CUT MY OWN THROAT?

Reaping and sowing. Every spiritual teacher teaches this lesson, past and present, using everything from straightforward prose to arcane parables. Nothing stunts our personal growth, builds a wall to true freedom from the bondage of self, than any insistence to a pecking order to receive Grace or the possibility that anyone is beyond God’s forgiveness. Our thoughts, words and actions are the crop we plant, watered with love and willingness. Regardless of the individual crimes or offenses committed, it is our garden of life we work in, not the other mans. Here is something specific to chew on: Bernie Madoff stole billions of dollars. Worse yet many of those he stole from were wiped out, they went to bed one evening thinking they were comfortably invested, their future financial needs well met only to awaken to the horror of a lifetimes worth of saving gone, their future cast into doubt with little recourse to recoup their loses. Feelings of fear, anger, confusion and retribution are all natural responses, but what is the road less traveled, the spiritual path? Does walking out into my garden, kicking at my plants, cursing the ground they are planted in, denying them water and nourishment have any affect on Bernie Madoff’s garden, the object of my ire? Losing my peace of mind, my serenity, cutting myself off from the true source with “justified” anger and resentment punishes the criminal how? The only garden we will ever work in is our own. Does this mean we should blithely regard those who commit crimes, harm others? Of course not, but we cannot get angry enough to bring peace. No amount of condemnation restores serenity. Seeking revenge will never lead us out of the soul shattering darkness of resentment and condemnation.

So what is our course? Prayer and meditation. Pray for the accused, the transgressor, for God to do for them what they cannot do for themselves and then meditate on pity. Pity for they will reap as they have sown, all books are balanced in the end, one way or another, the justice they ultimately receive far greater than any secular court can hand down. Pray for the aggrieved, the transgressed, for God to do for them what they cannot do for themselves and then meditate on forgiveness. If we are the aggrieved, make the prayer personal. To be clear: Forgiveness does not mean we forget the transgression or wish to ameliorate the punishment the accused brought upon themselves by their actions, we leave them to their demonstration, invoking God’s love and guidance, but refusing to engage in resentment and condemnation.

Do not combine these sessions. Let each stand-alone, clear demonstrations on our part. Finish each session with a prayer of solicitation, that if there is anything God either would have us do to be of service, to the accused or aggrieved, we are willing. If the necessity of this closing prayer is unclear, please read again from the beginning.

IMMUTABLE LAW

Justified anger. Righteous indignation. When we are angry, outraged, indignant, upset or offended, who pays the price? We do. Sure, you may vent at the source of your displeasure, but your face becomes red, your heart beats faster, your blood pressure rises, your serenity is lost, your peace of mind replaced with turmoil. Even when you get the chance to give them “a piece of your mind” (remember, when you lose your mind it is much easier to find it later if you keep the pieces together) what was really accomplished? Then there are those occasions when the object of your ire is beyond your reach, speeding away down the road, on the other side of the TV screen or radio speaker or try as you might you just cannot get through the maze of voice mailboxes to get to a real person. 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 in a positive way when anger is the sole motivation. No world leader has ever changed their mind because I yelled at the TV.

Does this mean we should go through life with a Mona Lisa 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 a new and profound way, for we are living on a new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God. Avoid the distraction of being offended. There is always something to be upset or offended by, from the inconsiderate driver/cell phone user to world leaders acting badly, but our peace, serenity, must never be the victim. When we allow the world to get the better of us, we suffer the pain we try 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 the right to be angry” crosses your mind ask yourself this question: Who gave you this right? Bottoms up.

THE HIDDEN STUDIO

We are always building up or tearing down our mental structure by the things we ingest. Books, magazines and newspapers read, conversations of all stripes. Then there is the almost unconscious ingestion via the television. Sports, news, talk shows, sitcoms, dramas, movies, history and learning (with and without bias), “reality” shows (I always wonder whose “reality” these programs are based on) and of course, infomercials and commercials. I have to believe that infomercials work or there would not be a continuing supply of them. How stoned do you need to be to sit through a thirty minute sales pitch if all you have to do is push a button to end it?

All inputs affect, color our thinking and worldview. We choose the structure, materials and practices that compose and build our consciousness, usually without much thought or discernment. You would not use defective building materials or stand for shoddy workmanship in your home, is not your consciousness more precious than a home repair or remodel? Beginning today, take a moment and consider your mental diet, however do not rush off willy-nilly making changes or taking vows, having done this before when we “decided” to lose weight, eat better or begin an exercise regimen and although our motives were sound, we placed unrealistic expectations on ourselves virtually guaranteeing failure. As your awareness grows, quietly and gently in prayer and meditation ask to be shown what changes and action should be taken, asking God for the needed power to carry them out.

LION INTO DONKEY

We have nothing to fear, except fear itself. When in the grip of fear, it always takes the form of a ravenous beast, waiting around the next corner to attack and rend us asunder. Therefore, we hide, frozen in place, depression squeezing the very life out of us. Living on the Spiritual Basis, we no longer rely on our finite selves for strength, but on the Creative Life Force at the heart of everything. Living this way we are empowered, we turn the corner, often trembling and face fear, only to discover the lion we expected was a donkey. Living on the Spiritual Basis, we face fear with faith, enabling us to meet seeming calamity with serenity, in purpose. So the next time fear tries to exert its grip, pray for the strength to stride out in faith, meet the beast head on, and bring some carrots, donkeys like carrots.

THE THREE GIFTS

If you could receive three gifts, what would they be? Riches? A perfect body unaffected by any food consumed? Children squared away and protected? Mosquitoes extinct? We have all probably dreamed of what we would ask for if Aladdin’s lamp came into our possession. How about the ability to fly? To make all politicians tell the truth? Now that would be scary. Along with flying, there are a whole myriad of superpowers that would be pretty cool. If I could have a super power, it would be the power to instill common sense. I would walk through crowds brushing against people, striking them down with common sense, and like the end of the world virus scenarios popular on TV, movies and online gaming, once infected every person they touched would become infected as well (insert diabolical laughter here). Soon the entire world would be infected and there would be nothing that could be done to stop it, common sense would rule!! (More diabolical laughter).

Diabolical laughter aside, if common sense was, well common, consider how the world would be transformed. No one would talk/text/put on makeup/ read the newspaper/ shave or any of the other thousand things people do when driving a metal missile down the road. Politicians and leaders would actually be concerned about those they serve, working for something other than their legacy, their bank account or cushy lobbyist job upon leaving office. I may be naïve, but I have to believe that common sense would resolve conflicts before swords are drawn, that terrorists, once infected would slap their foreheads and say “What was I thinking?” and then do something constructive with their lives. Admit it, wouldn’t you love to be watching TV when some self obsessed personality or politician became infected on air? Professional athletes too ashamed to show their faces because of the salaries they are paid to play games. The sports page replaced with an expanded learning page. No more billionaires, for they have dedicated their resources, talents and abilities to making the world a better place for all. No pollution or litter, for no one with a lick of common sense would poison his or her environment or throw trash on the ground. Kinda gives one pause to wonder doesn’t it.

I know, Common Sense Man does not have the same panache as Wolverine, Daredevil, Superman or Ironman but in the real world, clear thinking is of much greater value than Admantium retractable claws. My other two wishes? Common sense dictates I keep some things to myself. Excelsior!

ONE THING AT A TIME

Ever wonder where the phrase One day at a time came from? Alcoholics Anonymous? Nope, they just popularized it. Emmet Fox was the originator: "Live in today, and do not allow yourself to live in the past under any pretense. Living in the past means thinking about the past, rehearsing past events, especially if you do this with feeling...train yourself to be a man or woman who lives one day at a time. You'll be surprised how rapidly conditions will change for the better when you approach this ideal." When you marry one thing of at a time with one day at a time, you have a simple yet powerful guide for living, the crux of Living on the Spiritual Basis. 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. He was there in the past and I trust He will be there in the future, such is faith, but our work is done right here, right now. Keep your head where your hands are, your eyes fixed on God, your heart in His care and nothing can ever truly harm you. Oh, and you will not find One Day At A Time anywhere in the Big Book. Cheers!

ARE YOU DYNAMIC?

Coffee shop theorists. Barroom philosophers. Chat room world leaders. 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 UN general assembly. None of them will be remembered next week, or even tomorrow in most cases. There has always been, and will always be dynamic speakers. Eloquent and moving in the moment, their words perhaps even bridging time, to touch future generations. However, did they 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 act? 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.

These men were dynamic. Yes, they spoke well, but what made them dynamic was making their words real, turning eloquence into action. Though you and I will probably never be world leaders, at least in the political sense, being dynamic is part and parcel to 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 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 than words alone.

THE TIDE FLOWS IN AND OUT

Tidal flows in our spiritual unfolding are disconcerting. Things are going well, we feel connected, in source, not a cloud on the horizon and then seemingly out of nowhere we begin to feel disconnected, out of sorts, edgy, stuck. Many buildings rest on a concrete foundation. It would be a foolish builder indeed who attempts to build on wet concrete. They wait for the concrete to “cure”, to become strong enough to support the new construction to come. Just as the builder cannot begin construction on the next floor until the underlying construction is sufficiently sound, the same holds for our spiritual growth. Our conscious is a multi-story construct. Just as in a modern skyscraper, it is built one floor at a time. If we attempt to move too fast spiritually, the underpinnings of our new and expanding consciousness will not have had sufficient time to “cure”, to be fully digested and integrated. The result could lead to a complete collapse of our peace and serenity, a crisis of faith engaged.

The construction of our spiritual awakening is a never-ending process, a building of infinite wonders. In those inevitable times of seeming no growth and perceived lack of progress, take heart. Soon the current level of work will become fixed, ready to be built on and new progress will become evident. Rushing leads only to setbacks at best and collapse at worst. Work steadily and consistently, allow the process to happen naturally and never forget who the architect in charge is.

FACING TWO WAYS

Walking the way we talk. When we espouse one thing but act contrary to our words not only does it make us look untrustworthy to the world but sets up a tug of war within that in turn leads 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. 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 of condescension and self-aggrandizement couched in seemingly well-intended comments and actions. One of which, which I found particularly painful was “But for the grace of God go I”. Does this mean there are those beyond God’s grace? That I am “chosen” in some way, greater in God‘s sight than another? When the truth of the preceding hit me, for I had said it and used it many times, I became physically ill and upset. I wrestled with it, looking for a loop hole to crawl through, but they all ended in the same place, condescension and that ever subtle “better than” sense.

Wayne Dyer suggests we “think from the end”. He had not put the concept in print yet when I applied the lesson to the above, but that in essence is what happened. I am grateful today for having my eyes opened, not so much at the time. Stay aware; never be afraid of questioning or re-examining even long held beliefs or positions. “The truth will set you free” is true whether we have been on the path a few months or most of our lives. When we first embark, in truth, on the path of Living on the Spiritual Basis we are confronted with large easily recognizable defects and shortcomings. As time flows by the impediments to spiritual growth become smaller, less pronounced, often obscured with a layer of misunderstanding masquerading as truth, which require greater vision to see. The natural response is to work harder, dig deeper and faster to ferret these things out. The problem is our vision is not sufficiently refined to recognize them, so contrary action is called for.

Relax, take it easy. Hard work in this area only makes the work harder. Continue to pray and meditate daily, asking to be shown the way of patience, tolerance, kindness and love. In natural course, the things hidden will become visible and can be addressed in spiritual light. Again, we do not work on them; Divine Consciousness makes them visible and when we are ready, removes them. Our part is to remain willing, willing to go to any lengths to be spiritual awake. Today we find ourselves with the wind at our back most of the time, but if for some reason you discover you are facing the wrong way, trust in Divine Mind to change your direction back; lesson learned, to the true path.

SPIRITUAL LITERACY

You would not be reading this unless you have an affinity to reading spiritual writing and teachers. How many “spiritual” books are on your bookshelf? By how many different authors? Chopra, Fox, Dyer, Gibran, maybe Schuler, Wilkerson, Grizone and Warren a few of them? Then there are the heavy hitters, The Bible, Vedas, Torah, Bhagavad-Gita and Koran. Let me apologize now for leaving out any preferred authors or personal heavy hitters. The point here is that seekers of the ultimate do what they do best, seek. This is going to be hard for some of you to swallow, so take a deep breath, perhaps get a glass of water before reading on. Ok, ready: Reading spiritual books does nothing for our spiritual condition, any more than reading about diets results in weight loss. Sure, we know more about weight loss, perhaps more about nutrition, have read testimony from those who lost weight and have become inspired to take action. Now, we may be informed and inspired but nothing happens until we take action. Knowing when to stop seeking and start doing can be a hard and painful transition.

When I wore a younger man’s clothes and was far more impressed with myself, I would look at my book shelves loaded down with spiritual tomes with self-important satisfaction. Believing knowledge equaled demonstration, I had convinced myself that I not just talked the talk, but walked the walk.. I could not have been more wrong. When the truth finally hit, it was devastating. I had a head full of knowledge but had put precious little of the “great truths” I would expound on into action, and what I had put into action was inconsistent and haphazard at best. I was the antithesis of the teaching, talking the talk but not walking the walk.

Today I “keep it simple”. Instead of looking for a new book or author, I re-read a small select group of books. It seems that having read these books and then put them down for a time, “gremlins” sneak in and add/change the text before the next reading! Some of these books I have read for decades, all of them numerous times and those darn gremlins never fail to do their work. Instead of looking for a new book or author, pick up a book that deeply touched you, it is right there on the shelf, and read it with the new pair of “glasses” your living experience has provided you, and say hello to the gremlins.

LIVING TO HIS GLORY

Limitation. All teachers of spiritual principles and living agree on this point: freedom comes when limitation is overcome. On the surface the differences in approach from one teaching to another seem dramatic, but in essence they are all tools to address the same thing, our perceived loss/missing connection to the eternal, divine mind, the Source. To be clear: We are not/cannot be disconnected from the Source anymore than flame can be from its source and continue to burn. We choose to believe in a gulf or lack of connection because of fear and the seeming unfairness of life. Our inability to comprehend the totality of existence with our limited understanding of the miraculous leads us down the path of denial and spiritual make believe. It is seemingly easier to hold that we are living at the whim of the winds of creation, therefore taking no responsibility, than to live in purpose, coming to grips with the truth that we are where we are because of every choice and decision we have ever made. In truth, to paraphrase from A Course in Miracles: If you knew who walked beside you everyday, on this path you have chosen, you would never be afraid again. Living to His Glory is really living to ours. Redouble your efforts today to free yourself from your self-imposed fetters on your spiritual life, strip away the self-conscious fear of standing in the light, the fear of exposure, of what others will think, and step out in faith. Living any other way is existence restricted, fear rather than faith dominate, living in the light desired but giving in to the familiar, always beckoning shadows of limitation. Banish the shadows, stand in the light.

SUCCESSFUL CONCENTRATION

Meditation Continued:

Focused Meditation: Here we have a specific problem, difficulty or question we are seeking to understand. As before find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted and perform the cleansing breaths previously outlined. If asked, do not explain the specifics of the meditation to anyone, for in so doing you invite failure. Our time in meditation is the time we are in concert with the Source, it is our time, not the other mans. In your mind’s eye, visualize, without words, the issue at hand. See it in all its aspects. , all those involved, the places and possible outcomes without consciously outlining a solution. After you have thoroughly explored, without words, the issue, silently ask the Source to make the correct course of action evident. End the session thanking the Universe that you now know it better, take a cleansing breath and go about your day. Again, do not tell anyone what you are doing.

Purpose: We are part of everything. Everything is connected and at the most basic level of existence, that which comprises everything, intelligence exists. Even hardened scientists grudgingly acknowledge this truth, though of course there must be a secular reason to explain it, if they could only find it. In focused meditation, we invite the Universal Mind to address our difficulty, without outlining the solution. In short order you will intuitively know what to do, the answers just come. We begin to rely on the infinite, all knowledgeable Source instead of our finite vision and fear tinged solutions.

Chanting Meditation: Begin with cleansing breaths. You probably want to find an undisturbed quiet spot that is additionally out of the earshot of others. You will not be shouting, though you can if you are so situated, but you will be speaking. The chant can be anything really, however it is suggested that it have some spiritual significance for you. Keep it short and simple: God is great or there is only one God or Divine love drives me or be still and know that I am God, you get the idea. Close your eyes and begin chanting until the transition. What is the transition? Trying to describe it would be like standing before Michelangelo’s David and trying to describe it over a cell phone. The first time it happens it will scare the bejesus out of you. This is natural. You will choose an exit point.

Purpose: By staying focused on the chanting, the conscious mind loses its grip and the sub-conscious floats to the surface. We transition into a waking dream. With consistent effort, you will find yourself actually leaving the conscious realm and walking the hidden world of the sub-conscious. Your body will continue to chant but you will lose awareness of it as you travel the astral planes in a waking trance. If you walk this path, make sure your body is left in a safe place for in a deep trance, though connected to your body you will not feel it in any real sense.

There are many ways to meditate, to experience true concentration. Considering the payoff, the purpose in truth, what are you waiting for? See you on the other side.

THE ART OF CONCENTRATION

Meditation is a topic that seems to cause much unnecessary grief and consternation. Many hold to the false belief that meditation is quieting the mind. Well, the mind will not be quieted! Our mind is like the shark that must always move forward, in motion, in order to live. Consider, right now your mind is regulating all of the various systems and organs in your body, making thousands of silent decisions about hormone levels, blood pressure, heart beat, breathing, digestion etc. All of this taking place without any conscious thought on our part. Therefore, to be clear, this side of the veil the mind is never quiet.

When a new student first begins meditating, they typically have a picture in their minds eye based on an actor’s portrayal. Even documentaries usually get it wrong because those typically explaining the process have little or no personal experience with meditation. So, let us begin at a simpler level. First, lay aside your conceptions of what meditation is or is not. Meditation is a tool and there is more than one tool in the bag. Follows are some simple modes of meditation.

Reflective Meditation: Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for 15 minutes or so. Avoid if at all possible telling anyone what you are doing. Pick up any spiritual tome that appeals to you and read a few lines, never more than two paragraphs. Take three cleansing breaths: breathe in gently through the nose, and then gently exhaling through the mouth. Now, with eyes closed, go over what you just read in your minds eye. Consider every word along with the over all import of what you read. Repeat. Do this for 15 minutes or so. When done perform another cleansing breath, thank the Source (God) for time spent and go about your day. If in the course of the meditation your mind begins to wander gently, bring it back to what you read. If it wanders again, take a cleansing breath, thank the Source (God) for time spent and go about your day. Note: Do not struggle or condemn yourself in any way if you are unable to go 15 minutes in the beginning. No marathon runner started out running marathons. Do not set a timer, wear a watch or have a clock in your field of vision. In time, it will not matter but when first starting out it is a distraction. Your body has a wonderful clock in it, allow it to do it’s job. Do be consistent. Spiritual exercise is the same as physical; we only reap the benefits if we are consistent.

The purpose: to give the conscious mind a break from the cacophony of thoughts and the information deluge we are subjected to daily. In time, a short time, you will begin to look forward to these quiet times (not quiet mind). You will begin to feel renewed and refreshed after these short sessions, your mind and thoughts more ordered, less energy expended needlessly.

CONTINUED TOMORROW

From 2008: Testimony

In the course of our spiritual growth, we step across the line of student/teacher and back again regularly. In the beginning clearly we are the student the majority of the time, our teaching generally limited to directing others to teachers or teachings that have helped us. As we progress, becoming more attuned to the "still quiet voice" our ability to teach and our range of teaching expands. This is all natural and comes with no conscious effort on our part. One of the most exciting moments in our growth happens when we are approached for advice and we speak from a place of knowledge we had never touched before. It is as if "we" stepped aside and a power greater than ourselves stepped in and spoke through us. The great mistake at this point is to step away from being the instrument and begin to believe that we are the master. Our job, yours and mine, is to continue refining our connection to the Power of Universe, God, which permeates all. By keeping our focus, we are in much less danger of being overcome by ego. I have never really cared for clichéd word plays but in this case, it is appropriate: EGO-Edging God Out. One of the most heartbreaking moments in life is when we meet someone who has lost the thread of awakening and become their own higher power, attempting to persuade all about them that they have the "answers." We are all connected and any teaching or teacher that proposes we need an intermediary who has a secret/special connection that only they can provide should be avoided. There are no secret handshakes or passwords on the path of enlightenment. "We believe that the realm of Heaven is open, all inclusive. Never exclusive or forbidding, we believe it is open to all who earnestly seek." As you progress in your awakening, you will attract more and more individuals to you seeking advice. This is happening because your inner light is glowing brighter by the day. This is all natural and as it should be. Never lose sight though of the source of the light. As time passes, you will spend much of your time as a teacher but it is a poor teacher indeed who does not recognize the need to remain teachable.

Some personal observations on teaching: First: never answer the unasked question. Often it will be clear to you what the answer is, but they must ask the question if the lesson is to be learned. I am sure you will violate this "rule" just as I did when I first learned it. In short order you will come to rely on it. I have been working with a man for nearly 20 years and although he was doing many things right, there was one area that needed healing. Had I approached him about this area, answering the unasked question before he was ready, I would have been greeted with a polite thank you and the deadly "yeah your right, I need to work on that" and would have lost him because he wasn't ready. I waited over 10 years until the pain became unbearable for him and he asked for help becoming honest in this area.

Second: never speak down to anyone. I have taught spiritual principles and ethics to high school students by speaking to them as spiritual beings and not the knuckleheads that most of them are. As a teen on my best days I rose to the level of knucklehead spending most of my time well below that level. Tell the truth, warts and all. Do not try to tailor your manner of speaking to fit the perceived audience. Speak from the heart and you will be amazed at the result.

Finally when you are speaking with someone and you see their eyes lose focus (always look at the eyes) stop, they have. I will stop in mid-sentence if it is clear they have reached their limit for this session. Let them go with a smile and remind them that you are available when they would like to chat again.

TESTIMONY

In courtrooms across America, people take the stand to give testimony, to witness for either the defense or prosecution in criminal and civil cases. In the past individuals would place their hand on a Bible and swear, “To tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help them God”. Although it is up to the discretion of the judge, this has not been the norm for many years. Curiously, elected officials still almost universally take their oath of office on a Bible, but I digress. Courtroom testimony aside, though the spiritual consequences and responsibilities are high, what of spiritual testimony? You are doing it everyday, in every moment. Our actions give testimony to our spiritual condition. Unlike those who, even after swearing to tell the truth in a court of law, lie, ones actions always demonstrate the truth of being, eventually. Some are able to produce a false front for a long time, Bernie Madoff comes to mind, but one day the truth wins out.

You are always testifying, demonstrating your spiritual condition. If your life were in the docket, what would your testimony look like? Do you walk the way you talk? Are trying to enjoy a reputation you know in your heart you do not deserve? Do you stand in faith or are you short selling your belief in God out of fear of what others may think, fearless in the closet but full of fear in the light? God does not keep score. He does not convene the court of our life, we do. Everything you have ever done, seen or said, every experience is written on your heart, in your hand, God does not need to keep track, we do. Difficulty arises when we act contrary to what we believe out of the fear of exposure and/or ridicule. To be truly free, consistency in belief and action is paramount. Today in meditation, ask to be given the strength to continue/start living in the light, living in purpose, Living on the Spiritual Basis.

BUILT-IN HEALING

When someone first experiences the gifts from Living on the Spiritual Basis, it is natural to want more. In short order we begin to reach beyond our understanding, seeking in prayer to accomplish things that are contrary to the path. Naturally, the answer to these requests is silence. God never says no, for no does not exist in the vocabulary of the Divine. Many confuse God’s inaction with his passing judgment in the negative, which is not possible. To be clear: God never says no, but the Universe will not grant a request that is not wholly positive to all concerned. The real trouble begins when we, in our limited vision and understanding, try to read the tealeaves, to understand the infinite with our finite vision. The questions that naturally abound here are legion. How could a “loving” God allow: suffering innocents, financial troubles, debilitating illness, and on and on. In the midst of pain and/or loss it is difficult to keep perspective, that we are in fact eternal beings, this flesh a mere conveyance of our consciousness. That you have always existed and always will, this day a single day in eternity, Our Father, Divine Mind, not limited in vision as we are in this flesh.

On a personal note: I am as limited as you, my vision restricted by this flesh like yours. A sick, suffering child or loved one, pain and grief rained down on innocents often seemingly for no reason, leaves me as heart sick as you. Nevertheless, I cannot get sad enough to help the suffering. I cannot get sick enough to help the dying. I cannot get poor enough to help those who lack. I cannot meet hate with hate and hope for peace. What we can, and must, do is pray to the best of our current ability and understanding and trust that one day all mysteries will be revealed.

Each day practice the Presence of God in all your affairs. Pray to be shown the way of patience, tolerance, kindness and love, daily. Pray as well for those suffering, asking in meditation what you can do each day to be of service and leave the results to God. In this simple way the universe responds, God’s will realized, true healing manifest. If we can do this, even trembling, keep an even mind though our spirit may be breaking, we touch the heart of faith and are renewed.

AFTER YOUR HEALING

There is probably no greater hindrance to a continued spiritual experience than the fear of exposure. You have been consistent and faithful in your spiritual growth, having confronted the things that were blocking you off from the sunlight of the spirit. You have stood up and owned your shortcomings and defects of character, asking God to remove them. Having apologized to those harmed and, with God’s help, steadfastly begun to amend your behavior you are growing in understanding and usefulness. Prayer and meditation coupled with ongoing personal daily inventory have placed you in the unique position of carrying the Good News to all who suffer and seek. Service work has become a way of life; you have reaped the promise of a conscious contact with the miraculous. Then a remarkable thing happens, retreat into self. Instead of shouting the good news, you act like the embarrassed child looking down at their shuffling feet mumbling quietly “It’s nothing”.

Having persevered with the soul searing process of getting down to the causes and conditions that blocked you from a personal relationship with the Source, having arrived at the final step, you balk. Fear seeps in and it becomes seemingly “easier” to backtrack, to rehash and even redo work already completed than to stand in the light, exposed. “When you raise your head above the crowd, you become a target.” Fear is an implacable foe, it never rests and is always seeking avenues to attack and control us. Break through this final barrier and stand as a child of God, unafraid of the inevitable slings and arrows cast your way. When struck, thank God for knowing Him better and pray for those casting the aspersions “for they know not what they do”. In this way, you break free of the final fetters of self-imposed fear and place yourself finally and completely in God’s hands, ready to serve in any manner He would have you.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): LIFE

(From 2008) Having life in the spiritual sense is different from just being alive. We have met spiritual “zombies” as we have moved through life. Possibly at some point in our own lives we lived as zombies for a time. This state is arrived at when we close our minds to new information, refuse out of stubbornness (actually fear) to recognize a different point of view or even the possibility that we may be mistaken, we close our minds to growth and mount the sacred cow of arrogance and contempt. All zombies ride sacred cows. Now there is an interesting visual. The good news is that once we dismount the cow life returns. “There is a principle which is a bar against all arguments, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” Stay young at heart by a willingness to investigate everything that interests you. By remaining open minded and willing to learn, we open ourselves to the sunlight of the Spirit where we find our connection to the eternal and “experience life when you feel yourself to be free and useful and joyous, unconscious of either fear or doubt.”

(FROM 2008)

Today’s Key Word: REPENTANCE

Whenever I think of repentance I see in my minds eye Burt Lancaster as Elmer Gantry spewing fire and brimstone (if you haven't seen the movie it is a classic). As I matured watching a variety of real world preachers threaten damnation if I didn't repent, only to discover that they didn't walk the way they talked I became ambivalent about the whole concept. I find it a little hard to find any sincerity in someone who on the one hand is threatening me with eternal damnation if I don't follow them to the letter while talking through their hat. Then I found Dr Fox. Dr Fox explains repentance as simply being ready to change ones mind in concerning something. Here we are presented with one of the clear differences between much religious dogma and metaphysics. Dr Fox teaches, consistently, that God is within and must be sought there, not some punishing power outside of us keeping score that we must attempt to appease to gain entrance to heaven. As Dr Fox teaches, and I believe, when we identify any condition that needs to be changed we begin by addressing the Power within in prayer and meditation and avoid at all costs engaging in morbid reflection wallowing in past mistakes and hurt. When we refuse to engage in remorse, condemnation and worry about our past lives we make true repentance possible. Metaphysically speaking of course. Elmer Gantry would not approve.

The following is of a personal nature and if you choose to move on, I understand. Today’s date 9/13 holds a special significance for me. It was on this date in 1985 that the most important act of repentance in my life to date took place. I didn't know it at the time but such is usually the case with such moments. It was on this date that I truly placed my feet on the path. The moment was birthed with tremendous pain and confusion. It would be a year or so until I found Dr Fox but the key was that I had become teachable again, sweetly reasonable as only tremendous psychic pain can make you. I had been looking for answers all my life and at this point the best I had done was to be a raging agnostic, with all the answers of course. Today I believe in a Power greater than myself. This Power is Loving, Available (in prayer and meditation) and Intelligent. It matters little what moniker you adopt, call it God, Creative Life Force, Power of The Universe, Yahweh, Christ or Chuck. What matters today is I know that I am not alone and am loved unconditionally. As are YOU. We are all equal in His eyes, all being His children; there are no grandkids. Dr Fox teaches that the way out of any difficulty is to realize enough love and I believe that in the end the only yardstick that we are measured by is the love we freely give away and we hold the yardstick, not God. Realizing love, especially towards those we find fault with, is a daily learning experience. I am far from perfect at it but I am better at it today than ever before. One day at a time.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): REPENTANCE

The word repentance has a definite religious feel to it. Perhaps I have watched too many movies but I can’t help but see in my minds eye a preacher in some old black and white B-movie screaming at someone or their congregation to REPENT or else. Living on the Spiritual Basis what does it mean to repent?

Repent: vti
1. be sorry: to recognize the wrong in something you have done and be sorry about it
2. religion change ways: to feel regret about a sin or past actions and change your ways or habits (Encarta)

Ok, to feel sorry about something done or said and to change our ways how simple (to feel sorry), but not easy to do (truly change). Living on the new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God action is required. A simple acceptance of past mistakes and a mumbled “sorry” won’t fit the bill at all. Living on the Spiritual Basis requires work on our part. One of the traps those new to the process fall into is to rehash, which reinvigorates, old hurts and mistakes. To be clear: We do not shut the door on the past or wish to deny it, but we do not allow ourselves to drift into morbid reflection. To do so takes us out of the moment (in service) and we drift into remorse and negative self-reflection (bondage of self). Our past is a great tool, often the best, for helping those new to the process to progress, but we can be of little use if we are wallowing in self-pity or pointless remorse. On our own we are powerless to affect any real lasting change at our core, by relying on a Power Greater Than Ourselves real change is affected, the past put in proper perspective and its power over us removed, we are Free. No Elmer Gantry required.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): JUDGMENT

Probably no spiritual concept is more misunderstood than judgment. People who normally would never quote from scripture cite Jesus when they feel they are being judged, typically misquoting Him to the tune that passing any judgment is bad. Nothing could be further from the truth. To be clear: We all pass judgment on all sorts of things everyday. Every decision we make requires a judgment call. Paper or plastic, salad or pizza, fill the gas tank now or chance it, etc. Now, daily living judgment calls are one thing, but what about spiritually? The carpenter taught that we should not, in fact can not in truth, point out the flaws in others when we are demonstrating the same or worse in our lives. To do so is gross hypocrisy and opens the individual to greater reciprocal judgment, reaping what they have sown. Consider the practicing alcoholic commenting on another’s drinking, the neighbor with waist high weeds criticizing another’s lawn or the worker bemoaning the hard work of another because it makes them look bad in comparison.

Conversely when we have begun to Live on the Spiritual Basis we place our feet on the road less traveled. We have constructively inventoried our lives and placed our finger on those things which were blocking us from Divine light. We honestly and ruthlessly asked God to remove everything from us that kept us from fully demonstrating His love and guidance in our lives. In this way we learn to view ourselves and our fellows with righteous judgment. Will we do this perfectly? Of course not for the fear that lies at the heart of all our difficulties and shortcomings is a cunning foe, and though we make mistakes, we must persevere. In time we will learn to practice the same patience, kindness, love and tolerance that God shows us and take to heart the painful lesson of avoiding answering the unasked question. As our eyes open and our vision improves spiritually there are few things more painful than to watch someone sinking and know there is nothing we can do for them, save silent prayer, if they are unwilling. Righteous Judgment is being willing to walk through the very gates of hell to carry the good news, but waiting for them to ask is the heart of pain, for the desire must come from within.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): WICKED

In the 60’s to the early 70’s wicked was a good thing. A car could be wicked fast, something could look wicked or an activity or action could be wicked (good). Used in this way today would be a faux pas on a par with using groovy in any way except when describing the ridges and valleys in a piece of wood. A hundred years ago had you used wicked in a sentence the response from the listener would have been very different. Drift back a little further and employing this word in regards to a person could result in their facing an inquisition, possibly even losing their lives in a very horrific manner.

Wicked: adj

1. very bad: very wrong or very bad
2. mischievous: liking to tease people playfully or cause them slight trouble, but without upsetting them seriously
3. mean: liking to say very unpleasant things to people
4. very good: very impressive or very skillful (slang)
“He plays a wicked game of tennis.”
5. dangerous: capable of causing harm to somebody
“A knife with a wicked blade.”
6. distressing: causing discomfort, distress, or disappointment (informal)
“I’ve got a wicked headache.”
7. disgusting: tasting or smelling disgusting and repulsive
8. (archaic) bad people: people who do very bad things (Encarta)

Wow, wicked really is a wicked word. Those who have lived life in a wicked (1&3) way are going to approach life very differently from those whose lived (2&4) wickedly. I’m beginning to feel #6. Regardless of what type of wicked we were, today we have chosen to live on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God. In so doing though, we once may have been a #8, through God’s love and guidance we leave behind our wicked ways and grow in understanding and service not only to God but also to our fellows. With all this Wicked talk, I feel a musical coming on.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): SALVATION

Words have a way of morphing. When reading something from even as little as sixty to seventy years ago it is necessary to have a period dictionary at hand to understand what the author is saying. Words that were in common usage seemingly disappear or their meaning actually changes. Salvation is one of those words. Few, even those in the soul saving business, rarely use this word. Most people if asked have only heard it in regards to those kettles manned by folks in curious uniforms outside malls and stores at Christmas.

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 for a good mechanic or tax preparer. 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 today versus you let some baby ducks and their mom pass. On a more serious note when we demonstrate through our living the new basis we live on, salvation becomes reality.

But what of three and four? These are issues left for you and your consciousness to deal with. 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 to learn. If nothing else 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 Divine just as we are. As is written elsewhere: “Be quick to see were religious people are right. Make use of what they offer.” This does not mean you have to buy the whole cow, but if you can remain open-minded, you may stumble across a couple of steaks and a nice roast.

KEY WORDS IN THE BIBLE (AND LIFE): FEAR

As a child of the 50’s and 60’s I grew up with “duck and cover” drills. If you missed that exercise, allow me to share it with you. A siren would sound and an announcement would come over the PA that a nuclear attack was imminent. If in class you would get under your desk and place your hands around your head, if outside you would “drop and cover”, essentially the same thing except there was no building or desk to “protect” you. This was thought up and put in place by the grown ups, you know those folks, kinda like our parents but in charge, who were supposedly looking out for us. Looking back I suppose if an attack had occurred and you were sufficiently far enough from ground Zero it would make finding and identifying the bodies easier, but as far as protection goes it would have been about as effective as a butter knife in a gun fight.

Fear drives us in hundreds of ways. From the misguided placations of self-styled leaders to every time our children walk out the door, fear is always lurking. Existential bubble wrap does not exist. Trying to avoid the inevitable sharp and hard things in life, we struggle just as Sisyphus, never reaching the illusionary safety that enough money, perfect health, secure employment, “good” kids or any of the other secular things that seemingly address our fears. The best investments can and have failed, though we should do all we can to guard our health, no one gets out alive, even the best companies suffer through downturns and try as we might to protect them our children will walk their own path.

Living on the Spiritual Basis, we place fear in its proper perspective. Life is unmanageable and we are powerless over it. Living on the new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God, when faced with fear in all its guises we understand that this is just one day in eternity, that prayer is always the answer even if we are unsure of the question. The choice is always ours. We can take the bull by the horns and like the little Dutch boy go about our lives plugging the dike with our fingers to the best of our ability when fear leaks into our consciousness or we can surrender, cease fighting everything and everyone and watch God not bother plugging the holes but roll back the waters. The choice is always ours; trust our finite selves or infinite love and guidance to solve the fear problem. Choose wisely.

THE UNICORN

A gathering of geese is known as a gaggle. A gathering of unicorns is called a blessing. Unicorns hold a curious place in man’s consciousness. Every other creature, whether real or mythical, has been depicted as either good or 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 because many believed them to be the familiars of witches (allowing the rat population to explode spreading the black plague). Lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), snakes, 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 are always depicted in a positive and mystical light, never deadly or harmful directly or indirectly, the most negative depiction its supposed foolishness when called by Noah. I added supposed for if we had wings would we choose to cooped up or soar above it all?

Spiritually the unicorn represents freedom and willingness. Living on the Spiritual Basis, we choose to ride the unicorn. Unlike a horse that is bridled and controlled by us, the unicorn will not be saddled or bridled; it is not a beast of burden but a force of nature. To make the decision to turn ones life over to the care and guidance of a power greater than themselves, to ride the unicorn, is a courageous act, even though it is usually made at a time of pain and discontent. The unicorn does not need my input on what direction to fly, for its vision is singular. The unicorn does not require my strength, for it draws its strength directly from the source. The unicorn does not fly around or above trouble and discontent; the trouble and discontent vanish at its approach.

Fear will whisper to you to dismount the unicorn and walk like other men. Resist fears clarion call and grab the unicorns mane ever tighter, dig your heels into its side, in so doing you are demonstrating willingness, though fearful, to ride on, come what may. In time you will find yourself surrounded by other unicorns, many unfortunately rider less, truly in the midst of a blessing.

NO GRAVE ROBBING

Morbid Reflection. It is spiritually deadly.

Morbid: adj

1. interested in gruesome subjects: showing a strong interest in unpleasant or gloomy subjects such as death, murder, or accidents
2. grisly: inspiring disgust or horror (Encarta)

When we engage in morbid reflection, what we are really doing is mental grave robbing. Resentments are powerful things. Left unaddressed they become like the zombies in horror movies. No matter what you do, until they are dealt with in a permanent manner, they keep coming back, inflicting more pain. Just like the movie zombies resentments move slowly but steadily and we find ourselves rehashing an old injury or hurt, infusing it with new life often without even remembering how we started down this path of thought in the first place. Living on the Spiritual Basis means living in the present. This does not mean we shut the door on the past or ignore it. Living on the new basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God, we place the past in its proper perspective, utilizing it when it can help others, demonstrating God‘s love and forgiveness in our life. We have forgiven, in thought and deed, those who have trespassed against us and we have asked for and received forgiveness for our trespasses, real and imagined. Mental grave robbing, morbid reflection, happens when we backtrack on forgiveness, our own or others, it matters not. When we do this, it is akin to cutting the scab off a healing wound to see how it is doing. The outcome is always the same, regardless of how old the injury is, new blood flows and the healing process must start over. As the carpenter taught… let the dead bury the dead (Matthew 8:22), leave those resentments and old hurts in the ground, lest you unearth a zombie and we all know how much they love fresh blood.

CAN HUMAN NATURE CHANGE?

Watching the nightly news or reading the headlines in today’s newspaper one would be inclined to say a resounding NO. The truth is yes it can, but we must have help. Left to our own devices, changing our nature or perhaps more accurately growing beyond it, is problematic. Think of the smoker who decides to quit, yet keeps a pack of cigarettes handy just in case the craving becomes too great or the alcoholic who swears off but continues to frequent their favorite watering hole because that is where their “friends” are. Now I am sure someone has quit smoking or drinking in this manner, but it is clear that this path is fraught with impediments to success and more smoking and drinking is usually the outcome. Why do something hard like riding out nicotine cravings when relief is a match away, and bars are pretty dreary places sober, especially when all your “friends” are having a “good” time.

No person or circumstance can force anyone to permanently change from without. The desire to change must come from within, and it must be desired with fervor. So many desire change, yet sabotage themselves guaranteeing failure almost before they begin. We must be willing to go to any lengths for victory, embrace a new way of living, if we truly wish to change, to grow towards better things. Living on the Spiritual Basis, practicing a new set values and principles learned through the crucible of self-imposed pain, we have been set free, free of the bondage of self, our essential nature changed. How willing are you?

THE CAPTAIN IS ON THE BRIDGE

Occasionally a teaching qualifies for “sell all the books, everything needed is here”. Emmet Fox provides one of those with: The Captain Is On The Bridge (Around The Year With Emmet Fox pg. 248). When this was written we were experiencing the Great Depression, prohibition, the displacement of millions in America’s dust choked heartland, the drums of war beating with Hitler’s rise to power in the east and Japan threatening from the west. Yet Dr Fox confidently states that The Captain Is On The Bridge:

“The world is not going to the dogs. The human race is not doomed. Civilization is not going to crash. The captain is on the bridge. Humanity is going through a difficult time, but humanity has gone through difficulties many times before in its long history, and has always come through, strengthened and purified.
Do not worry yourself about the universe collapsing. It is not going to collapse, and anyway that question is none of your business. The captain is on the bridge. If the survival of humanity depended upon you or me, it would be a poor look out for the Great Enterprise, would it not?
The captain is on the bridge. God is still in business. All that you have to do is to realize the Presence of God where trouble seems to be, to do your nearest duty to the very best of your ability; and to keep an even mind until the storm is over.”

God doesn't need my help in running the Universe, let alone my life, but I certainly need His. Fortunately, The Captain Is On The Bridge.

NOT DEAD, BUT SLEEPETH

“Dead from the neck up.” I can still see Archie in my minds eye saying this to “meathead”. If you are not a student of history, become one. There truly is nothing new under the sun when it comes to human interaction. Read headlines from 70 years ago and if it was not for the archaic words and the names of the players, they are virtually indistinguishable from today’s. Peel back another 100 years and you will find the same. Articles and editorials on healthcare, immigration, taxes, war, political infighting, politicians attacking one another, protests in the streets, ads for all kinds “miracle” cures and medicines, etc. Nothing changes if nothing changes. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. We are only destined to repeat the past when we fail to recognize it.

We all know people with closed minds, sleepwalking through life (we see them at Holiday gatherings typically). They have little or no interest in any new information or considering a differing point of view. They are “set” in their ways, curiosity long dead. Living on the Spiritual Basis requires us to be open-minded, to be open to fresh winds of thought, considering all points of view dispassionately, curious to learn and grow, regardless of our chronological age or circumstance. Living in the light does not mean that these fresh winds necessarily blow away our beliefs or change our opinions, but it is a demonstration of our open-mindedness and compassion for those we may disagree with, for they, just like us are children of the most high.

Do not allow yourself to “fall asleep at the switch” mentally. Keep your consciousness switched on by praying and meditating daily to be shown God’s will in your life and how you may be of service to your fellows. Keep your faith active, your connection to the divine open, for by doing so we gently prod those slumbering around us. Whether they choose to rouse themselves is their demonstration, ours is to serve as a consistent example of living in the light, regardless of any criticism.

WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT?

For us to abide in Him. Today the definition of abide is to tolerate, to put up with something. 150 years ago it meant: to dwell: to live or reside in a place (Encarta). Living on the Spiritual Basis is a conscious decision. We choose to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God. Not in the Polly Anna sense but in the dynamic sense. We choose to live our lives, with all our defects and shortcomings, as demonstrations of His love and guidance. Knowing we will make mistakes; forgiven as soon as we ask as long as we sincerely wish to grow, but stepping out in faith regardless. So to abide in God is to live through and of Him, trembling and fearful though we may be, each day, one day at a time.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Are you praying and meditating daily? If not, what could possibly be of more importance? Living on the Spiritual Basis requires consistent effort. Pick up pen and paper right now and list the reasons why you have not been consistent in meditation and prayer. I will wait…Looking at them in black and white; they are pretty weak, aren’t they? Especially when you consider you have been choosing excuses over a closer relationship with God! If a rich benefactor approached you and the only requirement for consistent access to their fortune was exercising a few minutes every day, would you find excuses not to work out? Considering you get to decide when to exercise and how, intensity not the goal, just consistency and all your financial needs vanish, permanently, would you hesitate? If you met someone with this kind of arraignment who then started in on all the reasons (remember your list) why working out consistently was “hard”, how would you respond?

The choice is always ours. We can live on a spiritual basis or visit it. To be clear: If we wait for trouble to come to pray, God will still hear our prayers and act to our benefit, the difference between living in the light and running to it in fear is the wear and tear we place on ourselves. Trouble comes for all, the rain falls on the just and unjust equally, and consistent prayer and meditation prepares us for those times, providing us with serenity to meet calamity. So what are you waiting for? Daily prayer and meditation demonstrates willingness, willingness the foot soldier of faith, faith the bulwark that smooths the road, the road of Happy Destiny.

DIVINE LOVE NEVER FAILS

Being loved is wonderful, it fills our heart and puts a smile on our face. We demonstrate our spiritual condition by the love we give away. Loving our children and friends is easy, but what of those “unlovely” whose actions we find objectionable? Those who have committed crimes beyond the pale, have acted in ways totally reprehensible? To be clear: Divine (unconditional) Love does not mean forgiveness or acceptance of another’s sin. We cannot forgive another’s transgressions (only transgressions personal to us) nor do their spiritual work. These are issues for the individuals directly involved to attend. We do pray for them to find their way, never outlining what that is, and stand ready to be of service if called.

Outlining is an attempt by us to influence God’s will. Typically these attempts come from a genuine place of caring, but God does not need our help thank you. What we need, what we all need, is God’s love and guidance, seeking to be an instrument of God’s will. A Stradivarius is just an old piece of wood with strings on it until a master violinist places it on his shoulder and begins to play. Then it becomes magical, creating a sound that is without peer. As great as the violinist is, without the violin nothing happens. As exquisite an instrument as the violin is, it only comes alive in the hands of a master.

We are imperfect, prone to error. God is perfection, error free. A Stradivarius in my hand is a crime, in Itzhak Perlman’s it becomes amazing. Living on the Spiritual Basis, we fit ourselves to be the best instrument possible. Living in the light we are convinced that God wants us to be Happy, Joyous and Free. That Divine Love is freely given, but it is dependent on us to ask, to step out in faith. Just as the violin does not tune itself, we do not remove our shortcomings without help. When we are resentful, fearful, justified in anger or demonstrating any of the defects of character we are capable of, it is Divine Love that retunes our heart, brings us back to our right mind, and it never fails if we remain willing.

DWELLING ON SHINAR

The Tower of Babel story from Genesis teaches some interesting lessons. Mankind was of a single mind and language. They spoke of God but were faithless. Therefore, they came together on the plain of Shinar and began constructing a great city, a testament to man’s greatness. At the heart of the city was a tower. This tower was to be constructed of “bricks like stone” for it was being built not only to last, but also to reach Heaven itself. God then reached down and scrambled their language, making it impossible for them to continue working together, so they scattered, leaving the tower and great city unfinished. Hubris aside, what else does this lesson teach?

Consider the times throughout history when men have come together in secular (though very often wrapping themselves in God) common cause. Purges, revolutions, crusades, jihads, wars and persecutions that have lead to, arguably, more death and destruction than any other cause. The argument can, and accurately, be made that many of these things happened to stop or address a greater evil, that if arms were not taken up a greater injustice would have taken place, history being the final judge. Clearly, man has been employing secular answers (though often laying them at God’s feet) and reaping the same results since the days of Shinar. War has yet to stamp out war; Persecution leading only to new generations of persecutors; Prejudice, of all stripes, teaching another generation to jump to conclusions, to marginalize. We cannot get sick enough to cure one person. We cannot get poor enough (in fact or spirit) to help those struggling.

Living on the Spiritual Basis, we take a different tack. Today we choose to live on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God. To be clear: Does this mean that we bury our heads in the sand, leave our homes unlocked, our children unprotected, offering our neck to any who would threaten us? Without equivocation, no. Continue to protect and stand for those who are incapable of protecting themselves, keep good locks on your doors, stay informed and involved in the issues of the secular world, in short, trust in God but cut the cards. Living on the Spiritual Basis has nothing to do with a Polly Anna approach to living; in fact, it is the opposite.

Living on the Spiritual Basis, we reconstruct the tower, as God would have us, each brick truth, the mortar faith. Be involved in life and living. Standing in the light the world not only needs what you have to offer, the path demands it of us. The truth will set you free. Wear your faith as a loose garment, but never deny you are wearing it.

THE TOWER OF BABEL

Babel: n

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

What would the world look like if we all spoke the same language, had complete access to unfiltered information? Today it is possible to read accurate translations of newspapers and periodicals from around the world, to immerse ourselves in unfamiliar cultures. Unfortunately even in the most prosperous nations most fail to read even their local newspaper and many of those who do rarely get beyond the headlines, comics, horoscope and sports page (which is why corrections and apologies are found on pg A23). Those living in underdeveloped regions or nations with strict information controls, if they see any outside information at all, have a very limited view of the outside world. Is it any wonder why it is nearly impossible for individuals and nations to agree if one believes black is white while the other believes white is black and each can site “their” source as the truth? The truth is not subjective.

Living on the Spiritual Basis is the path of the common tongue we all share, when we practice the presence of God in all our activities, the heart speaks, and when the heart speaks, hearts listen. Whether we speak English, French, Russian or any other language for secular communication the Language of the Heart is universal. Regardless of our spoken language, if are beginning 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 can 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 we all spoke the same language, the language of the Heart? Heaven.

THE BOOK OF GENESIS

Genesis: n

beginning: the time or circumstances of something’s coming into being. (Encarta)


When did your book of genesis begin? The first chapter the day you choose to live on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying on God. An argument could be made that the book of our lives should begin with our birth, and in truth, it does. For most, unfortunately, this is their only book of life. The conscious decision to Live on the Spiritual Basis closes the old book of our lives and opens the new, for we are reborn. Consider the circumstances that brought to a head the moment you cried out for change. Our rebirth into the light is brought about in pain, just as our physical birth was, made all the more difficult because we are fully conscious for all of it. Pain is the only instrument sharp enough to cut away the excess of self. Is it any wonder this is the path least taken, the road less traveled? Many pay it lip service, few willing to pay the price required, a great sadness indeed. Pain is the touchstone of spiritual growth. We can wish it were not so with all our might, but in truth, without the facilitation of pain few, if any, would act.

As you write in your book today, thank God for knowing Him better. Ask in meditation and prayer what you can do today for those struggling to open the account of the rest of their days in the light, for not only do you have much to give, being reborn, Living on the Spiritual Basis demands it of us.

THE CONQUERING HORSE

“Driven by a hundred forms of fear, self-delusion, self-seeking, and self-pity…(AA pg 62).” Whether it be the individual or nation, every war, criminal act, acts of self-destruction, all cruelty are embodied here. What conquering horse do you ride? Freedom or bondage? Am I willing to let others suffer, for any justification? Do I look down my nose at anyone for any reason? Do I believe in freedom for all? Do I trust God? Really? Am I willing to stand for the truth or do I soft pedal it to save hurt feelings?

How many of mankind’s worst moments started out of “good intentions”? Lenin and his followers promised freedom for the average man from the yoke of aristocracy. Hitler was elected on the promise of a new prosperity and freedom for Germany. Millions died in the course ill-fated Christian Crusades. Millions more died when the tide turned and Islam swept across Europe. Both sides in the “War Between the States” claimed God would see them to victory.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we no longer hide behind generalities. We are all God’s children or none of us are. God either is or He isn’t. When I marginalize you, I marginalize everyone. To ride the conquering horse to freedom requires more courage than we are capable of on our own, but with God all things are possible. Abandon yourself to God, ask Him to remove the lingering prejudices and 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 reign 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, to freedom.

THREE WILD HORSES

Three of the four horsemen of the apocalypse are generally, but not universally, seen as destructive to the world. Emmet Fox teaches that the Pale Horse represents the physical body and its destruction through all forms of addiction, the negative as well as the seemingly positive. The Red Horse destruction by our emotions and feelings. The Black Horse destruction through intellect.

The Pale Horse is the most obvious to observe typically, It is difficult for the drunk or addict to hide their affliction. But what of the person who is addicted to exercise or work? The gym, running/biking trials or the office can become an escape from the world just as powerful as booze or any drug and just as spiritually destructive. The alcoholic in their cups or the loaded addict has a difficult time “fitting” into polite society while the workaholic is often praised for their accomplishments, with little regard to the other areas of life and living sacrificed in the name of success or providing for the family. The family they are never present for, the children who do not “understand” how hard mom/dad is working for them, the ungrateful spouse who “out of left field” files for divorce.

Who doesn’t want to have a slim sculpted body? We have all snuck glimpses at the magazines by the check out counter promising the six-pack abs on the cover model in thirty days. Physical activity and exercise in moderation is always a good idea, but when it crosses over into narcissism, it becomes as sure a block to spiritual growth as any drink or drug. Additionally the stories of lives and families ruined from unchecked sexual desire are legion.

The Red Horse represents destruction through emotions and feelings. How many lives have been lost or ruined when an individual or nation acted on overheated emotions or inflamed feelings? How many fights, confrontations and wars could have been avoided if cooler heads had prevailed? To be clear: We are emotional beings. Without emotion, this world would be a very drab place, bereft of music or art. It is when we are controlled, dominated by our emotions and feelings that we shut ourselves off from the sunlight of the spirit.

How many worship at the God of intellect? They would never of course see it as worship, but is there really a whit of difference in commitment between the minister on Sunday preaching from the pulpit or the professor/scientist/politician speaking with absolute certainty on any subject? Consider the science textbooks of even just 30 years ago, regardless of discipline, are worthless today because of new discoveries. Isn’t it the height of hubris to think that “now” we have all the answers in any area of study or science? We ride the Black Horse when we close our minds and stop asking questions, for our path is to strive to expand our consciousness.

THE FOUR HORSEMEN

Terror, bewilderment, frustration and despair. All who have chosen the road of happy destiny know these hideous four horsemen. Terror: Does God exist? What if He doesn’t? Bewilderment: If He does, who or what is the path, and how can I ever hope to find it? Frustration: Is it Yahweh, Zeus, Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Zoroaster, Ganesha or some other deity or teacher that is the true path, how do I choose? Despair: If I choose wrong will I “burn” in hell as some strongly state, lost for all eternity, terrorized and tortured?

Fortunately, there is good news for 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. In my life, the saddest people I have known are those who insist that there is only one way to freedom, their way, and if you do not believe their way you will be lost for eternity, oh, but God loves you. The foundation of our true relationship to God is found in the opening two words of the Lord‘s Prayer: “OUR FATHER”. God is the Father of all, rich and poor, famous and infamous, believer or infidel and does not play favorites. All are provided with limitless opportunities to grow and learn, remember; we are not of this flesh but are as eternal as God for we are made in His likeness. Would a loving parent cast away a wayward child, forever, or would they continue to help in any positive way they could, forever? Would God, Our Father, do any less?

Cast off the fetters of constrictive thinking and embrace the whole of His love and guidance. Be quick to see where religious people are right and make use of what they offer, praying to be shown the truth of being, meditating daily on how to be of service to God and our fellows, trusting in your connection to the Infinite and acting accordingly. Keep an open mind, remain willing to learn and grow, regardless of the source and stay honest with yourself on what you truly believe, for the unexamined life leads to the bondage of self. When we live this way the riders are unseated, their horses turned out to pasture.

ACCEPT NO SECOND-BESTS

Happy, Joyous and Free. Generally content, feeling OK and somewhat unrestrained. Which would you rather be? Purchasing “seconds” at the outlet mall to save a few bucks is all well and good, but when it comes to our spiritual consciousness never settle for anything but the fullest expression of our inheritance as children of the Divine, to be Happy, Joyous and Free.

ALTER YOUR LIFE

Does God play favorites? Are some “chosen” for success while others for failure? Does God want us all to be “Happy, Joyous and Free”? Is He all “Our Father” or not? Living on the Spiritual Basis, we have chosen to live the examined life. Answering these questions defines what we really believe. We lived speaking in generalities using bumper sticker length platitudes as answers when we were of the world. Now being in the world but of God, by choice, we look beyond easy vacuous greeting card answers to life and living and get down to causes and conditions. A price has to be paid and the price is the surrendering of self.

We alter our lives by taking the road less traveled. Here difficulty arises since we often find ourselves seemingly traveling alone, encountering questions and challenges greater than we see others facing. To be clear: everyone faces the same questions and challenges, the form they take alters for each individual, but they all are born of the same bedrock and we will either seek answers, live in denial or induced oblivion if the pain of living becomes to great. Selfishness, self-centeredness, self-seeking, fear in all its guises are handicaps to spiritual freedom. The world is continually providing “self help” answers to the questions of life, a new book, a seminar or training program to solve our problems. How many have come and gone in the course of your life, promising everything but only succeeding in draining bank accounts or running up credit card balances, then fading away?

A relationship with the Source requires nothing and everything. There is no need to bring your wallet, but helping those in need, as you see fit, is highly recommended. You do not have to join anything, but congregating with like-minded individuals is a plus. God is the same today as yesterday and promised to be in the future, yet living in the light we grow and change day by day, sometimes moment by moment. The path is available to all, rich to poor, literate or illiterate, high born or born of the earth, the only impediment is our own fear, which leads to our seeming separation from eternal truth. Everything needed to have a conscious contact with God is available to us now, if we are willing to go to any lengths for a spiritual awakening. Willing to go to any lengths. What an order, but in the light of truth, is there really any other choice?

YOUR INVISIBLE DICTAPHONE

Besides the curious way our recorded voice always sounds odd to us when played back, if you have ever recorded a long conversation the playback was eye opening in our word choices, cadence etc. Most unfortunately will never experience this because they will never record more than a voice mail greeting. Living in the digital world many a politician has been embarrassed by the ease of retrieval of a flip flop recorded for posterity.

The price of continuing spiritual freedom is vigilance. It is easy to drift back into negative thinking and speech. The “good” natured gossip with a friend or joining in(or worse, instigating) a bitch session about a co-worker or boss. Taking sides in any romantic or marital dispute. If we are talking about anyone for any reason and would be embarrassed if we found them standing behind us, we are wrong. If I am saying anything about anyone that I would be unwilling to say to their face, I’m wrong. Gossiping and tale telling rarely if ever embodies patience, tolerance, kindliness or love and these are some of the watchwords Living on the Spiritual Basis requires. As far as taking sides in romantic squabbles, we have all done it only to become the enemy when they reconcile. Be supportive but avoid setting yourself up later to be the bad guy.

Everything we say, do or observe is recorded. Everything. Not by God, by us. It is written upon our heart, recorded in the subconscious. Every crummy or negative thing we have ever said or done (as well as the good, but the good isn‘t the problem)is still with us and it seems the Devil himself drags these things up into the conscious mind to hold us back. We are powerless to control which thoughts float up from the subconscious. We have complete control over what action to take when we become aware of them (we don’t always catch them right away, the subconscious mind is cunning, baffling and powerful). We pray and meditate. Turn the sunlight of the spirit upon them and assert the truth in being, that you have been forgiven, completely and forever, that Our Father’s love is unconditional and these negative thoughts specters, insubstantial, powerless in the face of God’s love and guidance. Stay vigilant and avoid negativity towards others but above all never beat yourself about the head and shoulders with the past for you are now living on a different basis, the basis of trusting and relying upon God.

YOU ARE ALWAYS TREATING

Everything is connected. Every word and action. Every thought. Nothing happens without consequence, without touching everything else around it, that then touches everything around them, and on and on. Consider the still pond. A pebble is tossed into the middle and concentric rings from the disturbance begin emanating on the surface towards the sides of the pond. Observe carefully and you will see the rings rebound back from the shore toward the center, often at oblique angles, eventually touching even the hidden shores of the pond. This is what we can see, what of that which happens beyond our sight? As our pebble falls through the water to the bottom of the pond it continues to send out waves of disturbance, 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. Nothing happens in a vacuum. Our words and actions reverberate throughout the world, unseen or consciously noticed unless we command a position of international prominence, but the effect is there none the less. 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 produce major effects is illustrative.

Never doubt your importance or connection with the Divine. You are the literal son or daughter of the Most High. Regard yourself accordingly and assert your true place in thought and deed as a demonstration of God’s love and guidance and the world rejoices.

GOD SAYS NOW

What are you waiting for? Living on the Spiritual Basis we have decided to get off the bench and into the bus. Everyone sits on the bench for a time, watching bus after bus stop and pick up passengers, rationalizing and justifying reasons for not taking the trip, yet. Fear keeps us on the bench, a mustard seeds worth of faith gets us moving. Get off your butt and get on the bus. The fare is willingness, open-mindedness and honesty. The destination salvation and freedom, the driver none other than God himself. Yes, it will be a long strange trip, oh but the sights and vistas along the way remarkable beyond words, breathtaking in the awakening, the driver providing perfect pitch commentary.

BLUEBEARD DRAWS THE LINE (OUR SECRET ROOM)

When I began truly applying spiritual principles in my life I had to address my “secret room.” I didn’t have any secrets as horrendous as Bluebeard’s but there were something’s I was not proud of and didn’t really want to shine any light on them. Employing rationalization and justification I had sold myself a bill of goods, neatly locking these things away from sight. When the time came to ruthlessly face my past, if I wished to grow spiritually, the reasoning that locked these things away melted like spring snow. I placed them on paper and said them out loud to a trusted advisor and God. When this was done it felt as if an actual weight was lifted from my shoulders, it was a stunning moment. This happened many years ago and in the intervening years I have watched the same thing happen in hundreds of lives, the only requirement being for successful consummation of the process is that they were thorough and honest in clearing out their secret room. The truth will set you free.

A few weeks after reveling the inventory of my secret room I asked God to enter every nook and cranny of my life, to short circuit any false notion that there exists any aspect of my life that God does not know about. Looking back it seems foolish that I believed I could “hide” things from God, but I did. As a wise teacher said many years ago “live your life as if it is 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 haven’t 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 of the past.

TRIUMPH OVER DANGER

Honesty, open-mindedness and willingness. We triumph over danger and life’s inevitable challenges not by the exercise of willpower and brute force but by tapping into the power of the universe. There are many paths that lead to the realization of the existence of God, some seek His face through selfless service, most however travel the roadway of pain, seeking Him when all else has failed and they are bereft of answers. Sickness (our own or a loved ones), addiction, financial stress, failed relationship and death (a loved ones or contemplating our own) are all entry points to the road all will travel. The only instrument sharp enough to cut away the excess of self is pain. The greatest gift you can give yourself 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 lessened, but you will have a clear cut direction to follow out of the wilderness.

Be quick to see where religious people are right. Make use of what they have to offer. Set aside any preconceived ideas and put on 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 offer and join us as we trudge the road of happy destiny.

OUR ASSURANCE

Some things in life are assured: taxes, death, politicians, less sleep and more bathroom trips after 50, at least one new diet a month that promises: better sex, drop 20 pounds in 20 days with no exercise, fewer bathroom trips and better sleep. The newspaper/nightly news will lead with a scary story. Oh, and of course the Cubs.

What of spiritual assurance? Spiritual tomes and teachers state matter-of-factly some pretty strong promises of what will happen, for good or ill, based on our actions. What do you believe? The world (man) is always presenting some new and improved way to solve problems, to address the issues of living. All that is required is your vote and/or your money/credit card number and everything will change for the better. In truth, nothing in the news today is new. Politicians may not technically belong to the worlds oldest profession (I have my doubts) but if not they have been around nearly as long. Additionally there was a time, and not that long ago, when leeches and blood letting where central to a patients care and most patent medicines would definitely make you feel better, considering they consisted mostly of alcohol and some form of opium, but did little else.

We are asked to trust people and institutions, to place our faith in governments and “learned” experts. Yet the same problems that plagued the ancient Greeks and Romans still plague us today: healthcare, jobs, secure borders, taxes, immigration, elder care, safe and available food, education, road and bridge maintenance, etc. Studying the history of worldly assurances; both micro and macro, it becomes apparent that outer assurances have done little to fundamentally change the world.

Living on the Spiritual Basis we have found the timeless assurances of spiritual teachers becoming real for us because we stepped out in faith and did the work ourselves. By placing our trust in the miraculous, turning from the outer to the within through prayer and meditation, trusting in infinite God rather than our finite self, we have found peace and the ability to meet calamity with serenity. Our reliance based on our work in raising our consciousness, expanding our conscious contact with God, not the assurances of others. The promise of life eternal beyond the limitations of the flesh real, for we are in the world but no longer of the world. Now if I could just cut down on those bathroom trips in the middle of the night, maybe if I change my diet...

OUR PROMISE

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 security 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 pgs 63,83,84 & 100 respectively).

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.

OUR DELIVERANCE

Often I have worked with someone who prays, but then sabotages themselves, essentially negating the prayer. 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 don’t really believe that 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? If God is the Father and we are the children, would He teach through pain and suffering anymore than you would your child? Living in grace we are forgiven 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. 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’m 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! Avoid lending God a hand in the running of your life, He really doesn’t need our help.

OUR FORTRESS

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, become clear on our values and the code we live by. In so doing we build the structure of our mentality, our consciousness a 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 into ruin. I have been watching the Tour De France bicycle race for years. One of the things that brings me back every year is the stunning pictures of France. Much of the race is followed with helicopters, showing panoramic shots of famous structures in proximity to the race. 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. Just as these physical walls fail without care, the fortress of our faith will suffer as well without 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 your fortress, stay vigilant for the beginning shoots of fear, negativity and depression and when they appear, and they will, address them immediately reaffirming your faith and trust in God.

THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY

There are no atheists in foxholes. When things are going well we all have a tendency to slack off a touch on our spiritual work. This is natural. The sun is shining, the clouds in the sky just decoration, perfect for watching lying on a soft bed of grass. Life is good. If we have been consistent in our spiritual work and demonstrations we enjoy these times but are not complacent. 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 times when dark clouds gather and the wind howls as the rain begins to fall in our lives. Living on the Spiritual Basis we understand that the rain falls on the just and the unjust equally, we are not being punished. Living on the new basis, when the rain comes we gently step back into the shadow and shelter of the Almighty, out of the wind, continuing to pray and meditate until the storm passes and the sun returns. Having embraced eternity we know the truth of being, that behind every cloud, the sun still shines.