Living In Spirit: Sobertec

Showing posts with label Sobertec. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

The Good Natured Gossip

The price of continuing spiritual freedom is vigilance. Drifting into negative thinking and speech, typically happening without any conscious thought or plan on our part, is easy. The “good” natured gossip session with a friend or joining in (or worse, instigating) a huddle complaining about a disagreeable co-worker or boss, taking sides in any romantic or marital dispute or simply speaking about someone for any reason where we would be embarrassed if we discovered them standing behind us, show that we have strayed. If we are saying anything about anyone that we would be unwilling to say to them in person, we place ourselves at risk. Gossiping and tale telling rarely (if ever) embodies patience, tolerance, kindliness or love and those are some of the watchwords Living on the Spiritual Basis embodies. As far as taking sides in romantic squabbles, we have all probably done this only to become the enemy upon their reconciliation, so we have learned to be supportive but avoid engaging in character assassination, no matter how seemingly egregious someones behavior appears to be. One of the great truths in life is there is always two sides to every story and they often only have a passing resemblance to one another.

So restraint of pen and tongue is not only a secular truth but a spiritual axiom as well.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Serenity, Enlightenment, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, Addicts Today, Chopra, Jesus, Healing Path Recovery, Einstein, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson, Sayeh Beheshti, AKUA

Monday, February 9, 2015

Heavenly Butterfly

Everything is connected. Every word, every action, every thought. Nothing happens without consequence, both positive and negative, without touching everything and everyone else. Consider the still pond. Toss a pebble into the center and concentric rings from the disturbance begin emanating on the surface towards the sides of the pool. Observe carefully and you will see the rings rebound back from the shore at oblique angles, eventually touching even the seemingly hidden nooks and crannies of the pond. This is the observable part of the reaction, what of that which happens beyond our sight? As our pebble falls through the water on its journey to the bottom of the pond it continues to send out waves, though invisible to the eye, touching every part of the pond and every creature that calls the pond home.

The effect of our pebble reverberating in the pond is akin to our thoughts, words and actions effect on our selves and the world about us. What we are reverberates throughout the world, mostly unseen or consciously noticed, but the effect is there nonetheless. The analogy of “a butterfly flaps its wings in Africa and a drought happens in China” has been used by climatologists to suggest that the smallest actions can influence major change is illustrative.

Never doubt your importance or connection with the Divine. We are all children of the Most High. Regard yourself accordingly, asserting your true place in thought and deed as demonstrations of God’s love and guidance and in so doing, all Heaven rejoices.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Our Long Strange Trip

Living on the Spiritual Basis moves us off the bench and into the vehicle of our journey in Spirit. We all spend time on the bench, rationalizing and justifying why we are not taking the trip now, watching vehicle after vehicle stop and pick up travelers. Fear keeps us on the bench, a mustard seeds worth of faith gets us off it.

The fare for our journey is willingness, open-mindedness and honesty. Our ultimate destination salvation, serenity and freedom. Our driver and guide? No less than God. Yes, it will be a long strange trip fraught with fear, our only real adversary, regularly cajoling, suggesting even screaming for us to disembark for we really can't trust the driver. But if we can resist the adversary's clarion call and trust in God rather than fear our freedom is assured, the sights and vistas along the way remarkable beyond words, our awakening in Spirit breathtaking. Whata trip!

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Saturday, February 7, 2015

Our Secret Room

When I truly began applying spiritual principles in my life, not just paying them lip service, I had to address my “secret room.” Employing rationalization and justification I had sold myself a bill of goods to neatly lock away the things I was not proud of; poor choices, bad behavior, secret fears, resentments, etc out of sight. When the time came to ruthlessly face my past the reasoning that locked these things away melted like a late spring snow. The process required placing them on paper and then saying them aloud to a trusted spiritual adviser. When this was completed it felt as if an actual weight had been lifted from my shoulders, it was a stunning moment. This happened long ago and in the intervening years I have watched the same transformation happen in hundreds of lives, the only requirement for successful consummation of the process being that they were thorough and honest in clearing out their secret room, for The truth will set you free.

A few weeks after revealing the inventory of my secret room, I asked God to enter every nook and cranny of my life, to short circuit the false notion that there exists any aspect of my life that God is unaware of. Looking back it seems foolish that I believed I could “hide” things from God, but I did. A wise teacher said to me many years ago “live your life as if it was being filmed, a permanent record available to any who would care to look.” In truth, no camera eye follows us around (thankfully), but the eye of God does (thankfully). Clear out your closet if you have not already, for God already knows what is in it. Tear the door of your secret place off its hinges, and live in the light, free of the fear that hides within its shadows.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Friday, February 6, 2015

The Attraction Of Trudging

We triumph over life’s inevitable challenges not by the exercise of willpower and brute force but by tapping into the power of the Infinite. 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.

So “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 our 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.”

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Promises For All

Living on the Spiritual Basis promises much: “We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past or wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace…That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear…Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us…When we look back, we realize that the things which came to us when we put ourselves in God’s hands were better than anything we could have planned…As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His Presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter. We were reborn.”

“Are these extravagant promises? We think not…They will always materialize if we work for them” (Alcoholics Anonymous).

If this and more is promised to those suffering from addiction, could you expect anything less in your life? Place your will and life into His hands and this and so much more is yours, for it is the promise and God keeps all His promises.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Memo: No, really, I got this. Signed God.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we now trust and rely on God for guidance, strength and direction but it is up to us to demonstrate our belief. If we pray but do not really believe we deserve to receive or that somehow the difficulty we are in was delivered by God to “teach” us a lesson than our prayer is answered accordingly. What do you believe? Living in grace we are forgiven in spirit our transgressions as soon as we ask, the pain comes when after having our consciousness raised we choose to act in a manner we know in our heart is wrong. God does not punish us, we do, reaping as we have sown. He does not keep score, we do. Everything we have ever done or said is written on our heart, in our hand, not God’s. God wants us to be happy, joyous and free, if I am not it is because I have taken back up the reins of my life and am running the show again for God is a gentleman and will always hand the reins back when I reach for them.

Our deliverance comes from trust and demonstration. Trust in Him who has all knowledge and power and you will demonstrate the life you desire, continue outlining and attempting to run the show and you will demonstrate more of what you are praying to have removed! So avoid lending God a hand in the running of your life; He really doesn’t need the help

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

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 chose 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 with 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.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Monday, February 2, 2015

What Lies Behind The Clouds?

When things are going well there is a natural tendency to slack off a touch in our spiritual work. The sun is shining, the clouds decorating a peaceful sky, perfect for watching lying on a soft bed of grass, peace immanent. Life is good. We enjoy these times but must remain wary of complacency. Like the athlete who trains daily for the occasional competitions, we pray and meditate daily to keep our connection to the Divine fresh and open for the inevitable storms that visit every life. Living on the Spiritual Basis we now understand the rain falls on the just and the unjust equally, it is not punishment, it is just life. Living on the new basis today when a storm comes we gently step back into the shadow and shelter of the Almighty, out of the wind and rain, continuing to pray and meditate until the storm passes and the sun returns. Having embraced eternity we understand the truth of being, that behind every cloud, the sun still shines.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Growing Up Happy On The Road To Siberia

Grow up! Whenever someone does or says something juvenile there is invariably an “adult” nearby to suggest this course of action. We have all probably been on either side of the “grow up” admonition at one time or another in our lives, but juvenile behavior is one thing, what about our spiritual maturity? Many who would be offended if it were suggested they were anything less than a model of modern maturity in truth have static spirituality. Having struck upon a “sensible” structured slate of activity and repetitive prayer at proscribed times they are “comfortable” and self-assured in their path, their sacred cows well cared for. GROW UP! Our spiritual lives, and there really is no other, demands constant fresh input to be vital, complacency and staidness clear demonstrations of spiritual immaturity. GROW UP! We keep our conscious contact with the Divine fresh and growing on a daily basis by keeping an open mind and heart, ready to act and serve in whatever manner God would have us. Ready to go to any lengths, any extreme for our spiritual awakening, constantly moving forward, sometimes quickly sometimes slowly but always growing, never content to draw a line in the sand, plant our flag and say "no further." One of the hallmarks of spiritual maturity is willingness. Years ago when I was balking at taking some indicated action, my spiritual guide described his level of willingness: “If God wants me to go shovel shit in Siberia I’m willing, the only question I have is do I need to bring my own shovel.” Willingness is the key, how willing are you? See you along the road of happy destiny, perhaps happily strolling to Siberia, with or without a shovel.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, ACIM, Serenity, Enlightenment, Zen, Emmet Fox, How To Be Happy, Golden Key, Addicts Today, Chopra, Jesus, Healing Path Recovery, Einstein, Sobertec, Marianne Williamson, Sayeh Beheshti,

Saturday, January 31, 2015

Law Of Attraction, Karma And The Adversary

Karma: n

1. Eastern religion, Eastern philosophy: the Hindu and Buddhist philosophy according to which the quality of people’s current and future lives is determined by their behavior in this and in previous lives
2. Atmosphere radiated by a place, situation, person, or object (informal)
3. Destiny or fate in general

The term karma became part of the general lexicon in the west during the 60’s. It is certainly more “modern” to say karma rather than “reap what you sow” yet it means exactly the same thing, the concept of karma actually predating Christianity by over a thousand years. This concept is a cosmic law, is never broken and there is no appeal. Think law of gravity, same rules of appeal apply. The mistake most often made when thinking on karma is that it is a form of punishment. Unlike gravity, our actions determine our karma, reaping what we have sown.

The good news is that karma, or if you prefer The Law of Attraction, works both ways. To borrow from Wayne Dyer: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change. To be clear: everyone faces trouble or difficulty in the course of their lives they did nothing to attract, but these occasions are rare and if we are rigorously honest with ourselves it becomes clear that by the choices and decisions we made we set into motion the circumstances that eventually placed us in a position to be harmed.

We are blessed with free will, the ability to choose the path we walk, the choices we make determining the crop we reap. So we avoid the deliberate manufacture of misery and suffering, Living on the Spiritual Basis we walk the road less traveled, trusting and relying on a power greater than ourselves to keep the adversary, fear, in its proper place for If you knew, who walked beside you on this path you have chosen, you would never be afraid again.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Friday, January 30, 2015

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.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Thursday, January 29, 2015

So, why is reincarnation necessary?

Know anyone so set in their ways dynamite couldn’t move them off a position or opinion, whether it is a sports team, political party or issue? Most people by the time they have reached their 40’s have pretty much sorted out what they do or do not believe, are set in their ways, their mind effectively closed to differing opinions or points of view, any new growth effectively choked off by the weight of a “settled” mind, their character fixed, ignorance embraced.

IGNORANCE: n

1. lack of knowledge or education
2. unawareness of something, often of something important

Some where in the sands of time the term ignorance transformed from a simply descriptive word to a pejorative, to be ignorant simply means we are unaware or lack knowledge.

Our spiritual schooling involves the development of every aspect of character, for who can truly say they understand another until they have walked a mile in their shoes?

The lessons we need to learn to become spiritually complete are legion. Consider: To become a good leader first the lessons of humility and to resist the siren song of corruption absolute power sings is necessary. To live alone and be at peace and to live amongst many and learn to view all as equals, children of a loving God, regardless of how they may offend, to live childless and as a parent, to learn these things and so many others and to do it from both the male and female perspective is a task far beyond the capacity of any single lifetime clearly, so our long spiritual schooling is not constrained by our limited understanding of time or the finality of flesh. Our Father is eternal and so are His children.

So our job now is not to concern ourselves with past lessons or those yet to come, but to reside in the moment, for though He was there in the past and promises to be there in the future, He resides in today, with us, His children. By keeping our eyes on Him who has all knowledge and power, ignorance melts away and our growth in spiritual understanding blossoms.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Reincarnation Or One And Done?

Reincarnation, this topic can be a room clearer and one I have spent a great many hours wrestling. For many years I struggled in contemplation with the “inviolate” concept held by some religions of "once and done." My struggles centered on our eternal consciousness versus the finite nature of flesh. Why would our Heavenly Father, who exists beyond the constraints of time, space and flesh, limit his children in this way? And if we are indeed children of the Most High, in all nature does not like beget like? How can we possibly learn all the lessons of living in a mere 70, 80 or 90 years? In the Old Testament life spans of hundreds of years are noted, but that was some time ago and even if we did live hundreds of years there are many lessons requiring a fresh clean perspective.

Consider: How can one person, even if diligent from day one, learn the lessons of having lived a lifetime as a king and a beggar, of the courageous and the coward, to live as a criminal and a righteous man in the same life and what of the reverse? Live a life devoted to self-indulgence and hedonism and one of asceticism and denial? To know the joy, and heartbreak of children and a life lived chaste? Handicapped from birth or born healthy to learn all this and so much more, additionally from the perspectives of male and female, in one lifetime? Any man who says he understands childbirth is a fool and any woman who stands in judgment of the bond between warriors is unwise. Today I know from bitter experience that until I walk a mile in someone’s shoes I truly cannot know their lessons and to think otherwise is rank hubris. Eternity is a long time, what sense would it make to limit our schooling to a single life since we are children of the Eternal, the Infinite, of “Our Father, who art in Heaven….”

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

The Big Bang, George Carlin And Goesintas

Cosmologically the “Big Bang” is the generally accepted starting point of the universe. The theory holds that at one time everything that exists, all 125 billion galaxies, all 70 sextillion stars (that’s a 7 followed by 22 zeros or nearly 18 times the number of grains of sand on Earth) was locked in an infinitesimally small point, a singularity. Then, and no one really knows why though there are a lot of theories, the point began expanding very rapidly and some 13.7 billion years later, give or take a millennium or two, here we are. The numbers and vastness of the universe is clearly beyond my ability, or any other mere mortals, to comprehend.

Then there is the whole dark matter/energy curiosity. It seems that only a little less than 5% of the universe exists in the visible spectrum, over 95% of everything is invisible to us, comprised of roughly 25% dark matter and 70% dark energy, depending on who is doing the goesintas (you know, 2 goes into 4 twice). OK, take a breath. Kinda gets the head spinning doesn’t it. The good news is we do not have to have it all together to figure (as if we could) it all out in order to have a relationship with a Power Greater Than Ourselves.

To paraphrase the great metaphysician George Carlin: People talk about getting their shit together. Because as soon as they get their shit together, they will be ready. Ready for what? If they got their shit together, what would they do with it? Most people have a lot of shit, so it would be far too heavy to carry around, so they would have to find a place keep their shit. I guess they could put their shit in storage. But how will anybody know they got their shit together if it is in storage? Kinda defeats the whole purpose of getting ones shit together doesn’t it? You gotta show your shit off or what’s the point? You could get a really big truck to haul your shit around with you I suppose, but that’s a lot of shit to find parking for. And what about the trouble makers? All those who haven’t been able to get their shit together will get shity when they see you and your shit together. Then there are those assholes who try to give you shit. It is their shit, but they try to pawn it off on you. Look, I know my shit, so don’t give me any shit. My shit is over here; your shit is over there. Don’t try to mix the shit just because you can’t get your shit together.

Fortunately, with all due respect to Mr. Carlin, it is not required for us to have all the answers or our "shit" together to have a relationship with the miraculous. We can start at as simple a level as we need, it can be as simple as: there is a God and I am not it. So we keep an open mind and from this mustard seed's worth of faith a powerful spiritual experience can, and will grow. No shit.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Monday, January 26, 2015

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.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Sunday, January 25, 2015

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.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Flimsy Partitions

Many modern offices are comprised of large rooms divided into cubicles employing partition walls. Typically these walls of partition are head high and unlike permanent walls are easily moved. When we are frightened and feeling lost it is if a wall of impenetrable stone has risen between us and God. In truth the “wall” is nothing more than the flimsiest of partitions constructed of fear and false belief. It appears solid and robust at first blush, but just as the partition walls found in an office, with the right tools and a little effort is easily removed. The tools: Prayer and meditation. The effort: Being of service to others.

Prayer is pretty straight forward; meditation however seems shrouded in mystery and skewed expectation. If you aren’t meditating regularly, start. Keep it simple, begin by finding a place where you can be undisturbed for fifteen minutes, if your living situation makes this difficult, take a walk. Yes, you can meditate while walking. Whether sitting (no need to fold yourself into a pretzel unless your into that sort of thing) or walking, be comfortable. Sit in a comfortable position or walk at a pace that does not affect your breathing. Now, think about nothing but spiritual principles and truth, as you understand them at this point in your development, or if you prefer read a paragraph or two from a spiritual book or teaching and then contemplate on it. When your mind wanders, and it will, gently bring it back to the task at hand. Do not under any pretext speak to yourself negatively or condescendingly. Meditate daily, No excuses. If you are persistent, soon meditation will become such an integral part of living that when you find yourself caught in a situation where meditation is not practical (happens occasionally) you will miss it. Congratulations, you are now officially a meditator and yes, it really is that simple. There are many forms and styles of meditation, do not at this point go out and buy books on meditation or search the internet. Keep it simple, when it is time to investigate other forms, you will know. Most importantly do not concern yourself with becoming “better” at meditation, just do it.

Service work can take any number of forms. It can be as simple as dropping a coin in the random parking meter about to expire (I know, in some places this is illegal but a little civil disobedience is good for the soul) or even just picking up a piece of trash off the street or sidewalk and disposing of it, to volunteering time and resources. The key here is just as with meditation is consistency. A kindly act once in awhile won’t fit the bill.

You may have sensed a theme here. To remove the illusionary partition wall that fear and false belief raises between us and serenity, we stop thinking about the trouble and think about God and spirituality instead, backing it up with unselfish, constructive action. Do not allow yourself to fall into the trap of thinking you need to do any of this perfectly or that anyone does, the deadly trap of comparing our insides to others outsides.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Friday, January 23, 2015

I Don't Know

We have all had “miracles” happen in our lives. That time we needed money and the phone rang or a letter arrived and source was provided. We were thinking about someone and the phone rang and it was either them or someone who knew of them, bringing unprompted news or we turned a corner and there they were. We found ourselves facing a difficulty and it either faded away or turned into something positive.

Are these occurrences “an answer to a prayer” or simply “coincidence?” It matters little, for Coincidence is just God working anonymously. Perhaps the most difficult part of this is why sometimes it happens and other times not. Those times when the person remained an enigma or that which we deemed needed did not appear, a prayer seemingly unheard or worse ignored. In looking back on my life, inventorying the past with raised consciousness, many of the things I thought I needed in the moment turned out to be the last thing I needed, had I received them my spiritual development would have been delayed or even derailed. As our consciousness rises our spiritual vision corrects and clears. However even with corrected vision, some questions are beyond our limited sight, remaining unfathomable at this time. Why does one child miraculously recover from a serious illness and another succumb? Or someone who worked hard all their lives, played by all of society’s rules only to find all they worked for gone through no fault of their own. I don’t know. Perhaps when this flesh fails and we are launched into eternity the answers will become known.

In Faith and Truth, God only brings good, He does not, cannot bring suffering or strife for God and Good are synonymous. Today my spiritual vision is longer and clearer than yesterday, if you prayed and meditated today so is yours. We see the world through a new pair of glasses, our understanding broadened, our empathy revealed, the path illuminated a little more. Even so, I still have no good answers in the moment for those experiencing seemingly inexplicable calamity, only a shoulder, a quiet ear and a silent prayer. Since flesh is ephemeral, perhaps that is the answer after all.

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Flat Earth Miracles

MIRACLE n. 1. An act or event that seems to transcend or contradict all known natural or scientific laws and is usually thought to be supernatural in origin. 2. Any wonderful or amazing thing, fact, or event; a wonder.

God does not break cosmic law. The laws of retribution, of unintended consequence, of reaping and sowing, of attraction, of intention, of gravity, and like begets like are never broken or contradicted. Our limited (human) ability to comprehend may leave us with the impression that miracles seemingly break these laws, but this is false. What happens is that by raising ones consciousness into His presence a higher law is tapped, transcending the lower. In the secular sense think of it as appealing a judgment from a lower court to a higher, if a judgment is reversed, the reversal is based on some missed, overlooked or ignored precedent, not a rewriting of the code (at least that is how it is supposed to work). Secular appeals progress through the system, ultimately arriving at the court of final appeal, the Supreme Court. Supreme Court decisions, since it is populated with humans who can be and often are contradictory in their actions and thinking, can be arbitrary in interpreting secular law, God is not. Cosmic law is applied equally, for God does not, cannot play favorites, His Love abundant and equally weighed to all His children.

Not all that long ago the accepted orthodoxy was that the earth was flat and the center of the universe and anyone who disagreed branded a heretic, suffering greatly for voicing a dissenting view. Yet regardless of how many times the accepted orthodoxy has been shown in error, every age continues to believe they have the answers, the laws of the universe understood, humankind's hubris on display. Years from now our future selves will look back on this time in much the same way we look back on those "scientific laws" that held the earth was flat or man would never fly or stand on the moon, with the same incredulity.

Without miracles, our appeal to higher law, how could there be faith? The performing of miracles demonstrates a level of our Fathers love and law, that here to fore had not been known or can be scientifically quantified with our limited human mind. Miracles can, have and do happen, a higher law beyond our limited understanding accessed, the supernatural transcending the natural. No? How’s that whole flat earth thing working out?

©Vincent Lee Jones Living In Spirit All Rights Reserved

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