Catching Up . . .There really is a spiritual solution to every problem

St. Frances and Mother Theresa dedicated to Dr Wayne Dyer

ST FRANCES OF ASSISI – PEACE PRAYER

The Peace Prayer

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

MOTHER THERESA – FINAL ANALYSIS
The Final Analysis

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
…Forgive them anyway!

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
…Be kind anyway!

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
…Succeed anyway!

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
…Be honest and frank anyway!

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
…Build anyway!

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
…Be happy anyway!

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
…Do good anyway!

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
…Give the world the best you’ve got anyway!

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

 

Mother Teresa (Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu)

August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”

Mother Teresa

PRAYER OF JABEZ

Oh that you would bless me indeed

And enlarge my territory

That your hand would be with me

And that you would keep me from evil

TO ST. JUDE:

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, Friend of Jesus,

I place myself in your care at this difficult time.

Pray for me; help me know that I need not face my troubles alone.

Please join me in my need asking God to send me consolation in my sorrow, courage in my fear and healing in the midst of my suffering.

Ask our loving God to fill me with the grace to accept whatever may lie ahead for me and loved ones, and to strengthen my faith in God’s healing power.

Thank you St. Jude for the promise of hope you hold out to all who believe, and inspire me to give this gift of hope to others as it has been given to me.

Amen

The Castle

St. Theresa of Avila (15th century monastic nun) wrote about a deepened consciousness through a contemplative methodology of prayer. Silence, listening, and deepening your relationship with yourself and with God, are the cornerstones of reaching these heights. Humility, gratitude, integrity, and honesty with yourself – bypassing the polar paths we sometimes live; integrating all the pieces of yourself into one whole, one truth; the term is congruency. I don’t believe this is an easy task for anyone, yet alone those of us who live among the world (recall the statement, to be of the world not in it). We begin to ask ourselves why the truth can be difficult to see and to admit to who we are, embrace the shadows, and not fear the dark night of the soul (John of the Cross). Purification – aligning our heart and mind into a single voice, in all the choices of the day – one day at a time, one day at a time. I have entered my castle – not the textbook rendition, but my own consciousness where I will find myself, for myself. 

Turning the Page

it’s time to do/be something different . . . or maybe it’s just returning to who I am . . . time to find out. I feel good . . .

11/11/11

Chinese numerology and Feng Shui for 2011: This year we are going to experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11, and that’s not all; Take the last two digits of the year you were born and the age you will be this year and the result will add up to 111 for everyone!!!! This is the year of MONEY. Also, this year, October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays. This happens only once every 823 years. These particular years are known as Moneybag years. Think good thoughts!

Security

Sent from a friend . . . .

“Only in growth, reform, and change, paradoxically enough, is true security to be found.”

– Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Transparency

Transparency . . . . . it can be a very scary thing to show who you really are. Everyone has the dark and the light only what we shine forth is often beyond light. Many times it’s simply not real, or something we wish to be real but hasn’t yet manifested. So what does it take to find the love and security that make whatever it is or whomever you are “ok”? Something deep inside that most of us have lost somewhere along the lines.

Jesus says, “Be still and know that I am there” . . . be still to listen, to hear, and then to intuitively know.

Promises

Sent from a friend . . . . . 

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.

We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.

We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.

We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace.

No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.

That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.

We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows.

Self-seeking will slip away.

Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.

Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.

We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.

We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not.

They are being fulfilled among us – sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.

They will always materialize if we work for them.

Raising Your Frequency

Energy is in a constant state of motion, and our bodies are made of energy molecules. A person’s “frequency” is the rate at which this energy vibrates. When it’s high and light, it enables us to tune in to our Higher Self and feel the love surrounding and within the Universe. When it’s low and dense, it prevents us from receiving that love and being connected to the higher, spiritual dimensions.

If we set an intention to learn more about loving ourselves and then trust what comes through us, we will begin to feel our energy shift higher. Certain experiences facilitate this such as prayer and meditation, being in nature, hearing certain kinds of music, reading spiritual literature, and going inside ourselves. Raising our frequency allows us to receive the inspiration and guidance that is always there for us.

Likewise, indulging in feelings such as anger, fear, depression, jealousy and pride lowers our frequency. These dense feeling can actually make us feel heavy and weighed down. They are enabled through our minds and hearts but also accelerated by cluttering our bodies with pollutants, such as drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy foods. People with a low frequency don’t understand or sense the spiritual realms. Sometimes they don’t even utilize their five senses to their full potential.

So take time, be still, and feel the joy that comes with vibrating on that higher level. . . . . even if only for a moment.

Want to Escape?

Have you ever been in a situation from which you desperately wanted to escape? You see no solutions for the problems you have and fantasize running away from it all. Those feelings can be overpowering and cause great distress and hopelessness. Psalm 55 reads, “If only I had wings like a bird, I would fly away and be at rest.” It’s probably best not to indulge in these fantasies too often or for too long, as they distract you from dealing with your reality. Putting off the inevitable task or facing those burdensome issues can test anyone’s resolve, but you can unburden yourself. Reflection, self-examination, sharing, and speaking the truth as it reveals itself within your heart will help you sort through the turmoil and provide some level of clarity. Once achieved, that clarity will change the way you look at something and may provide new ways to change what exists – real time, real world, real life. It’s all in how you perceive what it is and where you are that makes the difference. In the end, you may not be able to change a situation, but you can change how you view and react to it.

Keeping Secrets and Telling Lies

So what motivates people to keep secrets and tell lies?

Have you ever considered the effect of having constant contact with people who live their lives with such fear and unhappiness that they feel compelled to keep secrets and tell lies? No one should ever consider themselves too good for someone else, but in this case, it may just be the other way around – those people are not good enough for you! Everyone has choices that they make each day and when it comes down to it, there are basically two ways to live your life —  right or wrong (also recognized as light or dark, love or fear). We are all challenged to choose between these polar paths, each having a fairly predictable consequence if you live a conscious life. In a world of slippery places, the sanctuary is a place of stability where a person living a life in truth and integrity will be strengthened. Amen to that.

Ho’oponopono

Ho’oponopono is an ancient Hawaiian shamanic practice that over time and with practice, removes mental obstacles created by painful memories. Past memories can block us from manifesting the life we want and hinder inspiration (which really means “in-spirit”). It’s foundation is based on establishing a relationship with the Divinity that lives within each and every one of us. It teaches us to learn to ask that our errors in thought, word, or action, be cleansed. The whole process is basically about freedom from the past.

Ho’oponopono is based on the inner acceptance of four principles: (1) Our actions come from a place of either memory or inspiration; (2) We are 100% responsible for everything in our lives; (3) Nothing is outside of us – it all comes from within; (4) The source of real power is based on inspiration.

In order for us to hear and accept Inspiration, we need to be clear of mind chatter and painful recurring memory. There are four statements that when repeated and addressed to the Divine within, help to cleanse these memories:

I love you.

I’m sorry.

Please forgive me.

Thank you.

youtube video on Ho’oponopono

12 Steps

They say that by working on ourselves and letting go of the focus of others, we can live happier and healthier lives. This is all done one day at a time. I am posting the “12 Steps” as I learned them through a difficult time in my life. Most people know these steps in connection to alcoholism, however these principles can work to heal almost anything – they have that broad an effect and appeal.

(1) I admit I am powerless over others – that my life have become unmanageable;  (2) I believe that a power greater than myself can restore me to wholeness;  (3) I have made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God, as I understand God;  (4) I have made a searching and fearless moral inventory of myself;  (5) I have admitted to God, to myself and another human being the exact nature of my failings;  (6) I am entirely ready to have God remove my defects of character;  (7) I have humbly asked God to remove my shortcoming.  (8) I have made a list of the people I have harmed and have become willing to make amends with them;  (9) I have made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others;  (10) I continue to take personal inventory and when I am wrong, promptly admit it;  (11) Through prayer and meditation, I have sought to improve my conscious contact with God as I understand God, praying only for knowledge of His will for me and the power to carry that out;  (12) Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these Steps, I have tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all my affairs.

SERENITY PRAYER:  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.

Cycles

Life is cyclical, not static. As with most things, our relationships benefit when we allow them to follow their own natural cycles. Like the tide ebbs and flows, we have times when we are close, times when we are distant; times of coming together, times of separation; times of love and joy, times of sorrow and anger. This spiral is inevitable. When we try and control these shifts, we find ourselves fighting against the natural order of things. Nothing stays the same forever so best to let it flow where ever it might be taking you.

Rituals

A wisely planned and solemnly conducted spiritual ritual sets the tone so the mind may easily detach from the world around them. Rituals allow us to feel the mysterious presence of that Supreme power, many call God. Rituals without mood and atmosphere  can easily become empty and mechanical. But those created in a mindful manner, no matter how small,  provide some purpose to connection and give a concrete shape to often abstract ideals – church, meditation, walking, even preparing dinner for your family – can have an overtone of consciousness and be infused with worship and love. Today, do those daily tasks with consciousness, create some rituals known only to yourself, and feel the Connection.

The Ego

” . . . How you are seen by others (often) becomes the mirror that tells you what you are like and who you are. The ego’s sense of self-worth is in most cases bound up with the worth you have in the eyes of others. You need others to give you a sense of self, and if you live in a culture that to a large extent equates self-worth with how much and what you have, if you cannot look through this collective delusion, you will be condemned to chasing after things for the rest of your life in the vain hope of finding your worth and completion . . . . How do you let go of attachment to things? Don’t even try. It’s impossible. Attachment to things drops away by itself when you no longer seek to find yourself in them. In the meantime, just be aware . . . ”

Excerpt from Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth

Love is Always Patient . . .

I can’t think of anyone who has ever explained the meaning of love more beautifully then how it is described in 1 Corinthians 13 (Holy Bible). 

Love is always patient;

love is always kind;

love is never envious

or arrogant with pride.

Nor is she conceited,

and she is never rude;

she never thinks just of herself

or ever get annoyed.

She never is resentful;

is never glad with sin,

but always glad to side with truth,

whene’er the truth should win.

She bears up under everything,

believes the best in all,

there is no limit to her hope,

and she will never fall.

Love never fails. 

 

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Those who are humble and devoid of pride in the recognition that everything they have comes from God)

 

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

(Those who are sorry for the wrongs they have done)

 

Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth.

(Those who are kind and gentle)

 

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be satisfied.

(Those who live with integrity)

 

Blessed are the merciful,

for they shall obtain mercy.

(Those who practice love, compassion and forgiveness)

 

Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God.

(Those who live with self-less intentions)

 

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called children of God.

(Those who bring peace to themselves and others)

 

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

(Those who follow the Word, no matter what anyone else thinks)

 

Hole Bible, Matthew 5:3-10.

Archetypes

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the Light. —Plato, 427 BC – 347 BC

The Wikipedia definition of an archetype is “an original model of a person, ideal example, or a prototype after which others are copied, patterned or emulated; a symbol universally recognized by all”. In simple terms, an archetype is used to refer to stereotypes or patterns of behavior. Such things as the Mother, Child, or Hero archetype bring to mind certain characteristics. All archetypes have positive aspects as well as “shadow” behaviors. For example, the Mother archetype may be seen as a nurturing caring, or loving personality; but the shadow side might display as control or over-bearing. The shadow side of something has power over us simply because it remains “in the dark”. As mere humans, we tend to deny its presence because we consider it unacceptable for us to really have such behaviors or characteristics. Only when we face and acknowledge the shadow’s presence can we begin to see its negative impact on us. One way to face it is to just be witness to it – look for it when it occurs. From there we should be able to recognize when we feel it and make it work for us instead of against us. We all carry personality traits throughout our lives. We use them to learn about ourselves and recognize things in other people. Bear witness to what you feel and see what happens.

Understanding Balance

Thoughts derived from Bridging Heaven and Earth, by Leaonard Jacobson.

All life’s experience exists within duality – we cannot experience anything without having first experienced it’s dual aspect. How can we experience acceptance unless we  have experienced rejection; how can we know happiness without knowing sadness; love without hate; hot without cold, day without night. It is impossible. They define each other. We throw ourselves into imbalance (chaos) by attaching ourselves to the positive aspects of this duality or by rejecting the negative aspects. Attachments and rejections lead to separation; with separation brings aloneness, ultimately leading to fear; and fear cripples and destroys. It’s very easy to say the words “don’t attach” but the practice can be challenging and often doesn’t last. However, as we master bringing ourselves into the present moment, over and over again, hundreds or even thousands of times each day, bring ing ourselves back to “center” we will gradually awaken with no energetic “charge” as they say – to the past or future — it will just Be. Eventually we will be filled with a compassion and love in all things, particularly to ourselves, here and now, and balance will be regained. It’s something to excperience.

40 Days and 40 Nights

Today begins a period of time for meditation and reflection, no matter what your religious beliefs are. As a child Ash Wednesday signified having to give something up for the next 40 days. As an adult it should be viewed differently – a time to reflect on who we are and the patterns we find ourselves returning to. The Spiritual Master we know as Jesus, went up into the hills to commune with and listen to guidance. He felt this time would give Him strength for what was to come. We should take a page out of that book, and reflect on how we live when no one is looking – and also when they are! This season doesn’t mean you have to give up candy or that glass of wine with dinner, but it’s a time that calls for consciousness on our behaviors and patterns – patterns that work for us and patterns that don’t. We’re breaking into Spring – a time of rebirth and renewal. Greet this special season with an openness to listen and respond.

Patient’s Prayer

Do not ask me to remember, don’t try to make me understand.

Let me rest and know you’re with me. Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I’m confused beyond your concept, I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you, to be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me. Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can’t help the way I’m acting. I can’t be different if I try.

Just remember that I need you. That the best of me is gone.

Please don’t fail to stand beside me. Love me ’til my life is done.

–-Author Unknown

 

Dedicated to V & T and their love for their family.

Reiki (Universal Life Force)

Reiki Guiding Principles all begin with “Just for today . . . ”

• I will give thanks for my many blessings.
• I will not worry.
• I will not be angry.
• I will do my work honestly and with integrity.
• I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

The word Reiki is derived from two Japanese words: “Rei” – meaning God’s Wisdom or Higher Power, and “Ki” meaning life force. Reiki teaches that there is an inexhaustible, spiritual energy that can be used to induce healing on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. This life force energy flows through the practitioner’s hands to the recipient or remotely. From my experience, the results can be enhanced through the intent of the practitioner and the openness of the recipient to receive this energy.

The traditional Reiki story begins in the mid-1800’s, with Mikao Usui who was an educator and Christian minister in Japan. When asked by students to be shown the method by which Jesus did healing, Usui began a life-long quest to learn and develop the skill. He did this through tireless travels and extensive studies in theology, philosophy, Christianity and Buddhism. His studies culminated during a period of fasting and meditation in which he became psychically attuned to an unseen “light force” and had a rediscovery of this healing method dating back 2500 yrs. This experience enabled him then to clearly interpret ancient Sanskrit teachings which unveiled the secrets. Years after his discovery, Usui added the Guiding Principles for the practice with the inner knowledge that in order to reach health of any kind, we must take responsibility and work on ourselves. 

Reiki energy is available to everyone. Through “attunements” administered by a Master, anyone can learn to utilize this healing energy.

Dream Symbols

Every, single thing around us is a symbol and conveys underlying meaning. Such things like your car, clothes, household furnishings, business card, phone message, hairstyle and body say something about who you are. The symbols that appear in your dreams are just as indicative of who you are. Learning to read them, from what seemingly is nonsense, can be the challenge. There’s a good reason symbols appear when they do in waking or sleeping dreams – they represent characteristics or aspects of something inside you. The duality of waking life shows itself whether or not you are even conscious of it. People tend to view their dream symbols literally, which would lead them to basically no or little meaning. Instead, to truly understand what a symbol might represent, pretend to be the thing itself – to view and speak from its point of view. This way you enter directly into the experience of being what that image is. For example, think of all the things that come to your own particular mind when you think “beach” – it could invoke a feeling of relaxation (giving you a message it’s time to do just that); connection to rhythm (meaning you are – or are not – nurturing yourself and connecting with the rhythms of life); or you sense the boundary of the shoreline (meaning you might be looking for inspiration, endless possibilities and to go farther). If you become the image itself, all of a sudden, the symbol comes alive and it’s easier to see how this particular image is part of you and your life process. Sound silly? If you want to know more, try it  . . . .

Experiencing Love

So what exactly do we expect when we are loved by someone? It’s meaning is different to everyone and it can be confusing because of discrepancies in what is and what is actually done. We may have experienced a partner or a parent who said “I love you” and then abandoned or neglected us leaving us with confusing notions. Thus that pattern feels like love because it’s the only one we know. We may have been in relationships or families with people that cared for our needs but mistreated and abused us – thus that pattern becomes love. We may have lived in emotionally sterile environments where people said they loved us, but no feelings or nurturing were available – and that may have become our idea of love. We learn to love others the way we have been loved whether or not that feels good. Unhealthy love may meet our surface needs, but not our basic human need to be loved. However, through consciousness, we can come to diminish the effect of words alone and begin to expect behavior and action that is congruent. We can find the courage to confront when appropriate – not to blame or find fault, but to help us stay in touch with reality and with our individual needs. We deserve to give and receive the best that love has to offer. Feeling discrepancy? It is probably there and you’re not crazy.

The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz

When faced with challenges, I often return to the The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz for guidance. Below is an excerpt from the website Toltec Spirit.

1. Be Impeccable with your Word: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the Word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your Word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.

Taking Care of Ourselves

Always remember we don’t have to wait for someone else to come to our aid – we are not victims, we are not helpless. Teachers will come when they’re needed (remember that old saying, ‘when the student is ready the teacher will appear’) and they will care – but they can’t fix us. There are no white knights or magical godmothers waiting to rescue us. We are our own rescuers. So take the time to care for yourself as you might for someone else, and stop trying to fix and rescue everything outside of you. YOU must be at the top of your own list. From that vantage point, the rest will fall into place. The more you can learn to love yourself, the more that energy of love will be drawn to you . . . and that’s one of the simple principles of karma.

Healing the Hurt

It’s interesting to note that when we hurt our physical bodies, we allow ourselves time to recover. Bandages, splints, or just time in bed is needed to recoup our energies so we can rejoin our everyday lives. However, when the psyche is hurt, we often try to avoid the pain instead of allowing ourselves the time to heal. At a benign level we distract ourselves with the general noise around us – activities of our family, friends, and workday activities; at a more malignant level those distractions take the form of anger, denial, blame, addictions or other manifestations of our shadow self. By giving ourselves time, all we’ll miss from the hustle and bustle is just that – hustle and bustle – and nothing more. We usually deserve more (time, healing, recovery) then we’re willing to give ourselves. Maybe it’s time to figure out why.

Those Crazy Dreams

” . . . dream(s) show the inner truth and reality of (someone) as it really is: not as (we) conjecture it to be, and not as (we) would like it to be, but as it is.

-C.G. Jung

Dreams can be a very real path to self-discovery and healing, although they can be very difficult to interpret.  Training yourself to go to sleep and wake “consciously”, meaning, setting the intention to remember those wild adventures and then writing them down once you wake, is one of the best ways to begin. Dreams are like a hidden doorway into the most secret recesses of the psyche (“psyche” means “soul” in Greek). At first, you notice seemingly unrelated, silly or bizarre images and situations that are strung together for an instant or what sometimes seems like an eternity.  After awhile though, you start to recognize patterns or familiar feelings, some of which you have in your waking day. It takes a long time to string all this together but if your dreams are vivid, colorful and full of emotion, or if you wake up disturbed, anxious and just not quite feeling right, it’s worth a try. At some point find help with the interpretation, but for now, just begin the process of writing down as much as you remember. You’ll discover your dreams become something you actually look forward to – what will “they” show me tonight!

To Thine Own Self Be True . . . .

. . . to thine own self be true,

and it must follow, as the night the day,

thou canst not then be false to any man.

––William Shakespeare

Sometimes, when you really try to get in touch with what you feel we have to fight the fear of recognizing and then acting on it. Do we love something, are we indifferent, are we doing something to please someone else, are we just filling time, or is there genuine emotion – authentic feelings. Some liken self-discovery to peeling an onion – the false layers come off one at a time. A more positive way to look at it though, is to think of it as building and re-creation – finding pieces of yourself once lost and putting it all back together. Tragedy breaks us into a million pieces, we lose touch with what we feel because our world is in complete chaos – nothing is what it used to be, nothing’s familiar – we don’t even recognize ourselves. Having the will and desire to make ourselves whole again, requires us to not fear that true inner core – to find it again. The only way to do that, is to be true to yourself – begin on the surface, even with silly, every day things, and eventually it will drill down to your core. You’ll start to recognize yourself again and the “onion” will be whole. From there, from that place of wholeness and recognition, good things will come.

Valentine’s Day

Excerpt from The Language of Letting Go, Melody Beattie

Valentine’s Day . . . can be a symbol that we have not yet gotten love to work for us as we would like. Or it can be a symbol of something different, something better. We are in recovery now. We have begun the healing process. Our most painful relationships, we have learned, have assisted us on the journey to healing, even if they did little more than point out our own issues or show us what we don’t want in our life . . . . We have started the journey of learning to love ourselves. We have started the process of opening our heart to love, real love that flows from us, to others, and back again . . . . (today) is the Love Day. Wherever we are in our healing process . . . whatever our circumstances, we can be grateful that our heart is opening to love.