Be Careful About Giving Your "Honest Opinion"...AND..what IS.Spirituality?

Beware! If someone asks for your 'honest opinion'... I would highly advise you to follow four steps.

1) size up the person for his openmindedness

2) draw upon your 'past experience' with this person's reactions to anything that is 'different'

3) and THEN, tempting as it may be to offer your 'honest opinion'... realize its a gamble you are taking.

4) (this one kinda makes me wince...) just play around a bit with the person and be ever so 'politically correct'... Or play dumb.... Because!-- they do NOT want your honest opinion...they want to be agreed with, validated, and perhaps even praised for their opinions.

This is pretty easy to do for people who don't have too many experienced brain cells clanging around in ye olde belfrey...they are 'safe' in being honest in their naivity --giving the party of the first part a golden opportunity to instill upon that person their 'opinion!' :)....which is not so much an opinion as it is their iron clad, steel girded, impenetrable version of (drum roll....!) The TRUTH.

In my case (if you will forgive a few exagerations just to color it up a smidgeon...) when someone asked me for my 'honest opinion' --before all was said and done, the whole situation took on an atmosphere found in the movie "Fatal Attraction" ...where the "one" who is obsessed with "I am right" simply won't...goooo awaaaay...!

The old saying: One should never argue politics or religion is true. In my case, it was unwise to respond to this Email with a polite: "I don't believe that is the truth." Additionally I added a link that expressed my views on this subject which, unfortunately, included BOTH religion and politics. I didn't get 'emotionally' involved in it -- just passed it on. To me, it wasn't a 'big deal.' The response I received to this was that he was "hurt and deeply offended by my 'hatred' of this religion" (never indicated that) and this person is now 'extremely disappointed in my outlook.' See wut ah mean, Vern? --about no one really wanting your 'honest' opinion. :) So... without apologizing for my 'opinion' (I hardly expected HIM to, either) I did sincerely offer my apologies for having hurt his feelings. I meant it. I had thought of this person as a friend for a few years.

The return response was that I need not offer any unnecessary apologies, but he was 'extremely concerned' about my views....and would 'like to discuss this with me sometime in person.' Heavy sigh, eye roll, a few expletives....(on my part..)

Trying my best to show forth a beauteous and shining example of the ultimate in Political Correctness... I simply responded with, 'just so you know my apology was sincere' (although it was beginningto lose its edge...) and added, 'please, do not worry or be concerned about my opinions...thats all they are...opinions...and we each have a right to our own.' I was hoping that would be end of discussion.

But, the saga continued with "Let's meet and discuss our spiritual paths"...He would be 'interested' in my spiritual path... Yeah...right.. This time I thought Enough is Enough...so I simply never responded. He had made some real digs at my newsletter blog saying he sees 'nothing spiritual' about it...so how could I use 'spiritual' in the title?...he wonders. Enough was definately enough...I didn't respond. I just wanted to drop it. However --Yesterday I get yet another Email that literally oozed and dripped with eloquence and ...yes ... with extreme political correctness.

Since he has been fair enough to offer to sit down with me to discuss our spiritual paths like 'two adults' (and I am obviously failing to recognize this)... its therefore best that we 'limit our correspondance' ...unless a death occurs within our group of friends, to advise the other of said death. (yup...he said that!!) Otherwise he suggested we should 'act as if we are happy to see each other' and be cordial amidst our coffee drinking buddies. So, he wants any further communication to come to an end. It's one of those incidents where you don't know whether to laugh...or what... Notice I have been politically correct in the writing of this in so far as I have carefully avoided naming said religion or its connection to the political arena. I have mixed feelings about this. Because I could justifiably be accused of 'playing into' that same phoniness, too. It's a strange high wire on which to keep one's balance.

The major difference (in my opinion :) between religion and spirituality is that religion is something you practice... and spirituality is something you live.Religious dogma tells you 'how to live and what to do' ... and spirituality encourages you to find your answers within yourself. I regard the Eastern philosophies as spiritual... I regard, Christianity, Islam, and Judaism as religions. Whatever works for anyone-- that is their choice, their right. Opinion and judgment ... pretty much the same thing... and --we all do both-- Its just the way it is... what is 'bad' about holding an opinion or judging is when we are convinced we have "THE" ultimate corner on "The Truth"... All truth is relative. And!--as the Buddha said -- "don't take the word of even the most enlightened teachers as your own opinion...find it out through your OWN experience and practice." So...to me...with that perilous topic that brought about the whole mish mash -- it was taken far too seriously.... All that does is support the Ego (which simply never gets enough of 'being right.')

I spent SO much of my life searching for 'religious answers' that were, of course, always 'out there someplace' and it was up to me to 'go and look for them'... This is challenging...and its difficult when you have been programmed with the idea that you are 'dirty, sinful, and unclean and in need of being saved' ... or told 'THIS is theeee way you must walk with God.'

It's nice to talk with those with whom you are in agreement... it can bolster us and give us a sort of 'high' ...but the real learning comes from 'how do I handle it when someone is totally contrary?' Am I politcally correct (and spout a bunch of carefully worded bullshit that I don't really believe?...) or am I quiet? ...or are their ways to say what I want to say without offending the other? Being politcally correct is usually about not wanting the 'other guy' to get mad at us; it 'feels better' (to the Ego) to have his approval and validation...so one can 'fit in with the group' and feel a false sense of security that one is accepted.

What I believe (and yes, it is my opinion) about the Occupy Protesters is that THEY believe they are doing the right thing...regardless of how many people disagree with them...even to the point of their own endangerment. May it always be peaceful ... and may all all be safe. It all comes down to 'what is right for US' when we hold an opinion or take an action. How does it really and truly make us FEEL in our hearts and souls... If we truly will ALLOW others their opinions...and follow our OWN intentions that what we do is for our Highest Good and the Highest Good of Others... then...come what may ...ALL will be well. We forever keep learning ...which is a good thing! :)

Namaste'

(PART ONE) UFO's, Aliens, The Government, and "We the People"

According to some polls, there is an indication that more people (not quite 50%) in the U.S., 'believe in' the existence of UFO's, aliens, etc.. then ever before. However, exactly how those beliefs are interpreted vary widely. I don't think that many Sci Fi movies I have seen contributed much to an intelligent or scientific understanding of this subject... Most are 'scary' and strictly geared to entertainment and no kind of fact. "Fact," again, is a personal opinion.
Do I believe that The Powers That Be have been conducting a cover up (for years)? Yes, I do. Why would they? Because such knowledge, once globally accepted, would shake the very foundations of religion, 'old science', education, philosophy, and cultural beliefs. Thank goodness for the mavericks who are not confined by 'authoritative assumptions' imposed upon us throughout our lifetimes.
As most of you know by now, I religiously avoid western religion of any type. :) This does not make me--or those who DO believe in the Major Three -- 'right' or 'wrong.' Right or wrong is a concept that keeps people mind-stuck when it is forcibly applied to others. We have to grow beyond that.
I believe The Earth has been around for millions of years. Not just 6,000 years. I do not necessarily believe the fables and myths of the Bible per say..(even though I think any myth and fable can be very valuable...as long as you don't consider them 'gospel.' Sorry, couldn't resist :) People can spend their lifetimes attempting and then 'succeeding' in 'proving' the 'facts'...But as some wise man once said: You can use the Bible to prove ANYthing. It's all about 'opinion.' Someone else, with a sense of humor, said: "You can use "Fun With Dick and Jane" to prove any point you want if your powers of persuasion are above par.
Many Biblical scholars concur that a number of ancient Biblical writings / teachings were removed. A few of the big ones are 1) reincarnation, and 2) the missing years of Jesus, AND...ta DAH!: UFO's and so called aliens.
I think the narrow concept that many people have of "God" can be very contracting and discourages critical thinking of any kind. Many people, however, seem to accept the story of Adam and Eve and that ornery little snake with the apple --without question. Some men of the cloth interpret this story in ways that appeal to logic and being palitable. Adam biting into the apple and did not have a good outcome for him. On the other hand, Steve Jobs did the same thing and became a positive, productive icon! (Hey! maybe that's why that notorious Westboro church family wanted to picket his funeral! :) It was the Apple! :)
I like Neale Donald Walsh's description of "God;" --an Energy that gives Everything life. An Energy that pervades EVERYTHING...and is "THE" Source of all...that, I can accept. Anyway -- I don't believe that this one Biblical God created ALL humans (as well as everything else) on Earth and just put the other stuff (outer space)in the sky for balance and decoration....a Feng Shui thing. However, if you DO -- that's fine, too.
I believe that many of us living now on Earth were created by various races of 'aliens'. I believe there are aliens living amongst us right now that have donned human form (good thing, eh?) And I think that there are those of us who come from an ancestry not created in labs here on Earth ... but ARE from other star systems, who chose to incarnate on Earth. So...if "God" is a all-pervasive Energy in all galaxies and universes -- what's the problem of believing that?? Personally, to me, it gives All of Life a far grander meaning. If one is willing to consider this -- that's great! It could help us in realizing that we are learning and expanding in a TRULY eternal, ever evolving, never ending process. Or not. It's all personal choice.
There are stories, myths, legends from all over the world that speak of visitors from other planets....often referred to as 'the star people.' They don't have any kind of a problem with it. Many of the various tribes/nations of Native Americans believe they have varied ancestries from different planets of Star People. The Cherokee believe they originally came here from the Pleiades. Some believe they are the descendants of the inhabitants of Niburu (which is supposedly heading to Earth.)
As Above So Below. Yup. Not everyone on Earth is of a mind to Live and Let Live, or to do no harm. Neither are all beings from other planets. The Yin and the Yang is pervasive throughout the Universe. When we insist upon thinking of us being the ONLY planet with sentient life...we close our minds to much vaster possibilities. Seth, in The Nature of Personal Reality talks about how Time and Space are root assumptions for Earth's humans... just one of those 'rules' that makes life for us humans easier to understand. He also told us that we mistakenly assume that 'outer space' is 'out there'...rather than in terms of dimensions which are super imposed upon each other. Since, sadly enough, man's collective brain usage has purportedly still not exceeded that of 10%... its understandable that it all has to be somewhat toned down for the average bear. :)
For instance--and example: We think in terms of 'how many years will it take to get to Mars, etc"...while, according to some reeeeally smart physicists (and Seth) we could 'think ourselves there'...with maybe an occasional light-speed bump here and there. :) There are many technologies (such as teleportation) that is already being utilized that the public doesn't know about. Teleportation could put quite a dent in the auto industry...
The Law of Attraction and Free Will still apply to all beings (unless they have agreed to play a different role on a soul level) and we STILL Create Our Own Reality...just as the 'aliens' do....regardless of their location, looks or 'lifestyle.' Now let's bring this all down to some of our more pressing Earthly problems -- mainly governments and world leaders.
The Off Planetary Beings of the Power, Greedy and Wealth type personalities -- have well trained, have taken over, and have established a very well executed platform of Controllers on Earth. I personally believed the Pleiadians (re Barb Marciniak) when they said "NO ONE of your politicians (or Corporate heads) will continue to hold any position of power UNLESS they either knowingly (consciously) or unknowingly (subconsciously-- on a soul level) ... are willing to be subjected to the Dark Forces, the "Controllers." Those on Earth that do the Controlling: the Illuminati and pet project New World Order; The Ruling Houses, as in The Bielderberg Group, The Rothchilds, The Bohemiam Grove, etc etc etc.-- the ones who run the show on Earth at present time.
Technology as we know it can be very intimidating ...but what we are familiar with is elementary compared to the technical knowledge held by the Controllers. And YET... each one of us has the ability to influence...with our thoughts and state of mind, with our resultant choices and actions...what OUR OWN personal world will be like. We can choose to be part of any Mind Set or Mass Even we want. It takes Intention, Belief, Attention, and Focus. None of our 'sacred institutions' --government, religion, or education, teach us that we have the answers, the power within us.
Many of the greatest teachers have told us that what we are most afraid of -- is our own power! I didn't believe that when I first heard it. I can understand it better now. Fear of failure of what might happen if 'we don't listen to the authority figures' most often holds us back. We harbor the idea that to be GOOD--we must OBEY...We won't 'learn how to use all of our power' overnight. But as Abraham tells us: "You'll never get it wrong, because you'll never get it done." We have eternity ahead of us. We don't have to worry about 'striving to be Perfect.' Abe tells us Perfection means Death. And there truly is no such thing! Perfection would be a condition in which no more expansion, no more growth or change, or transformation could ever take place. We need to keep opting for the Learner's Permit! :)
In the next article I'll talk about personal 'Encounters'... my own -- and that of others. It's not necessarily "supernatural"...It's all 'natural'... never think otherwise. Maybe we need to start visualizing and become determined to use that other 90% of our mind power! :) We truly need to open up to New Worlds.
Namaste'

2012 ... What We Can Expect?

Are we, in the U.S. in for a revolution? Will the entire world be in for a big change that could be called a revolution? Is there really anything valid about any of the predictions connected with the year 2012?

To not notice how time is speeding up, to say that no changes are taking place right now pretty well implies one has got to be living under a rock. Maybe, for some, the name of this rock is 'denial' --which could easily be prompted by fear of any kind of drastic change. Even those with their heads in the sand will be experiencing those sands shifting...

For those who insist upon a more scientific bend to everything ... there is plenty of information to be found about how the earth (and rest of the universe) cycles. Instead of 'slowing down' at the end of each cycle -- it is more like Einstein described it: "Watching a (old fashioned as it be) cassette tape nearing its end, it spins faster and faster even though we hear/ perceive what we are listening to at the same speed...like we experience our calendar days and the hours on our clocks." Its all about expansion. Consciousness expanding. Its happening whether we 'want it to' or not. Nothing remains static. All is Energy and Everything is in constant motion. Even when we seem to be 'stuck'...we are making that choice as to whether or not we believe that we are ... This can also be used as an analogy as to how each of us, individually views that target year: 2012.

How this new magically numbered year is viewed. varies anywhere from the belief that the 'saved' will be raptured...to..."I don't believe in any of that 2012 crap..." I believe most people are somewhere inbetween.

As to what will be happening on a Mass Consciousness level -- no one can say. For us, personally, it will depend upon our own individual mind sets as to which of the mass events we will be observing or participating in. There will not be a 'right' or 'wrong' label tacked to any of these events. Absolutely everything is experience in consciousness that perpetually expands our learning of: 'what its all about'... So, in actuality, to look at anyone's life and say "What a waste" is ludicrous. That would only be our fear-based judgmental ego/mind talking.

Like Seth, Abraham, and other great teachers -- 'karma' is not looked upon as punishment....but as the soul's self-chosen experience --in order to expand one's own consciousness and be free from the addictive binding of judgment...We all, on a soul level, want to learn to truly be aligned with Unconditional Love: which inclues a compassionate Allowing for whatever path anyone else has chosen.

We spend far too much time thinking it is our duty to sweep in front of someone else's doorstep...and forget that our broom was meant to sweep in front of our own doorstep. And -- I have always managed to find enough reasons to tend to my own doorstep!

It's not only the notorious Phelps family (Westboro Baptist Church) that thinks they are the only ones "God" favors and have the corner on "the truth."... My OWN reaction to them (and other 'bad people' that I tend to think are SO 'wrong') shows me that the more I cling to and bask in my own 'right opinion'... the farther away I am from my own alignment with Source, All That Is, Spirit, etc... This doesn't mean you have to approve of or embrace anyone else's life style...but to learn to tend to ourselves ... our own enlightenment... should be what we focus on...not expecting the rest of the world to 'be the way we think it should be.' Allowing simply means: Let It Be... when you do take a "stand" it must be a positive and peaceful one.

Do I hear "Yeah, but's!!" ? Sometimes I hear my own thoughts/voice wanting to defend an angry or self-righteous position. It's easy to forget We CREATE those 'yeah but' events ... and the more attention and focus we give to what WE DO NOT LIKE or WANT ...the more of it we will experience in our lives. That is the irrefutable Law of Attraction. That is Universal Law. People who are forever looking to put 'the other side' down, ready to argue to defend themselves--are victims of their own scared-silly EGOs ... the part of the Ego that is never, ever satisfied but demands more and more of 'being right'.

What I like seeing about the Occupy Wall Street Protestors is that they know what they WANT...not just 'what they are against'...and, for the most part, they seem like a happy bunch. Lets hope the government doesn't install some trouble-making 'plants' in the groups to cause problems... Keep picturing a White Light around them when you think of them. There is nothing wrong with 'revolution' ... as long as its peaceful and not violent. And this can be done. Ghandi showed us that.

An idea from a book I read suggested: For just ONE DAY...do your best, all day long, to observe your thoughts. If you think that's easy, its because you haven't tried it. Trust me on that one!

As Abe says: Beliefs are nothing but thoughts that you keep thinking. And BELIEFS form our reality. The more emotion we put behind our thoughts/beliefs the more quickly they manifest. Both the 'good' and the 'bad.'

Thoughts are not just harmless little nebulous undefinable blobs that sort of just float through our minds. As the Buddha said: Thoughts are THINGS. They EACH contain the potential to actualize. On some levels, I believe most people know this; but we all need to take much more seriously. I'm not suggesting that we try to 'purify' our minds overnight, purging away all negative thoughts. Just pay more attention to 'where your mind is going' -- and it can be as simple as telling your mind "Thanks, but no thanks" to the thoughts that are making us miserable and creating more misery. I prefer to say "Thanks" because its a better choice than yelling "Damn you!" to your thoughts or yourself. We have to stay in a constant state of being willing to lighten up, forgive ourselves, brush ourselves off, and with a spirit of constant renewal -- go for that!!

We have got to believe positively when it comes to GUIDING our thoughts... Sometimes when one has worked their way into a totally black mood, its like pushing against a brick wall to eliminate it. BUT...we can...yup. We can. Even if its just beginning with 'this will end, I will feel better'... You have to like Abe says, work your way up the Emotional Scale... you can't jump from Black Mood to Silly Whacky Deleriously Happy... Take it easy on yourself. Loving and accepting ourselves brings more Love, Patience, Tolerance, and Allowing into the world. It DOES begin with us. Those rather strange monks who wear horsehair clothing and continuously beat themselves with whips are NOT bringing ANYTHING positive into the world.

The 2012 we experience, will, I believe, be what one WANTS it to be. As the wise man said: "Be careful what you wish for ...you may get it." We can't afford to visualize or wish destruction upon those we disagree with. That's the Phelps family way! Think about that. Wanting Peace has got to be more than just a 'nice thing to say.' So many of our own problems keep coming down to knowing we have to: Let It Go, Let It Go ... We must clean up our own thought processes, and then act upon what we KNOW keeps us aligned with Spirit, and... keep using that ol' broom in front of our own doorstep. Don't try to change others.

To me, this is what 'change' will be about in 2012.... there may be 'other events' that we observe. Some of it may be magnificently wonderful... some of it could be just the opposite... But it will be up to US as to whether or not we choose to participate. Like it is now--it will all be interpreted on an individual basis. The 2012 you experience may be entirely different than that of your neighbors. It's always up to the person we see reflected in the mirror. "Me" ... Don't expect anything or anyone else to 'change' in order to make your life the way you want it to be. Easier said than done?. Sure. But -- I have a good feeling it will be well worth the effort it takes!

Namaste' ....