Living In Spirit: August 2017

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Consciousness Building part 3

“Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.” Wayne Dyer.

Let’s look at this a different way. Many of my peers, including myself, are a little rounder than we would like. Now the weight didn’t appear over night. I didn’t go to bed with a twenty year olds twenty-eight inch waist and wake up with a sixty something’s 34. Yet when it comes to losing weight, typically if it can’t be lost in a week or two we lose interest and fall back into old habits, those deeply carved patterns of thinking. Diets are hard; requiring real long-term change and different thinking patterns, while cheeseburgers are easy, requiring only fries and maybe a shake.

We choose the path, the instruction sheet we follow. The choice is always ours.

Our spiritual development is a mental diet, we choose the directions to follow, the nourishment we ingest, and though eating healthy is important, a healthy mental diet is of infinitely more consequence than waist size. Years of fuzzy thinking, false belief and fear driven action do not disappear overnight, the process continues for our lifetime and though our consciousness is eternal, assembly is required, so what instruction sheet will you follow?

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Consciousness Building part 2

“Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.” Wayne Dyer.

Consider those who suffer from addiction. Many who initially recover, seemingly having cast their “habit” out the window, a new basis for living embraced, then relapse and are often baffled as to why. They are fooled by the delusion those years of thinking and living in addiction now magically disappeared because the intoxicants are out of their system. In reality the “instruction” sheet they have been following for years is carved deep in their consciousness and will take years of positive contrary action and consistent vigilance of motive to overwrite, to learn how to live on this new basis of living, the Spiritual Basis, embracing a completely new set of directions, a day at a time. The price may seem high, but the rewards are nothing less than miraculous.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Consciousness Building

When we purchase something that requires assembly, it generally comes with instructions. I once purchased a teapot and inside were instructions, for a teapot! Now the instruction sheet for that Christmas morning bicycle years ago was considerably longer, and I still maintain wrong, both the bike and teapot instruction sheets had numbered steps, the teapot two with the additional warning that hot water is, well, hot, the bicycle four hundred and fifty seven, in Latin.

Our consciousness requires assembly as well; the question is what “instruction” sheet we follow. With the exception of some notable examples directly touched by the Divine, most of us build our consciousness, for good or ill, step by step by the actions we take and the thoughts we entertain, our level of awareness and understanding waxing and waning dependent on what we say, do, consider and act upon, experience building upon experience, good and bad. Habits of thinking and living do not change by simply assenting to them as needing to be changed; it requires action and perseverance on our part. To borrow from Wayne Dyer: “Habit is habit, and not to be flung out the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.”

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Monday, August 28, 2017

Storm Proof Foundation

The longest eighteen inches in the world lies between the head and the heart, the bridge from intellect to faith, embracing grace. But speaking about God and spirituality, practicing faith when the weather is calm is easy. Standing in faith when every fiber of the carnal mind screams in opposition is the challenge. The back of every American dollar bill reads “In God We Trust” but do we, really? The Great Carpenter teaches that those who demonstrate faith in action build their spiritual house/consciousness “upon a rock” while those who are nominally Living on the Spiritual Basis build their “house” on sand “and great was the fall of it.”

We can build a structure on any ground as long as the sun is shining, the wind nothing more than a breeze, but to do so in the belief that conditions will never change is a fools errand at best, yet many do this very thing with their spiritual house and then are devastated when the rains come and the winds blow and their structure collapses, then compounding the error by blaming God for the storm, forgetting storms are part of life, rain falling on the just and unjust equally.

In truth we chose the materials our house is constructed of, the construction practices employed, how well we adhere to the blueprints, for it matters little the quality of the materials if they are poorly installed, the blueprint ignored or altered out of fear. The Good News is the Master Builder will step in at any point and set the project (our consciousness) right if we will only place our trust in His guidance and unconditional love. By this simple, but not easy reliance on a Power Greater than Ourselves our structure is solidly built, able to not only withstand life's inevitable storms, but to stand as a beacon of hope and resolve to those who chose poorly. Remember always that Living On The Spiritual Basis is not about weathering storms, but learning how to dance and sing when the rains come.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Sunday, August 27, 2017

The Scales Of Thought

What we think on out pictures in our lives; write this on your heart in bold letters. To think we can entertain certain thoughts and not have them influence us in other areas is not only foolish but spiritually deadly. The concept of “compartmentalizing” portions of our lives or thinking is patently false and leads ultimately to tears. What we think on becomes part of the mix, always. Thoughts of vengeance, assenting to any form of suffering, reveling in schadenfreude all mark us, shutting out the sunlight of the Spirit. The baker would never add something to the mixing bowl they do not want in the finished cake, but unlike the baker who has complete control over their ingredients, we have no control over the curious thoughts that float up or into our consciousness, but we do choose the path when we become aware of them.

The price of spiritual freedom is vigilance and our consistent positive response to negative and destructive thoughts and ruminations. Living on the Spiritual Basis today when we drift into morbid reflection we turn immediately in prayer and meditation back to Source, for we can no longer fool ourselves as too the cost these thoughts carry with them if we choose to entertain them for any reason. Those who may appear to "get away" with negative thinking and actions don’t in fact. "The mills of the gods grind slowly but exceedingly fine, next to every mill is a mountain of sand." We all reap as we sow, so we must stand vigilant, weighing the thoughts seeking purchase in our consciousness on the scales of Divine guidance, service and love.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Saturday, August 26, 2017

In Truth, Gently

Words have meaning. Sounds like a “duh” kinda thing to say but bear with me. Many speak of spirituality and God, of our connection to the “Father” and how God is everywhere, at all times, always available, wanting to and will solve all our problems if we will only trust in Him. Yet they live at odds with these genuinely voiced beliefs. Belief is only theory, a nice thought or sentiment unless demonstrated in action. We cause ourselves much needless discomfort and unease when we fail to walk the way we talk.

So pray expecting to receive, banishing the idea that prayer is simply a tool employed to weather the storm, to buck up our spirits so too speak, but is in truth a direct plea to God. Understanding our good thoughts and intentions are meaningless unless we are willing to step out in faith and fly our flag as believers for all to see, losing our fear of the negative judgments that will be cast our way, for it is always easier to criticize and denigrate, for who is without blemish? than to stand in the light and be counted, so many wish to breathe free but choose to remain stifled for fear of ridicule or to curry ultimately meaningless favor with others.

Words have meaning, and we must mean the words we use, otherwise we suffer greatly at the hands of the true adversary, fear. When we speak without true conviction our being becomes lost in polite sentiment, in affirmations routinely recited with little feeling or honest belief, the prayers said with no real expectation of relief producing results commensurate with the conviction voiced.

To thine ownself be true, so pray from the heart, expect to receive a miracle for we live in an age of miracles, measure your words and strive each day to walk the way you talk. No one among us does this perfectly, and though perhaps trembling, what matters is that we do it to the best of our ability today, for isn't life really a series of todays strung together in Spirit?

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Friday, August 25, 2017

Dusting And Serenity

Everyone likes a clean house, but who enjoys doing the cleaning. In the physical realm a little dust on the shelves, a cobweb or two high in a corner or a carpet that could use a visit from the vacuum are one thing, but of much greater importance is our spiritual housekeeping. When we allow the dust of negative thinking and morbid reflection to accumulate in our consciousness the consequences are dire. A glass breaks, an egg slips our grasp, the new kitten or puppy has an “accident" are all things we address immediately, in much the same way we get busy spiritually on the big problems of life. But just like the upper shelf that could use a dusting or the baseboard that could stand a little scrubbing, we put off addressing or entirely ignore life's little hurts and small fears and they accumulate in the quiet corners of our consciousness. Left unattended they nibble away at our serenity, our peace of mind slips allowing the adversary, fear, to gain purchase in the forefront of our consciousness coloring every aspect of our lives.

Spiritually we must keep our house clean for the adversary is relentless. Where a dusty shelf or a floor that could use a good sweeping may be distractions, small resentments and unaddressed fears left to fester in our spiritual house have real power to harm. So we work to address them as soon as they crop up, as we become aware of them and do not under any circumstance or pretext put off our cleaning. By employing daily prayer, taking responsibility for our actions and admitting when we are wrong, employing daily meditation and selfless service those "corners" of our consciousness are liberated from the spiritually corrosive effects of the adversary and we stand free, serenity at play, peace of mind realized.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Thursday, August 24, 2017

The Art Of Life

How do we progress spiritually? Is it by studying every new book or teacher that comes along, casting aside yesterday’s book or teacher in the hope the new information or teacher is superior? Perhaps never even giving a particular teaching time to work because of jumping from one to another, and there is always another. The student of mathematics progresses logically forward, as do students of all secular studies. They learn the basics, building upon this foundation as their understanding advances. In mathematics every new theorem, every breakthrough from Pythagoras to Newton to Einstein to Hawking began with understanding 1+1. They all began with the basics, thoroughly understood and employed, which then lead in time to inspired new demonstrations.

The study of metaphysics requires not only the logical progression of thought as in mathematics but the Artists Way as well. Consider: we can befriend artists, visit the finest galleries, study countless books on art and though we may have a wonderful appreciation and even love of art, we will never be an artist until we place pencil to paper, brush to canvas, chisel to stone, etc. Our peace of mind, serenity develops as we practice, demonstrate what we have learned about spiritual principles in our lives daily. Knowledge is fine but without demonstration possesses little power to change. As we practice what we know spiritually daily (the amount immaterial, remember 1+1) our heart and mind becomes more attuned with the spiritual basis, through this demonstration we grow in understanding by action, and there is no other way to truly learn how to Live on the Spiritual Basis.

Our lives are our canvas, the brush willingness, the paint our spiritual understanding, so we apply what we have learned of living spiritually and let God guide our hand. The emerging picture is truly miraculous, but requires a lifetime of diligent effort to complete. Oh, and art is messy, so don’t worry about the paint under your finger nails, on the floor, the walls or your clothes, the Great Artist understands and it puts a smile on His face.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Forgotten Riches

Ever find some forgotten cash in the pocket of a pair of pants or jacket you haven’t worn in a while? Always puts a smile on the face doesn’t it. Ever consider ignoring it or even decide it really has no value? Of course not, that would be foolish, yet many do exactly that with the found riches of faith. Students, and not only new ones, of the path will be going along swimmingly for a time and then inexplicably take the reins of their lives back and then wonder why they are struggling. Having begun to Live on the Spiritual Basis and to reap the riches of the new life, for reasons often obscure but usually rooted in some form of fear, they fall back into old ways of thinking and solutions, the pain and spiritual discomfort that brought them to the path in the first place forgotten, the new solutions which had value now seemingly valueless. The way back is simple if not easy, when we become aware of old ways of thinking and action creeping back in, we stop immediately and reengage with the prayer, meditation and service that had previously worked so well. By rejecting fear and acting in faith we find our lives always contain exactly what we need, when we need it, in perfect measure.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Happiness And Fresh Bread

What makes you happy? Finally meeting that special someone, wedding day, divorce day, birth of a child, landing “the” job, graduating, watching your child graduate, doing something nice for somebody and not getting caught, etc. The key here is that just as fresh bread is only fresh for a short time, feelings of initial happiness fade, becoming memories.

So, what would provide long term, permanent happiness, permanently fresh bread if you will? Wealth? Good health? Satisfying career? Begs some consideration. Money is good, having been financially flush and broke, having money is better, but happiness? Some of the most miserable, unhappy people I have known were financially set, so money by itself clearly isn’t the answer. Perfect health is great, but since no one gets out alive, good health ultimately is terminal. Careers are important, but intrinsically suffers the same shortcomings as wealth.

If we make our happiness contingent on outer things, including people, we will never be truly happy. In truth, happiness can only be found within. Experience demonstrates those who have a deep and abiding spirituality have a sense of true happiness at their core. Trouble still comes, as it does for all, but they meet calamity with serenity for they have a conscious contact with Source, and through prayer, meditation and service meet all of life’s downs and ups with faith, for only by faith in demonstration do we receive the divine guidance and strength that provides lasting inner peace, paving the way of true happiness. Something to consider while enjoying freshly baked bread.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Monday, August 21, 2017

Stubbing Ones Toe

No one lives life perfectly. No one is at peace or serene constantly. No one is energized or at their best every minute. Just as the tides rise and fall so does our energy levels, our peace and serenity. Everyone has their moments; the question is what we do when we have them. Consider: everyone stubs their toe, even the Pope. Granted he probably doesn’t utter an expletive (and if he did it would probably be in Latin and everything sounds cool in Latin) when it happens, the point being that everyone stubs their toe, having nothing to do with our spiritual condition. Now if we blame someone for putting or moving the table there or start in ranting on the unfairness of the universe for bringing this calamity or better yet think that for some reason we deserved to stub our toe and the pain is the universe's way of reminding us of our place, it then becomes a spiritual matter. If we are constantly looking for tea leaves to read, we will always find them and amazingly the news is routinely bad, the forecast dark with more dark and a chance of scattered pain later in the week. In truth, usually a cloudy day is just a cloudy day, nothing more.

Everyone takes a turn in the barrel, you, me, the Pope, Dalai Lama, everyone. Living on the Spiritual Basis though we keep our eye on the ball, God, and by doing the work He would have us do, we meet calamity with serenity, with the occasional expletive, for God knows stubbed toes hurt.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Now Be Here, Be Here Now

Where were we before we were conceived? One moment we didn't exist and then by an act of love, we did. In that single cell, the fertilized egg, everything about us was there: our eye color, the shape of our fingernails, hair color, final height, sex, our blueprint of freckles, everything that makes us, us, all in a point of protoplasm so small as to be invisible to the naked eye, pretty amazing. Then we began to grow and nine months (give or take) later we made our appearance on the world stage. Fast forward a few decades and we arrive at another seminal moment in life, when the time in this flesh comes to an end. Where’d we go? Consider: Before we were born we were nowhere physically, we are born, and now we are now here. Then our physical body ceases to function and we are nowhere again. Same word, just a little different spacing: nowhere to now here to nowhere again. (Tip of the hat to Wayne Dyer and Baba Ram Dass.)

In truth, we have always been “here”, part of, connected to Source, Divine Consciousness immanent, the flesh merely a tool, a conveyance in this time for our eternal consciousness. We didn’t arrive from anywhere and we don’t go anywhere. Our birthday and death day are points on a relatively meaningless calendar, since God and our consciousness are eternal. Living on the Spiritual Basis we spend this life applying spiritual truth and understanding to everything in our lives to the best of our awareness at the time since our awakening is an ongoing process. In so doing the answers to the eternal questions come if we are diligent. So don’t concern yourself with what is on the other side of the line, for the line really is immaterial, for death waits for all men but waits on no man. Keep your eyes and thoughts on today’s demonstrations and the morrow will take care of its self. In living this way we will approach the transition in peace, embracing the change, bidding farewell to the limitations of flesh, going nowhere, being here now in raised consciousness.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Renewing Energy

Without renewing energy stagnation results and there is probably no better demonstration of this than a tidal pool. The renewing energy of the waves keeps a pool fresh, supplied with renewed vigor. Consider our consciousness as a tidal pool, our renewing waves comprised of willingness, open mindedness, of turning to Source in all things, trusting in God to wash over us in forgiveness, love and guidance, in turn carrying away that which is stagnant, our negative and fearful thoughts.

A closed mind is like the tidal pool that has been blocked off from the renewing energy of the sea. Soon thoughts turn brackish, becoming unhealthy, energy and even life draining away. Eventually if nothing fresh flows in all life and positive energy drains away, leaving only fear and discontent. Self-centered fear works to convince us that in times of trouble the waves of renewal will not return; closing our mind to truth, and faith begins to waver.

Just as the oceans level rises and falls, leaving the pool seemingly without supply for a time, so does our awareness of our connection to Source. By standing in the light through the demonstration of consistent prayer, service and meditation we know the tide will rise and the waves of renewing energy will return. So we stay willing and open minded, to learn and listen; the renewing energy of Divine Intelligence keeping us fresh and alive, ready to demonstrate the power of Creation in every area of our life.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Friday, August 18, 2017

"The Nature Of Matter"

Everything is comprised of energy. Not just energized, but comprised of it. Whatever you are sitting on. The device you are looking at or the paper you are reading this on. The air you are breathing, you, everything. In 1944 Nobel Prize winner Max Planck in a speech titled "The Nature Of Matter" said in part: “All matter originates and exists only by virtue of a force which brings the particle of an atom to vibration and holds this most minute solar system of the atom together. We must assume behind this force the existence of a conscious and intelligent mind. This mind is the matrix of all matter.” In the last few decades science has observed what Max Planck postulated years ago to be true. The importance of this so profound the largest machine ever constructed by man lies underground outside of Geneva, the 17 mile long Large Hadron Collider (LHC) to investigate these particles.

Living on the Spiritual Basis, the intelligence that exists through out creation is accepted and understood by faith. Tools like the LHC for exploring the micro or the Hubble telescope the macro, perhaps will help those who doubt the existence of a Power Greater Than Themselves to have a bit more of an open mind, but that is left to them. Having found the great reality deep within, Living on the Spiritual Basis the truth in living has become operative through demonstration. In the moments of fear and doubt that come for all, we have learned to quietly turn to Source for our salvation and answers, tapping into the power that exists all around us, within and without. Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned through experience to apply Infinite Power, the mind that is the matrix of all matter, in our lives, guarantying freedom from and demonstrating over all difficulties, success immanent.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Morbid Reflection Ascendant

Most discordant, fear based, thinking attacks us head on, the deadliest however are the thoughts that creep in, with no apparent foreshadowing. The ruminating starts out usually innocent enough, but soon we find ourselves in the grip of a negative contemplation, fear beginning to churn our stomach. We may never really know what triggers these seemingly random negative thoughts, perhaps it is a smell, a taste, a song on the radio, a blue Volkswagen driving by. In truth the "why" matters little. What matters is the action we take when we become aware of discordant or negative thinking, morbid reflection ascendant. Consider the analogy of the campfire: We are sitting by a campfire and a burning ember floats up and lands on our sleeve, if we brush it off immediately no real harm is done. However if we wait a moment to contemplate it, the shirt is ruined, a welt on our arm to mark the decision. The metaphysical lesson is simple, we must stay ever vigilant for those “burning ember” thoughts and as soon as becoming aware, we turn immediately to God and ask Him to direct our thinking. The wording of our prayer is of course optional, but the timing isn’t. So many make the mistake of trying to figure out why the thought surfaced, not only failing to brush off “the ember” with Divine help, but nurturing and feeding it fuel by continuing to try to understand why it surfaced, as if knowing why will do anything to remove the discomfort and pain their ruminations are causing. Why is the booby prize. Why only prolongs the pain, intensifies it, while prayer addresses it, relieves and removes it.

boo·by prize : n
loser’s prize: a prize given as a joke to the person or team coming last in a competition

If a small fire started in your home you wouldn't stand by watching the fire wondering why it started you would act to put it out. Yet we do this very thing in the only dwelling that really matters, our consciousness. When we entertain destructive thoughts, our serenity and peace of mind burns in the fire of morbid reflection. So we must stay ever vigilant and at the first sign of an ember, we enlist a Power Greater Than Ourselves to be our fireman.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Changes

What we seek we find, what we plant and nurture will grow. Seems like a simple enough lesson, yet many ignore it. Parents whose only focus is working, “providing”, are surprised when they find they really don’t know their children at all, or conversely the parent who orchestrates every aspect of their child’s life with little or no regard for the child’s preferences shocked when the child rebels at the first opportunity. The busy spouse who spends all their time away from the family incredulous when served divorce papers. The philandering spouse angered when they discover their partner is carrying on in the same manner. The alcoholic/addict who is going to straighten out, eventually.

So what are we planting, seeking by our actions? Do our actions mirror our words? Are we trying to impress others, perhaps believing that if they think we are okay, we are? Do we spend a lot of time “selling” our side of the story, leaving out any facts that may paint us in a bad light? Have we ever employed the concept of "guilty with an explanation" to try to explain some sketchy behavior? Are we surrounded by people who are quick to co-sign whatever we are selling, while avoiding those who may ask uncomfortable questions or point out obvious truths? Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned that the unexamined life leads only to futility and frustration.

Having placed our feet on the path we are gentle with those around us who are still locked in the bondage of self. We never answer the unasked question but do share from the heart our struggles and the actions we have taken to progress, regardless of personal consequences. In truth those about us will be far more impressed by a quiet demonstration of spiritual principles through our actions than by anything we will say. To borrow from Wayne Dyer: (my thoughts added) “Never underestimate your ability to change yourself (through the application of spiritual principles) and never overestimate your ability to change others.” To fundamentally change the desire must come from within, and no matter how badly we may desire to help those around us, ultimately we are responsible for the crops planted, their tending and the harvest we reap.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Trying To Sell It

“Handsome is as handsome does.” Sounds a bit Forrest Gump-ish but it fits the bill. Many wish to enjoy a certain reputation they know in their heart they don’t deserve. The ill-tempered person may indeed wish to be loved and favored but their very actions make it impossible. How often have we heard a friend or acquaintance (or even ourselves) attempt to sell the idea that even though someone is acting or has acted badly they really meant well, are basically a nice person, having a heart of gold. Nonsense: Handsome is as handsome does. Living on the Spiritual Basis our serenity is measured by our actions. We must walk the way we talk or risk suffering mightily at the hands of hypocrisy. We can wish to be spiritual, we can wish for peace, we can wish to be happy, joyous and free but unless our actions match up with our wishes, we will never demonstrate our hearts desire.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Monday, August 14, 2017

The Fourth Man

There is a story in the Old Testament concerning three men who refused to worship a golden image erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king was so incensed by their refusal he sentenced them to die in a fiery furnace. This furnace was so hot their guards died in the process of casting them in. As the King watched, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were joined in the furnace by a fourth man. Soon the original three emerged from the furnace, unharmed, delivered because they had refused to sacrifice their belief, holding fast to God, the fourth presence in the furnace. The king was so moved he converted on the spot.

We all face trials and difficulties in our lives, our “fiery furnace.” Having chosen to Live on the Spiritual Basis, by holding fast to a power greater than ourselves, the "fourth man" stands with us, keeping us unharmed, regardless of how intense the fire appears to be.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Life's Rough Patches

When we are in “it” up to our necks in the trials and tribulations of the world, our perception of the world becomes skewed, often to the extreme. A wise man said to me long ago “Everyone takes a turn in the barrel.” The problems begin in earnest when we start to believe that the “barrel” or the rough patch we find ourselves in at the moment is permanent. “Seasons of dryness” happen to all, the reason why of little importance, the action we engage in when we become aware paramount. The typical response, and unfortunately direction given by many well intentioned but mistaken advisers, is to “redouble” ones efforts, when the opposite is true. When driving if we come upon a bad patch of road, one of the signs invariably directs us to “slow down.” We are never directed to speed up, drive harder or redouble our driving. The same holds for the spiritual road. We don’t struggle or try to fight our way through, we surrender, relax, for this too shall pass.

To be clear, action is required, so we pray but keep it simple. In times of trouble simply “God is with me” is a powerful prayer, and is sufficient if it is all we can muster in the moment. What matters is our willingness to continue praying, placing the burden on God’s shoulders for it is too much for us. By keeping our gaze focused on Him who has all knowledge and power, in time, just as with stretches of bad road the trouble will pass, the road smooths, the ride stabilizes and our gaze shifts from the roadbed back to the unlimited horizons before us.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Saturday, August 12, 2017

How Much Faith Is Enough?

You have probably heard the parable of the mustard seed, that all that is required to progress spiritually is a mustard seeds worth of faith. The mustard seed is one of smallest seeds in nature, yet a strong, resilient plant with amazing properties springs forth from this speck of creation. So it is with us as well. By simply considering or thinking on faith, we have enough faith to demonstrate. To concern ourselves with any supposed “lack” of faith is the adversary, self-centered fear, working to keep us locked in the bondage of self. So we pray to the best of our ability today, and that is all that is required of us to progress, for all prayer has power. When in the grip of trouble the only prayer we may be able to utter is “God help me”, which is a powerful statement in faith and is sufficient onto its self.

If you are considering, thinking about faith, you have the mustard seed in your hand. From this small beginning a powerful and vibrant relationship with the only true source will grow in the garden of your consciousness, in your heart of hearts. Water it with prayer, tend it with meditation and service to the best of your current ability, for God will never ask of us to demonstrate beyond our current understanding and that understanding is enough, just for today.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Friday, August 11, 2017

“ONE DAY AT A TIME”

“Live, one day at a time.” This simple saying popularized by Alcoholics Anonymous has become part of the daily consciousness, but what does it really mean? Living on the Spiritual Basis the meaning is simple and profound: The only time we can be present for God, the only time we can stand in the presence of God, the only time God can be present in our lives is in the present moment. So be present for God, for God is always present for us. Yesterday a memory, tomorrow a promise, today, this moment the only reality. Living on this basis, the Spiritual Basis, all the presents God has for us appear in our lives, one day at a time.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Thursday, August 10, 2017

Growing Consciousness

To progress spiritually, to grow in consciousness there is effort, work required. Additionally no one can do another’s spiritual work any more that we can eat a meal for a friend. To have a lively faith we must cultivate open mindedness and remain willing to explore new spiritual experiences, seeking the true path in prayer and meditation and then demonstrate faith through action.

Self-centered fear is a thief, lurking in the shadows, cunning and patient, waiting for a moment to strike, stealing our peace of mind and serenity while leaving anxiety and depression in its wake. So we ask God to remove from us the notion that any part of our lives or thinking, any shadow, is hidden from Him. Of course nothing is, but we need to state this in prayer, affirming it in meditation, so any lingering thoughts that anything exists outside His sight will be smashed, setting us free.

We live in the light, for in truth the only darkness that exists are the shadows we cast when attempting to live on anything other than the Spiritual Basis. Living on the Spiritual Basis everything is illuminated, so when we err, for we all do, this simple reliance on God will take us to better things, forgiven as soon as we ask, our course of action clear, unmistakable.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

The True Basis Of Living

“Man is essentially spiritual, the image and likeness of God, and therefore he is made for the spiritual basis, and he cannot really succeed on any other.” Emmet Fox. Living on the Spiritual Basis requires focus and commitment. Halfhearted demonstrations lead inevitably to struggle and ultimate failure in spirit. Wishing to enjoy the reputation of someone who embraces spiritual principles without reservation but live in reality with one foot in the secular and one in the spiritual leads only to discontent and strife, for the double minded individual is unstable in all their ways. So speak to Him in prayer without reservation, unburden yourself of the last vestiges of self-centered fear and stride out wholeheartedly on to the only real basis for living, the Spiritual Basis.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Our Two Masters

We are always serving one or the other, the carnal/secular mind or our spiritual heart. Having an understanding of spiritual principles is important, our mind full of spiritual knowledge a starting point. The curious thing about spiritual knowledge though is many believe it is all they need, demonstration secondary. Consider, having a great deal of medical knowledge doesn’t make someone a doctor, to truly become a doctor they must first acquire knowledge and then under careful supervision put this knowledge into action, turning thought into experience, moving from the theoretical to the real, from head to heart. This holds true in every area of life, but no area more important than our spiritual life, since everything in life finds its germination in God, yet so many fail to walk the way they talk. In pursuit of material and secular success individuals often go too tremendous lengths; willingly ignoring the spiritual imperative, their treasure being material possessions and accolades; their actions demonstrating their true hearts desire, speaking spiritually, but living at odds with the spiritual imperative. A head full of spiritual knowledge without the corresponding demonstration amounts to a half measure, and spiritually half measures avail us nothing. Only we know if “we walk the way we talk”, only we know in our heart of hearts which master we serve.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Monday, August 7, 2017

Should We Pray For Ourselves?

Some are of the opinion that praying for oneself is somehow selfish, but this is at best a half truth and it is never selfish when we speak from the heart. Every conversation with God is a prayer and Living on the Spiritual Basis we do not filter our conversations with Our Father. When we do we are relying on our limited consciousness to manage our relationship with the infinite, with God, rather vain of us don't you think? In truth, God already knows the issues of our heart, the conversation/prayer demonstrating our willingness to achieve a higher consciousness. When our “eye is single” we understand that what we give our attention to manifests in our lives, our perceptions changed, our consciousness raised if our focus is spiritual. God will not, can not bring anything into our lives that will harm us or others, for good and God are synonymous, so never hesitate to speak to God on any subject, for in so doing our attention is focused on the only thing that truly matters, our relationship with “Our Father" from which everything else in our lives flows and in so doing we will comprehend serenity and know peace.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Sunday, August 6, 2017

Another Beautiful Day In Paradise

Usually when I’m asked how I’m doing I respond: “It’s another beautiful day in paradise.” Why? First, most really don’t want to know in any detail, since essentially all they are doing is saying hello and this lets them off the hook. Admit it, there have been times when you have asked “How are you doing?” as a greeting and the person proceeded, in detail, to tell you exactly how they were doing, all the while your internal voice was screaming “I was only saying hello!”

Secondly, and most importantly, when speaking about our lives there needs to be a good reason for the conversation. If things are going well, of course a simple declarative statement is desirable, but if an area of life; family, health, work, etc is bothersome then we must be on guard lest we may place ourselves in danger of stoking the fires of resentment. The pitfall of drifting into condemnation while airing our "problems" to a sympathetic ear places us at risk, the risk of morbid reflection.

The concept that “talking” about something troubling us will make us feel better is only a half truth. It only has lasting value if the purpose of the conversation is to explore solutions, not to merely vent. We have all vented at times in our lives, what happened? In the moments following the rant we did feel better, but just like the temporary relief felt when short on cash and a forgotten twenty is found in the pocket of a coat worn last week, it fades as soon as we shift from the gratitude of finding the cash to “it’s only a twenty” thinking. Often I have had a student say they felt better after “getting something off their chest” but unless a definite course of action to address the problem or situation is entered into (i.e. prayer, meditation and service), all that was really accomplished was “letting off a little steam” which is fine in the short run but does nothing to address the continuing source of the pressure.

When we abstain from negative thinking and talk, from feeding the inner beast of self-pity and self-centered fear, instead turning our thoughts and heart to a Power Greater Than Ourselves that is wisdom and guidance immanent, the only true barrier to morbid reflection, we save ourselves from needless mental and spiritual wear and tear. So, how are you doing? It really is another beautiful day in paradise.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Choosing The Spiritual Or Secular Life

Secular success is typically measured by possessions, popularity, living the “good” life. Spiritually success however is measured by the peace, poise and serenity we demonstrate when difficulties arrive, a state we achieve by understanding the true nature of being, realizing that appearances are illusionary, possessions temporary. Secular health it is about looking and feeling good at any price, taking, using and doing whatever to achieve that which is passing at best. Spiritual health is not about the body, awake to the truth that this flesh is merely a vehicle, a conveyance for a time. This does not mean that we misuse it or ignore its care, but we are clear that we are not our body since all flesh fails, that we truly are a spark of the divine, eternal, existing before this flesh was conceived and existing beyond its return to the dust and ash from which it came. Secular: the opinions of others have power to color our choices and decisions. Spiritually: when we are right with God, all other relationships can and will fall into place.

As we transition from living on the secular basis to Living on the Spiritual Basis our whole attitude about life and living changes. “That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.” “What used to be the hunch or the occasional inspiration becomes a working part of the mind.” Spiritual or secular, peace or chaos, the choice is ours. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” Living on the Spiritual Basis we are no longer of this world, but we are in it; life simplified for: “we have ceased fighting anything or anyone" because “We had a new Employer. Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well.”

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Friday, August 4, 2017

Conning Ourselves Spiritually

“He wants to enjoy a certain reputation, but knows in his heart he doesn’t deserve it.” Con artists portray themselves in whatever manner necessary in order to achieve their goal: taking advantage of their target. Whether it requires appearing down and out or worth millions, a good ole boy or foreign dignitary, sinner or saint, they do whatever it takes to get over on the unsuspecting victim. The con artist however doesn’t deceive themselves as to who they really are. As soon as the con is done, win or lose, they move on, shedding the portrayal like a pair of dirty socks.

    Spiritually many con themselves unknowingly. They approach their spiritual lives in much the same manner as they approach the myriad of secular duties they face daily. Then trouble comes, it may be economic, family or health in nature. Being nominal students of the path, they feel abandoned, let down by God for just as the con artist they had only worn the clothes of a believer, saying the right words at the correct time, doing and acting as a believer should, living under the false belief that by merely acting correctly they were doing the work. They are like the man who stashed away the seed for a great harvest but never planted the crop.

    Faith without works is dead and Spiritual work without faith is just activity. We all reap as we sow and in the garden of our spiritual lives, for in truth there is no other, our crop must be planted with care and interest, watered with love and service, the weeds of discontent and fear removed as soon as we become aware of them. So pray with a feather, gently, considering your words, remember this is your time with the Conscious Creative Force of all Creation. If in a religious or spiritual setting stay in the moment, leaving the world and its clamoring at the door, speaking to God in our consciousness, the “Secret” place of our heart, asking what He would have us see or learn on this occasion, remembering that often it is not about us but how we can be of service and if we are daydreaming or thinking of other things we may miss a wonderful opportunity.

     You “…cannot transmit something you haven’t got.” So we quietly tend our garden in earnest, reaping peace and true purpose, being present for God in the moment, for it is only in this moment that we can be present for God, our lives, in truth, a series of moments strung together in faith.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Thursday, August 3, 2017

The Gravity Of Opportunity

There are many laws, both secular and spiritual. Man’s laws fill untold volumes and are constantly being amended, added to, ignored and broken. But what of the Spiritual “laws”: The Law of Retribution, the Law of Unintended Consequence, Reaping and Sowing and others? What sets these laws apart from the laws of Man is that they are totally impersonal in application, like the law of gravity, if we fall we will continue falling until something breaks our fall. Whether it is 1 foot or ten thousand, it happens every single time, rich or poor, famous or infamous, a Hitler or a Mother Teresa, the law of gravity plays no favorites, cannot be bribed or ignored. And just as gravity, no appeal ever suspends Spiritual laws, for if they could be we would live in a chaos not a universe.

The Law of Opportunity is one of these laws. Living on the Spiritual Basis we now understand this life is but a moment in eternity, we existed before this flesh was conceived and will exist beyond its return to the dust and ashes from whence it came. Our job, our only real job in this life is to learn and grow in effectiveness so when a difficulty surfaces, an opportunity for demonstration, we chose the right course of action. Living on the Spiritual Basis, in touch with source, we treat these occasions with prayer and meditation knowing there is something to be learned that will improve and ultimately clarify our connection with God. By demonstrating over the problem by reliance on source, we demonstrate to others, by our actions, the truth of spiritual living.

Theory is fine in the classroom but demonstration is the measure, the attraction. The Law of Opportunity is one of God’s ways of providing us choice, to grow in understanding and expression, applying our free will justly. So what is our choice to be when opportunity knocks, reliance on the infinite, God, or the finite, ourselves? Choose wisely, I’ll get the door.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Boss Universal

Some years ago I viewed a Far Side cartoon depicting a group of archeologists examining a single fossilized bone. By the last panel, they had extrapolated the most outrageous, impossible looking creature from this single bit of evidence. We routinely do the same thing with our future. When we lack spiritual awareness, we “view” the future with limited perspective, routinely incorporating the negative, the fear basis of living becoming dominate.

Without spiritual vision the future typically appears dark, with intermittent pain and suffering, our most potent adversary, fear, boss universal. When we choose to live on the new basis, the Spiritual Basis our consciousness grows and our perspective expands, our truth of being becoming clear. A future disconnected from peace and serenity, of prayers seemingly unanswered, fear dominate, will dissolve in the new clarity that only spiritual sight can provide.

Living on the new basis we learn, with practice, to avoid the trap of projecting negatively into the future, so does this mean we should never look to the future or make plans? Of course not, Living on the Spiritual Basis we make plans but do so in spiritual light, the light of God‘s guidance and wisdom, for we have turned our will and lives over to His care. We plan but live one day at a time, rejecting the insistent onslaught of our greatest adversary fear. By living on this basis, the Spiritual Basis, all becomes clear in good time, for God and good are synonymous.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Is Prayer Inconsistent?

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Having now Lived on the Spiritual Basis for a time we have seen the power of prayer in our and others lives. So the question isn’t whether or not prayer works/changes things but why it seems inconsistent, why some prayers are answered and others seemingly falling on deaf ears.

Let's be crystal clear on this point: All prayers are answered and answered in the affirmative, but never at the expense of others or if ultimately placing us in a position to be harmed. Prayer provides what we need, seen and unseen, not necessarily what we want.

When new to the path prayers are often a form of outlining, a request for some action we would like God to take on our behalf, thinking we know what’s best for us at the time. Having made the decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God it is clear why prayers of this type do not return the expected results, but God does answer these prayers in the affirmative, providing what we need though we cannot see it at the time with our fear limited consciousness.

Instead of telling God how a problem or difficulty should be addressed we instead trust in Him to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves, standing ready to follow whatever path he lays out for us. Soon our lives begin to change in incredible and marvelous ways for we now know I Can‘t, He Can and I Will Trust In Him.

Then there are half hearted prayers, praying with a lurking notion in the back of our mind that we don’t really deserve His help or He is too busy to be bothered so we pray without any real expectation of receiving, and God responds in the manner we ask. We must keep in the forefront of our consciousness that God wants us, all of us, to be happy, joyous and free, this life an extension of, not separate from Him. So pray expecting to receive for all of creation is at our beck and call when we pray from the heart and trust in Him.

#The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Serenity, Enlightenment, #Zen, #Emmet Fox, #How To Be Happy, #Golden Key, #Pope Francis, #Chopra, #Jesus, #Einstein, #AA, McRaven,

When we know, who walks beside us, on this path we have chosen, our fears fall from us.

Thursday, August 31, 2017

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