Voluntary acceptance of undeserved suffering.
I am coming to believe that we will never know peace until we can voluntarily accept undeserved suffering. Our reasoning mind rises in righteous indignation before those words have finished coming to mind, before our eyes have finished reading the words on the page.
They do not make sense to the reasoning mind, the ego-driven reasoning mind, and, on that basis alone, must be rejected. And yet, those who are serious about still more spiritual growth, and the getting of same, must needs come into agreement with those very words and the meaning behind those words.
There are in the world the likes of Etty Hillesum (who died at Auschwitz in 1943) who are the embodiment of undeserved suffering. Then there's you and me. Our undeserved suffering is pretty much getting our feelings hurt by a loved one when we did not do a single thing to deserve it (according to our own ego-centered mind).
The extraordinarily hard lesson to learn unto doing is the necessity of keeping the focus on our own self. A book of spiritual principles that I follow teaches that when someone does something that makes us sore we are in the wrong, too...and there's the answer: Stay focused on our own self, not on him or her and how s/he hurt us oh so deeply. Because the more we ponder our hurt, the hurter we feel. So we react in kind.
It is only when we ponder the whys and wherefores of our own actions, our own reactions, that we begin to find the necessary spiritual light to see from another angle not our own.
God can and will lovingly clarify our vision if we seek his aid without our ego dictating terms. If we hold onto one iota of self-preservation, we're on our own, and s/he really is wrong. Oops. Another friendship done gone wrong.
Thank you.
Monday, November 30, 2015
Sunday, November 29, 2015
LETTING GO...THINK OF IT!
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. -- Psalm 127
There. That is exactly why, with spiritual growth, the difference between the right way and the wrong way is "the difference between a self-determined objective and the perfect objective which is of God."
Even if the objective is good, beautiful, wholly acceptable in our own eyes, and in the eyes of others, we must know as we breathe, that it is as dust if the Lord's hand is not in it.
Think of all the things that we saw heading our way that we prayed would pass us by. Then on arrival, or at some point thereafter, they became to us obvious gifts from God. Then ponder the things we prayed for...and got!..and bemoaned ever after.
We can never out-think God. His up may very well be our down and/or vice versa. All we are asked to do is accept that. Why is that so easy to preach and so hard to do? The very question causes us to stop and think about it... and there we go, down that wrong road again.
And God loves us anyway. Think of it!
Thank you.
There. That is exactly why, with spiritual growth, the difference between the right way and the wrong way is "the difference between a self-determined objective and the perfect objective which is of God."
Even if the objective is good, beautiful, wholly acceptable in our own eyes, and in the eyes of others, we must know as we breathe, that it is as dust if the Lord's hand is not in it.
Think of all the things that we saw heading our way that we prayed would pass us by. Then on arrival, or at some point thereafter, they became to us obvious gifts from God. Then ponder the things we prayed for...and got!..and bemoaned ever after.
We can never out-think God. His up may very well be our down and/or vice versa. All we are asked to do is accept that. Why is that so easy to preach and so hard to do? The very question causes us to stop and think about it... and there we go, down that wrong road again.
And God loves us anyway. Think of it!
Thank you.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
KISS IT ON THE LIPS
[The following is a reprint of my blog of November 25, 2008.]
I like the duality of “everything happens by invitation only” and “you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”
It has been helpful to me to remember, when I’m in conflict with another, that I’ve made a decision based on self that has placed me in this conflict…that I have invited exactly what is taking place. Which is not to say that I knew exactly what I was inviting…my intentions were no doubt wonderful in my mind’s eye.
I’m reminded of a country western song that was popular in the Austin, TX, area way back in my teens. It was a very funny song, all about body parts we asked for and what we got. I regret I only remember one line, but that one line tells it all: ”When they were passing out noses, I thought they said roses, and I said, ‘I’ll have a big red one!’”
Well, that’s how I view the end result of my decisions based on self…what was I thinking? And I usually find some lovely-sounding (usually care-taking) goal I had in mind…that was not wanted, was not needed and was not appreciated by the other person.
On the other hand, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” the promise made in John 15:16, gives me much comfort. The responsibility of choosing God is not on me…if I can complicate a free lunch, you know what I’d do with the responsibility of choosing God. I’d never feel good enough, prepared enough…just plain enough.
I rest in the fact that He has chosen me. It is now mine to work with Him to make of myself, through spiritual principles, a happy representative of Him. Keeping in mind that what I see is always myself, so it is up to me to find the beauty in whatever comes my way.
I want to be prepared to kiss it on the lips whatever “it” appears to be…for if it is appearing, it is for my eventual good, a great incentive to find the beauty.
Thank you.
I like the duality of “everything happens by invitation only” and “you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.”
It has been helpful to me to remember, when I’m in conflict with another, that I’ve made a decision based on self that has placed me in this conflict…that I have invited exactly what is taking place. Which is not to say that I knew exactly what I was inviting…my intentions were no doubt wonderful in my mind’s eye.
I’m reminded of a country western song that was popular in the Austin, TX, area way back in my teens. It was a very funny song, all about body parts we asked for and what we got. I regret I only remember one line, but that one line tells it all: ”When they were passing out noses, I thought they said roses, and I said, ‘I’ll have a big red one!’”
Well, that’s how I view the end result of my decisions based on self…what was I thinking? And I usually find some lovely-sounding (usually care-taking) goal I had in mind…that was not wanted, was not needed and was not appreciated by the other person.
On the other hand, “You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” the promise made in John 15:16, gives me much comfort. The responsibility of choosing God is not on me…if I can complicate a free lunch, you know what I’d do with the responsibility of choosing God. I’d never feel good enough, prepared enough…just plain enough.
I rest in the fact that He has chosen me. It is now mine to work with Him to make of myself, through spiritual principles, a happy representative of Him. Keeping in mind that what I see is always myself, so it is up to me to find the beauty in whatever comes my way.
I want to be prepared to kiss it on the lips whatever “it” appears to be…for if it is appearing, it is for my eventual good, a great incentive to find the beauty.
Thank you.
Friday, November 27, 2015
THE GIFT OF SOUL DARKNESS
I'm beginning to believe that the fear of anxiety is the corroder of the world today. Actual anxiety itself, once you're in it, can only last a minor amount of time. I once knew exactly how long the experts say an anxiety attack lasts...a short while to the experts, way too long to the one in it.
It is in trying to hold off anxiety, however, that the fear of anxiety rules, and eventually brings on what has been called "the dark night of the soul."
According to me, the gift of soul darkness is the very darkness itself. We cannot see; there is only black...terrified, utterly alone, no answers, hopeless, helpless, even our ego is vulnerable. Now that is fear, when the ego deserts us.
The paradox, of course, is it is the ego's desertion that brings both our darkest point and the divine U-bie. It is in reaching that darkest depth that our decision is made...to turn toward the light.
The darkness is proof that we cannot save our self. We've tried evasiveness, half-truths, obfuscation...bald-faced lies. We've even tried telling the truth! The problem being, the truth we've told is the truth as we saw it, knew it, allowed it to be. For sure, we've gone to any length...for self. To save our self as we believed we needed to be saved.
And there is the dreadful gift...choosing to be left to our self, we do not know, and we do not know that we do not know, and we crash and burn. It is the flames from that burn, however, that light the way for the God of our own understanding to lift us, love us, guide us toward freedom from self.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend. -- Fr. Richard Rohr, "Daily Meditation," October 14, 2014
Thank you.
It is in trying to hold off anxiety, however, that the fear of anxiety rules, and eventually brings on what has been called "the dark night of the soul."
According to me, the gift of soul darkness is the very darkness itself. We cannot see; there is only black...terrified, utterly alone, no answers, hopeless, helpless, even our ego is vulnerable. Now that is fear, when the ego deserts us.
The paradox, of course, is it is the ego's desertion that brings both our darkest point and the divine U-bie. It is in reaching that darkest depth that our decision is made...to turn toward the light.
The darkness is proof that we cannot save our self. We've tried evasiveness, half-truths, obfuscation...bald-faced lies. We've even tried telling the truth! The problem being, the truth we've told is the truth as we saw it, knew it, allowed it to be. For sure, we've gone to any length...for self. To save our self as we believed we needed to be saved.
And there is the dreadful gift...choosing to be left to our self, we do not know, and we do not know that we do not know, and we crash and burn. It is the flames from that burn, however, that light the way for the God of our own understanding to lift us, love us, guide us toward freedom from self.
The gift of darkness draws you to know God’s presence beyond what thought, imagination, or sensory feeling can comprehend. -- Fr. Richard Rohr, "Daily Meditation," October 14, 2014
Thank you.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
WE ARE ALL ONE
Thank you, God, for this day, for our everything just as it is right this very minute.
Thank you God in Buddha, in Mohammad, in Jehovah, in Allah, in Emmanuel, in Christ Jesus, in Joseph Smith and the angel Maroni, in the Great Father and the True Mother, and in all other known and unknown representatives of the Lord to any and all peoples of the world, thank you for teaching us that there are only two sins: first, to not know that we are all One and, second, to know but not show that we are all One.
Thank you.
Thank you God in Buddha, in Mohammad, in Jehovah, in Allah, in Emmanuel, in Christ Jesus, in Joseph Smith and the angel Maroni, in the Great Father and the True Mother, and in all other known and unknown representatives of the Lord to any and all peoples of the world, thank you for teaching us that there are only two sins: first, to not know that we are all One and, second, to know but not show that we are all One.
Thank you.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
THE SHINY ACORN VS. THE MIGHTY OAK
We each have a choice about our life...we can be like a highly polished acorn or we can be like a mighty oak.
The shiny acorn learns some spiritual principles. Relearns them. Quotes them. Teaches them to others. Its mouth moves faster than a speeding bullet with the exactly right spiritual principle to apply to anybody's problem any time.
We acorns who are highly polished with a shiny gloss look good and sound better!
Then comes the day we have a need to apply a spiritual principle to our own bleeding heart. We think pretty thoughts, we say high-flown platitudes...all the things we've been preaching for years. We come up empty, and we know fear.
That acorn, opened, has insides that are fallow from non-use. There is no God there.
The mighty oak learns spiritual principles. Uses those spiritual principles in every day life. We oaks never stop learning spiritual principles because the more we use them, the deeper their roots go into our soul. Meanings change, guiding us deeper to a higher level. Others benefit from our spiritual growth without our ever being aware of that.
We mighty oaks grow ever stronger...maybe misshapen to the naked eye, a tish thick around the middle, a little top heavy, but we're growing within and without. With never a conscious thought (for that's God's part), we're releasing acorns regularly to take root and grow.
There is the source of peace, love and joy...living for others, seeing others take root and grow. Life is all about others, and God is there.
Thank you.
The shiny acorn learns some spiritual principles. Relearns them. Quotes them. Teaches them to others. Its mouth moves faster than a speeding bullet with the exactly right spiritual principle to apply to anybody's problem any time.
We acorns who are highly polished with a shiny gloss look good and sound better!
Then comes the day we have a need to apply a spiritual principle to our own bleeding heart. We think pretty thoughts, we say high-flown platitudes...all the things we've been preaching for years. We come up empty, and we know fear.
That acorn, opened, has insides that are fallow from non-use. There is no God there.
The mighty oak learns spiritual principles. Uses those spiritual principles in every day life. We oaks never stop learning spiritual principles because the more we use them, the deeper their roots go into our soul. Meanings change, guiding us deeper to a higher level. Others benefit from our spiritual growth without our ever being aware of that.
We mighty oaks grow ever stronger...maybe misshapen to the naked eye, a tish thick around the middle, a little top heavy, but we're growing within and without. With never a conscious thought (for that's God's part), we're releasing acorns regularly to take root and grow.
There is the source of peace, love and joy...living for others, seeing others take root and grow. Life is all about others, and God is there.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
TO THE CLOUD!
I find it interesting that we send things to "the cloud" today...and having said that I've said all I know about sending things to "the cloud."
What interests me is that is the same sense I've used for years in letting go of my attack thoughts. I've sent them to the cloud (what I called "to my angels") rather than, say, to the dungeon because it sounds kinder. I figure the last thing nasty needs is more nasty. I have learned to treat those thoughts gently only because cursing them and me, beating me and them, does nothing but grow them meaner and me weaker.
I've named those thoughts "Franny the Brat." I know all Franny wants is attention...good, loving or bad and nasty, makes no never mind to Franny the Brat. Just ATTENTION. Me, first. Hey, here I am, look at me. Take my advice...quote me. With rues, regrets and remorses following, starting the whole cycle again.
I know all too well that I can get those attack thoughts back any time I want them, so I thank God that I'll never need them...want them is on me.
I hug them, I kiss them, I let them go...to the cloud! Or, to the moon, Alice! Whichever...as long as we love and laugh.
Thank you.
What interests me is that is the same sense I've used for years in letting go of my attack thoughts. I've sent them to the cloud (what I called "to my angels") rather than, say, to the dungeon because it sounds kinder. I figure the last thing nasty needs is more nasty. I have learned to treat those thoughts gently only because cursing them and me, beating me and them, does nothing but grow them meaner and me weaker.
I've named those thoughts "Franny the Brat." I know all Franny wants is attention...good, loving or bad and nasty, makes no never mind to Franny the Brat. Just ATTENTION. Me, first. Hey, here I am, look at me. Take my advice...quote me. With rues, regrets and remorses following, starting the whole cycle again.
I know all too well that I can get those attack thoughts back any time I want them, so I thank God that I'll never need them...want them is on me.
I hug them, I kiss them, I let them go...to the cloud! Or, to the moon, Alice! Whichever...as long as we love and laugh.
Thank you.
Monday, November 23, 2015
BE PRESENT AND KNOW GOD
Here's what I believe: When Jesus was given the choice of dying on the cross, he prayed for that choice to pass on by. It did not, and he made his decision to go all in with God...to die on the cross, to be crucified dead and buried.
According to me, it was that decision that rocketed him into the 4th (or 5th or higher) dimension, and he went through all his trials, pain and terror with God carrying him and his pain and terror...he knew naught of them. He knew God.
I choose to believe that is how Daniel Pearl, et al., got through their beheadings, and that is how I get through my poor, pitiful and puny anxiety attacks that feel so pain filled and terror ridden.
That's the reason I believe going all in with God rather than "better living through chemistry" is the sane choice. Where was Daniel Pearl going to go to get a Xanax? He could think "God" and BINGO! There's God.
God is with us always and all ways. We're the ones not present.
Thank you.
According to me, it was that decision that rocketed him into the 4th (or 5th or higher) dimension, and he went through all his trials, pain and terror with God carrying him and his pain and terror...he knew naught of them. He knew God.
I choose to believe that is how Daniel Pearl, et al., got through their beheadings, and that is how I get through my poor, pitiful and puny anxiety attacks that feel so pain filled and terror ridden.
That's the reason I believe going all in with God rather than "better living through chemistry" is the sane choice. Where was Daniel Pearl going to go to get a Xanax? He could think "God" and BINGO! There's God.
God is with us always and all ways. We're the ones not present.
Thank you.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
GO ALL IN OR IT'S ALL TALK
All the knowledge in the world...all the wonderful how-to-grow-spiritually-in-an-unspiritual-world...all the love we have within us, which is all the love there is...is useless if we do not live it. Think, feel, do...be it.
Forgiveness is not forgiveness if we don't forget that which we say we've forgiven. Love is not love if we only use a little at a time...or if we only love 90 percent. Kindness isn't kindness if we believe we have a choice in the matter. Forgiveness, kindness, love...we either go all in or we're all talk.
Who isn't sweet, kind, considerate, lovable and generous when being gifted with the same? It's the selection process that has to go...thinking we can go to God all loved, lovable and loving, on a three-legged pony, will not do it.
Unless we carry the pony. For the pony's sake.
Thank you.
Forgiveness is not forgiveness if we don't forget that which we say we've forgiven. Love is not love if we only use a little at a time...or if we only love 90 percent. Kindness isn't kindness if we believe we have a choice in the matter. Forgiveness, kindness, love...we either go all in or we're all talk.
Who isn't sweet, kind, considerate, lovable and generous when being gifted with the same? It's the selection process that has to go...thinking we can go to God all loved, lovable and loving, on a three-legged pony, will not do it.
Unless we carry the pony. For the pony's sake.
Thank you.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
THE STATE OF UNKNOWING
[The following is a reprint of my blog of November 29, 2008.]
It is in the state of unknowing where I rest…in the assurance that the Spirit within me does, and is doing, Its perfect work…always and all ways.
Thank you.
It is in the state of unknowing where I rest…in the assurance that the Spirit within me does, and is doing, Its perfect work…always and all ways.
Thank you.
Friday, November 20, 2015
LISTEN...THEN DO
I love finding my handwritten notes that I've written in my daily readers. No matter what year I wrote them, they nearly always are exactly right for me that day. For instance, in today's "God Calling," I noted in 2007: Practice living love by loving adversity the same as no adversity.
Yesterday's note, dated 1997, was a reminder not to be talking forgiveness, thinking vengeance.
Don't tell me God doesn't speak directly to us. All we must needs do is listen...then do.
Thank you.
Yesterday's note, dated 1997, was a reminder not to be talking forgiveness, thinking vengeance.
Don't tell me God doesn't speak directly to us. All we must needs do is listen...then do.
Thank you.
Thursday, November 19, 2015
SECRETS AND SAND DUNES
I am deeply shaken. Secrets, the bane of life itself.
I've learned of a friend's secret which feels like a complete betrayal of me and all I've shared with her. She keeps secrets, and I never realized it...until recently. Then she let slip her secret of something she stole from me. I don't really mind that she has it, I care beyond words that she did it in secret...and does not seem to have a clue that her behavior is hurtful.
I'm reminded of the cat that does her business in a sand box, covers it up and calls it a sand dune. It is not...it is a secret.
I go back again to my fail-safe: "If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also." That's where I need to keep my focus. Not on the wrong...that's not mine...but on my "deeply shaken," my "hurt."
Fortunately, I have learned it is true what Eckhart Tolle espouses: "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." In short, I needed this, if for no other reason than to learn more completely that my reaction is more important to my spiritual growth than what I am reacting to.
Thy will not mine be done.
Thank you.
I've learned of a friend's secret which feels like a complete betrayal of me and all I've shared with her. She keeps secrets, and I never realized it...until recently. Then she let slip her secret of something she stole from me. I don't really mind that she has it, I care beyond words that she did it in secret...and does not seem to have a clue that her behavior is hurtful.
I'm reminded of the cat that does her business in a sand box, covers it up and calls it a sand dune. It is not...it is a secret.
I go back again to my fail-safe: "If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also." That's where I need to keep my focus. Not on the wrong...that's not mine...but on my "deeply shaken," my "hurt."
Fortunately, I have learned it is true what Eckhart Tolle espouses: "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." In short, I needed this, if for no other reason than to learn more completely that my reaction is more important to my spiritual growth than what I am reacting to.
Thy will not mine be done.
Thank you.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
ADDICTED TO OUR OWN THINKING
I remember the first time I heard someone say that he was addicted to excitement. That's heard more often today, but to me forty years ago, it was an Oh No and a WOW at the same time...and doesn't that perfectly prove the point?
Recently, Fr. Richard Rohr wrote in his Daily Meditation, "Spiritual traditions at their higher levels discovered that the primary addiction for all humans is addiction to our own way of thinking." That fairly well states the same point. Only, now, "spiritual traditions" give it legitimacy...or hubris.
I suspect that addiction is the source and the proof that we're only as sick as our secrets. Addicted to our own way of thinking can keep us from sharing our own thinking if and when we feel selfish...or superior. By not sharing those "less than/better than" thoughts with others, we lock our self down...bringing ego on the run to do our thinking for us.
I'm a believer that telling one other person our secrets is just the first step toward free from ego...we must needs keep that door open by sharing with another and another. It is through sharing that we get clarity of our self, of our own motives...and the more we share, the clearer we become.
That came to me in a blinding flash of the obvious many years ago when a doctor prescribed some medication for my anxiety. I knew then, and know today, that popping a pill to lift me over any anxiety, depression, or other sideways feelings, is not the path for me. That instance probably was my first break into complete acceptance of myself. It mattered not what anybody else needed to do for himself or herself...I did not condemn them then and do not today. For me, I try to keep my focus on God and seek still more spiritual growth. I feel anxious when I feel anxious and freely talk about it to God and others.
That's what still more spiritual growth is all about, according to me...learning to keep our focus on God's will and not fight the ego-thoughts...which only gives them new life.
We can bring those thoughts back to God with a giggle, a grin and a thank you...then, best part, share them with friends with that same giggle and grin and thank you.
Thank you.
Recently, Fr. Richard Rohr wrote in his Daily Meditation, "Spiritual traditions at their higher levels discovered that the primary addiction for all humans is addiction to our own way of thinking." That fairly well states the same point. Only, now, "spiritual traditions" give it legitimacy...or hubris.
I suspect that addiction is the source and the proof that we're only as sick as our secrets. Addicted to our own way of thinking can keep us from sharing our own thinking if and when we feel selfish...or superior. By not sharing those "less than/better than" thoughts with others, we lock our self down...bringing ego on the run to do our thinking for us.
I'm a believer that telling one other person our secrets is just the first step toward free from ego...we must needs keep that door open by sharing with another and another. It is through sharing that we get clarity of our self, of our own motives...and the more we share, the clearer we become.
That came to me in a blinding flash of the obvious many years ago when a doctor prescribed some medication for my anxiety. I knew then, and know today, that popping a pill to lift me over any anxiety, depression, or other sideways feelings, is not the path for me. That instance probably was my first break into complete acceptance of myself. It mattered not what anybody else needed to do for himself or herself...I did not condemn them then and do not today. For me, I try to keep my focus on God and seek still more spiritual growth. I feel anxious when I feel anxious and freely talk about it to God and others.
That's what still more spiritual growth is all about, according to me...learning to keep our focus on God's will and not fight the ego-thoughts...which only gives them new life.
We can bring those thoughts back to God with a giggle, a grin and a thank you...then, best part, share them with friends with that same giggle and grin and thank you.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
THE WAY OF THE CROSS...THE DEATH OF EGO
I am learning...slowly, slowly...to live my life detached from my own imperfect viewpoint. Recently a friend and I each felt "done wrong" by the other...according to our own self-centered thinking.
Detaching myself from the whole situation, I saw that which I had resisted and personalized (which is the first step in attaching). Rather than hold to my hurt opinion that this was her putting me down (inviting her right-back-at'cha angry opinion of me), I experimented. I invited my belief that "God's hand is in it" to do my thinking for me. (I believe, or say I do, that God's hand is in everything...especially the not wonderful happenings that we resist and pray for God to change...in our favor.)
This happened awhile back, and the punchline is that she responded in kind, that is to say, with love; since then we each show each other courtesy, kindness and love, and today we are closer friends because of that incident.
Now. Today. Here's me with almost the exact same situation but different friend. I feel like I'm arm-wrestling with God because I am right, and she is wrong. I want for her own good to lovingly tell her that I am right and she is wrong period, get over yourself, Gertrude, let's move on.
I know from my toenails up that I will do the right thing...give up, give over...because I no longer have a choice. Reaping the rewards of spiritual growth just once is the teacher. That's how we learn that there is no inside advancement, only falling back, if we don't.
That's the trouble with still more spiritual growth...you never get to feel good about yourself until after you've given over, given in, conceded, surrendered, LOST. But then you really, really do feel...not so much good about yourself, but contented, I guess. At peace for sure, but deeper even.
Hey, that may be the love we seek which is always present...we just don't feel it until we let go...of everything.
My blinding flash of the obvious: Can the way of the cross be a metaphor for the death of ego? It feels like crucifixion, or we fear it will feel like crucifixion, but in fact there is naught but a sweet feeling of awe when we refuse our ego and choose God.
Thank you.
Detaching myself from the whole situation, I saw that which I had resisted and personalized (which is the first step in attaching). Rather than hold to my hurt opinion that this was her putting me down (inviting her right-back-at'cha angry opinion of me), I experimented. I invited my belief that "God's hand is in it" to do my thinking for me. (I believe, or say I do, that God's hand is in everything...especially the not wonderful happenings that we resist and pray for God to change...in our favor.)
This happened awhile back, and the punchline is that she responded in kind, that is to say, with love; since then we each show each other courtesy, kindness and love, and today we are closer friends because of that incident.
Now. Today. Here's me with almost the exact same situation but different friend. I feel like I'm arm-wrestling with God because I am right, and she is wrong. I want for her own good to lovingly tell her that I am right and she is wrong period, get over yourself, Gertrude, let's move on.
I know from my toenails up that I will do the right thing...give up, give over...because I no longer have a choice. Reaping the rewards of spiritual growth just once is the teacher. That's how we learn that there is no inside advancement, only falling back, if we don't.
That's the trouble with still more spiritual growth...you never get to feel good about yourself until after you've given over, given in, conceded, surrendered, LOST. But then you really, really do feel...not so much good about yourself, but contented, I guess. At peace for sure, but deeper even.
Hey, that may be the love we seek which is always present...we just don't feel it until we let go...of everything.
My blinding flash of the obvious: Can the way of the cross be a metaphor for the death of ego? It feels like crucifixion, or we fear it will feel like crucifixion, but in fact there is naught but a sweet feeling of awe when we refuse our ego and choose God.
Thank you.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
AGAIN WE PRAY OUR THANK YOU
[The following is a reprint of my blog of January3, 2014.]
Regrets are resistance to what is a fact in our life, maybe to a happening once upon a time. By regretting we are trying to make what happened unhappen. Our regrets, however, breathe life into what was, and it now walks in our head...it now is.
Why is the very futility of that a spur to our ego to try harder? Why not say nay to our ego and go for still more spiritual growth instead?
Eckhart Tolle has written, "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." If that is true, then what we are regretting was and is necessary to our spiritual evolution.
And here come gratitude, riding in on its big white horse (whose name is "Welcome")! Again and again and yet again...just pray, "Thank you."
Thank you.
Regrets are resistance to what is a fact in our life, maybe to a happening once upon a time. By regretting we are trying to make what happened unhappen. Our regrets, however, breathe life into what was, and it now walks in our head...it now is.
Why is the very futility of that a spur to our ego to try harder? Why not say nay to our ego and go for still more spiritual growth instead?
Eckhart Tolle has written, "Life will give you whatever experience is most helpful for the evolution of your consciousness." If that is true, then what we are regretting was and is necessary to our spiritual evolution.
And here come gratitude, riding in on its big white horse (whose name is "Welcome")! Again and again and yet again...just pray, "Thank you."
Thank you.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
LAUGHTER=GRATITUDE=LOVE
Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. -- Seneca
It has been said that acceptance is the answer to every problem. I can believe that, and I can also believe that gratitude is the path to acceptance.
Gratitude is an easy get when we're not invested in an outcome. The rough road to walk is when we self-determine the only acceptable result to a personal problem, and then pray for that. Acceptance is not even considered so there's nothing to be grateful for to our reasoning mind.
Those of us seeking still more spiritual growth are blessed because, for one thing, we early on learn that prayers are best served that ask for naught...a simple "thank you" is the best prayer. I love the quote of Meister Eckhart, "If the only prayer you ever say is 'Thank You,' that will suffice."
I loved that quote the minute I first read it. I loved it, but it was seriously hard to remember...like when I knew what I needed, and I wasn't getting it. Peace of mind, for instance, when my sister/friend/parent/boss had done me wrong...again.
I can never be grateful enough for stumbling onto that gift of Eckhart's. I made it my spiritual cornerstone...the base I return to every time my ego-victory thoughts get in the way of Me. The hard part in the beginning was simply remembering, and then not beating me up when I didn't remember immediately.
Today, whenever I'm getting all up in my head, especially with a non-personal problem (say, Donald Trump), if I'll just slow down, think my thank you prayer, and remind myself that God loves Donald Trump every bit as much as he loves me, I can at least laugh. And there's my gratitude.
Laughter is gratitude's favorite child.
Thank you.
It has been said that acceptance is the answer to every problem. I can believe that, and I can also believe that gratitude is the path to acceptance.
Gratitude is an easy get when we're not invested in an outcome. The rough road to walk is when we self-determine the only acceptable result to a personal problem, and then pray for that. Acceptance is not even considered so there's nothing to be grateful for to our reasoning mind.
Those of us seeking still more spiritual growth are blessed because, for one thing, we early on learn that prayers are best served that ask for naught...a simple "thank you" is the best prayer. I love the quote of Meister Eckhart, "If the only prayer you ever say is 'Thank You,' that will suffice."
I loved that quote the minute I first read it. I loved it, but it was seriously hard to remember...like when I knew what I needed, and I wasn't getting it. Peace of mind, for instance, when my sister/friend/parent/boss had done me wrong...again.
I can never be grateful enough for stumbling onto that gift of Eckhart's. I made it my spiritual cornerstone...the base I return to every time my ego-victory thoughts get in the way of Me. The hard part in the beginning was simply remembering, and then not beating me up when I didn't remember immediately.
Today, whenever I'm getting all up in my head, especially with a non-personal problem (say, Donald Trump), if I'll just slow down, think my thank you prayer, and remind myself that God loves Donald Trump every bit as much as he loves me, I can at least laugh. And there's my gratitude.
Laughter is gratitude's favorite child.
Thank you.
Friday, November 13, 2015
THE ENEMY...STILL US
Our attack mind is born in resistance. It then balloons into mentally attacking anyone (including our self) who offers an alternative suggestion to our anger, our hurt, our self-centered misery.
That same attack mind cannot be tamed by the reasoning mind, i.e., "knowing better." It is tamed by giving in, giving over...agreeing with our adversary quickly in other words. We don't have to like it for our own, but we do need to understand it as right for our adversary. Our new words to live by: Be the first to give in.
Once again, as always and ever, the answer is acceptance...also known as surrender. Surrender to another person's niggling opinions or to our own obsessions, it makes no never-mind. Surrender is the first step toward peace...giving it and getting it.
Being conquered by our own devil [that means losing to it], we collapse, utterly beaten, and cry because our way is no more, unaware that this is surrender turning the corner toward acceptance. Our attack mind has failed us. Our accepting mind hasn't gifted us with knowing what to do, just what not to do. We cry because we do not yet know that the blessing is in not having a clue what to do about it.
That blessing is the exact moment that God is released from within to lead us to our better place.
Not knowing is the gift, the pearl beyond price. Our reasoning mind is forced to concede, it has met the enemy and it is us (and I still miss Pogo).
Thank you.
That same attack mind cannot be tamed by the reasoning mind, i.e., "knowing better." It is tamed by giving in, giving over...agreeing with our adversary quickly in other words. We don't have to like it for our own, but we do need to understand it as right for our adversary. Our new words to live by: Be the first to give in.
Once again, as always and ever, the answer is acceptance...also known as surrender. Surrender to another person's niggling opinions or to our own obsessions, it makes no never-mind. Surrender is the first step toward peace...giving it and getting it.
Being conquered by our own devil [that means losing to it], we collapse, utterly beaten, and cry because our way is no more, unaware that this is surrender turning the corner toward acceptance. Our attack mind has failed us. Our accepting mind hasn't gifted us with knowing what to do, just what not to do. We cry because we do not yet know that the blessing is in not having a clue what to do about it.
That blessing is the exact moment that God is released from within to lead us to our better place.
Not knowing is the gift, the pearl beyond price. Our reasoning mind is forced to concede, it has met the enemy and it is us (and I still miss Pogo).
Thank you.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
ON REGIFTING TO GOD
To a person engrossed in materiality, enmeshed in and governed by that tyrannical master, the reasoning mind, this way of life would undoubtedly be quickly judged and condemned as totally and impossibly impractical. (Joel Goldsmith, "The Thunder of Silence," at p. 128)
We begin life as one with our singular goal being the attainment of Oneness. That is our journey, our life.
In going out at birth, as we pass through into humanhood, we are gifted with free will, also known as "that tyrannical master, the reasoning mind."
We begin life as one with our singular goal being the attainment of Oneness. That is our journey, our life.
In going out at birth, as we pass through into humanhood, we are gifted with free will, also known as "that tyrannical master, the reasoning mind."
Our entire life's journey is the return trip to our before-conception place, i.e., God consciousness. That journey's primary purpose is to regift our free will to God little by little every step of the way. This journey takes many, many lifetimes...or as many lifetimes as it takes us to get over our own self.
My temptation is to write on and on and on, attempting to prove my point, but the point can only be made by seeing it, not reading about it. Here's a hint...pay attention to Medal of Honor winners. Now there is selfless.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
THE FORMULA FOR A HAPPY LIFE
I often read that we must resist the negative, fight to hold on to the positive. No we don't. If we have to fight, or to live in resistance, to be happy, we're going down that wrong road again.
If we're ever going to really learn to resist not evil, as the Sermon teaches, we must needs let go of the idea of resistance to anything and everything. What could be more negative than evil? Yet, there it is in black and white... or red, depending on your Bible: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.... (Matthew 5:39)
I have tested that many times. One example is that I know from experience the more I resist chocolate, the more chocolate I sneak into my daily non-diet. So I don't resist chocolate today. I just surrendered to it, as in declared it the winner, and I don't go there today. Chocolate is not everybody's evil...we each know our own. What's more important to know is that the core of each is fear, and that's where the answer is the same for each person for our own evil: Cease fighting, surrender unto acceptance and be freed.
See, if we fight fear, as is so often suggested, we become wary (fearful) of the fear that we fear is coming. I know fear...I call it anxiety, but who's kidding whom? Anxiety is fear in eight-inch heels and a feather boa. All dressed up as something else, it can't get us, or at least nobody will ever guess, we fearfully hope.
It all comes down to acceptance...to pain unto surrender unto acceptance. I'm guessing nobody comes to surrender feeling good about it. The very word is off-putting. Which proves the point...those who fight their pain, holding it off even a tish, are in fact keeping it in place. And it lives to batter us again.
I have not conquered my anxieties, but I no longer fear or dread them...or try to pray them away. I know anxiety will visit me again, I expect no less of it. I know, too, that God is with me, within me, always. I expect no less of God. I live in acceptance of both of those facts, and I know peace.
Resist not...thank God...get grateful. The formula for a mind at peace.
Thank you.
If we're ever going to really learn to resist not evil, as the Sermon teaches, we must needs let go of the idea of resistance to anything and everything. What could be more negative than evil? Yet, there it is in black and white... or red, depending on your Bible: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil.... (Matthew 5:39)
I have tested that many times. One example is that I know from experience the more I resist chocolate, the more chocolate I sneak into my daily non-diet. So I don't resist chocolate today. I just surrendered to it, as in declared it the winner, and I don't go there today. Chocolate is not everybody's evil...we each know our own. What's more important to know is that the core of each is fear, and that's where the answer is the same for each person for our own evil: Cease fighting, surrender unto acceptance and be freed.
See, if we fight fear, as is so often suggested, we become wary (fearful) of the fear that we fear is coming. I know fear...I call it anxiety, but who's kidding whom? Anxiety is fear in eight-inch heels and a feather boa. All dressed up as something else, it can't get us, or at least nobody will ever guess, we fearfully hope.
It all comes down to acceptance...to pain unto surrender unto acceptance. I'm guessing nobody comes to surrender feeling good about it. The very word is off-putting. Which proves the point...those who fight their pain, holding it off even a tish, are in fact keeping it in place. And it lives to batter us again.
I have not conquered my anxieties, but I no longer fear or dread them...or try to pray them away. I know anxiety will visit me again, I expect no less of it. I know, too, that God is with me, within me, always. I expect no less of God. I live in acceptance of both of those facts, and I know peace.
Resist not...thank God...get grateful. The formula for a mind at peace.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
PONDER THE GOOD, BE DONE WITH THE UGLY
[The following is a reprint of my blog of February 16, 2012.]
I am reminded again, “Even were I never to speak to you, you would be well rewarded for setting apart this time.” (From today's "God Calling")
What a comfort.
Each swift turning, each mantram, each fleeting withdrawal from self, each thank you…all are well rewarded even if, in the moment, unseen by my eyes. It is in looking back at my life, my magical mystery tour, that I can document the rewards, the many rewards of still more spiritual growth.
It is for me to remind myself, as Saint Paul advised, to ponder the good, be done with the ugly…acknowledge the grace of gratitude, and know: I Am, God.
Thank you.
I am reminded again, “Even were I never to speak to you, you would be well rewarded for setting apart this time.” (From today's "God Calling")
What a comfort.
Each swift turning, each mantram, each fleeting withdrawal from self, each thank you…all are well rewarded even if, in the moment, unseen by my eyes. It is in looking back at my life, my magical mystery tour, that I can document the rewards, the many rewards of still more spiritual growth.
It is for me to remind myself, as Saint Paul advised, to ponder the good, be done with the ugly…acknowledge the grace of gratitude, and know: I Am, God.
Thank you.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
SEEK YE FIRST....
The only block there can be in your channel is self. Keep that out, and know that My Spirit is flowing through. -- "God Calling," November 7
I dreamed I stumbled into KingTut's undiscovered tomb. The riches there were staggering...diamonds and emeralds and sapphires and gold everything, everywhere. There were rarities I didn't even recognize. I understood that it had been sitting there for centuries upon centuries... waiting to be discovered.
A silent voice spoke to me in my dream, saying, "This is how it is with the Father's treasure within you. Riches beyond your imagining just waiting to be freed. The only block is you...your constant digging to get to the treasure and calling it a search for God. God is not hidden...it is your refusal to believe that he is free within you now that blinds you. Accept that without a thought for the gifts that will bring and be free."
Our belief that it is ours to find the Father within will ever block us...in the first place, we are relying on our own self, and in the second we're usually going for the treasure, be it only peace of mind.
We go to God for God and that is all.
Thank you.
I dreamed I stumbled into KingTut's undiscovered tomb. The riches there were staggering...diamonds and emeralds and sapphires and gold everything, everywhere. There were rarities I didn't even recognize. I understood that it had been sitting there for centuries upon centuries... waiting to be discovered.
A silent voice spoke to me in my dream, saying, "This is how it is with the Father's treasure within you. Riches beyond your imagining just waiting to be freed. The only block is you...your constant digging to get to the treasure and calling it a search for God. God is not hidden...it is your refusal to believe that he is free within you now that blinds you. Accept that without a thought for the gifts that will bring and be free."
Our belief that it is ours to find the Father within will ever block us...in the first place, we are relying on our own self, and in the second we're usually going for the treasure, be it only peace of mind.
We go to God for God and that is all.
Thank you.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
HUMILITY...THERE IS NO ENOUGH
And according to the varying needs of each so does each human see me. -- "God Calling," June 6
That statement describes perfectly the freedom we're given in having a God of our own understanding. All the world is free to have a God of his or her own understanding, yet many of us get all tangled in the mental picture of the God about which we thought we were taught as children. Then we spend our lives fighting our own judgment of the rigid, righteous and right people who forced that on us. We'd rather be rigid, righteous and wrong than simply change our mind.
According to me, that is the snare that holds an unhealthy majority of all of our problems...our refusal to simply change our mind. Probably because that is an admission that we were wrong in the first place.
It is a humbling possibility that being wrong isn't as dreaded as being caught being wrong. If I alone know my error, I can change my mind at will. However, if I've shared my wrong...just once...well, what's a body to do? Depending on how "positively" I shared my opinion, I can stay tied to my view till my face falls off. A disconcerting thought.
That's when having a God of my own understanding lifts me up, kisses me on the lips, and sets me free. For today I know that my God's hand is in everything. For instance, here's me shooting off a dumb remark that I recognize as dumb two seconds after it's out there. My head, my heart and my gut all clench...then I feel the breeze, whispering "Beloved," and I unclench. I know that dumb remark is exactly what was needed for my humility. Of which I can never have enough.
God is sooo good to me.
Thank you.
That statement describes perfectly the freedom we're given in having a God of our own understanding. All the world is free to have a God of his or her own understanding, yet many of us get all tangled in the mental picture of the God about which we thought we were taught as children. Then we spend our lives fighting our own judgment of the rigid, righteous and right people who forced that on us. We'd rather be rigid, righteous and wrong than simply change our mind.
According to me, that is the snare that holds an unhealthy majority of all of our problems...our refusal to simply change our mind. Probably because that is an admission that we were wrong in the first place.
It is a humbling possibility that being wrong isn't as dreaded as being caught being wrong. If I alone know my error, I can change my mind at will. However, if I've shared my wrong...just once...well, what's a body to do? Depending on how "positively" I shared my opinion, I can stay tied to my view till my face falls off. A disconcerting thought.
That's when having a God of my own understanding lifts me up, kisses me on the lips, and sets me free. For today I know that my God's hand is in everything. For instance, here's me shooting off a dumb remark that I recognize as dumb two seconds after it's out there. My head, my heart and my gut all clench...then I feel the breeze, whispering "Beloved," and I unclench. I know that dumb remark is exactly what was needed for my humility. Of which I can never have enough.
God is sooo good to me.
Thank you.
Friday, November 6, 2015
A STRAIGHT ROAD TO GOD
If somebody hurts us and we are sore, we are in the wrong also. -- Anonymous
And if that isn't the hardest axiom to apply in life, I dread finding the real one.
By "to apply," I mean, "to live and breathe" in not responding in kind. So that when, when, when, a dear friend causes us a teeny-tiny...certainly too small to mention, just let it go, no big deal...hurt, "and we are sore" anyway...not making them pay if only in our own mind has got to belong to God. Personally, I find it increasingly difficult to do, and shouldn't it be decreasingly difficult to do after all this time and effort spent learning and pondering, not to mention preaching?
Today, it is no inordinate strain on me to keep my mouth shut rather than reply in kind to snide and snarks. And I can walk away with a smile and an easy mind...truly! It is the hours later, when the thinking it over creeps in. Then. That is when I'm "in the wrong also."
I know the axiom is true, because in that thinking it over, I've never yet felt better about it or me. I do feel sore...physically, mentally and spiritually. No way that can be dressed up as "right" or even "not all that wrong."
Giftee! I just had a blinding flash of the obvious: My most difficult to do is my twisted, and my twisted still is loved by God. We are lovable to and loved by God, twisted inside or not.
The gold in the hardest axiom to apply in my life: The twisted is a straight road to God...to God.
Thank you.
And if that isn't the hardest axiom to apply in life, I dread finding the real one.
By "to apply," I mean, "to live and breathe" in not responding in kind. So that when, when, when, a dear friend causes us a teeny-tiny...certainly too small to mention, just let it go, no big deal...hurt, "and we are sore" anyway...not making them pay if only in our own mind has got to belong to God. Personally, I find it increasingly difficult to do, and shouldn't it be decreasingly difficult to do after all this time and effort spent learning and pondering, not to mention preaching?
Today, it is no inordinate strain on me to keep my mouth shut rather than reply in kind to snide and snarks. And I can walk away with a smile and an easy mind...truly! It is the hours later, when the thinking it over creeps in. Then. That is when I'm "in the wrong also."
I know the axiom is true, because in that thinking it over, I've never yet felt better about it or me. I do feel sore...physically, mentally and spiritually. No way that can be dressed up as "right" or even "not all that wrong."
Giftee! I just had a blinding flash of the obvious: My most difficult to do is my twisted, and my twisted still is loved by God. We are lovable to and loved by God, twisted inside or not.
The gold in the hardest axiom to apply in my life: The twisted is a straight road to God...to God.
Thank you.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
NONVIOLENCE...THE SUPREME LAW OF LIFE
[The following is a reworked reprint of my blog of April 11, 2011.]
Once again I’m running my mind on wars…and why the world keeps having them. I love the ’60s chant, ”War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.”
Just this morning I came across a Hindu proverb, “Nonviolence is the supreme law of life.”
One violent thought sends out a sense of foreboding vibrations and echoes…causing peace, love and joy to withdraw in on itself just a tish…which allows that violent thought to come closer, causing more foreboding, more withdrawal…until peace, love and joy are either totally withdrawn or have reacted in kind to violent thought. And we’re on the path to war.
Unfortunately, in the material world one violent thought often comes on looking hip, slick and cool, and peace, love and joy just borrring.If only we each were willing to look at our world detached from our ego (or, put another way, for the benefit of others), that same borrring might begin to look attractive, and hip, slick and cool might then show us their true colors...camouflage and mud brown.
Thank you.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
ON CHOOSING PEACE AND PEACE ALONE
I suspect we will never have a mind at peace until we make peace with our attack mind.
The way to make peace with an attack mind is to let it attack. Choose not to follow it there. Do not attach our self to it by resisting with admonitions, dread, fear, hate, etc.
If we let it attack at will, in essence giving it permission, it will have nothing to rage against. It is our resistance that nurtures it and keeps it attacking.
We find out, of course, that we cannot let it attack at will and remain unruffled within. We learn, all over again, feeling like for the first time, that we must and we must immediately turn our thoughts to God...peace, love and joy, roses and rainbows, morning dew and evening starshine. Let it be.
It is amazing and typically human that that requires so much effort...holding our own thoughts to images of nothing but good. Hard, hard, Lord, ain't it hard!..especially when it is so easy to wallow in the pig poop of our attack mind.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, oh, let it be. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be, oh, let it be.
Thank you.
The way to make peace with an attack mind is to let it attack. Choose not to follow it there. Do not attach our self to it by resisting with admonitions, dread, fear, hate, etc.
If we let it attack at will, in essence giving it permission, it will have nothing to rage against. It is our resistance that nurtures it and keeps it attacking.
We find out, of course, that we cannot let it attack at will and remain unruffled within. We learn, all over again, feeling like for the first time, that we must and we must immediately turn our thoughts to God...peace, love and joy, roses and rainbows, morning dew and evening starshine. Let it be.
It is amazing and typically human that that requires so much effort...holding our own thoughts to images of nothing but good. Hard, hard, Lord, ain't it hard!..especially when it is so easy to wallow in the pig poop of our attack mind.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, oh, let it be. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be, oh, let it be.
Thank you.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
THE ESSENCE OF NONVIOLENCE
Bearing with people is the essence of nonviolence. -- Eknath Easwaran
That makes sense to me. Actually, it leads me to wonder if all violence doesn't begin with a single resistant thought. A single resistant thought, not addressed...not by going to the one we are resisting, but by going inside, to the really and truly great emancipator, God, and getting free of our own resistance.
Or, put more beautifully, not to mention succinctly, by Julian of Norwich: And thus I saw when we are all in peace and in love, we find no contrariness, nor no manner of letting through that contrariness which is now in us.
Our happiness, our peace, our joy itself is entirely ours to show and to shower. And still we war.
War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Thank you.
That makes sense to me. Actually, it leads me to wonder if all violence doesn't begin with a single resistant thought. A single resistant thought, not addressed...not by going to the one we are resisting, but by going inside, to the really and truly great emancipator, God, and getting free of our own resistance.
Or, put more beautifully, not to mention succinctly, by Julian of Norwich: And thus I saw when we are all in peace and in love, we find no contrariness, nor no manner of letting through that contrariness which is now in us.
Our happiness, our peace, our joy itself is entirely ours to show and to shower. And still we war.
War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.
Thank you.
Monday, November 2, 2015
HERE BE ANGELS
It is said that to try to know something without first loving it is not to know it very well at all.
That is very much like something I heard some 35-40 years ago, to wit, You cannot change anything until you fully accept it. I first heard that from a friend when he was speaking of our character defects. And I thought he was nuts.
I was making the mistake of believing that to accept something meant that made it true, and I was stuck with it forever. Which, in fact, it does. The only change is internally (where God lives). When we accept our worst fear for a fact, all our inner mechanisms switch gears, going from resistance (fear) to acceptance (love).
We know from our toenails up that that is an impossible act for any individual to achieve in the head or through self-will or all alone...or all of the above. Which opens us to the great and glorious realization that our "inner mechanisms" are our angels. They live there for the sole purpose of doing our heavy lifting...the lift of self into Self. Or for any other ego-victory battle we're sure to lose without their aid.
I'm a believer that is why acceptance is the answer...to everything at all times and at any time. The very gut-bucket release of our fear into our acceptance releases our angels, and they soar!
Which reminds me of the advice from my beloved mentor so many years ago: Cling to nothing, dear heart...soar! Yes!
Thank you.
I was making the mistake of believing that to accept something meant that made it true, and I was stuck with it forever. Which, in fact, it does. The only change is internally (where God lives). When we accept our worst fear for a fact, all our inner mechanisms switch gears, going from resistance (fear) to acceptance (love).
We know from our toenails up that that is an impossible act for any individual to achieve in the head or through self-will or all alone...or all of the above. Which opens us to the great and glorious realization that our "inner mechanisms" are our angels. They live there for the sole purpose of doing our heavy lifting...the lift of self into Self. Or for any other ego-victory battle we're sure to lose without their aid.
I'm a believer that is why acceptance is the answer...to everything at all times and at any time. The very gut-bucket release of our fear into our acceptance releases our angels, and they soar!
Which reminds me of the advice from my beloved mentor so many years ago: Cling to nothing, dear heart...soar! Yes!
Thank you.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
OUR ONLY NEED
There are no unanswered prayers, there is just our inability...no, it is our refusal...to accept that our want, our prayer, is not God's will.
We expend our energy pondering our want...dressing it up so, to our reasoning mind, it cannot NOT be acceptable to God. We ignore the glaringly obvious fact that God knows our needs before we do...how can he not, being God!
And if that sounds naïve (which, I've heard, is just a pretty word for stupid), then consider this (which is only my take...we each get to find our own): Our only need is to continue our transition from reliance on our reasoning mind to being in God consciousness. That is our only need...to enter into and remain in God consciousness.
All of our life here springs from that one need and our recognition that each and every fact and act that comes to us is God's gift lifting us deeper into higher consciousness. To reap the benefits of that gift, we live our "thank you"...to delay our progress, we live our "yes, but...."
Acceptance vs. resistance...our choice.
Thank you.
We expend our energy pondering our want...dressing it up so, to our reasoning mind, it cannot NOT be acceptable to God. We ignore the glaringly obvious fact that God knows our needs before we do...how can he not, being God!
And if that sounds naïve (which, I've heard, is just a pretty word for stupid), then consider this (which is only my take...we each get to find our own): Our only need is to continue our transition from reliance on our reasoning mind to being in God consciousness. That is our only need...to enter into and remain in God consciousness.
All of our life here springs from that one need and our recognition that each and every fact and act that comes to us is God's gift lifting us deeper into higher consciousness. To reap the benefits of that gift, we live our "thank you"...to delay our progress, we live our "yes, but...."
Acceptance vs. resistance...our choice.
Thank you.
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