Living In Spirit

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,

Monday, July 31, 2017

Our Perfection Realized

Ever bowl a perfect game? Pitch a perfect game? Have 13 tricks no trump in Bridge? How about 21 in blackjack? A spade Royal Flush? When we start cataloging “perfection” it is a pretty short list all things considered, but what of spiritual perfection? Many religions hang their collective spiritual hats on an imperfect dogma of perfection; that we are imperfect at birth and though we should strive for perfection we will always fall short, requiring leadership and earthly direction from others for our ultimate salvation. To be clear: Religion and religious teaching and guidance have been indispensable in mankind’s climb up the ladder of Spiritual consciousness, but just as the student who must eventually graduate and take their place in the world, building on what they have learned by turning knowledge into demonstration, so must each of us in our relationship with Our Father.

Just as families have difficulties from time to time, usually rooted in misunderstanding, intercession of a professional can be helpful to work through an issue, to provide fresh perspective. In the final analysis however the real work takes place between the family members, the professional merely an aid. Just as in the secular, spiritually we make use of what religion and spiritual teachers provide and are quick to see where they are right, but we must never lose sight of the true nature of our relationship with the Divine and the ultimate responsibility in raising our consciousness lies with each of us.

By a wholehearted reliance on A Power Greater Than Ourselves, though none of us will ever be perfect in faith for fear is a powerful foe and the true adversary, our continued willingness to pray demonstrates a perfection in seeking and in this, our perfection is realized.

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

Sunday, July 30, 2017

The One True Answer

As we live and learn, practicing our new way of life, Living on the Spiritual Basis, not only our perspective but our actions begin to change naturally. We begin to act from love, from God. Less and less do we see the world through the prism of the carnal, secular mind. Viewing existence through a new pair of glasses we have begun to experience life connected to Source instead of at odds with it. As our consciousness grows and expands the truth of the power of love becomes more apparent.

Love is God, God is love and love is always the answer.

Through the process of Living on the Spiritual Basis we have established a conscious contact with God, so when faced with any difficulty, problem or trouble the realization of God’s love and Divine presence will not only solve or correct the situation but remove it. Clearly this new way of living develops over time, so if our first thought is not always about God or love, do not be discouraged. When we become aware that we haven’t yet turned to God in a particular instance, we do so as soon as the awareness surfaces, and be gentle, under no circumstance do we allow our internal dialogue to turn negative. This is not a race, we are already in eternity and negative thoughts about our progress are always counter productive.

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

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Easy Does It and Other Mottoes, A History

Today Easy Does It, One Day at a Time, First Things First, Live and Let Live and Think, Think, Think are mottoes that adorn the walls of AA meeting rooms and clubs around the globe. Few realize however these concepts entered AA’s collective consciousness most likely from Emmet Fox. The early members of what would become Alcoholics Anonymous* residing in New York attended Dr. Fox’s gatherings in the 1930’s in the ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, Steinway Hall even The Hippodrome as attendance grew. This continued up to the start of World War II when large gatherings were suspended out of security concerns. The early AA members** who did not live in New York studied Dr Fox’s teaching through his best sellers The Sermon on the Mount, Power Through Constructive Thinking and Sparks of Truth which is a collection of teachings originally published as a series of 10 cent pamphlets. It is in these pamphlets that the mottoes later adopted by AA are found. Additionally in early pamphlets published by the first recognized AA group, King’s School in Akron, Sermon on the Mount is suggested reading.

*Though AA dates its birth from 6/10/35 the first AA meeting (the group broke from the Oxford Group (Moral Rearmament) and stood in singleness of purpose in helping those suffering from alcoholism) did not take place until 5/11/39 in Cleveland Ohio, the secretary Clarence Snyder, a few months after the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) was published. Source: Bill and Lois Wilson‘s personal correspondence in archives.

**Bill Wilson sponsored (helped sober up) Emmet Fox’s secretaries son, Al Steckman. Al would go on to be the first editor of the AA Grapevine and has been credited with coining the phrase “I am responsible” at the first AA convention. Source: Igor Sikorsky Jr. AA’s Godparents 1990

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

Friday, July 28, 2017

Responding To Trouble, A Third Way

How do you respond to trouble? The typical response is to either square up and meet force with force or escape as rapidly as possible. Living on the Spiritual Basis provides a different path, a third way. As soon as we become aware of a troubling situation, whether it involves us directly or not, we immediately turn to prayer, seeing the situation and all involved in Divine Presence, bathing them and the situation in God’s love and direction, relying on prayer and spiritual enlightenment for resolution, knowing that if any action is required by us, beyond prayer, it will be made abundantly clear by Him who has all knowledge and power. In this way we tap into unlimited power and potential, rejecting human limitation, raising the consciousness of all involved for “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.”

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

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Wild Justice And Spiritual Jailers

Wishing to get even, taking revenge, to balance the scales, to repay in kind are natural human sentiments, a wild justice, manifestations of living on the secular basis. Conversely, Living on the Spiritual Basis we have learned that “hatred ceases not with hatred.” Though the crimes and acts committed may be horrendous, even beyond the pale, we must take a higher road mentally or we will remain mired in limitation. To be clear: those who have transgressed society's laws and been found culpable should suffer the punishment society has decreed, the principle though of condemning the act, not the actor paramount if we are to remain free.

We must turn to God, and though the guilty may have committed acts seemingly unforgivable, we must give them over to God root and branch in thought otherwise we suffer along with the guilty. Remember it takes two to make a spiritual prisoner, the guilty and the jailer and is not the jailer as surely in prison as the guilty? The spiritual jailer having it worse than the prisoner, since they can leave the prison while the guilty are trapped, yet they chose to return of their own free will day after day, perpetuating resentment and condemnation in their hearts, choosing morbid reflection over spiritual freedom. Prison or freedom, light or dark, limitation or unlimited growth, the choice is always ours. “Let there be peace, and let it begin with me.”

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

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

The Heart Of The Spiritual Process

“We have ceased fighting everyone and everything, for we are on a new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God.” This principle is at the heart of Living on the Spiritual Basis. To believe that any of us have achieved perfection in this is foolhardy. Our time in this flesh is marked by progress not perfection in our spiritual growth, so we stay ever vigilant, day by day, occasionally moment by moment. We turn to Him who has all knowledge and power for the right words or action when we find ourselves in conflict either with the world or within ourselves, remaining open minded and though perhaps trembling, willing to do His will, not ours, for in this lies the heart of the process of Living on the Spiritual Basis.

The Secret, Wayne Dyer, Recovery, Addiction, Zen, Emmet Fox, Opioids, NA, Four Agreements, Chopra, Heroin, Einstein, AA, McRaven, Healing Path

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

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