestors
Balancing the Spirit and Material World
Acknowledging Unexpected Forms of Advanced Beings
Trusting Destiny; Learning Tools for Dying

Writing a novel is a study of oneself as well as a study and view of the world. These combine in a work that is shared with others. Join me as I go on that journey and comment on the progress. I invite your thoughts and critique, along with your questions.

The Mayas and the Significance of 2012

2011-05-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

Why We Care About the Mayan Predictions

As we approach 2012, we care about the Mayas because 1) they predicted that the sunrise of the solstice sun on December 21, 2012 marks the end of a cycle of precession at which time an alignment of the Sun and the center of the Milky Way occurs; this happens only every 26,000 years, and 2) their Long Count calendar ends on that same date, which some people interpret as the end of the world; the Mayas, however, did not predict such an ending.

Precession and the Long Count

Precession is the movement of the earth that occurs because the earth wobbles as it turns daily on its axis. This wobble slowly shifts the apparent position of the sun relative to the backdrop of stars. This means that the stars are seen from a slowly and steadily changing point of view. If a constellation, or a particular star or planet, is viewed from one point on earth at a certain time, 26,000 years pass before that same constellation, star or planet completes its cycle and returns to the original position. From astronomers, we know precession takes 26,000 years.

Based on the rate of precession, the Maya were able to calculate forward to determine when the sun would conjunct with the center of the Milky Way. They established their Long Count calendar to coordinate with this galactic synchronization of our sun and our galaxy’s center. This is an astronomical event that the Maya predicted would occur on December 12, 2012; there is no scientific agreement on that date.

Prophecies

Despite the legend that the Mayas mysteriously disappeared, there are six million Mayas living today. There is much we don’t know about this early American civilization. We do know that Europeans burned and destroyed most of their early recordings. There is no evidence how they acquired the advanced knowledge necessary for their math and astronomy, but we do know that many of the Mayan sites were laid out to mirror the stellar constellations above them, using doorways and windows as astronomical sightings, especially of Venus. They had knowledge for which we can’t find the origins or a reasonable explanation of how they could have acquired such information.

The few writings of the Mayas available today are still difficult to translate. Most of their prophecies that survive are from the Chilam Balam, nine manuscripts authored by so-called “jaguar priests” who received prophecies while in a trance, and Pacal the Great, the best known Mayan ruler, who ruled from 615 – 683 CE.

Energy Shifts

Barrios, a contemporary Mayan elder, claims that the use of energy is the most significant concept from the Mayas. He wants us to live in harmony with the earth and each other. He believes that our disconnect from the natural flow of energy in the world causes our disconnect from the spiritual. The Mayas message may lie in the natural cycles of the sun and stars.

The Mayas predicted a time of earthquakes, volcanoes, huge winds and storms. While there will be no sudden end of the world, there will be local, natural catastrophes. Of course, we are already seeing such disasters, which began in 2010 and are continuing in 2011 in many parts of the world. The Mayas understood that a change in energy doesn’t happen all at once. It begins well before the expected date and lasts after that date. The effects of this energy shift are being felt now and will continue after December, 2012.

Time/Cycles

Accepting nonlinear, cyclic history opens us to another view of our lives and civilization. There is not one straight line but a series of beginnings and endings, just as there is a natural beginning and ending in nature as seen in night and day, and in the death and rebirth of the seasons. Many ancient cultures understood this cyclical, not linear time. The Mayas are aware of the patterns of the past. As discussed in the Popul Vuh, the Mayan creation story, however, they knew that the past did not repeat itself exactly; changes occur.

The fifth World Age is coming to an end in 2012, according to the Mayas. Other groups, such as the Hopis and the Hindus, discuss similar four or five different worlds, each one a new phase starting after the completion of the previous one. This is not an end of the world, but an end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one.

I believe the Mayas, with their Calendars and end date of 2012, are reminding us of these larger trends, these cycles that continually occur, even if they are bigger than we normally experience in our lifetimes. Whether the Mayas were accurate on the date, and many believe the shift is sooner while others cite later dates, we are reminded that cycles continue. We know the Mayas, and others, were able to calculate these, even if we don’t know how they were able to do so. The exact date is unimportant since we know that they believed the energy preceded and followed any event. Anyone attuned to the earth’s energy knows changes are taking place now.

What Does This Mean For You?

Most of you reading this already know about sensing the energy around you. Trust and further develop those feelings. As the Mayas did, we can sense when the energy shifts and it is time to move on, either in thought and/or in space. Understand when it is time to change an internal attitude instead of an external place. Listen to your body. Listen to the earth. Everything is connected. Wars, violence and discontent affect you, as do love, sharing and caring. Choose the better emotions and actions in your life. Make the changes that you can. Begin within yourself and your immediate environment.

Understand the patterns in your life. Look at the cycles. See your repeated patterns, both positive and negative, in personal and professional relationships and in your actions. Accept that these cycles define you and will continue. Change them for the better. You know what needs to be done without relying on others to tell you. You are feeling the energy shifting. Do what you know. Remember the caution we learned from the Mayas and others: Changes do not occur immediately. They happen over time. Change your thoughts and actions, and the right things will take place in the right time.

The world will not end in December 2012; a new cycle will begin, however. Be ready for that.

Selected Bibliography
Barrios, Carlos. The Book of Destiny: Unlocking the Secret of the Ancient Mayas and the Prophecies of 2012. NY: Harper One, 2009.
Benedict, Gerald. The Maya: 2012 The End of the World or the Dawn of Enlightenment. London: Watkins Publishing, 2010.
Benedict, Gerald. The Mayan Prophecies: 2012 The Message and The Vision. London: Watkins Publishing, 2010.
Braden, Greg. Fractal Time: The Secrets of 2012 and A New World Age. CA: Hay House, 2009.
Chatfield, Cheryl A. Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps. CT: The Nottingham Institute, 2011.
Clow, Barbara Hand. The Mayan Code: Time Acceleration and Awakening the World Mind. Santa Fe: Bear & Company, 2007.
Clow, Barbara Hand. The Pleiadian Agenda: A New Cosmology for the Age of Light. Santa Fe: Bear & Company, 1995.
Coe, Michael D. The Maya. 7th Ed. NY: Thames & Hudson, 2005.
Hancock, Graham. Fingerprints of the Gods. NY: Three Rivers Press, 1995. And??
Imbornoni, Anne-Marie and Elisa Haney. “The Rite of Spring.” http://www.infoplease.com/spot/riteofspring 1.html
Knight, Christopher and Robert Lomas. Uriels’s Machine: Uncovering The Secrets of Stonehenge, Noah’s Flood, and The Dawn of Civilization. MA: Fair Winds Press, 1999.
Tedlock, Dennis, translator. Popul Vuh: The Definition Edition of the Mayan Book of the Dawn of Life and the Glories of Gods and Kings. NY: A Touchstone Book, 1985.
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/time/recession.html

Ambiguity and The Need to Know

2011-03-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

There is an ambiguity in life that surprises me. I thought I would know. I thought I was being given information that would explain my life and the future. I thought all would be more clear with each passing day.

I was right but not in the way expected. The knowing, the information and the clarity were revealed to be uncertainty.

All that I felt correct up to now is right but also wrong. All that I though was a clear message becomes more complicated. All that I felt was clear is no longer.

I am left with a calm, however, about the ambiguity. I am left with a thirst to allow this lack of clarity to flow over me and become a substitute for being a slave to the need to know and figure everything out. I’m leery of the success of this new venture, but I sense it is the only answer left. All else is wasted energy fed to a soul caught in a 3-dimensional world.

Releasing that limitation of the” need to know” may just be the freedom I’ve been seeking.

Releasing that limitation may be the answer I’ve been searching.

Releasing that limitation opens my soul to a possible union with the spirit world, which I long to have.

When Do We Stop Seeking Answers?

2011-03-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

The most important step in our spiritual evolution is when we agree to “give up the seeking process forever.” This sounds extreme, but consider the reason. Once “we are convinced of the reality of Spirit, at a soul level, we are no longer seekers.” These quotations came from an article, “Seek Until You Find,” by Andrew Cohen, the editor of EnlightenNext magazine (Issue 47, 2011). Once we are done seeking, we begin the responsibility of accepting Spirit and eliminating the demand for proof or the doubt before we act. We will, of course, continue to evolve and be the enlightened person who works to achieve our highest potential through our own development.

No longer, though, can we just intellectualize our spirituality and be content in our continual quest. Soon we must come to terms with our own Truth, what we know we must do, and then just do it. Sacred study and spiritual practice can continue, as long they are combined with an equal amount of sacred action.

With that realization, all is clear. Cohen says “Seek until you Find.” Once that happens, stop seeking and begin “being. How many of us continue to search, continually asking the same questions without moving to another level of action?

Others Mirror our Flaws

2011-03-14T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was recently reminded of the advice given in The RA Material: An Ancient Astronaut Speaks by D Elkins, C Rueckert and JA McCarty, a book I have reviewed in previous blogs. The best way for us to learn our lessons is by dealing with other people. When we only spend time pondering our own thoughts, we lose the ability to see ourselves reflected in others.

We need friends to mirror our flaws. This is such a positive view of growth. We grow and, from our interactions, others do too. That is what life is all about.

We are also reminded that we cannot truly help another to evolve. We can only be role models in our spiritual growth and interactions. We can be catalysts but not saviors.

The RA Material, Part III

2010-05-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

I have two other posts about this book; another is warranted. One of the things I was reminded when I reread this book, The RA Material,published in 1984, is that we continue to have so much fear about beings from other dimensions, other planes and/or other planets. Statistics show that many of us believe in the existence of extraterrestrials or other dimensional beings. We seem to accept angels and spiritual guides, but see them in a separate category. While there are some negative entities out there, why is it so hard for us to believe that we are being helped? Why is it so hard for us to believe in a kindly God but not one who supplies others to assist our growth? Why is it so hard for us to let go of the feeling that this is the only reality?

Of course, the main reason for our disbelief is our fear. We fear the unknown, which includes the future and the existence of other beings. What I particularly like about this book is that the future presented is a very positive one, as seen through beings who want to help. These are the types of messages we need to be reading. Predicted catastrophes are all too common. We need a balance to know that with the right vision, we can help avert a disaster. With the right vision, we might be able to understand that everything is occurring for a reason and leading us to a better future, even if that future is unknown. With the right vision, we might be able to accept the help that is offered.

Fear of the future and fear of extraterrestrial beings. Perhaps these two are closely related, but we can’t get lost in the image of the movie Independence Day and assume all other beings are out to conquer us. There are entities sent to help, and they will, if we only let them.

No one, however, can impact our future or our lives unless we ask. This is the free will of humans. Others are not allowed to interfere with that. If we accept the existence of other beings who can assist us, such as Ra in this book, then we can reach out and ask for their direction in our time of change. Be open to that possibility.

Review of What To Do when You Can’t Decide: Useful Tools For Finding The Answers Within by Meg Lundstrom

2010-05-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

This book describes divining, which is asking for and receiving guidance. There are three practical and easy tools that can be used by anyone: kinesiology, the pendulum, and the chits. Each of these is a way to tap into the universal knowledge or databank.

We can access any information if we do it correctly. While previously these tools and access seemed reserved for only a select few, we are now being given permission and directions on how to find the answers we need in our lives. This book is another example of the shift in our consciousness. Our capabilities have increased. No longer are such procedures reserved. We are now given the opportunity to help our lives directly.

These tools, however, are not used to tell the future.

Kinesiology
Kinesiology has been around for a long time and uses muscle testing. Muscles become weak when exposed to harmful, incorrect or negative stimuli. They remain strong in the presence of positive or correct questions or substances. The concept is simple and works.

Lundstrom’s method does not require two people as is often taught. This method is done by oneself, using the fingers. Her method involves using both hands: Lightly touch the tip of your thumb on your left hand to the tip of your little finger on the same hand, forming a circle. Put the thumb and index finger of your right hand together. With the palm of the left hand facing you, put the right hand fingers into the circle of the left hand. Ask your question and then gently press the right hand fingers against the circle of the left hand. A “yes” answer should meet some resistance and the left-hand circle will stay closed. With a “no” answer, the muscles are weak and will not stay closed.

The Pendulum
The second tool Lundstrom describes is the pendulum. One needs a pendulum, which can easily be purchased at a health food store or jeweler. The pendulum consists of a chain of about five or six inches long with a pointed pendulum hanging from it, made from any material. Hold the chain in your thumb, index and middle fingers and let it swing freely. As with the kinesiology, this tool takes practice.

First, identify how the pendulum will respond to your yes or no questions. This may be different for each individual, so experiment with the simple questions to find the swing of the pendulum in response to your “yes” questions. This may be a circular motion, a side-to-side motion, or a back-and forth swing. Then test the swing of the pendulum in response to your “no” questions. Once that is clear, you can progress to asking questions about any food, book, or unknown information.

The Chits
The chits, or casting lots, is the third method. This one is simply throwing pieces of papers with yes, no, maybe, or other possible answers written on the identical pieces of paper. While this one is simpler to use, it is not always the preferred method for everyone. Similar to the I Ching but with specific answers, this requires no tool and only pieces of paper.

The RA Material, Part II

2010-05-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

One of the significant concepts in this book, introduced in a previous post, is that we have two main choices in life. We are here to choose service to self or service to others. As humans, we have free will, leaving us the decision. All options are honored, without judgment. The positive alternative, however, is service to others.

Perhaps this is a good time in our history to look within and see which choice we have made. Is our life centered around others, or is our main focus on ourselves? This is a learning lesson. We can shift at any time and choose again. We can grow and evolve into a higher conscious being in this lifetime. We are in charge of our life and our decisions.

On Re-reading The RA Material

2010-05-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

In the process of re-reading The RA Material, I am amazed at how much this information is impacting me even more than when I read it years ago. The book was published in 1984 and is channeled information from an entity called RA.

While I never trust all of any channeled information, I learn to trust my response to see how strongly the ideas resonate with me. This material seems fairly accurate, yet it also forces me to think, once again, beyond my comfort zone. Our early ancestral history continues to intrigue me.

Our role in evolving to another dimension fascinates me even more. Have any of you read this material, either in the past or recently? Does it feel right? Are we all learning "service to others" as the positive way to evolve to the next level. And what the heck will the 4th dimension or 4th density, as RA calls it, be like? I wonder, as I continue to believe that "service to others" is the right way to go.

Power Over Our Emotions

2010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I have been writing about inner power recently. An aspect that I haven't mentioned is an idea by Deepak Chopra that states, "Ask, don't demand...Don't give others power over your emotions." Think about that. When we demand something from others, we give them the power to conform or refuse. They are in control, not us. If we simply ask, we retain the power and don't have to be angry at any decision. We continue to ceate our world with positive emotions, even if we don't like others' actions.

See one of my recent previous posts for another aspect of inner power and/or see my latest Practical Spirituality Newsletter for an extended discussion.

Five Spiritual Powers: The Foundation of Real Happiness

2010-04-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

These Five Spiritual Powers are from Thich Nhat Hanh's The Art of Power

1. The Power of Faith

This is about trust and confidence “ inside you and not directed toward something external.”

“When you have faith, your eyes are bright and your steps are confident. This is power.”

2. The Power of Diligence

Practice meditating, mindful walking, and/or mindful breathing every day.

• Do not let negative thoughts in, only positive ones
If you live in a negative environment, that environment will trigger negative thoughts. Choose to be around positive people and places.

• Calm and change any negative emotions that do arise. Do not ignore them. Simply recognize them, then replace them with something uplifting.

• Encourage positive emotions within. Take some action such as reading or making a statement, something that nurtures good thoughts.

• Continue to keep positive emotions nourished; this is a daily task, not a one-time event.

3. The Power of Mindfulness

• Being aware of what is happening in the present moment.

• Having the capacity to recognize things as they are, not as we wish they
were.

• Walking and eating with mindfulness.

4. The Power of Concentration

• Impermanence – Know that everything is constantly changing. Tomorrow may be too late to express thoughts or care for a loved one.

• Non-self – The reality is that we do not have a separate self, so when we suffer, all suffer.

• Interbeing – The interconnectedness of life means that any suffering we cause will also affect us.

5. The Power of Insight

• Impermanence – “Life is precious…we have to treasure every moment…” The positive side of impermanence is that if we have this insight, we can transform any negativity.

• Nondiscrimination – We are all brothers and sisters. “With this insight, we can undo our own fears, sufferings, separateness and loneliness, and we can help others do the same.” Imagine how this can impact the ignorance surrounding conficts in our lives and the world.

More of Thich Nnat Hanh's book is discussed in my latest Practical Spirituality Newsletter

Creativity is the Divine Spark Within

2010-04-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Too often we think of creativity as the same thing as genius. Creativity, unlike genius, can be encouraged, and a process can be taught. We are all creative. We are not all geniuses. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention studied over 80 contemporary people in all disciplines from the arts, humanities, sciences, business, politics and inventions. He shows that creativity is not confined to the arts. We are creative even if we can’t draw, act or write a poem. Creativity involves a new way of looking at old information.

Genuine creativity is rarely the result of a sudden insight and usually comes after much hard work. Creativity is not the one sudden thought that changes the world. Inspiration happens after we immerse ourselves in a particular study or problem.

Three elements in the creative process:

1. Immersion
Study everything about the subject and look at the data in as many ways as possible.

2. Incubation
Pull back from the study, work on some other activity and do not consciously think about the problem. This allows the mind to relax and provides a chance for new ideas to germinate.

This is where we open to our spirituality to allow the flow of creativity. Inspiration comes from connecting to something greater than ourselves. That moment of illumination is the divine spark within.

3. Illumination
Wait for that moment of inspiration, clarity, or divine spark. This may not be a sudden “aha,” just a fresh way to view the information after taking a break from it. This step can’t be forced. If the problem is particularly challenging, days may pass before any illumination happens. Being aware of surroundings, dreams, things others say, or some event may provide a clue to the solution. An answer will present itself if given a chance. This may not happen without the two steps of immersion and incubation. Creativity inspired by our spirituality can’t be forced. It just happens.

The Ego and Our Spirituality

2010-04-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Do you know what “Let Go and Let God means?” I ask not out of arrogance but out of humility as I realize how difficult that concept is.

In theory, I understand those words completely.

In practice, I struggle with this spiritual idea.

Ego seems to be the problem. I know I should not worry or try too hard to force results. Expectations and specific outcomes are requirements of the ego.

Rather than criticizing myself for being ego-driven, I accept that ego may have dominated up to this point. Just as children can’t understand certain books or concepts until they are older, perhaps we don’t understand or move away from ego before a certain age. That time seems to be now.

The ego invests too much energy in the outcome. The spiritual self focuses on the best effort without worrying about results. Allowing us to concentrate on doing a good job is a release from the pressure of worrying about the end product. A spiritual approach is the easy one. Our ego, however, doesn’t want us to know this secret.

Being critical is self-defeating. Judging is not acceptable. The answer is to stop the criticism and continue the work as the right things begin to happen.

Is ego interfering with your progress? I know it has affected mine. I'm working on focusing on doing the best job possible, not on the conclusion.

Celebrate Another View of Easter

2010-03-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

Easter may be a Christian holiday, but its roots go to a much earlier time. An astrologer friend in France, Jackie Lion, posted a blog on the symbols of Easter. I want to share my translation of an excerpt. My French-speaking readers may visit her entire blog at www.astrologiepicardie.fr and click on “Le Blog.”

The Easter Egg is a symbol of fertility and the birth of the Universe, representing the sacred nature of life. When one colors the eggs of Easter, one honors Earth and the earth goddess.

The Easter bunny is not only a sign of fertility but is also associated with the magical capacity of living in two worlds. In winter, the rabbit rests underground most of the time to reemerge in Spring. This animal is associated with both the physical and the spiritual world.

Easter baskets, today replaced with chocolate and candies, are the modern version of the pagan tradition of the bird nest, symbolizing the arrival of the new. Yellow is the color associated with the East, the rising sun, a new departure and rebirth.

I enjoyed her comments which provide another view of celebrating Easter, as we honor the rebirth of spring, the sacredness of nature, and our connection to the spiritual. This time of fertility reminds us of the abundance and renewal of life. Enjoy that.

Choosing The Right Spiritual Practice For You

2010-03-11T07:17:00.000-08:00

Spiritual growth requires spiritual practice. We choose a path that is right for us. Permission to choose is comforting and part of a practical spirituality that deviates from traditional dogma. This flexibility does not justify lack of action, but allows us to define our own way to the Sacred.

There are 12 Master Paths, or different types of spiritual practices, as described by Dr. Ellerby in Return to The Sacred: Ancient Pathways To Spiritual Awakening. Each path or spiritual practice has an ancient past, and most are known to us in some form.

Ellerby organizes these twelve possible practices into four groups. All practices are equally viable; the best one depends on the individual.

The four:
Body-Centered Practices: ceremony and ritual, sacred movement, and music and sound
Mind-Centered Practices: prayer, meditation, and sacred study
Heart-Centered Practices: devotion, sacred service, and a guru or teacher
Soul-Centered Practices: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path

The challenge is to define which of the four clusters best describes us, then choose the best practice within that cluster. This does not preclude choosing other practices since most of us experiment with many paths in our quest. We may finally choose a variety of practices, but I believe that most of us have a dominant group that is our initial spiritual connection.

For example, I am a very visual person and learn by reading. I always used sacred study as my practice. In later years, I added prayer and meditation. I fit into the mind-centered practice. Perhaps each of you can find your comfort. Which one seems most appropriate as you read through the four groups? Which of the practices seem most comfortable, or which one are you more willing to try? Question your way of reacting to the world.

Some of us need some activity when we learn, or we need to read when we learn. That defines the first two groups of Body-Centered and Mind-Centered Practices.

The Heart-centered group includes those who react with emotion as a first response. Devotion, sacred service, and a guru/teacher imply a relationship-based or heart-felt connection.

The last group may be the hardest to define: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path. These may need a little more explanation. Most of us don’t decide on extreme fasting or a hermit existence of the aesthetic practice, yet many mystics do.

The death practice is one that most of us will experience, especially as we see our elderly parents pass on. Dr. Ellerby’s advice is not to fear death, since death is what makes us human.

I like the Life Path, or third example of The Soul-Centered Approach, and find that my focus has shifted, over the years, to this practice.

We are all different. To be successful, we want to find our greatest strength as well as try other practices. Enjoy the process and remember that “We are spiritual beings having a human experience–not the other way around.”

A Past more Exciting than any Fiction

2009-12-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Before The Pyramids: Cracking Archaeology’s Greatest Mystery by Christopher Knight and Alan Butler has much scientific data about a Megalithic Yard that can be traced back to the pyramids and beyond. While one can get lost in the technical descriptions, they do provide validation to these ideas that might otherwise be just interesting. Perhaps the authors go too far when they suggest that all major sites in Washington, DC are linked by a web measured in the Megalithic Yard, bringing the Freemasonry mystique to the United States.

The authors suggest the possibility “that Washington DC is a continuation of knowledge held by an advanced culture from the extreme past. And there is still an elite group of people who fully understand this” (208).

They claim that the Sphinx and other Egyptian standing structures “prove beyond doubt that the emergence of civilization…took place long before orthodox history has ever considered” (209). And they suggest that now is the time to “look again at ideas of the past” (211).

Are their conclusions correct? I don’t believe there is enough information available. But their findings pose questions of a past far more exciting than any fiction, and I do believe that the best is yet to come.

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol

2009-12-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

This is an exciting read, a hard-to-put-down book that I enjoyed even more than Brown’s previous novel, The Da Vinci Code. There is one significant aspect, however, that transcends the intrigue of the story. The research that one of the characters is doing is more important than the tale itself. This is the practical spiritual message of the book.

The research lab in the story is working to prove that “human thought, if properly focused, had the ability to affect and change physical mass” (55). This suggests that concentrated thought can affect anything, such as “the growth rate of plants, the direction that fish swim in a bowl, the manner in which cells divided in a petri dish…, and the chemical reactions in one’s own body” (56). These studies show that loving thoughts impact the structure of water and negative thoughts create a chaotic, disorderly form. The ideas come from ancient wisdom.

There is more to this story, of course. There is the drama about what is hidden beneath a building in Washington D.C. It would spoil the story to say more. What doesn’t ruin the story, though, is the importance of Brown’s research. While some of it is based in fact and some may be simply his projections of possibilities, I feel there is a significance hidden in the pages that forces us, once again, to remember that the power is within us, not solely in some hidden symbol or object yet to be found. What is to be discovered may be what many already know, as Brown suggests, that the power and secrets we search for are within.

A Review of Eyes Wide Open: Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path

2009-12-05T10:16:00.000-08:00

This book by Mariana Caplan, PhD has two significant points 1) the importance of dealing with the psychological as well as spiritual aspects of our lives and 2) the need, or not, of having a spiritual teacher.

We cannot ignore our psychological hang-ups. Just “being spiritual” isn’t enough if we still harbor old resentments, hurts, and other issues that have been ignored for many years. As a psychologist, Caplan may be a little biased on this topic, yet she is correct. Being spiritual is about being a healthy human. That includes using some form of therapy to clear our past. Caplan claims that we “must be willing to suffer our own darkness if we truly aspire to know the deeper spiritual potentialities that exist within us” (20).

When going through hard times, we may be experiencing our own karmic payback and “that it is necessary, even unavoidable, that we endure it” (101). Despite past lives and their significance, however, the fact is that “What is important is whether we are able to meet our present circumstance with a clear and discerning perspective and refrain from taking actions that further the endless repetition of unfavorable and limiting aspects of our karmic conditioning” (102).

The good news is that “future suffering is prevented through intensive self-study and practice that allows us to become aware of our unconscious processes and to intercept them” (102). Our awareness of our faults and limitations, and our desire and intent to change them, creates a better future. The control of our lives is within our reach.

The second significant point in this book is that we may not need a spiritual teacher. Caplan is very specific on this topic. She has had years of experience with teachers from different spiritual paths. While she continues to work with one, she warns of the difficulty in finding the right teacher who is both psychologically and spiritually healthy. Too many of the encounters she describes involve so-called gurus who take advantage of students emotionally, sexually, and/or financially. She mentions warning signs that can be sensed, even if not fully understood. She encourages us to listen to our instinct and steer clear of individuals claiming to have answers while making us feel uncertain and uncomfortable.

There are ways to grow spiritually other than running to an ashram in India or finding a personal coach. While we all need guidance, there are other forms of receiving assistance. Many people find a guiding book appearing at the right time in their lives. Others discover a connection to a guide on another dimension, and while there is caution against assuming or misinterpreting such a presence, there is a way to validate that. Again, trusting one’s instinct is crucial.

Caplan also warns against a “new-age” groupie mentality of following the latest, greatest person and/or idea. Chasing after this external gratification doesn’t allow one to fully develop one’s own talent or spiritual connection. There is no specific right way. That is the misleading part for many who desire answers, which may come in a variety of ways. For some, a teacher does physically appear. For others, that teacher may come in an unexpected form.

Caplan’s personal experiences bring validity to her discussions. She has lived through the psychological struggles, the spiritual quest and the multiple spiritual teachers. This book provides crucial challenges with affirming answers.

Are You An Entrepreneurial Spirit? Take the Quiz and Find Out

2009-10-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

An entrepreneurial spirit is a person who is spiritually independent and not locked into any one set of dogmatic beliefs. An entrepreneurial spirit is a person who recognizes the importance of creating a better spiritual life.

Creativity and risk are entrepreneurial characteristics. Creativity is not just about painting a picture, acting in a drama, writing a novel or some other artistic endeavor. Creativity is being intellectually and spiritually inventive. Spiritual people must be imaginative and innovative. We must also be willing to try new ideas, new ways of thinking and acting. This involves a certain degree of risk.

An entrepreneurial spirit understands non-linear thinking, in which there is no one cause and effect. Non-linear is a different way of thinking. We can no longer expect to find one result from an event, or expect an outcome to have a single, definite cause. Linear thinking, or moving in a straight line, is no longer the only way to reflect. Instead, imagine a web of ideas spreading out in a variety of intricate patterns, but with an underlying order.

Assess yourself as an entrepreneurial spirit. Do you have the qualities necessary to adapt to change, take control of your spiritual life, and think differently?

ARE YOU AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT?

Directions: Assign one point for each characteristic that describes, or mostly describes, you.

Creates or seizes an opportunity and purses it regardless of current resources.

Never, never accepts “no” for an answer

Is creative and innovative

Uses both left and right brain

Works hard, is driven by intense commitment and determined perseverance

Sees the cup 1/2 full, not 1/2 empty

Strives for integrity

Burns with desire to connect with the Divine

Is dissatisfied with the status quo in spiritual life

Seeks opportunity to improve all spiritual connections

Uses failure as a learning tool

Strives for effectiveness, not perfection

Is comfortable with a certain degree of risk

Scoring: Highest Possible Score is 13

Congratulations! A score of 10 or more makes you an entrepreneurial spirit.

Our spiritual, as well as our material, world is changing. As an entrepreneurial spirit, you are willing to modify your views to accommodate new ideas. This does mean changing your beliefs. This means not limiting your thinking, but allowing new thoughts to permeate your being.

If you are not an entrepreneurial spirit, do not worry. You might want to take a look at the characteristics to see which ones you want to incorporate into your life. Being an entrepreneurial spirit is not the only way to live spiritually, but it is one way to better flow with the changes that are occurring.

Eight Values That Define Our Lives

2009-10-12T08:11:00.000-07:00

Who are you? What defines you? What are those ideals or values most important in your life? Are they things such as honesty, loyalty and/or respect for others? We know not to lie, steal or cheat, but what other values do we honor?

Eight concepts define our ethical beliefs:

Compassion – caring about ourselves and others
Unity - feeling connected to others
Truthfulness – being honest with ourselves and others
Fairness - treating ourselves and others fairly
Tolerance – allowing diversity in ideas and beliefs
Responsibility – assuming the consequences of our actions
Respect – accepting our own and others’ opinions
Service – helping ourselves and others

Which ones make you who you are? Then think about which ones you honor in others, but fail to allow for yourself:

Do you treat others fairly, but not yourself?
Do you respect others’ opinions, but not your own?
Do you help others and volunteer for many charities, but fail to take time for your own chores?
Do you show compassion to others, but neglect your own needs?
Know your beliefs, acknowledge them, and honor them for yourself, not just for others.

In situations of conflict, we know the right thing to do. We tap our inner wisdom to see how any potential decision feels. Trust that. Honor what is right. Act on your beliefs.

What beliefs reflect your parent within, the nagging voice that warns you when you are doing something wrong, even when you try to quiet and ignore it? What are the beliefs that, when ignored, wake you up at night and disturb your sleep?

Think of a dilemma in which you debated what to do. What helped you make that final decision? Were you at peace with it? Remember those values that allow you to believe in your decisions, and trust yourself.

Spirituality is the larger part of the ethical issue. 95% of us believe in God or something greater than ourselves. Despite differences, most religions and spiritual paths teach the same eight principles as mentioned above: Compassion, Unity, Truthfulness, Fairness, Tolerance, Responsibility, Respect, and Service. We live spiritually by honoring these values and focusing on the ones most important to us. Trust who you are and what you do by respecting your beliefs.

Are You a "None?"

2009-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Hartford Courant, on September 29, 2009 (A1), reported on a study that showed 15%of U.S. adults were not part of any organized religion, up from 8% in 1990. While those numbers don’t surprise me, and I agree with their predictions that the numbers will continue to rise, I did find the article disturbing. There seemed to be an underlying negative statement concerning that 15%, who were described as the “American Nones,” as if those of us who do choose not to participate in any organized religion were somehow lesser than the majority. Half of these “Nones” believed in God, and some were atheists. I have no problem with anyone who chooses to be part of any organized Church. I just wish that there were more openness for those who do not. Perhaps this same lack of acceptance of any differing views is what is driving the higher number of “Nones.”

What is Your Practical Spiritual Trust Factor?

2009-09-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Eight basic values determine our spiritual lives: Compassion, Unity, Truthfulness, Fairness, Tolerance, Responsibility, Respect, and Service. These are the common principles taught by most religions and spiritual paths. These same principles define trust. The concepts are not new. Many of us just lost track of them as we find ourselves in a complex and confusing world.

WHAT IS YOUR PRACTICAL SPIRITUAL TRUST FACTOR?

1. Compassion
Do you care about and like yourself?
Do you care about the people you interact with on a daily basis?

2. Unity
Do you believe that in working more closely with others, something better
can be accomplished?
Are you willing to make a commitment to work more closely with others?

3. Truthfulness
Are you willing to be honest in your dealings with others?
Are you willing to be honest to yourself about your needs, wants and desires?
Are you willing to be honest with yourself about the integrity or lack of it your life?

4. Fairness
Are you willing to treat people around you fairly?
Are you willing to insist on fair treatment for yourself?

5. Tolerance
Are you willing to accept the diversity of others?
Are you willing to allow others to have different views and opinions?

6. Responsibility
Are you willing to assume personal responsibility for your life?
Are you willing to assume your share of responsibility for the overall
Advancement and evolution of our society?

7. Respect
Are you willing to learn to respect others, their opinions and their beliefs?
Are you willing to respect yourself and what you do?
Are you willing to have respect for the earth and be conscious of not polluting the environment?

8. Service
Are you willing to help others in your life to advance and succeed?
Are you willing to commit to helping others in your community with time as well as money?

Scoring: Assign one point for each “YES” answer.
Scores will range from 0-18. Acceptable scores range from 10-18.

If your score is in an acceptable range, Congratulations! You are a practical spiritual role model and need to be encouraged to continue your quest.

If your score is not in an acceptable range, reconsider which principles you disagree with. How do these affect your view of trust and how others view you? Are you a trustworthy person? Do your friends and coworkers see you as a trustworthy person? You might want to review the qualities that you want to work on.

These concepts apply to our everyday lives but show a practical spirituality. We don’t need to preach to be effective. Being role models with our actions is the best way to promote our spirituality.

A Review of How To Read The Akashic Records by Linda Howe

2009-09-17T17:25:00.000-07:00

I always think of the Akashic Records as the “universal library in the sky” or the record of all of our past, present, and future selves. A new book, How To Read the Akashic Records: Accessing The Archive of the Soul and Its Journey by Linda Howe explains that the Records contain, “everything that every soul has ever thought, said and done over the course of existence, as well as its future possibilities.” I love her analogy of the Records being the “cosmic internet” and we can “google” specific information from them.

The Records are governed and protected by nonphysical Light Beings. Our “Masters, Teachers and Loved ones” are our guides to the information of this universal repository.

These Records are not the exclusive domain of any one organization or religion. They are available to everyone. In the past, mystics and saints had access, and Mystery Schools provided entrance information. Today, we have evolved to a spiritual freedom, which allows anyone to gather data from the Records.

A specific prayer, the Pathway Prayer, is used to gain entry. While answers are provided, there is also an energy exchange that allows us to ask the right questions and “feel” the right responses. We are reminded that we are “perfect selves.” The Records don’t hold anything negative. They contain our potential, which is “eternal beings of Light whose essence is wholeness and wellness and goodness.”

Howe suggests that the Records provide an “energetic tune-up” for everyone, especially for those feeling out of touch or lost in the complexity of the material world. Remembering that we are connected to a Divine Being provides a comfort. “All souls desire to experience their wholeness and Oneness with all of Creation,” although not all of us are aware of this.
Accessing the Akashic Records is aspect of our Practical Spirituality. We are all capable of a spiritual independence, one in which we can help choose and define our spiritual connection. The Records provide another avenue of support, one in which we can connect directly to a Divine or higher Energy.

The Records show us that whatever our soul is seeking, we will find. What a liberating time to be living in, when we can gain this inner spiritual awareness and have access to help whenever we need it. Each of us has a unique light to shine. Our challenge is to accept the gifts we are given to help find and shine that inner light.

A New Look at an Old Favorite Book: Gift From The Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

2009-09-16T06:57:00.001-07:00

My Mom, who recently died, loved this book and this author. But I had never read this gift until after her death. What a treat!

Lindbergh has a quiet determination in her writing. Perhaps this helps explain how she survived being the wife of the world’s famous aviator, Charles Lindbergh, and the kidnapping and death of her son.

She focuses on creativity and women, solitude, and relationships. Her words remind me of the wisdom of my Mom’s generation. We can learn much from our elderly if we are only willing to listen.

“While man, in his realm, has less chance for personal relations than woman, he may have more opportunity for giving himself creatively in work. Woman, on the other hand, has more chance for personal relations, but these do not give her a sense of her creative identity, the individual who has something of her own to say or to give. I believe that true identity is…found in creative activity springing from within…Woman can best refind herself by losing herself in some kind of creative activity of her own.”

This reflects Step Seven in the Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps, which shows that one of the spiritual rules is to create and develop our unique ability. Lindbergh’s writing has a practical spiritual component.

“All relationships are in process of change, of expansion, and must perpetually be building themselves new forms. But there is no single fixed form to express such a changing relationship. There are perhaps different forms for each successive stage.” Lindbergh reminds us of the Step Three of Change, which affects all relationships.

"Perhaps one can at last in middle age, if not earlier, be completely oneself. And what a liberation that would be.”

Ah, if only we could all be completely ourselves. I find that 50 years after those words, the idea is becoming significant again. That internal liberation, however, still escapes most of us. Lindbergh understands the importance of the inner life. That inner life is necessary now. That inner life is part of our spiritual evolution.

Searching for our creativity, allowing relationships to change, and finding peace within – what words of wisdom.

Review of an Important Book

2009-08-25T07:54:00.000-07:00

Mouches Volantes by Floco Tausin is powerful novel in which the narrator, under the illusion of restoring an antique desk, meets and is taught by a seer, Nestor. He gradually realizes that his growth is tied to the piece of furniture, which “is like a mirror: it reflects the energy of your ideas and concepts directly back to you” (27).

Initially one might be annoyed at the storyteller who seems so arrogant and reluctant to accept anything told to him by Nestor. Frustration with this slow-learning narrator, however, turns to understanding as we begin to see him as the embodiment of all of us who spend too much time denying the existence of, or our connection, to another world.

The story reminds me of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray in which a young man’s portrait progressively gets uglier and uglier as his evil ways in the world increase. Dorian Gray’s beauty, however, does not diminish as his picture, hidden in his attic, shows the immorality of his actions. In Tausin’s story, the antique becomes more and more beautiful during the slow restoration process, as the narrator comes closer and closer to understanding the other consciousness represented by his eye floaters.

We tend to see earth as a small picture and we are often content with this limited view, afraid of losing what we know. The struggle is not easy. Years pass in the novel as the narrator learns. This is an allegory to our lives, reminding us that connecting with another possibility is not a one-step, easy ride. It forces a personal commitment from the reader. I recommend the journey. But be sure to keep an open mind and allow yourself to see beyond this image we call our world.

2009-08-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

My Mom died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s; she died peacefully under the care of Hospice.

She provided a strength, both physical and mental, to her family and community. She was a dedicated mother, an inspiring grandmother and a loving great-grandmother.

In her last years, even when she couldn’t talk, she could let us know what she wanted and would not put up with anything less than her demands. She continued to be strong and aware until the end.

She had an integrity. We always knew her opinions, which she was not afraid to share with family and friends. We knew what was right or wrong. We knew the right thing to do in most any occasion because she taught us, and she showed us in her own life. We knew how to act, and she would remind us, even in our adult years, if we didn’t remember. While we may not always have agreed with her, there was never a question what she thought. She made that clear.

I read a quote recently, “He won the bigger race; he stayed true to himself.” My Mom won, too, despite all that has happened to her throughout her 91 years. She won because she remained true to herself. That is the legacy she leaves her family; that is her final testament to life – that strength and integrity. That “voice in our head” to do what is right and to be true to ourselves.
While she may be gone, that “voice” will be with me always.

Living Alone

2009-05-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

A short article “ A World Living Alone,” in the March-April issue of Spirituality & Health, reported that the number of people living on their own could double in the next 25 years. The problem with that is that humans are “designed to feel secure when they are with others and to feel threatened when they are alone.”

Since women tend to live longer than men, living alone is more of a reality for us. Rather than finding these predictions scary, I find it a challenge for us to create a community of family and friends. Even if we’re not living alone now, close ties with others is important. We tend to forget that in our busy world. Taking time to work on relationships with family and friends is crucial; in fact, it may be one of the most important activities for today and our future. A feeling of security makes our life better. We have some control creating that security.

Something To Think About As Memorial Day Approaches

2009-05-21T07:05:00.000-07:00

As Memorial Day draws near, rather than just enjoying the day off, which I hope you will do, let's also remember its purpose. Here is an article I wrote: http://tinyurl.com/p8bnvm. Just something to think about.

Love versus Fear

2009-05-20T08:22:00.000-07:00

Shirley MacLaine, in Sage-ing While Age-ing claims that the main lesson for many people is love versus fear. I agree. Too many of us let fear dominate our lives, a fear that runs from worry about relationships to money to global warming. We need to make good decisions that impact our lives. Fear interferes with those choices.

An aspect of this fear, as explained by MacLaine, is that we decide “let’s not talk of problems.”

“It’s as though conditions in our world have deteriorated so completely that no one wants to engage in its alarming meaning for fear that they won’t be able to erase it from their minds.”

MacLaine believes, as do many, that time is moving more rapidly, and we are or will begin feeling an increase in energy around us. With all of this, however, she is optimistic about our future. Yes, we need to make changes and be more aware in our lives. But she does not see an end of the world coming.

We don’t need to be frightened of the future, causing us to dismiss it from our minds. We can, in small ways, impact our lives, the world and the universe. That is how it works. We don’t need to do big things; we just need to do small things with good intention. That is what will allow us to evolve to a better world.

Do You Believe in Extraterrestrials?

2009-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

In my last two posts, I mentioned Barbara Hand Clow and Shirley MacLaine. Both of these writers believe in other beings who have visited or watch Earth. Clow believes that Earth is quarantined by Universal forces. MacLaine has a strong belief in extraterrestrials who want to help us but need our acknowledgement and permission to do that.

Perhaps it is time to ask questions of our own:

Can we continue to ignore that other beings visit Earth?
Can we continue to insist we are alone in this universe, either physically or spiritually?I

I find these fascinating, not frightening questions.

Our challenge is to trust ourselves to discern the answers. Recognize you inner knowing about such subjects. Remember, as many writers tell us, we may never actually see such beings, which doesn't mean they don't exist. Their existence on other dimensions may be known to us only when we begin to "look" and "listen" differently. We may surprised at what we find.

A survey in EnlightenNext magazine ( May-June 2008, 18) shows that in 2007, 35% of us believed in UFOs, up one percent from the previous year. While that is a relatively small number, take heart if you find yourself in that group. You are not alone.

What do you believe?

An Evolutionary Shift and Beings from Other Star Systems

2009-05-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Many writers discuss the year 2012 and the impact of other beings on our planet. Barbara Hand Clow in The Mayan Code: Time Acceleration and Awakening the World Mind (2007) states that humans were quarantined from the rest of the Universe. She claims that “Earth is an isolated planet in the midst of an evolving and highly organized interplanetary, intergalactic, and multidimensional universe…a member of a collective Universe that functions by universal law, and life was planted here and cultivated under the stewardship of more advanced societies."

She believes the end date of The Mayan Calendar, which traditionally is 2012, is actually between 2008 and 2011. But Clow is not forecasting a destructive end; she predicts a spiritual or evolutionary shift, a change of consciousness. Clow sees this event as the end of Earth’s quarantine from the Universe and the decline of our aggressive and destructive ways. This new era will provide more opportunity for contact with beings from other star systems.

Is her information accurate? Perhaps not, but she may cause us to think about the world in a different way, and that is a good thing.

Do You Have a Soul Mate? Perhaps You Shouldn't Even Want One.

2009-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Shirley MacLaine, in Sage-ing While Age-ing, defines soul mate as the one person that is exactly like us. There is only one soul mate for each of us, but this person is often too intense to be around. Twin souls have been together before and find it easier to relate. Companion souls have not been together in many lifetimes but recognize one another immediately. How often do we meet a “soul mate” and find the relationship too hard? Perhaps her definition will help us understand that a “soul mate” may not be the right partner. Perhaps a “twin” or “companion” soul might be more compatible in this lifetime. Sometimes the person we initially believe is the "right" choice may not be the best choice.

Five Wisdoms about Praise and Criticism

2009-05-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

These ideas are taken from Caroline Myss’ Entering the Castle: An Inner Essential Path to God and Your Soul (Free Press, 2007).

Her book is strongly recommended for anyone wanting to look inward and assess. I have read the book twice, and each time I was forced to look some aspect of my life I had been ignoring. No matter how many such books you have read, you will find some benefit from following her guidance. She is a harsh teacher, at times, but we may all need that, at times.

She includes "Five Wisdoms about Praise and Criticism:"

1. Do not be judgmental.
2. Never envy experiences of others. Envy is lack of humility.
3. Everything good comes from God. Never take credit.
4. Remain humble. Do not look for praise.
5. Develop an appreciation of those that criticize you. What lesson is there for you?

Do you have a Spiritual Practice?

2009-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is the second part of my review of Return to the Sacred by Jonathan Ellerby. In my last post, April 29, I commented on Dr. Ellerby’s belief that a spiritual practice is necessary for spiritual growth.

Dr. Ellerby presents 12 Master Paths, or different types of spiritual practices. Each has an ancient past, and while most are known to us in some form, his clear presentation and grouping of them is unique.

To assist our choices, Dr. Ellerby groups these twelve possible practices into four dimensions, according to “four spiritual personalities.” All practices are equally viable; the best one depends on the personality of the individual. The four dimensions of personality types are:

Body-Centered Practices: ceremony and ritual, sacred movement, and music and sound
Mind-Centered Practices: prayer, meditation, and sacred study
Heart-Centered Practices: devotion, sacred service, and a guru or teacher
Soul-Centered Practices: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path

The challenge is to define which of the four dimensions best describes us, then choose the best practice within that group. Remember, this does not preclude choosing from other groups since most of us experiment with many, if not all, of the practices in our quest. We may finally choose a variety of practices, but I believe that most of us have a dominant group that is our main connection to spirituality.

Which one seems most appropriate as you read through the four groups? Which of the practices seem most comfortable, or which one are you more willing to try? Question your way of reacting to the world. Many of us need some activity when we learn, or we need to read when we learn. That defines the first two groups of Body-Centered and Mind-Centered Practices. Each of these practices is self-explanatory, yet Dr. Ellerby provides excellent commentary on each.

The Heart-centered group includes those who react with emotion as a first response. Devotion, sacred service, and a guru/teacher imply a relationship-based or heart-felt connection.

Again, none of this implies any judgment, just an understanding that we are all different. To be successful, we want to find our greatest strength as our fall-back position before trying others.
The last group may be the hardest to define: aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path. Most of us don’t decide on extreme fasting or a hermit existence, yet many of our mystics choose this path.

I like the Life Path, or third example of The Soul-Centered Approach. In some ways, this may be a goal of each of us. “Each moment of life is a ceremony in fellowship with all others. Each moment is sacred. That is the greatest path, and you’re always on it” (215). Perhaps this is the path we all aim for.

For our journey, Dr. Ellerby provides 12 possible Master Paths that show us how to reclaim our connection to the Sacred.

2009-04-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

I love this book, Return to The Sacred: Ancient Pathways To Spiritual Awakening by Jonathan H. Ellerby. Ph.D. (CA: Hay House, 2009). Sometimes books just seem to fall into our hands as we most need a message. That happened to me with this one. Not accepting traditional religions or any organized group or one set of beliefs/rituals, I pray/meditate/commune with my Creator in any number of unorganized ways. While this book didn’t make me want to change any of that, it provided a framework for me to be more comfortable with my current choices and opened up new possibilities.

First, Dr. Ellerby defines Spirituality, and I love his line, “We are spiritual beings having a human experience – not the other way around” (38). This is one of my favorite new syaings.

He also explains that “Spirituality isn’t a quick fix or a magical escape. But it can teach you how to meet life’s choice and challenges with clarity and intention” (42). A good reminder for us all. Becoming spiritual does not mean the end of problems, but a higher outlook provides a better way to handle and view our dilemmas.

Second, Dr. Ellerby is very clear that we all need a spiritual practice. I agree. “Spiritual practice is essential to spiritual growth” (23), and “The mind can only take us so far into the world of spirit” (17).

In his insistence that we have a spiritual practice, Dr. Ellerby is not dogmatic about how that practice should look. He simply advises that we choose a path that is right for us. Permission to choose is comforting and part of a practical spirituality that deviates from traditional dogma. This flexibility does not justify lack of action, but allows us to define our own way to the Sacred.
Finally, Dr. Ellerby presents 12 Master Paths, or different types of spiritual practices. He doesn’t just tell us we need to have a spiritual practice; he provides all of the possible roads we might choose. Each one has an ancient past, and most are known to us in some form.

Ceremony and ritual, sacred movement, music and sound, prayer, meditation, and sacred study are six possible paths. The next group consists of devotion, sacred service, guru, aesthetic practice, death practice, and a life path.

Fear is our greatest barrier to any spiritual practice. We are often afraid to trust anything beyond the realm of science or reason. Trust becomes the key ingredient in choosing, and then following, a spiritual practice.

Spiritual growth requires spiritual practice, and this book provides direction and answers.

Do Random Events Occur in Our Lives?

2009-04-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

There are no coincidences in life; random events do not occur. This needs some clarification, though. Think of the difference between fatalism and determinism. Fatalism claims that we have no effect on any events in our lives; things just happen. A fatalistic view would account for no spontaneity; everything is prearranged.

In determinism, however, every activity is influenced by some deed preceding it. We can and do create our lives; we create with our actions. Every one of our decisions has an effect.

Nothing happens by chance, but everything happens for a reason. We may not always know the reason since a cause may simply be beyond our knowledge, but this is not the same thing as “chance.” There is a reason for every event, and every event is determined by a previous one.

Living Spiritually

2009-04-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

Today I'm reminded that we need to live spiritually. To me, that means at least four specific things:
1) We are all connected and should treat each other as we would wish to be treated.
2) Everything happens for a reason, even if we're not always aware of that reason. We need to accept life as it occurs and do the best we can.
3) We must accept change as a part of life.
4) Balance is a necessary element in all aspects of our lives.
5) Living creatively is part of living spiritually.

A Practical Spirituality Idea: Try This for One Day, Then Another...

2009-03-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

“Try the following experiment for the next thirty minutes: Let life
happen the way it wants, with no resistance and no objection. Go
about as if you need not think about anything. Your first surprise
will be that your usual duties go on very nicely as before. Secondly,
you will catch a grand glimpse of the effortlessly flowing of Tao.
You do not carry; you are carried” (133).

Then we might try this same experiment for the rest of our lives. Vernon Howard’s idea, as an example of practical spirituality, can help us do that.

Howard, Vernon. The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power. N.Y: Parker Publishing Company, 1967

Another Inspirational Idea from The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power

2009-03-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

I believe this idea is relevant to many of us who find ourselves afraid of, or intimidated by, another:

“Why are we afraid of others?
Because we want something from them. The desire can be almost
anything -- companionship, approval, sex, security. The mistake
is this: Not having found the true self which is free from compulsive
desires, we seek gratification from people. This creates fear that we
won’t get what we want, or anxiety that the other person will make
us pay dearly for it” (151).

Let's strive to be more peaceful within ourselves.

Howard, Vernon. The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power. N.Y: Parker Publishing Company, 1967

Two Key Ideas of a Practical Spirituality

2009-03-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Before I ever thought of the idea of practical spirituality, Vernon Howard in 1967 in The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power was presenting two key ideas.

The first is the importance of a new thinking.

"Man’s task is to awaken to his true identity. The Kingdom of Heaven
is within. Spiritual truths are discovered with an entirely new kind of
thinking, quite distinct and vastly superior to the mind that builds
bridges and sells merchandise" (86).

The second is the need for a better definition of “success” than a financial one.

"We demand a financial success, or a social gain, because we think
it will fulfill us inwardly. It won’t. It never will – as we have suspected
all along. So-called success provides ego-excitement, but never
self-fulfillment. It is just as impossible for an exterior result to provide inner happiness as it is for a new hat to give us a new mind" (145).

I suggest his book as another read into our practical spirituality.

Howard, Vernon. The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power. N.Y: Parker Publishing Company, 1967.

Cells are Influenced by their Environment

2009-03-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

In his new work, Dr. Bruce Lipton claims that our environment, which includes nutrition, emotion and stress, influences our cells. We know that DNA passes on hereditary traits, but he cites research from a new study, epigenetics, that shows gene modification from the environment is also passed on.

The author explains the implications of his new information. The world is energy. We can use positive thinking to change. Cells are influenced by their surroundings. If we are healthy and at ease, we can create a better world. That is the message of this book, a message backed by science.

He also discusses two other ideas:

1) Our cells are made up of proteins and other types of molecules. The protein molecules have a balanced electromagnetic charge. If the positive and negative charges are altered, the protein will adjust to the change. Even in our cells, there must be balance.

2) There is fractal geometry, or the “repeating, ordered patterns” in nature and evolution. There is order to life.

Dr. Lipton is an optimist who encourages us to create he better world we are capable of doing and who sees the repetitive pattern of life as an encouraging sign. My research convinces me he is correct on both counts.

Lipton, Bruce H. Ph.D. The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles. CA: HayHouse, 2005.

A Comment on Norman Mailer's view of God in his book, On God

2009-03-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite authors, Mailer is a major American writer. Mailer is not considered a spiritual writer, nor a spiritual figure. I am fascinated, however, with his views.

The main idea about God that Mailer reiterates throughout his book, and the most significant point of the book, is that God is a Creator, but one that is still evolving. I like that. Mailer considers that we are developing with God and, because of this, He needs us as much as we need Him. Perhaps Mailer’s view is egocentric, but he may be right.

If we are still progressing, why wouldn’t our Creator be doing the same? Why wouldn’t we reflect all aspects of our Creator? That certainly is implied in Step One: Everything is Connected of my work Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps.

I like Mailer’s description of humans as “not finished,” as if we were a story being written. He makes the concept of “Creator” real. Rather than some almighty force, God becomes a more understandable artist molding his creations as He Himself changes. Yes, that is what an artist does; why would God be different?

"The point is that the purpose of life may be to find higher and better
questions. Why? Because what I believe—this is wholly speculative
but important to me—is that we are here as God’s work, here to
influence His future as well as ours" (75).

Mailer, Norman with Michael Lennon. On God: An Uncommon Conversation. New York: Random, 2007

Thoughts Change Lives

2009-02-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

A practical spirituality teaches us that we can’t cling to old ideas or patterns that are no longer useful or positive. We can think better thoughts. We can think higher thoughts. Our emotions are influenced by people around us. While we may not sense, observe or describe the differences as vibrations, we are aware that some people are more uplifting. Others bring us down.

We choose those who surround us. We choose which thoughts and emotions dominate our lives. Each mental or emotional state has its own rate of vibration. We can transform that rate at will and maintain a mental calm, unaffected by the opinions around us. Negative beliefs do not have to alter our positive state. We manage our thoughts. We do not have to get caught in the up and down drama of family, friends and associates.

Our challenge is to rise above the normal, material thoughts and be more positive, more evolved, and more spiritual.

Is Our Definition of God Evolving?

2009-02-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

Imagine that our definition of God is evolving, in our world of shifting knowledge. While many argue it is self-serving to have a changing God that fits our constant demands, history shows us that this is not the first time God has evolved. Tribal societies believed in magical gods, goddesses and superstition that merged into the mythic, or theist, view. Psychologists teach that people progress in consciousness from one level to another, and every time we go up a level in consciousness, our world view changes.

Jim Marion, author of "Death of a Mythic God" in an EnlightenNext magazine interview, claims that the last 3000 years held to a mythic God after magical gods gave way to “a ruler, a punisher, a patriarch (97). Why would we expect this view to remain unchanged?

Whether we accept a spiritual intelligence, co-creator, integral spirit, or use other words, perhaps we believe in God, even if, or because, our definition and understanding of that entity have changed significantly.

Marion, Jim, an interview by Carter Phipps, “The Death of the Mythic God,” EnlightenNext, Issue 38, October – December 2007, 95-102.

The Demise of our Old Definition of God

2009-02-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

There are five basic approaches to God:

· theist
· atheist
· agnostic
· pantheist
· panentheist

For the first three, God is defined as an entity “outside of time and space who created the world and judges, rewards, and punishes everyone in it” (Shapiro 16). While theists believe in the existence of this God, atheists do not and agnostics aren’t sure.

The Pantheists’ God is the same as nature; god is nature and nature is god. Panentheists, however, believe in a broader definition that “includes and transcends the universe” (16). This is the belief that “everything is within God.” Panentheism includes pantheism, since nature is part of the universe but goes beyond to include more than just this physical world.

The theist view of God is the one that most of us grew up with and the one has dominated. Many writers, however, are recording the demise of this old definition. Current views include a more integral God, as many people are moving away from the director and controller.

Shapiro, Rabbi Rami. “Why Aren’t You An Atheist?” Spirituality&Health, March – April 2007, 16.

There is a Reason for Everything; Nothing Bad Happens

2009-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

There is a reason for everything. Nothing bad happens; only the right things occur in the world and in our lives. As difficult as that is to accept at times, this is the rule. This is life. This is what we learn from spiritual concepts. Life isn’t about the way we think it should be or the way we want it to be. There is an order to the universe. There is a reason for everything, even if we not aware of that reason.

Law and order exist in the universe. There is a cause and effect in the world. We are not victims. Our decisions create certain effects; we cause the outcomes that occur. And we can change our events to include better reactions. We can begin this moment to perform the actions that will have the results we want. When we accept we are part divine and reflect something bigger, we can change and become better humans with smarter decisions.

This is an excerpt from my Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps, available for only $3.00 as an immediate download at http://nottinstitute.org/

We are Connected to One Another and to the Divine

2009-02-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

What if we realized that no matter how down we felt, we were assured that we are not alone, not separate, not all by ourselves, but part of something larger? We are connected to the world; all is one. While that might not provide any immediate or definable solace, the idea promotes a long term sense of security, a sense that whatever happens, we are never disconnected. We are never really alone. We are connected to everyone, and we are connected to our Creator.

A bond with everything in life. On a practical, daily basis, might we be happier? Most often moments of sadness relate to a belief in isolation from someone or something. If there is no separation, despite a seeming physical one, the sadness lessens. If there is no separation, why would we continue a deep sense of feeling abandoned?

This is an excerpt from my booklet Do It Yourself Guide to Spirituality: Seven Simple Steps, which can be purchased and downloaded at http://NottInstitute.org

Louise Erdrich's novel, Love Medicine - a spiritual comment

2009-02-09T12:05:00.000-08:00

I admire Louise Erdrich's characters in this novel. She portrays Native Americans with their strengths and weaknesses, and while we may not initially like many of the characters, they grow on us as we experience their stories. Despite lives ruined by government interventions, booze and hard luck, there is a resilience that generates our respect.

I write about spiritual books, books that provide a connection to the divine without being religious. There is spirituality in Erdrich's characters: in the commitment to themselves, to each other, and to the return home to their past. This is a practical spirituality, a belief in something greater than ourselves. Spirituality is not about naming a God or a Higher Being; it is living as if such an entity or belief exists and matters.

Despite all, her characters rise up as an admirable group, a group that deserves respect for their strength and reserve. Yes, that is the human spirit overcoming the mundane. That is a practical spirituality, a larger-than-life view.

Her characters force us to care. And we do. We want to be better people without realizing why, as we watch them rise above the human condition, no matter how depressing or abusive their lives. Her characters do that. So must we.

Spirituality is More Than an Academic Pursuit

2009-02-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

Spirituality is more than an academic pursuit. We must practice our faith. While for some that is obvious, many focus solely on cognitive awareness and intellectual study. As Ken Wilbur, my current favorite philosopher, points out in Integral Psychology, we need personal involvement to know what it "feels" like to be spiritual, not just theoretically know what others say.

Wilbur talks of the need to "transform consciousness," not just change our view of the world, which is an intellectual activity. Practical knowledge of how to save the world is important. To complement that, however, what are we doing to change and save ourselves?

Thinking is not enough for spiritual development. We should interact differently with ourselves, others and the world. This change is precipitated by interior stages of growth. Inner transformation is crucial to balance the outward actions. Getting in touch with our own thoughts and ideas helps. Meditation or alone time is important. We can't just read about what it is like to meditate; we must be quiet and listen. Somehow, we must "experience" the spiritual.

We should weigh our daily demands

with our spiritual quest.

In that search, we need personal and internal growth,

not just mental pursuits.

Seven Books To Assist a Practical Spiritual Quest in 2009

2009-01-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

Remember that we are body, mind and spirit. We exercise our body and develop our mind, but what are we doing for our spirit? If you are looking for direction for your spirit in 2009, here are seven books that might assist.

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence by Deepak Chopra
Without our consciousness, or our thoughts, there is no physical existence. We, collectively, create our world. Our thoughts bridge the virtual reality and the physical world. This is a complicated concept, but the spirit domain is the source of the coincidences we find in our lives. Tapping into this domain, into this unlimited and undefined area, we observe the synchronicity in our lives. Then we can create, on the physical level, the lives we desire.
The Mystic Path to Cosmic Power by Vernon Howard
“Man’s task is to awaken to his true identity. The Kingdom of Heaven is within. Spiritual truths are discovered with an entirely new kind of thinking, quite distinct and vastly superior to the mind that builds bridges and sells merchandise.”
On God: An Uncommon Conversation by Norman Mailer with Michael Lennon
Mailer states that God is a Creator, but one that is still evolving. Mailer considers that we are developing with God and, because of this, He needs us as much as we need Him. Perhaps Mailer’s view is egocentric, but he may be right. If we are still progressing, why wouldn’t our Creator be doing the same?
Sage-ing While Age-ing by Shirley MacLaine
MacLaine, in one of many discussions on various topics, defines soul mate as the one person that is exactly like us. There is only one for each of us, but this person is often too intense to be around. Twin souls have been together before and find it easier to relate. Companion souls have not been together in many lifetimes but recognize each other immediately. Perhaps a twin or companion might be more compatible in this lifetime.
The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles by Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D.
Dr. Lipton claims that our environment, which includes nutrition, emotion and stress, influences our cells. We know that DNA passes on hereditary traits, but he cites research from a new study, epigenetics, that shows gene modification from the environment is also passed on.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry of Values by Robert Pirsig
The narrator, traveling across country, attempts to define “quality.” What he finds is that we all know what quality is; there is no need to define it. The search is important, but the answer is within. Our quest to define “spirituality” is similar. We know what it is for each of us. The search is important, but the answer is within.
Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse
We can transcend the two parts of us, the human side that is civilized and tamed, and the “wolf” or shadow side that is wild and instinctive. We can’t disown our less-than-human side. We need to let go of one in order to not fear the other. Then we can rise above both and glimpse that other world of spirit.

For a more complete discussion of these books, please visit my website at http://www.nottinstitute.org

Chopra's The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire

2008-12-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence by Deepak Chopra.

A Review by Cheryl A. Chatfield

In this book, Chopra states, “When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities…This is synchrodestiny, in which it becomes possible to achieve the spontaneous fulfillment of our every desire” (21). To achieve his synchrodensity, we must go inward to tap the deep recesses of our spirit as well as outward to accept the coincidences of the physical world.

An understanding of three levels of existences of matter, mind and spirit is necessary for understanding the synchronicity in our lives. Matter is the physical domain, where the world is visible, rational and objective. Everything in this level has a beginning, middle and end. We are born and we die. This part of the world is predictable; scientists can measure it. We understand this domain.

The second level of existence, Mind, refers to energy and thoughts. We can’t see either, but we know they exist. This domain is less clear than the physical one. Our thoughts aren’t solid and we can’t touch them. We do not see atoms and molecules and we cannot distinguish energy waves. “Everything at this level is insubstantial, meaning that it cannot be touched or perceived by any of the five senses” (36).

The third domain, Spirit, is more even confusing, yet Chopra provides some structure to this formless level of existence, which he describes as “virtual” or “nonlocal.” Whereas the physical world has a specific place, this “nonlocality” has no boundaries.

In the 20th century, science found proof of the existence of this virtual domain. The world is made up of particles and waves. Particles are solid, while waves, such as sound and light waves, are not. A wave-particle was discovered, and “until we measure either its location or its momentum, it is both particle and wave simultaneously” (48). “Without consciousness acting as an observer and interpreter, everything would exist only as pure potential” (51). This “pure potential” is the nonlocal domain.

Without our consciousness, or our thoughts, there is no physical existence. We, collectively, create our world. Our thoughts bridge the virtual reality and the physical world. This is a complicated concept, but the spirit domain is the source of the coincidences we find in our lives. Tapping into this domain, into this unlimited and undefined area, we observe the synchronicity in our lives. Then we can create, on the physical level, the lives we desire.

For a better understanding of how we create our lives, this is a must read. No short discussion can incorporate all that Chopra offers. The explanation of the three domains is only the beginning.

There is one other, among many, of Chopra’s ideas that I wish to mention: power over our emotions. “Ask, don’t demand…Don’t give others power over your emotions” (229) is Chopra’s advice. Think about that. When we demand something from others, we give them the power to conform or refuse. They are in control, not us. If we simply ask, we retain the power and don’t have to be angry at any decision. We continue to create our world with positive emotions, even if we don’t like others’ actions.

Our Excessive Consumerism

2008-12-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

In a time of financial concern, it is important to look at our rate of consumption. What about the consumption of products? Too often the social center of our country is the shopping mall. While this is a good place for kids to meet, it is often the family destination as well. Is spending money on "things" a good focus? Is there a problem when consuming is our national pastime? Should we look at the implications of this obsession with owning more and more? What about the message given to our children? We worry about family values. What are family values when we seem to have consuming as a main goal?

We cannot continue our greedy rate of consumption. Each new electric gadget reguires more electricity. Do these make us happy? Do we understand the correlation with the need for more power that pollutes the air we breathe and affects the overall climate of our planet? Does the small amount that we each use cause any real harm? Multiply that by all of us and, yes, it makes a big difference.

Less consuming with more awareness. That could be a wonderful goal at this time.

No More Words - on aging parents

2008-11-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

For many of you with an aging parent who requires care, here is book that a friend recommended to me: No More Words: A Journal of My Mother, Anne Morrow Lindbergh by Reeve Lindbergh. Reeve Lindbergh's style reminds me of her mother's, a soft, gentle use of words that is soothing, yet provocative. She shares the heart-warming, loving and sad journey of gradually losing a parent.

My Mom used to read Anne Morrow Lindbergh's books, and she particularly liked Gift from the Sea, so I felt an instant connection to a story about the author by her daughter. This is the first book that describes my mother's condition from Alzheimer's. Reeve Lindbergh writes of her own mother's decline, not from the same disease but from a series of strokes. The cause is different, the effect was the same. My Mom also lost her speech; there have been "no more words" for the past three years. My mother, after four years in an Alzheimer's facility, is still very aware of her surroundings. She knows all of the family, her aides and her dog. She reacts and responds to most questions. Even in her silence, she has a strong presence and a way to display appreciation and happiness by standing tall and smiling widely or display displeasure by grimacing, gesturing and shaking her walker.

Reeve Lindbergh does a touching job of conveying the care of her well-known mother. She provides an emotional picture, which is what I have looked for, and not found, from other authors. Reeve describes the fact that what we may need most from our aging parents is the validation we felt we never received when we were younger. She does not sound, however, like a whining child who has forgotten to grow up; she simply mentions the feeling as a reality. Too often books on aging parents have an underlying and dominant self-serving sentiment, when what I want to hear is some uplifting inspiration for the family with a sympathetic understanding of the suffering. Reeve does that for me.

She is describing my Mom when she says:

Her gaze is direct, but I don't know what she's looking at.
What are you looking at Mother? What do you see? (81-82)

Her previous body-shyness has melted away, as she is
touched over and over by careful, caring hands all day long...
She has finally let herself go now, giving herself up with no
comment at all, falling lightly as feathers and softly as snow
into our waiting hands. (80)

Anne Morrow Lindbergh is part of my Mom's generation. I see the similar concerns of being proper and worrying about what others might think. The differences between these women have melted as the ravages of aging create a similarity. I find some comfort in that.

Reeve Lindbergh mentions a dream she had in which the mother she remembered came to her and said about this new frail, silent mother, "You just have to take care of her." Tht is what we must do for our aging parents. While that might mean a different approach for each of us, it helps explain my current role. Thank you, Reeve Lindbergh, for reminding me that my job for my mother is simply "to take care of her."

This is a practical spirituality.

This is what we do to help the ones we love.

Real and Ideal

2007-05-02T06:41:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading an article by Tom Huston in What is Enlightenment Magazine (Issue 36 Apr - Jun 2007). If you aren't aware of this magazine, you might want to check it out. It is one of the few I read consistently and one of the best on discussing all aspects of Spirituality. The magazine's website is www.wie.org.

Much of the article is irrelevant to this discussion, but the author reflects on an important aspect of Spirituality. He references Robert Rabbin, a spiritual teacher and executive coach, as he points out the distinction between the ideal and the real in relation to Spirituality. He asks about "authentic Spirituality or enlightenment." Rabbin suggests that "We get real, not ideal," trying to be sure any spiritual quest has a practical, everyday component. While Huston, the author of the article, partially agrees, he worries that Rabbin is being too "mundane." Huston wants to "change, to grow to mature, to develop, to evolve and to otherwise transform my oh-so-less-than-ideal human self."

Huston claims that "spirituality is inseparable from 'transcentent ideals.' Intellectual "self transcendence" and practical "self acceptance" seem to be opposite ends of a spectrum. Perhaps in the middle is where we should be. I agree with Huston. Spirituality does involve transformation and a striving for ideas, but that must be tempered with the daily, necessary chores of being in a human form.

New Spirituality Research

2007-04-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article from a February 3, 2007 article in The Daytona Beach News-Journal. I just happened to see this article when I was passing through Daytona. The title of the article is "The Science Behind Spirituality." How fascinating that Spirituality is becoming such a popular topic. In my attempt to define the term, I love that there is more and more information available.

This article discusses the research that is going on at the Center for Spirituality and the Mind at the University of Pennsylvania. Did you even know such a Center existed? I found that out recently. The Center is looking into how our "spiritual beliefs and secular beliefs affect our health and behavior." The emphasis is on the effect of beliefs that can be tested neurologically, from the brain. The Center studies both secular and spiritual beliefs. Dr. Newberg, director of the Center, says that "Spirituality and belief don't have to equate to religious faith." Art and watching a sunset can create a sense of well-being. The Center has studied such a variety as the brains of Buddhists in meditation and Pentacostal Christians speaking in tongues.

While this study is relatively new and the emphasis is on the effects of belief on health, I find it encouraging that Spirituality and belief are claiming more attention. Spirituality is more than just the effects that can be determined by testing the brain, yet this is certainly one aspect. Any and all information to add to our knowledge of the subject is welcome. The effects of our beliefs may not define our beliefs, but the studies certainly add credence to the importance of those beliefs.

Quality and Spirituality

2007-04-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

The title of this blog is a little misleading. I actually don't have anything to say about the relationship between quality and spirituality. What I want to comment on is a quote in the novel Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. I mentioned in my March 25th post that I was rereading this novel after having enjoyed it in the 60s.

The narrator is discussing his search for the definition of the word "Quality." On page 334, the narrator thinks, "Ancient Greece. Strange that for them Quality should be everything while today it sounds odd to even say quality is real. What unseen changes could have taken place?" I'm reminded that this same statement could be said today regarding Spirituality. How strange that if not in Ancient Greece than certainly in some ancient cultures and especially in the Native American tradition, Spirituality was part of everything and related to the way of life. Today, too often, we don't acknowledge this aspect of our lives as real. A little too harsh? Maybe, but not too far-fetched for many as our lives are torn by all the daily demands, leaving little time for anything that isn't "real" or relevant to tomorrow's tasks. I realize that fundamental Christians would disagree with my statement, but I am referring to the millions who find the organized religions a little too constraining.

"What unseen changes could have taken place?" Perhaps we all know that answer or maybe we don't. But in my quest to define Spirituality, I am reminded by the truth in that statement. Perhaps it is time to recognize those changes and bring Spirituality back into our lives as real. That is part of my quest in defining it. I realize I digress with this reference to the novel, but part of Spirituality is to honor our thoughts and feelings and digressions. Thank you for letting me do that.

Closer to a definition of Practical Spirituality

2007-04-18T12:10:00.000-07:00

I am getting closer to a definition of Practical Spirituality - an attempt that has kept me occupied specifically in at least four other posts but in reality in most of my previous posts. I must admit that my greatest influence in even realizing the need for a definition is Ken Wilber in his Integral Spiritual, which I discussed in my March 12, 2007 post, I gave my reaction to his basic points of trying to incorporate Spirituality with other aspects of life and accepting its significant new role. I agree.

Now I want to use his argument on the necessity of having a definition of spirituality before attempting a serious discussion. Before reading his work, I just used the word as if we all knew what it meant. In reality, I didn't exactly know what it did mean. Webster's New World Dictionary's defines it as "of the spirit or the soul as distinguished from the body and the material matters." There are other definitions, but this one relates to the parameters I wish to discuss. Yes, when we discuss Spirituality, we are discussing things of the spirit or soul, not the body. These general words, however, point out the problem and need for clarification. What are those things? Let's look at Wilber's four possible definitions. He suggests Spirituality is one of the following:

1) the highest of any particular aspect of our lives, such as cognitive, emotional, or values;
2) a spiritual intelligence that is separate from intellect or emotions or any aspect of our
lives, but just as valuable as any other;
3) a peak experience, such as a meditative or religious experience;
4) a specific attitude that could be present at any time, such as love, wisdom, or compassion.

Like Wilber, I find the last definition too vague, although prevalent. It doesn't tell us anything and seems too much like the dictionary definition of relating to the soul or spirit. I agree that the other definitions are valid uses as I hear people discuss this topic.

For my discussion of Practical Spirituality, I find that the first definition works best. I want to discuss the highest aspect of our lives. The second definition seems to defeat the idea of integrating Spirituality into our lives. This second definition tends to separate Spirituality into its own category. I want my discussion related to everything, not a topic that exists in isolation.
The third definition is a valid one but not what related to what I am doing. I see this very specific event related to Spirituality but not encompassing its totality.

The highest aspect of our lives. That is getting me closer to a workable definition of the Spirituality part of my topic, "Practical Spirituality." Before completing my definition, or my attempt at a definition, however, there is at least one more step. I will discuss that in a later post.

What is Spirituality? - another discussion

2007-04-12T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am continuing my effort to define Practical Spirituality. Today, I want to discuss the more general term of "Spirituality." Most of these comments are from my book, The Trust Factor: The Art of Doing Business in the 21st Century.

Spirituality is a belief in something greater than ourselves, a belief in a bigger picture. What we name this "greater than" is insignificant. What is important is that we each identify our beliefs, accept them, and use them as our standard for living. Whether those beliefs signify the highest good, right action, oneness with nature, oneness with others, or a combination of all of these, the similarities should be stressed. These similarities are the bond that allows us to tolerate and interact with one another.

There are some general principles that seem to be common in religious and spiritual paths worldwide. These include: compassion, unity, truthfulness, fairness, tolerance, responsibility, respect for life and service to all life. I wish we could learn to act on our common beliefs as opposed to dissecting and defending them. This would be a step toward an acceptable definition for Spirituality.

Practical Spirituality, a little more

2007-03-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

I am going to continue to discuss "practical spirituality," but I am not trying to attempt a definition as much as an on-going look at the topic. I am developing a definition, and honestly don't feel as if I have a good one yet. While eventually I need to be able to provide parameters on the topic, now I would just like to establish come ground rules. Anything related to life is related to spirituality. There really are no limits.

If "Everything is connected" (see my website and free newsletter -- www.nottinstitute.org for more information on that), then everything in life is related to a discussion on spirituality. I feel strongly about that. Yet such a general statement does not help anyone, or myself, trying to have an intelligent debate on the topic. It is a good beginning and allows a free and open discussion. I am looking for others with whom to have this discourse.

In order to live life successfully, I believe we must set some personal guidelines for our spiritual aspect. Otherwise, we miss an important component of ourselves. Denying that seems to limit our lives. I want us all to live full lives, that is part of a successful life.

A beginning discussion on practical spirituality

2007-03-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

I started this blog to discuss practical spirituality. Most of my comments so far have been about a variety of other things -- mostly books I have recently read or reread. The point of practical spirituality, however, is that it includes all aspects of life. It is not a separate subject, not a separate compartment in which only "god-related" subjects are discussed. In fact, practical spirituality is only indirectly related to a discussion on "god." That will be a topic for a future post.

I want to begin to bring together the ideas I've discussed in previous posts. I want to convey the concept that practical spirituality is, in fact, information that allows us to view ourselves on a daily basis from a perspective of connecting to something greater than ourselves, however we define that or whatever name we use to identify that something. What is more important is how it impacts our life. Does it make us a better person? Does it help us deal with common problems? Are the ideas useful and practical? I will discuss these in future posts.

What we knew when we were 20

2007-03-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

I have been rereading some of my favorite old novels. I am now enjoying again, after many years, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig. Remember that novel of the 60s? This novel, similar to Steppenwolf that I discussed in previous blogs, takes me back to a world of my younger days, a world of questions and wonder. I read these novels in the 70s. Thirty years later, I have the same reaction. Funny, but what we knew in our 20s was a surprising wisdom. Sure, we tend to be smarter as the years go on, but when it comes to knowing who we are and what is really important to us, we knew as much in our 20s as we do now. Is that true for you? I am amazed that it is so true for me. Not that it is a good or bad thing. It is just that we often let life take us away from who we are and what we always wanted. We need to take time to remember who we were and who we really are. Taking that time is difficult. For me, going back to the novels I read during that time reminded me of many of the thoughts of the time. I'm enjoying the journey back to those times in an attempt to remember some of the things I have since forgotten.

When we ask for help

2007-03-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to comment today on the old adage that "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." I know this is usually true for me. When I am ready to move forward in some aspect of my life, there is a message that comes along to help. That answer for me usually appears in a book. Some book just happens to be recommended, just happens to catch my eye at the bookstore, or just happens to come into my mind and upon reading it, I find that it is somehow related to my current question or recent concern.

How about you? What form does your teacher take? A friend who just happens to address the question you have? A book, such as I just described? A movie you're watching? A TV show? Perhaps a person appears who is that teacher. Whatever form, we can rely on the universe to provide the direction we need. Believing this is part of the belief in the "practical spirituality" that I like to discuss. I believe that our spiritual life is directly related to all aspects of our life. There is no separation. Everything is connected. Do you feel your life connected, or do you feel that you are fragmented into work, home and other areas? I like the concept of the body, mind, emotions and spirit each requiring attention from us -- each representing a part of us that defines who we are.

A final, for now, comment on Steppenwolf and life

2007-03-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

I have finished rereading the novel Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. I am still amazed how powerful the novel is for me, even 30 years after I initially read it. My other posts have commented on certain aspects of the work. Today, I want to address a quote on page 246, near the end of the piece. "You are willing to die, but not to live." How many of us have the same problem. Once we get over the fear of death from our younger years, as I see some do, we may get caught in the quasi-spiritual or pseudo-spiritual line of thinking death offers more to those advanced beings trapped here on earth in these limiting bodies. Hesse is addressing this issue, I believe, with his quote. Wanting to live, making a conscious choice to live well, may not happen to all. Maybe it is easier to just assume that death would be a better choice. This seems to be a cop-out answer. I like Hesse's suggestion, at least as interpreted by me, that learning to live is our real challenge. He poses a strong part of the answer. Learn to laugh. While that is not the answer to everything, a modification of it seems to fit most scenarios. Laugh at the ambiguities and unfairness in life. Laugh at ourselves trying to understand them. Laugh, and maybe we can begin to live consciously and not just as a prelude to death.

Another comment on Steppenwolf

2007-03-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

As I continue reading, I keep commenting on the novel Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. My further reflections on the novel is that Hesse, as I see it, proposes that our plight as humans may be to learn to enjoy the daily and the mundane, to embrace life's pleasures and surrender ourselves to intimacy, while suffering the pangs of loneliness, isolation and abandon - the pangs of knowing there is something more we can't attain. Perhaps the attainment is locked into the daily routine. Perhaps it is hidden in the joys of sharing with others. Perhaps it is hidden in human encounters where we let ourselves experience the moment and subdue the intellect. Perhaps it is all of the above.

We should keep our focus off our "wolf" side. This is not our spiritual side, but it is the part that has trouble fitting in. We all have that aspect, some stronger than others. Those that do acknowledge this other half may have trouble balancing the two. That is our challenge and the idea of practical spirituality -- trying to incorporate all of our thoughts anhd desires, in balance, into our lives. And you? Have you achieved that desired equilibrium? I still struggle.

Steppenwolf, part 2

2007-03-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am continuing to read the novel Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse. What strikes me today is the section on page 132 that discusses war:
"...every nation, and even every person, would do better, instead of rocking himself to sleep with political catchwords about war guilt, to ask himself how far his own faults and negligences and evil tendencies are guilty of the war and all of the other wrongs of the world, and that therein lies the only possible means of avoiding the next war."

Hesse wrote these words in 1929. Have we as a nation and as a global society learned anything since then? Are our views toward war any different? Have we as humans evolved since the second decade of the last century? I would like to dialogue with anyone on that topic. I do believe we have evolved, but I also believe we are in the midst of some further evolution. Our choice may be how we handle this new evolution. How can we improve our future? Stopping future wars is only one aspect. Perhaps it is more significant to understand Hesse's words of understanding our own faults that allow the evils of the world. I am beginning to challenge my faults to see how they lead to problems on a small scale. Do you feel the need to do the same?

Steppenwolf

2007-03-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

It has been decades since I have read any of Hermann Hesse's books. I majored in English in college and taught high school English for years before entering the business world and then reentering the educational arena as a college instructor. I remember reading many of Hesse's books, such as Siddartha, Demian, Beneath the Wheel, and Steppenwolf. I taught Siddartha to my high school honor students. Hesse spoke to me in the 60s and 70s. What surprises me now is how much Hesse in his novel Steppenwolf continues to present my views and express the thoughts and doubts I struggle with even today.

I don't know why I sometimes forget how powerful literature has been in my life. I haven't read as many novels in the past years as I did when I was teaching. Business demands and interests superceded. But we are who we were in our twenties. I have read that before and believe it more as I mature. The big questions I asked then, I am asking now and I have continued to ask. The answers change and grow.

The novel Steppenwolf seems especially powerful today because it speaks to an issue I have been thinking about -- that duality in us, the part of us we call human and the part the novel describes as "wolf". This other side of us is the "shadow" side we try to hide. This wolf or less than human side is not a part we can disown. I struggle with how to describe it. But today I am only part-way through the novel. I read it as if it were my first entry into the world of the steppenwolf. I hope I enjoy the rest of the journey as much as I am fascinated with the first part. If memory holds true, I believe I will.

Integral Spirituality

2007-03-12T13:49:00.000-07:00

The new book by Ken Wilber,Integral Spirituality, is a scholarly work that addresses a crucial issue in Spirituality. Wilber relates the idea of integral or holistic to our spiritual beliefs and forces us to see them in relation to the bigger picture or to the rest of the world. We can't isolate ourselves and defend spirituality or religious beliefs in a vacuum as if we are above everyone else and as if proof doesn't apply to such beliefs. We must open up to the idea that we must look at our beliefs in relation to all of the research that has taken place, especially in the ten years. What has science taught us? What doors has psychology opened up? None of this detracts from our beliefs. In fact, as Wilber points out, all of this supplements them and gives them more credibility. We must be aware of this new information and not be afraid of it. We must try to integrate all aspects of our lives, not separate them into incompatible compartments. It is time to move to another level and combine all knowledge into an "integral" one. Wilber shows how to do this. His book is not an easy read. But it is an important work.

Practical Spirituality

2007-03-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

A beginning. To share ideas on the changing world in which a practical approach to spirituality, which I would like to discuss, may be necessary for some direction and comfort. I write a free monthly newsletter with additional information at www.nottinstitute.com. I want to dialogue with others who share a belief that we can find some common ground and unite rather than dwell on differences and separation.