Reasonableness

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In the Bible, the word “reasonable” relates to the concept of being considerate, and conveys a sense of not being too strict.   Many people believe that they always need to do more, do better, or be better.  If we strive to attain unreasonable goals regardless of the cost, we subject ourselves to unnecessary stress.  Developing a reasonable view of what we CAN do, will greatly reduce our day to day stress levels.

Many of us are able to view others reasonably (with consideration), yet we find it very difficult to be considerate with ourselves. When we are reasonable, we are able to view our own circumstances in the same objective, balanced manner in which we view others.  To have a reasonable view of our own limitations can be challenging. 

We need to learn to recognize the signs that may tell us when we are approaching our own limits.  Proverbs 11:17

Once we identify our perceived limitations, it is not in our own best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, using our limitations as an excuse for doing less than we are capable of.  Though self examination and self adjustment can be challenging, it brings rich blessings.  Remember, the Creator/God never asks more of us than we can give. 

Just as it is not in our best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, it is not in our best interest to continue to focus our attention on our limitations.  To do so, prevents us from seeing what IS within our reach. 

It is to our benefit to do our best to make an honest appraisal of our abilities and limitations, and then cultivate reasonable expectations in light of our personal abilities and circumstances.  When we discern and appreciate the possibilities that ARE within our reach, instead of dwelling on our limitations, we are able to set balanced goals, and achieve a sense of achievement, despite our limitations.

The Creator/God understands human limitations and loves us when we serve him to the best of our ability, in spite of our limitations. 

Remembering that the Creator/ God is not a strict taskmaster, will help us to be modest in what we expect of ourselves, recognizing our limitations.  Micah 6:8

We may feel stress as we make personal adjustments.  Take time to speak to the Creator/God, the “Hearer of prayer” frequently.  Psalm 65:2

When we pray, we can ask the Creator/God to help us to make necessary adjustments in our lives.  Likewise, we can safely tell him about any anxiety we may be feeling, knowing that he cares for us.  1 Peter 5:7 

Self-adjustment requires personal determination and effort.  Adjusting the way we use our physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual resources can help keep our life in balance.  When we have reasonable expectations and set reachable goals, our activities bring us deep satisfaction and joy.

“Always rejoice in the Lord. Once more I will say, Rejoice! Let your reasonableness become known to all men.”  Phil. 4:4,5

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

An Overview of Common Ways to Meditate

My tongue swirled slowly
around the soft pink flesh,
pausing only …
to taste its’ sweetness.

Can you guess what I’m talking about? I know what many of you might be thinking … and the answer is NO … I’m not talking about sex … I’m actually talking about eating a piece of watermelon!

About a dozen years ago, I attended a weekend seminar on Mindful Meditation. One of the many meditation exercises on mindfulness, was a mindful eating meditation.

A small group of us were sitting around a table talking, while we waited for the waiter to bring our breakfast. When it arrived, our facilitator led us in a short, group prayer. She then proceeded to instruct us that for the next 30 minutes, there was to be no conversation; we each were to pay attention to, and be mindful of, every bite we took. She asked us to pay particular attention to our sensory perceptions while we ate; when we were through eating, we were to write something which accurately described our experience; it was from this experience that “Ode to a Watermelon” was born.

An eating meditation is only one form of meditation. “There are many forms of meditation. Anything ranging from increasing and stimulating sexual pleasures to traveling through the memories of past lives on a spiritual journey. The Eastern Philosophies have been doing this for centuries, whereas the Western Culture has suppressed it.” (Thanks Brother Brett!)

Although there are numerous forms of meditation, they can be categorized into one of two primary forms:

1: Mind-focused meditations (mindful meditations)
2: No-Mind Meditations (mindless meditations)

The meditations Brett speaks of all fall under the category of Mind-Focused or Mindful Meditations. As Brett stated, “The Eastern Philosophies have been doing this for centuries whereas the Western Culture has suppressed it.”

Meditative practices are not only accepted, but encouraged, by most religions. The practice of meditation is firmly anchored in the Bible, which specifically directs its readers to meditate. I have been told that the Bible mentions meditate or meditation twenty times; thus far, I have found nineteen references; seventeen in the Old Testament and two in the New Testament. I am still looking for the twentieth.  :>)

God commands his people to meditate on his word day and night to instill obedience.  His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night.  Joshua 1:8, Psalms 1:2

Most Christian Meditative practices are Kataphatic. Kataphatic tradition seeks deeper realization of God through visions, feelings, imagery, words, and other sensate or symbolic forms of experience. All of these meditative practices fall under the category of mind-focused or mindful meditations.

However, there are some Contemporary Christian Meditative practices that are no-mind or mindless meditations. These meditative practices are predominately Apophatic. I say, predominately because most apophatics have a number of kataphatic experiences prior to becoming apophatic. All mind-focused meditations serve as a preparation tool for no-mind or mindless meditations ~ true meditations.

Apophatic tradition acts as a bridge between East-West teachings; followers of this tradition believe that opening and expanding one’s consciousness to the divine presence within ourselves will enable one to transcend the physical realm; followers believe that the Creator can be known, not intellectually, but with the heart. To achieve this transcendence from the physical to spiritual realm(s), this Christian tradition mimics the teachings of the East, by utilizing both a sacred word to express the intention to be in the Creator’s presence, and the progressive letting go of any/all identified psychological baggage.

Apophatic experiences can be psychologically and spiritually threatening; some people will continue to seek Kataphatic sensory experiences for years before they develop an Apophatic attraction to the mystery behind and beyond experience, but in stripping delusions about the Creator (God) from our minds, we prepare ourselves for the truth, and by eliminating all that is not the Creator (God), we begin to penetrate to the heart of the truth ~ where the Great Mystery is then revealed.

The real purpose of every mind-based meditation is to get to the point of transcendental mindlessness and union. It is helpful to think of mind-based meditations as pre-meditations for the real meditation, which is mindless. With this knowledge in mind, we will begin next week with Chakra (pre) Meditations. By utilizing these mind-based (pre) meditations one can safely start to practice these mental exercises until we each, collectively, reach a state of pure beingness in mindless meditation.

May we dedicate ourselves to the practice of pre-meditation, with an intensely honest willingness, so we may be prepared to receive our ticket to enlightenment and ascension.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

AMEN

The Pro’s and Con’s of Meditation: Part 2 of 2

This week’s discourse is intentionally short.

As there are very real dangers to meditating, this week’s discourse will confine itself to the basic Con’s of Meditation.

The following information is spiritually factual, but to minimize confusion, no scriptures are offered.

Many scriptures in the bible allude to meditation; several state that we should practice meditation on daily basis. The key word, or point, is “practice.”

If we attempt to go too deeply into a meditation, too fast, we can open the door to temporary or permanent insanity. Repressed or unconscious memories (trauma) can bubble up from our subconscious, and rapidly flood our conscious. Rather than achieving a state of communion with the Creator (God), we can become psychologically tormented by our own, now distorted, unconscious memories.  When this happens, we experience psychological and emotional demons; the D(evil) of our own unconscious minds.

If we do not rush ourselves to dive into the depths of meditation, our unconscious memories will slowly rise up, and allow us to stretch our consciousness. As our consciousness is stretched, unconscious memories will begin to surface, one at a time to be processed. We will not be flooded by them; nor will we become so emotionally or mentally overwhelmed that we temporarily or permanently go insane.

If we are unable to process any and all visions or intuitive perceptions received, during meditation, we (or others, especially medical Doctors and those in the mental-health field), may mistake our visions and perceptions as hallucinations, and label us with a diagnosis of psychosis, delusions or schizophrenia.

May we take time to “practice” daily meditation, taking great care not to go too deep, too fast; may we be humble enough to confide in (share) and seek assistance from spiritually knowledgeable teachers/guides who can help us process visions and/or insights gained during our meditations.


AMEN

The Pro’s and Con’s of Meditation: Part 1 of 2

Psychoanalysts "have this cute little god called Freud and a very well-paid priesthood and the faithful go weekly to worship on couches." (from "Glittering Images," a novel by Susan Howatcvh)

Those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm only, go to psychoanalysts (therapists, counselors, etc.), but those wishing to maintain balance in the physical realm AND progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven, MEDITATE!

His disciples said to him. “ … When will the new world come?” He said to them, “What you are looking forward to has come, but you don’t know it” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 51

The Pharisees asked him, ‘When will the kingdom of God come?’ He said: ‘You cannot tell by observation when the kingdom of God comes. There will be no saying, “Look, here it is!” or “there it is!”; for in fact the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21

Jesus’ disciples said unto him: “When will the kingdom come?” Jesus answered, “It will not come by waiting for it. People will not say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ But the kingdom of the Creator (Father) is spread out upon the earth and people do not see it.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 113

And he said, “It has been granted to you to know the secrets of the kingdom of God …” Luke 8:10 “… it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven …” Matthew 13:11

Meditation is an ancient Spiritually-based modality, which utilizes Vibratory Spiritual Energy (Universal Life Energy, Prana, Chi, Ki, Holy Spirit, Spirit Within, etc.), and provides a pathway for opening perceptions to higher planes of consciousness (Christ Consciousness, Union with the Creator/God) . It is a Spiritual practice which helps one connect more fully with the Source of Life.

Meditation is a process and may/may not happen with only one “practice” session; it may take a considerable amount of time and sessions to regain health/wholeness/holiness.

The founders of the now infamous Alcoholic Anonymous Program, were aware that meditation was an important step which must be taken, if one wished to advance spiritually.

“Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message … and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” (the 11th and 12th steps of Alcoholics Anonymous; also found in other 12 Step Programs)

While it is true that Spiritual Awakenings can and do happen suddenly, they are the exception, rather than the rule. In most cases, a “true” Spiritual Awakening, one in which profound personality changes occur, takes time and conscious effort.

To make progress spiritually, is to learn through daily meditation, to transcend the physical SELF; that is to say, the SELFish ego, which consists of SELF-delusions, SELF-seeking attitudes and behaviors, SELF-pity, SELF-grandeur, SELF-will, and SELF-centeredness.

Issues concerning diet, physical/mental health, mindset, attitude, support system, repressed memories/emotions, and/or other environmental factors usually rise to the surface of one’s consciousness; this is all part of the process. Any/ALL identified issues need to be worked through, as they surface, before one’s soul is “fully” liberated.

“Meditate upon these things: give yourself wholly to them, so that your progress will be plain to all. Persevere in them, keep close watch on yourself and your teaching; by doing so you will further the salvation of yourself and your hearers. 1 Timothy 4:14-16

Matthew said: “Lord, I wish to see that place of life … where there is no wickedness but only pure light.” The Lord said, “Brother Matthew, you will not be able to see it as long as you bear flesh.” Matthew said: “Lord, even if I will not be able to see it, let me know it. The Lord said, “Those who have known themselves have seen it.” The Complete Gospels: Annotated Scholars Version 14:1-4

“The kingdom of heaven is within you and it is outside of you. If you will know yourselves, then you will be known, and you will realize that you are children of the living Creator (Father). But if you do not know yourselves, then you dwell in poverty and you are poverty.” Gospel of Thomas, Verse 3

May we take time to “practice” daily meditation; may we continue to be humble enough to confide in (share) and seek assistance from spiritually knowledgeable teachers who can help us process visions and/or insights gained during our meditations, and help us overcome any/all stumbling blocks along the way, so that we may transcend the SELFish ego of our physical SELFves, and progress spiritually to the point of ascension into the kingdom of God/Heaven.

“Listen to my words, Creator (O LORD), consider my meditation.” Psalms 5:1 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight …” Psalms 19:14 “May my meditation please the Creator (LORD), as I show my joy in him!” Psalms 104:34


AMEN

Manifesting Hope

A strong desire for something, coupled with an expectation of obtaining the object(s) of our desire, constitutes hope . Hope is the belief that our present day desires will, in fact, manifest as reality at some point in the future; it is a universal blessing.

While we look forward to the manifestation of something we are waiting (hoping) for, it serves us well to wait patiently and confidently. In Hebrew, the word for hope is confidence; it implies a confident expectation of the future.

As long as we maintain our hope, that our desire will, in fact, be attained, and we realize that it must be delayed for a certain period of time; we can wait patiently for the manifestation process to complete itself. As long as we sustain hope and patience, we can overcome obstacles and endure trials and pain, no matter their severity or intensity.

When we have a strong desire without a corresponding expectation of obtaining it, we tend to become impatient. Without hope, the darkness of desperation and anguish result.

”But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Romans 8:25

The more that we believe that our hope has a high probabiltiy of being attained, the easier it will be for us to endure any tribulation that comes our way while we are patiently waiting for our hope to manifest itself. Prayer helps to strengthen our faith that our hopes will indeed eventually manifest; prayer raises the vibrational frequency of our hopes.

"In hope, rejoicing; in tribulation, enduring; in prayer, persevering." Romans 12:12

The ability to bring energy/light into form is a great spiritual gift and challenge. By manifesting, we are in active alignment with our spiritual selves, the Divine Light (Jesus), and the Creator (God).

“To each person has been given the ability to manifest the Spirit for the common good. “ I Corinthians 12:7

Energy follows thought; therefore, what we think about is extremely important, not only for ourselves but for the universe at large. Thought creates feelings (emotions). Doubt weakens or completely nullifies our ability to manifest. Therefore, it is important for us to identify any/all possible reasons (fears and doubts) which might prevent us from manifesting what we desire.

Desire provides the fuel to power the thoughts we project. The more desire we have, and the more we believe that our desires will manifest, the more successful we will be.

“And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship the Creator (God), and report that the Creator (God) is in you of a truth.” 1 Corinthians 14:25

When we let go and trust that the universe will provide what we need, exactly when we need it, we begin to attract support. Visible and invisible support not only helps move our manifestation process forward, but also help us gain the courage we need, to take, and continue taking, the steps we need to take.

That which we wish to manifest already exists; every possible outcome, conceived of in our thoughts, is already accomplished. When we recognize and are grateful for this knowledge, and expect our manifestations to come into being (form) they will; gratitude greatly accelerates the manifestation process. It may take a little time before our desire to manifest appears; it requires patience to sit back and wait. Our ability to remain patient is in direct proportion to how happy we are.

Manifestations that align our desires with our own individual Soul’s purpose manifest quite easily. Likewise, manifestations that are in alignment with our own, individual Ego, face many obstacles and stumbling blocks along the way. If we keep hitting a brick wall, we may want to turn around and take another path. Manifestation works best when we manifest selflessly, for the greater good; correct alignment of our will brings more energy/light to ourselves and others.

We can only manifest things that are in alignment with our belief that we are worthy. In other words, we can only manifest what we believe we can have. Our ability to be willing and open to receive the gift of manifestation, greatly affects what we manifest; we will only rise to the level of our own resistance.

"It is for this very purpose that I have lifted you so high--that I may make manifest in you My power, and that My name may be proclaimed far and wide in all the earth." Romans 9:17

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

Edifying Communication

To communicate is a form of sharing. The spirit of our inter-relational existence, can be found in the ways in which we communicate; the world is both dependent on and affected by communication. The way we speak and the words we choose have a tremendous effect upon our spirit.

When we speak, we give life to our thoughts; whenever we speak our thoughts out loud, the vibrational level of our thoughts change. It’s better to say nothing at all, than to say something negative. Some commonly used negative words like: But, Try, If, Might, Would Have, Should Have, Could Have, Can't and Don't, negate our ability to successfully be our “Highest Selves,” and affect the Higher Selves of those we speak to.

The goal of effective communication, is to share our message while edifying/building others up, not tearing them apart. Unfortunately, most of us tend to think, and thereby communicate our own interests, in an effort to get others to see things our way, rather than what might be in the best interest of those with whom we are communicating.

If we wish to lift/raise others with the words we use when communicating, our words need to be pleasant and peaceful, even if we are not in agreement with our listener; it is important to remain respectful! Our words will serve us best if we do not come across as being too wise, too good and/or too great.

Anyone who has ever written newspaper copy knows the importance of communicating just the Who, What, When, Where and Why of their message.

To be an effective communicator and get our point across without misunderstanding and confusion, it is best if we do not communicate too much information, too fast, or if our words are not disorganized or too complex.

“I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.”
(Rudyard Kipling, from "The Elephant's Child" in Just So Stories )

Words which edify:

• instruct by providing new information whichs helps remove ignorance,
• counsel those in trouble/danger to overcome their difficulties,
• comfort by imparting consolation, and/or
• foster truthful discussion.

Regardless of whether we are engaged in instruction, counseling, providing comfort or truthful discussion, words that come from the heart are usually useful and edifying.

Edifying words are:

• pleasant
• courteous
• gracious
• respectful
• loving
• truthful
• kind
• encouraging
• informative
• harmonious
• profitable for all involved parties

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29

Non-Edifying words are:

• foul/abusive
• abrasive
• harmful to the other person/people
• offensive
• degrading
• disrespectful
• demoralizing
• character assassinators
• accusatory/blaming
• fault-finding
• angry
• prideful
• arrogant
• false

“But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” Colossians 3:8

It is best if all parts of ourselves work in balance and harmony. When the speech of our mind is in disagreement with the speech of our heart, the words that come out of our mouth are false; they run contrary to edification; they do not shine the light of truth on anyone’s mind.

Words that are not pleasant to others, are destructive to the spirit of both the “listener” and the “speaker.” Effective communication can improve our inter-relations by increasing intimacy, trust and support; likewise, non-effective communication can weaken bonds, create mistrust and breed contempt.

We cannot edify anyone when we are full of anger, contentious and/or quarrelsome!

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen

The Power of Words

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The way we speak and the words we choose have a tremendous effect upon our spirit. 

Each word you speak has an energetic resonance that attracts its equivalent and creates a form that corresponds to its vibration. 

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3  

Most of us have a running internal dialogue with ourselves; our internal voices give us direction. Many psychologists believe that it takes up to seventeen positive statements to offset one negative statement. We reinforce our programming with our internal dialogue. We can use our words to curse our life; we can use our words to bless our life.

“From the fruit of a man's mouth he enjoys good, But the desire of the treacherous is violence.” Proverbs 13:2

Negative thoughts don’t need to become negative words. Whenever we speak our thoughts out loud, the vibrational level of our thoughts change. 

An interesting experimental study, much like Masaru Emoto’s work with water crystals, gives visual proof of the power and impact of our words. This particular study, by Doreen and Grant Virtue, found then whenever spiritual or loving positive words were spoken, pleasant, round shapes were produced on a graph, and rose above the middle base line. Likewise, whenever negative words were spoken, sharp, pointy, angular shapes were produced on a graph, and fell below the middle base line. This experimental study provides additional preliminary proof that someone who talks negatively, does indeed, have an energetically “sharp tongue.”

When we speak, we give life to our thoughts. Our words become self-fulfilling prophecies; we prophesize our future by the words we speak in the present. We are the co-creators of our own experiences; we receive what we speak. It’s better to say nothing at all, than to say something negative. 

“The one who guards his mouth preserves his life; The one who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3

Here’s a short list of some commonly used negative words, which when used, negate our ability to successfully be our “highest selves.”

But: Negates any words that are stated before it.
Try: Presupposes failure. If we "try" to do something, we give our unconscious mind permission not to succeed. We will reap many benefits by removing the word "try" from our vocabulary.
If: Presupposes that we may not.
Might: It does nothing definite. It leaves options for your listener..
Would Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen.
Should Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen (and implies guilt.)
Could Have: draws attention to things that didn't actually happen but the person tries to take credit as if it did happen.
Can't/Don't: forces listeners to focus on the opposite of what we say. (cew 12:37

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen