AA Step 2 Study: Comparison with Manuscript

 

Legend:

Underlined Red is text from manuscript.

(Published text.) *

(Compiler’s notes)

*Text used is from 2^nd Edition which is in the public domain.

STEP 2

Pg 44:1-50:2

In the preceding chapters, you have learned something of alcoholism. We hope we have made clear the distinction between the alcoholic and the non-alcoholic. If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if, when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic. If that be the case, you may be suffering from an illness which only a spiritual experience will conquer.

    To one who feels he is an atheist or agnostic such an experience seems impossible, but to continue as he is means disaster, especially if he is an alcoholic of the hopeless variety. To be doomed to an alcoholic hell (death) or be "saved" – (to live on a spiritual basis are) not (always) easy alternatives to face.

    But it isn't so difficult. About half our (original) fellowship were of exactly that type. At first some of us tried to avoid the issue, hoping against hope we were not true alcoholics. But after a while we had to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life - or else. Perhaps it is going to be that way with you. But cheer up, something like fifty (half) of us thought we were atheists or agnostics. Our experience shows that you need not disconcerted.

    If a mere code of morals, or a better philosophy of life were sufficient to overcome alcoholism, many of us would have recovered long ago. But we found that such codes and philosophies did not save us, no matter how much we tried. We could wish to be moral, we could wish to be philosophically comforted, in fact, we could will these things with all our might, but the needed power wasn't there. Our human resources, as marshalled by the will, were not sufficient; they failed utterly.

    Lack of power, that was our dilemma. We had to find a power by which we could live, and it had to be A Power Greater Than Ourselves. Obviously. But where and how were we to find this Power?

    Well, that's exactly what this book is about. Its main object is to enable you to find a Power greater than yourself, which will solve your problem. That means we have written a book which we believe to be spiritual as well as moral. And it means, of course, that we are going to talk about God. Here difficulty arises with agnostics. Many times we talk to a new man and watch his hope rise as we discuss his alcoholic problems and explain our fellowship. But his face falls when we speak of spiritual matters, especially when we mention God, for we have re-opened a subject which our man thought he had neatly evaded or entirely ignored.

    We know how he feels. We have shared his honest doubt and prejudice. Some of us have been violently anti-religious. To others, the word "God" brought up a particular idea of Him with which someone had tried to impress us (them) during childhood. Perhaps we rejected this particular conception because it seemed inadequate. With that rejection we imagined we had abandoned the God idea entirely. We were bothered with the thought that faith and dependence upon a Power beyond ourselves was somewhat weak, even cowardly. We looked upon this world of warring individuals, warring theological systems, inexplicable calamity, with deep skepticism. We looked askance at many individuals who claimed to be godly. How could a Supreme Being have anything to do with it all? And who could comprehend a Supreme Being anyhow? Yet, in other moments, we found ourselves thinking, when enchanted by the starlit night, "Who, then, made all this?" There was a feeling of awe and wonder, but it was fleeting and soon lost.

    Yes, we of agnostic temperament have had these thoughts and experiences. Let us make haste to reassure you. We found that as soon as we were able to lay aside prejudice and express even a willingness to believe in a Power greater than ourselves, we commenced to get results, even though it was impossible for any of us to fully define or comprehend that Power, which is God.

    Much to our relief, we discovered we did not need to consider another's conception of God. Our own conception, however inadequate, was sufficient to make the approach and to effect a contact with Him. As soon as we admitted the possible existence of a Creative Intelligence, A (a) Spirit of the Universe underlying the totality of things, we began to be possessed of a new sense of power and direction, provided we took other simple steps. We found that God does not make (too) hard terms with those who seek Him. To us, the Realm of Spirit is broad, roomy, all inclusive; never exclusive or forbidding (to those who earnestly seek). It is open, we believe, to all men.

    When, therefore, we speak to you of God, we mean your own conception of God. This applies, too, to other spiritual expressions which you find in this book. Do not let any prejudice you may have against spiritual terms deter you from honestly asking yourself what they mean to you. At the start, this is all you will need (we needed) to commence spiritual growth, to effect your (our) first conscious relation with God, as you (we) understand (understood) Him. Afterward, you will find yourself (we found ourselves) accepting many things which now seem (then seemed) entirely out of reach. That is (was) growth, but if you are going to grow, you have (we wished to grow we had) to begin somewhere. So use your (we used our) own conception, however limited it may be (was).

    You (We) need(ed) ask yourself (ourselves) but one short question. "Do I now believe, or am I even willing to believe, that there is a Power greater than myself?" As soon as a man can say that he does believe, or is willing to believe, we emphatically assure him that he is on his way. It has been repeatedly proven among us that upon this simple cornerstone (Note: Keystone found on pg. 62:3 and Foundation Stone on pg. 97:1) a wonderfully effective spiritual structure can be built. (Current edition has * here directing reader to the Spiritual Experience appendix.)

    That was great news to us, for we had assumed we could not make use of spiritual principles unless we accepted many things on faith which seemed difficult to believe. When people presented us with spiritual approaches, how frequently did we all say: "I wish I had what that man has. I'm sure it would work if I could only believe as he believes. But I cannot accept as surely true the many articles of faith which are so plain to him." So it was comforting to learn that we could commence at a simpler level.

    Besides a seeming inability to accept much on faith, we often found ourselves handicapped by obstinacy, sensitiveness, and unreasoning prejudice. Many of us have been so touchy that even casual reference to spiritual things made us bristle with antagonism. This sort of thinking had to be abandoned. Though some of us resisted, we found no great difficulty in casting aside such feelings. Faced with alcoholic destruction, we soon became as open minded on spiritual matters as we had tried to be on other questions. In this respect alcohol was a great persuader. It finally beat us into a state of reasonableness. Sometimes this was a tedious process; we hope no one will be prejudiced as long as some of us were.

    The reader may still ask why he should believe in a Power greater than himself. We think there are good reasons. Let us have a look at some of them.

    The practical individual of today is a stickler for facts and results. Nevertheless, the twentieth century readily accepts theories of all kinds, provided they are firmly grounded in fact. We have numerous theories, for example, about electricity. Everybody believes them without a murmur of doubt. Why this ready acceptance? Simply because it is impossible to explain what we see, feel, direct, and use, without a reasonable assumption as a starting point.

    Everybody nowadays, believes in scores of assumptions for which there is good evidence, but no perfect visual proof. And does not science demonstrate that visual proof is the weakest proof? It is being constantly revealed, as mankind studies the material world, that outward appearances are not inward reality at all. To illustrate:

    The prosaic steel girder is a mass of electrons whirling around each other at incredible speed. These tiny bodies are governed by precise laws, and these laws hold true throughout the material world. Science tells us so. We have no reason to doubt it. When, however, the perfectly logical assumption is suggested that underneath the material world, and life as we see it, there is an All Powerful, Guiding, Creative Intelligence, right there our perverse streak comes to the surface and we laboriously set out to convince ourselves it isn't so. We read wordy books and indulge in windy arguments, thinking we believe this universe needs no God to explain it. Were our contentions true, it would follow that life originated out of nothing, means nothing, and proceeds nowhere.

    Instead of regarding ourselves as intelligent agents, spearheads of God's ever advancing Creation, we agnostics and atheists chose to believe that our human intelligence was the last word, the alpha and the omega, the beginning and end of all. Rather vain of us, wasn't it?

    We, who have traveled this dubious path, beg you to lay aside prejudice, even against organized religion. We have learned that whatever the human frailties of various faiths may be, those faiths have given purpose and direction to millions. People of faith have a logical idea of what life is all about. Actually, we used to have no reasonable conception whatever. We used to amuse ourselves as we (by) cynically dissected(ing) spiritual beliefs and practices; (when) we might have observed that many spiritually-minded persons of all races, colors, and creeds were demonstrating a degree of stability, happiness and usefulness which we should have sought ourselves.

    Instead, we looked at the human defects of these people, and sometimes used their shortcomings as a basis of wholesale condemnation. We talked of intolerance, while we were intolerant ourselves. We missed the reality and the beauty of the forest because we were diverted by the ugliness of some of its trees. We never gave the spiritual side of life a fair hearing.

    In (our personal) the stories which follow you will find (a) wide variation in the way each teller approaches and conceives of the Power which is greater than himself. Whether you agree with a particular approach or conception seems to make little difference. Experience has taught (us) that these are matters about which, for our purpose, we need not be worried. They are questions for each individual to settle for himself.

I Have A Right To Be Angry!

Justified anger and righteous indignation are spiritual poison. When we are angry, outraged, indignant, upset or offended, who pays the price? We do. Sure, we may vent at the source of our displeasure, but our face becomes red, our heart beats faster, our blood pressure rises, our serenity is lost, our peace of mind replaced with turmoil. Even if we get the chance to give them “a piece of our mind” what was actually accomplished? Then there are those occasions when the object of our ire is beyond our reach, speeding away down the road, on the other side of the TV screen or radio speaker or try as we might we just cannot get through the maze of voice mailboxes to get to a real person and ranting e-mails are wholly unsatisfying. There are few laws that are truly immutable, here is one: we reap as we sow.

Immutable: adj

Unchanging or unchangeable: not changing or not able to be changed (Encarta)

We cannot get angry enough to instill peace, in ourselves or anyone else. No one has ever been moved for long in a positive way when anger is the sole motivation. No world leader or politician has ever changed their mind because we yelled at the TV.

Does this mean we should go through life with a Mona Lisa type smile cemented on our face, never taking a stand or pointing out mistakes, having no opinion on anything, floating along on some form of spiritual (or actual) Valium? Of course not, Living on the Spiritual Basis is not about disconnecting from life, floating above it all, but connecting in new and profound ways, for we are living on a new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God.

There will always be something or someone to be upset at or offended by, but our peace, our serenity must never be the victim. When we allow the world to get the better of us, we suffer the pain we are attempting to inflict on others. We drink the poison of resentment and discontent, we become upset and irritable, we close ourselves off from the sunlight of the spirit and not only do we suffer, but those closest to us do as well. The next time the thought “I have a right to be angry” crosses your mind ask yourself: Who gave you this right? Bottoms up. © Vincent Jones

 AA, ACIM, Alanon, Baba Ram Dass, Golden Key, Heart's Desire, Language Of The Heart, Law Of Attraction, NOTW, Power of Intention, Road Less Traveled, The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Zen, How To Be Happy

Eloquence of Action

Many believe that change and growth can come through discourse alone. That sounding off and speaking out actually accomplishes anything. Today, just as yesterday and the day before ad infinitum, impassioned speeches will be made from the bedraggled fellow in Hyde Park speaker’s corner to the United Nations. Chances are none of them will be remembered next week, or even tomorrow for that matter in most cases. There has always been, and will always be vibrant speakers. Eloquent and moving in the moment, their words perhaps even bridging time, to touch future generations. However, did their words alone result in or engender action? Consider: If Churchill had not demonstrated resolve along with his eloquence, would Britain have persevered against seemingly insurmountable odds? When FDR spoke on Dec. 8th 1941, he called for action. What would the world look like today if he had failed to follow through? John Kennedy did not suggest that maybe we should go to the moon; he said we would in the next ten years and put into motion the foundation to accomplish it. Mother Teresa did not merely speak about love and service, but demonstrated it by living and prospering in conditions that few of us can truly comprehend.

These individuals were dynamic. Yes, they spoke well, but what made them dynamic was making their words real, turning eloquence into action. Even if you and I never reach the levels of power or renown of these dynamic individuals, being dynamic is part and parcel of Living on the Spiritual Basis. Faith without works is dead, sweet words and promises mean nothing, actually becoming destructive, if the appropriate action does not follow. None of us walks the way we talk all of the time, but it is a goal worth shooting for. Strive to be dynamic; one day at a time, a speech demonstrated with ones hands and feet always carries more weight, and lasting permanent value, than words alone.

AA, ACIM, Alanon, Baba Ram Dass, Emmet Fox, Golden Key, Heart's Desire, Law Of Attraction, NOTW, Power of Intention, Road Less Traveled, The Secret, Zen, 

Thinking From The End

Walking the way we talk. When we espouse one thing but act in a contrary manner not only does it make us look untrustworthy but also opens the door to all manner of spiritual disease and a seeming disconnect from reality. Wishing to be happy but seeding unhappiness, wanting to be loved but unwilling to demonstrate love, demanding respect while being disrespectful, holding truth and fairness as essential while speaking falsely and treating others unfairly are all examples of spiritual disease. Demonstration in conflict with intention. These are gross examples, easily identifiable and addressed if the individual wishes to change in truth and if they do not, we see them for what they are and turn in prayer to assist them.

Then there are the more subtle forms; condescension and self-aggrandizement couched in seemingly well-intended asides, comments and actions. One of which, which I found particularly painful since I had used it often was “But for the grace of God go I.” The phrase always made me a little uneasy, though for years I could not suss out why. When the truth finally hit I became physically ill and spiritually unsettled. Consider the full import of the phrase: it implies there are those beyond God’s grace! And fortunately I'm not one of them!  Really? That some are “chosen” in some way, greater in God‘s sight than another? How could that be possible? I wrestled with this for a time, looking for a loophole to crawl through, but they all ended in the same place, base condescension and the spiritually corrosive “holier than thou” sensibility.

Wayne Dyer has suggested we “think from the end.” He had yet to put the concept in print when I applied it to the above, but that is the essence of it. I am grateful today for having my eyes opened and heart opened, not so much at the time.


 Zen, The Secret, spiritual axiom, Road Less Traveled, NOTW, Law Of Attraction, Golden Key, Emmet Fox, ACIM, Baba Ram Dass, Power of Intention,

Salvation Today

Words have a way of morphing over time. Some words once in common usage have seemingly disappeared or their meaning/application has changed. Salvation is one of these words. Few, save those in the soul saving business today use it. Many people if asked only relate to it in regards to those kettles manned by that army in the curious uniforms outside malls and stores at Christmas.To Wit:

Salvation : n
1.  act of saving from harm: the saving of somebody or something from harm, destruction, difficulty, or failure 
 2.  means of saving somebody or something: somebody or something that protects or delivers somebody or something else from harm, destruction, difficulty, or failure
3.  Christianity: deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ: in the Christian religion, deliverance from sin or the consequences of sin through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross
  4.  Christian Science philosophy of life: in the Christian Science religion, belief in the supremacy of life, truth, and love, and in their destruction of such illusions as sin, illness, and death (Encarta)

Who hasn’t tried to employ the first definition with our children and those we love or the second with even strangers or new acquaintances by simply providing a phone number of a good mechanic or tax preparer or even dropping a quarter in a parking meter about to expire (I know, it is illegal, but I think it puts a smile on an angels face every time we do). Every time you saved a lizard from the cat or stopped and waited for a mother duck and her brood to cross the road you engaged in an act of salvation. See, demonstrating salvation is not that hard. Sounds a lot more impressive when you can announce to the world you provided an act of salvation versus you let some baby ducks and their mom pass. On a more serious note when we embark on the new basis of living, the Spiritual Basis, salvation in demonstration becomes the norm, the very fabric of our existence.

But what of definitions three and four? These are issues left for you and your consciousness, your relationship with God. What is required of those Living on the Spiritual Basis is to remain open minded, even when we do not completely agree with a particular approach to a relationship with God, there is still much for us to learn. At the very least, take the time to place yourself in the others shoes and, whether you agree with them or not, look through their eyes, for never lose sight of the ultimate truth that they are children of the Most High just as you are. “Be quick to see were religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.”

In truth, we have committed many acts of salvation in the course of our lives. And many have been extended to us by others. Regardless of the term we use to describe these acts, they are demonstrations of our higher self, clear indications that we are in fact connected, one to another, in Spirit and love. Rejoice!

Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Spiritual Living, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, Law Of Attraction, Language Of The Heart, Golden Key, ACIM, 

Blessings And Unicorns

A gathering of geese is a gaggle. A brood of chickens is a clutch. A gathering of unicorns is known as a blessing. Unicorns hold a curious place in our consciousness. Virtually every other creature, whether real or mythical, has been depicted as both good and evil, depending on the point trying to be made, or the consciousness of the time. Cats were worshiped in ancient Egypt, and then nearly wiped out in Europe during the Middle Ages since many believed them to be the familiars of witches, which allowed the rat population to explode spreading the black plague. Lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), snakes, dragons, sharks, spiders, crocodiles, horses and dogs have spent time on either side of the street and though typically negative, even rats and cockroaches have found some to sing their praises. The unicorn however is always depicted in a positive, mystical light, never deadly or harmful directly or indirectly, the most negative depiction its supposed foolishness when called by Noah.

Spiritually the unicorn represents freedom and willingness and by Living on the Spiritual Basis we choose to ride the unicorn. Unlike a horse, which is bridled and controlled, the unicorn will not submit to saddle or bridle for it is not a beast of burden but a force of nature. The unicorn does not need our input on what direction to fly, for its vision is singular. The unicorn does not require our strength, for it draws strength directly from The Source of all creation. The unicorn does not go around or fly above trouble and discontent; for trouble and discontent vanishes as it approaches.

The Adversary, fear, will whisper to us to avoid the unicorn and walk like other men. Resist fears clarion call and jump on the unicorns back, grabbing it’s mane tight, digging your heels into its side for in so doing you demonstrate willingness, though fearful, to ride on, come what may. Soon you will find yourself surrounded by other unicorns, most unfortunately riderless, truly in the midst of a blessing.  


Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, Law Of Attraction, Golden Key, Baba Ram Dass, ACIM, 

Heaven On Earth

Babel: n

1.  confused noise: especially the noise of loud unintelligible voices all talking at once 
2.  noisy place: a scene or place of noisy confusion (Encarta)

There are a few stories from the Old Testament that pretty much everyone has some knowledge of, Noah and the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Cain and Abel, Moses and the Ten Commandments and the Tower of Babel. Considering the tower, what would the world look like if we all spoke the same language, had complete access to unfiltered information? Everyone on the “same” page, nothing lost in translation, language barriers unknown, what a different world it would be, the good and bad of it making for an interesting thought experiment.

The Good News is we do have access today to a common language and Living on the Spiritual Basis is the root, for when we practice the Presence of God in all our activities, the heart speaks, and when the heart speaks, hearts listen. Regardless of the language employed for secular communication, the Language of the Heart is universal. Be the words in Russian, French, Chinese or Urdu, if we begin each day asking in morning meditation to be shown the way of patience, tolerance, kindliness and love we speak as one. If we are asking throughout our day to be shown how we may be of service to God and our fellows, we speak with one voice. When we consistently place the welfare of others ahead of our own, we demonstrate the universal language of Divine Love. What would the world look like if everyone spoke this language, the language of the Heart? Heaven.

Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Power of Intention, metaphysics, Law Of Attraction, 

The Fourth Horse

The fourth horse is the White Horse, the conquering horse. “Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity….” Words have power. Too heal, to harm, to start a war or stop one, to spread love or condemn. Our words mark us and lay the foundation for the future, a future of either freedom or bondage. Am I willing to let others suffer, for any justification? Do I look down upon anyone for any reason? Do I believe in freedom for all? Do I trust God, Really? Am I willing to stand for truth, possibly at great personal risk or do I soft pedal it to save hurt feelings or myself?

Living on the Spiritual Basis we no longer hide behind generalities. When I marginalize you, for any reason, I marginalize everyone. To ride the White Horse to freedom requires more courage than we are capable of on our own, but with God all things are possible. So abandon yourself to God, ask Him to remove any lingering prejudices or sacred cows still holding you back, grab the mane of the conquering horse as it speeds by and hold on with all your might. Do not try to rein him in or guide him for he will toss you off if you do. His vision is clear, his sights set, his destination the heart of God, for it is none other than God himself who sent him to you and He will give you the abiding strength to hold on and ride to freedom, if you are willing.

 Four Horsemen, Revelation, Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Source, sacred cows, Power of Intention, NOTW, never alone, metaphysics, Law Of Attraction, Golden Key, Alanon, ACIM,

The Attraction Of Trudging

 “But honesty, open-mindedness and willingness are essential.” We triumph over life’s inevitable challenges not by the exercise of willpower and brute force but by tapping into the power of God. Many paths lead to our ultimate awakening, most, if not all begin with spiritual discomfort. Sickness (our own or a loved ones), addiction, financial stress, a failed relationship and death (a loved ones or contemplating our own) are all beginnings, for “the only instrument sharp enough to cut away the excess of self is pain.” The greatest gift we can give ourselves is a foundation in faith before the assault on self begins. The pain and discomfort of dealing with the ultimate questions of living will not be avoided, but we will have a clear-cut set of directions to follow out of the wilderness.

“Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.” We must set aside our preconceived ideas and don a new pair of glasses. Listen and learn with your heart, for in the end, isn’t finding a way out more important than who provides it? If you were drowning and a rope appeared held by a long hated enemy would you refuse it? Put aside your prejudice against any spiritual path, make use of what they have to offer, take what you need and leave the rest (for this selfishness is God inspired) and join us as we “trudge the road of happy destiny.”  

Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, metaphysics, Golden Key, Emmet Fox, ACIM, Alanon, 

Tour De France

What do you believe in? We believe in all sorts of things but typically fail to take the time to consider them. Everyone lives by a set of values, has a code, things they will and will not do but rarely stop and examine what they are. Living on the Spiritual Basis we choose to examine our beliefs, seeking clarity on our values and the code we live by. In so doing we build the structure of our mentality, our consciousness a metaphysical stone at a time. Our decision to live the examined life builds the fortress of our faith, provides sure footing in times of trouble, protection from the vagaries of random wild negative thoughts and raised ramparts to better view the landscape of our lives.

All structures require maintenance, lest they fall to ruin. Some years ago I began watching the Tour De France, more for the stunning beauty of France than for a bunch bicyclists. Much of the race is followed with helicopters showing panoramic views of famous structures in proximity to the race route. France is dotted with castles/fortresses, typically situated on a prominent high point overlooking a village or critical choke point along an invasion route. A few are still occupied, but most have been allowed to deteriorate, their walls crumbling, moats overgrown, testaments to a once vital defense, now merely reminders of what once was. Just as physical walls fail without care and maintenance, the fortress of our faith will suffer as well without spiritual maintenance performed with consistent prayer and meditation. If we fail to do this and rest on our laurels the seeds of fear will find their way into the stones, take root and eventually breach the walls. Having done the work in faith to build our fortress, we must remain ever vigilant watching for the beginning shoots of fear, negativity and depression and when they appear, for they will, address them immediately by reaffirming our faith and trust in God.


 ACIM, Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, metaphysics, Golden Key, Golden Rule,

Chop Wood, Carry Water

Often when someone is struggling spiritually, a “need to get back to basics” will be cited as the solution.  I have searched high and low, mostly low, and have been unable to find the source of the direction to get away from basics in the first place, because if I could find the author I would administer a thorough pummeling. Here is a thought, if getting back to basics is such a good idea, than never getting away from them in the first place is even better! In truth, what happens to all students in pursuit of raised consciousness is the perceived (incorrectly) necessity of always seeking new information and paths to enlightenment, the search becoming the object, the destination of acquiring a consistent means of growth lost in the heat of the chase. “If it works, don’t fix it” should be our mantra regarding spiritual growth. Living on the Spiritual Basis, we have come to rely on a power greater than ourselves for guidance and inspiration, for intuitive thoughts.

*Intuitive: adj

1.  known directly and instinctively, without being discovered or consciously perceived 
2.  knowing things instinctively 

Intuitive thought is God thinking. Living on the new basis, the basis of trusting and relying upon God we trust infinite God rather than our finite selves, yet we have all occasionally strayed when a seemingly “new and improved” path or teaching grabbed our attention, just as a new toy grabs the attention of a child. I am going to let you in on a secret, all paths lead to the same destination, our job to identify the one that works for us and stick to it; for once we have settled on a method that sings to us, we have arrived. Spiritual growth requires effort, a lot of “chopping wood and carrying water” as we trudge the road of happy destiny. Whether an ax or penknife, bucket or teacup is employed, the work must be done if we are to know freedom. So pick a path or teacher and stick with it, and if it is time to change you will know in your heart, the thought coming intuitively, our job to stop looking for shortcuts and do the work at hand.

 Zen, The Secret, Sober Living By The Sea, Road Less Traveled, NOTW, ODAAT, metaphysics, Power of Intention, ACIM,

Our Timeless Journey And Hot Dogs

Living on the Spiritual Basis our prayers take on a new flavor. Though all prayers are heard, we have come to know they are answered in the manner in which they are asked, putting faith in action. Trusting and relying on God, we expect to receive, for that is the promise, keeping in the forefront of our minds that “faith without works is dead.” If hungry, locking ones self in a closet and praying for a hotdog would be foolish, yet is that not exactly what many do in other areas of life? So we pray, but take whatever material steps indicated for the difficulty at hand as well, and if we are unsure on what steps to take, we ask God and they will become evident.

The problem that plagues many, if not all, is the concept of time. We have a time line in our minds eye for things to be done that is of no interest or concern to God. A Spiritual adviser years ago said to me “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.” God provides exactly what is required at exactly the moment required, our difficulty arising because we have outlined a hoped for outcome and time frame (giving God a helping hand since we know how busy He is) and when our expectations are not met, we subject ourselves to needless emotional wear and tear. Hindsight being 20/20 we look back and see where God did for us what we could never have done for ourselves. Had we received what we thought we needed at the time we would have missed something wonderful, a valuable lesson that moved the story of our soul along its ever-upward timeless journey.

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Zen, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, Golden Key, A Course in Miracles, 

Whats In Your Mixing Bowl?

We always demonstrate our spiritual understanding. Our actions, the manner in which we live and treat our fellows demonstrates our spiritual understanding. What we truly believe always manifests in our lives, how could it not? Consider cake making: whatever is put in the mixing bowl will be in the final product. A baker would never put something inedible or spoiled into the mix and then not expect it to be in the finished cake, yet many do exactly that with their lives. Living on the secular basis, at a base level of spiritual consciousness, many speak in spiritual terms, but their actions betray their true beliefs, particularly in times of trouble. This produces a spiritual dissonance that results in inner turmoil, confusion, fear based living and decisions. An unwholesome mix indeed.

Living on the Spiritual Basis, at raised levels of consciousness, we ask in prayer and meditation for direction and guidance, trusting in infinite God rather than our finite selves to restore and maintain our peace of mind. The result of this mix being serenity, peace of heart and spiritual understanding in living demonstrated, resulting in a most pleasing cake indeed.


ACIM, addiction alcoholics anonymous Emmet Fox, Alanon, Baba Ram Dass, Zen, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, NOTW, Power of Intention, 

What Lengths Are You Willing To Go?

Living on the Spiritual Basis, the basis of trusting and relying upon God, it would be foolish not to think of what the full impact of this ultimately means in our lives. As our consciousness rises, it becomes clear that many of the scariest aspects of God are human constructs designed to control and manipulate. Though usually based in some scripture or spiritual teaching they require some rather interesting interpretations while ignoring or even attacking anyone or anything that does not comport with this closed view. Living at levels of raised awareness we do not argue with or contradict those who hold on to a punishing, rigid concept of God. Today we are peaceful warriors letting our lives carry the message, fearlessly testifying to the truth, when asked.  

I believe, and believe this holds true for all, that God is “Our Father” and wants all His children to be Happy, Joyous and Free, as any loving parent would. That we are forgiven as soon as we ask as long as we walk the way we talk (much easier said than done). No sin so grievous that it places us beyond redemption, as long as we mean business, God will restore us to sanity, a demonstration of true grace (to be clear: grace does not necessarily erase the earthly consequences of our actions, it does however provide us with the strength and courage to face them). The realm of Heaven being roomy, all-inclusive, never exclusive or forbidding, is open to all who earnestly seek, regardless of present conditions or circumstances. All that is required is an open heart, an open mind and the willingness to go to any lengths for a spiritual awakening.


Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Serenity, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, Golden Key, 

The Adversary's Thousand Faces

No one but you and God truly know what is in your heart, nor can we ever truly know what is in the heart of another, for only God has that ability. We come to know the issues of someone’s heart by their actions, demonstrations, not their words. One of the most misunderstood teachings in the Christ message is on judgment. It is not that we are to avoid being judgmental, for that is impossible. In fact, we are instructed to employ righteous judgment, to judge based on action, not on words. However, we cannot judge rightly if our own house is not in order.

To put our house in order we take an honest, fearless and thorough inventory of our life. We identify the things that have been blocking us from fully accepting God’s love and guidance. Once we have done this we find they are all fear based in one manner or another, for the adversary, fear, has a thousand faces. We risk our serenity when we pass judgment on someone else while our actions may be just as bad or even worse. We clean up our actions, our side of the street first, sharpening our vision, and then we can speak to our brothers’ difficulties, if asked. Seeing the pitfalls and roadblocks in someone’s path is none of our business unless we are asked, for Living on the Spiritual Basis requires we never answer the unasked question. We practice patience and prayer, standing ready to go to any lengths to be of service when called, remembering that although we have great power in changing ourselves, by our reliance on God in all things, we have little power in changing others since their desire, just as ours, must come from within.


Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, Golden Key, Emmet Fox, ACIM, 

God Is Calling

Emmet Fox wrote, “Your real problem-the only problem you have-is to find your true calling in life. Everything else will fall into place. You will be happy; and upon happiness, health will follow. You will have all the supply that you require to meet your needs, and this means that you will have perfect freedom; for poverty and freedom cannot go together.”

Your heart’s desire has called to you. The still quiet voice, God’s voice, in you has whispered it to you. The thing you may have never said aloud for fear of ridicule. The thing the fear-based voice says: you are too old, you will never make a living doing it, what would your friends and family think, what about my responsibilities, and a thousand other “reasons” to stay locked into the role you have decided society would have you play, not God. The first step to freedom begins here. You must answer this question: Do you believe God wants you to be happy, joyous and free? If you hold this as true, then what power on earth could possibly stand in the way?  

“Remember that this call is the call of God, and when God calls you to His Service, He pays all the expenses in whatever kind of coin. …Whatever you may require to answer that call, God will provide. Money, opportunity, introductions, knowledge, training, freedom, leisure, strength, and courage-all will He furnish, if you be about His business and not your own.
       
Your Heart’s desire is the Voice of God, and that Voice must be obeyed sooner or later.” 

AA, ACIM, A Course in Miracles, Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, sacred cow, Power of Intention, metaphysics, 

Ultimate Truth

"When you change the way you look at things the things you look at change."

When we first embark on the path of Spiritual Living we are greeted with this truth:

If you knew who walked beside you, on this path you have chosen, you would never be afraid again.

Then as our awareness and understanding grows over time through application and demonstration of spiritual principles this transforms to:

When you know who walks beside you, on this path you have chosen, your fears fall from you.

Finally as we take our place as Children of the Light, understanding our true place, that we are spiritual beings experiencing the human condition, eternal, not limited humans seeking enlightenment, the ultimate truth resonates:

I now know who walks beside me on my chosen path and I fear no longer.




enlightenment, Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Road Less Traveled, ACIM, Baba Ram Dass, Bible, metaphysician, Power of Intention,

Time's Inevitable Reckoning

Nothing says inevitable reckoning like birthdays. As children we eagerly looked forward to them with nearly as much anticipation as Christmas. Then imperceptibly one day we cross an invisible line and begin to view the upcoming date of our birth with something less than glee.This change in perception probably began when that first “friend” jokingly said, “hey, you’re getting old.” Sets in for real when we realize our music tastes no longer encompass any new artists, something we vowed as teenagers would never happen. Your 20-year class reunion notice arrives and the thought crosses your mind, “where has the time gone?” catching yourself looking in the mirror with a critical eye, wondering how you will measure up against your classmates and if that gym membership is still active.

The march of time does not take breaks and only moves in one direction for us, seemingly picking up steam the further down the path we travel. So what is one to do? Live in the day, for the only time we have in truth is this moment. The only time we can be present for life is in this moment, the only time we can be present for God is right now. Do not allow yourself to project into the future or dwell on the past, for they lead us inexorably into morbid reflection, regardless of original intent. Make plans and set goals of course, but we do not hang our happiness or peace of mind on whether or not our script is followed, we stand ready to change direction immediately if and when it is indicated.

Live One Day At A Time, staying in the here and now and the tomorrows will take care of themselves. We must be about God’s business, trusting and relying on Divine Love and Guidance, for only in so doing is true peace, growth and serenity realized.

ACIM, Alanon, Bible, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Source, Road Less Traveled, Power of Intention, NOTW, ODAAT, Emmet Fox, 

Hypocrisy And Forrest Gump

“Handsome is as handsome does.” Sounds a bit Forrest Gump-ish but it fit’s 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 nice people, 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.

  #Bible, #Emmet Fox, #NOTW, #The Secret, #Wayne Dyer, #Zen, Alanon, Power of Intention,

12 Steps To Cake Making

Students who find the path of Living on the Spiritual Basis through the 12 step process have an advantage, the advantage of clear cut simple directions. The directions found in the “Big Book”, Alcoholics Anonymous, are straight forward and concise. Even so I have had students relate all kinds of curious interpretations of the process they heard someone (often an old-timer) relate in an AA meeting. The problem is that many, instead of actually reading and studying the path, chose to base their understanding on people and gatherings rather than on their own work and effort. Faith without works is dead. I understand, why do hard things like studying the path and really working towards enlightenment, when there are easy things like going to meetings and sober activities, relying on others “easier softer way” interpretations as gospel. Eventually spirituality by osmosis (lots of activity, little real work) wears thin and they are faced with a crisis they can no longer evade or postpone, that no amount of “sharing” or talking about will help; they begin to think God has abandoned them. They truly believe they have been “working” toward a raised consciousness, but this perception is based on wishful thinking. In truth they have been doing some of the work, but not all, like trying to make a cake but leaving out an important ingredient, then blaming the recipe when the cake is inedible.

The good news is we can change our point of view and start reaping the benefits immediately. Kinda like going on a diet and losing five pounds just by deciding to go on the diet, pretty cool. The 12 step process isn't about not drinking or using drugs, it is about learning to live on a new basis, the Spiritual Basis. Alcohol (and drugs) is but a symptom, the bottle (syringe, pipe, pill bottle, etc) only a symbol. For those who do not sufferer from addiction, substitute life and living for symptom and fear for the symbol and if you have the willingness, this path of enlightenment will provide answers to all of life's problems, but a price has to be paid, that price is the surrendering of self. Cheers.

 Zen, Wayne Dyer, The Secret, Sober Living By The Sea, Power of Intention,