Enlightenment

Another Peter Russell musing on enlightenment....


If being right is your goal,
you will find error in the world,
and seek to correct it.
But do not expect peace of mind.

If peace of mind is your goal,
look for the errors in your beliefs and expectations.
Seek to change them, not the world.
And always be prepared to be wrong.

Being able to experience reality as it is, undistorted by our hopes and fears, is often referred to as “enlightenment.” The reference “light” in this word is usually thought of in the sense of illumination. A mind that is enlightened is said to be an “illumined” mind. It is a mind that has “seen the light,” or sees things in a new light.

There is, however, another sense of the word “enlighten” that is equally appropriate. That is “a lightening of the load.”

The heaviest burdens in this life are not our physical burdens but our mental ones. We are weighed down by our concern for the past, and our worries about the future. This is the load we bear, the weariness that comes from our timefulness.

To en-lighten the mind is to relieve it of this load. An enlightened mind is a mind no longer weighed down by attachments; it is a mind that is free.

Being free, it is a mind that is no longer so serious about things -- it takes things more lightly.

Could this be why enlightened people often laugh and smile more?


A Shift in Perception

From either perspective -- that of illumination or that of lightening the load -- the essence of enlightenment is a shift in perception. It is a shift from seeing the world through the eyes of concern, to seeing without judgment; seeing what is rather than what ought to be or might be.

Enlightenment is waking up to the illusions contained in the belief we have been fed with since birth; the belief that whether or not we are at peace depends upon what we have or do in the material world. It is discovering for oneself, as a personal experience of life, that whether or not we are at peace depends upon our perception and interpretation of events.

This alternative way of seeing is to be found at the core most of the great spiritual traditions. It is, for instance, the very foundation stone of Buddhism. As a prince in a wealthy kingdom, the young Buddha -- Sidhartha, as he was then called -- had everything he could wish for in the material plane. But, like many of us today, he realized that wealth and luxury do not in themselves remove suffering. So he left the palace and set out determined to find a way to end suffering. After six years of studying with various ascetics, yogis and other holy men, and learning many practices and mental disciplines, he was little nearer his goal. Then one day, sitting in meditation, he had a realization that caused him to wake up -- and hence gain the name “Buddha”, which simply means “the awakened one”.

He summarized his insight in “The Four Noble Truths”, which might be paraphrased as:

    1. We all experience suffering in some way or another -- mental, physical, emotional, spiritual.

    2. Suffering is self-created. A consequence of our desiring things to be other than they are.

    3. It need not be this way. We have a choice as to how we perceive the world and live our lives.

    4. There are systematic ways to set about changing how we think and perceive.

Parallel sentiments can be found in Christianity. The phrase, “Sinners repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” is often interpreted as an admonishment to be sorry for the day of judgment is coming. But if we look back to the Greek texts we find another possible interpretation.

The Greek word that we translate as “sin” is amartano. This, as Maurice Nichol pointed out in his book, The Mark, is a term derived from archery and mean to have missed the mark, to have missed the target. The target we are each seeking is inner fulfillment, but, imagining this will come from what we have or do, we aim in the wrong direction, and so “miss the mark.” It is this fundamental error as to how to find happiness and peace of mind that is our “original sin.” The word translated as “repent” is metanoia, which means a transformation of mind. So “sinners repent” can also be translated as “those who have missed their target, and not found happiness in the world around you, change your thinking” for what you are looking for lies very close by, within you.

Nor is it just religious teachers who have proclaimed this truth. The Greek philosopher Epictetus, living in the first century AD, made one of the most succinct and powerful expositions of this wisdom when he wrote, “People are disturbed, not by things, but by the view they take of them.”


Choosing to See

In principle, we can make this shift of perception at any time we choose. Whenever we are caught up in trying to make the future the way we want it to be -- which, in one way or another, is most of the time -- we have the opportunity to look at things differently. Rather than wondering, “How can I get such-and-such so that I can be happy?” we could ask, “Even if I were to get what I want, would I then be at peace?” And, “If I do not get what I want, can I still be at peace?”

If there is a willingness to look at things differently the answers to these questions are nearly always “No” and “Yes” respectively. Then, having let go of our anxiety about the future, our attention is once again free to return to the here and now.

That much is easy. The difficulty comes in remembering to stop and ask. It is in this that we need practice. And for most of us the aspect of life that offers us the most opportunity for practice -- and where we most need help -- is in our personal relationships. For it is here that we come up against some of our deepest conditioning and some of our strongest judgments.

image:http://www.lowdensitylifestyle.com/what-is-enlightenment-2/

Just in time for VD.....;-) Cord Cutting

Here's to a healthy relationship!!!!!!

Cord Cutting
by Sarah Judith Cole, OBT,

We are always in the process of becoming, giving birth to who we are at this moment. In this process, there are also the little deaths, the letting go of that which no longer serves us. This includes old relationships, old ways of acting, reacting, and interacting. Cord cutting is a way of releasing the energy that we are still clinging to that is outdated.  The process of "Cord Cutting" is based on the premise that when we enter into relationship with a person; wether it be romantic, friendship, familial, business, professional or otherwise, an energetic thread or cord is activated. As we move through life, often these relationships are no longer what we need or want them to be. "Cord Cutting" allows for the energetic thread that has been running to be cut. Relationships don't have to end, but this allows for new beginnings instead of being trapped in the past.

Sometimes, we want relationships to end, such as when you are no longer in a relationship with a lover. Every time you enter into such a relationship, particularly one that leads to sexual involvement, an energetic thread is started. If the relationship continues, the thread gets stronger. Often, people can feel this, or have an intuitive sense of what is going on with their partner. This is due to the energetic connection. Even relationships that are ended, years later there still can be a tapping in.

Also, as children of our parents, as we grow we wish to have a more adult relationships with our parents. Cord cutting can help to break that old way of interacting with each other, of being seen as the child and parent and allow the relationship to evolve.  As parents, and as our children grow. we need to have different relationships with them, to stop seeing them as little and needing our help.  Business partnerships that are no longer valid, also have energetic streams connected with them, that need to be broken.

All these relationships carry an attachment, a stream of energy, and unfortunately it is often a stream that holds us down and saps our energy. From time to time, we all have experienced various "energy vampires" and these definitely need to be broken. When we have helped a friend through a trying situation, or become caregivers, we need to cut the cord.  As that person moves through their situation, this allows for the growth of the relationship to enter into a new phase.

Even in happy marriages, from time to time we need to do this. Generally speaking, as we grow older and mature, we become more mentally healthy as we give up old ideas, and expectations, and come into our own definitions of who we are. This is true in marriages as well. The needs and expectations differ, as we come to redefine our idea of marriage, and therefore, cutting cords, can allow for this growth and maturity. It is very important when relationships are ended that we cut the cord. This can even help us with the grieving process of letting go of someone, whether through death, or the ending of the relationship. With relationships that are ongoing, it creates the space for new levels of connection, and can add freshness to the relationship. Where there is discord, it can cut that discord, and allow for new perspectives. It can be particularly useful with co-workers who we have had problems with, and those who tend to "get under our skin" or push our buttons, and grate on our nerves. It can provide the space for us to detach and perhaps see what is really going on.

If you find yourself dreaming about someone, or about things in the past and not getting anywhere, doing a cord cutting can be useful. It can help stop the psychic negativity that may be coming your way from others. Remember, thoughts are energy and like prayers, so the above may not be about someone who is negative, but may actually be well intentioned. This would include those who "worry" about you. These people are often well-intentioned but don't know how to express their love and concern in a more positive way. Cutting cords can help you not to receive their projections, and may help them to also evolve into perceiving you differently.

Worrying about someone is not a measure of someone's love, but a measure of their ability to worry. It is a trap that mothers can often fall into, because we are taught to worry about our children--if we don't worry about them, we don't love them. But you know, generally speaking, when your kids are in their 20's it is no longer necessary to have eyes in the back of your head, and be focused on what your children are doing all the time. It would be useful for all mothers, to do cord cutting concerning their children throughout their growth years with us. If we keep perceiving them as small and helpless, or not capable of making good decisions on their own, they will act that way. At some point, you really do have to let go. This includes the old dysfunctional patterns of interactng that society has taught us.  We may not realize it, but often we have illusions about relationships, and our own perceptions about who we think we are and who we think the other person is. Doing this work, will help you to cut through this, and begin to have a new outlook.

Cord cutting requires a certain amount of energy and is not passive, therefore, it is best done when you are well rested, and relaxed. While being active, (as opposed to asking God to do this for you) it is also quite intentional, so being firm in your intent to let go is important. You don't have to enjoy letting go, you just have to be intent on letting go, knowing that this needs to happen for the good of all. Sometimes the letting go is not easy and we want to hold on. Try to remember that you're doing this for the highest good of all involved. It doesn't mean you no longer have a connection, bond or relationship with that person, it's just a healthier connection, one that can help to heal both parties and most often, make the relationship interaction much more enjoyable.

 *****As an aside for healers***** We are not here to allow others to suck off of us and every once in a while we will come into contact with someone who wants to do just that. One of the things that a healer does is help hold the balance while someone is going through the process of a healing work. Part of our work as healers is to help in this, and then, as soon as possible, help the person to build their own resources of healing. (Working with essential oils, natural supplements, etc. can help people learn how to become their own healers.) Practicing cord cutting is very important for healers to help break attachments that our clients have formed with us. Even if the relationship continues, it's in everyone's best interest for the relationship to evolve.

It's best to do cord cutting at a time when you can be alone and are assured of not being interrupted. Have yourself in a prayerful meditative state and well grounded. Diffusing or applying oils such as spruce, cedarwood, sage, & lavender can make the process easier, and more complete. Using lavender & geranium on the feet and lemon on the liver can be helpful because we process emotion (particularly anger) through the liver.  Also, for relationships in which we may have "unfinished business", applying melissa, frankincense and ravensara on the navel area is helpful.

The energetic streams by which we are attached to others, can run throughout all of our energetic body. Your energetic body surrounds you and even goes into the earth as well as above your head. Cutting cords is a little like pulling weeds. Just as in pulling weeds, you have to get the entire root out; this is true also with cutting cords. Another strong aspect of cutting cords is visualization and breathing; taking long full breaths and strong exhalations, releasing as you exhale.

It's not uncommon to experience a wide range of emotions while doing this and its very important to let these emotions come up.  These emotions hold and carry energy and allowing the emotions out is part of the process.

You can change this according to fit your own particular spiritual beliefs. Allow yourself to become centered and grounded, feeling your connection to the earth.  Ask your spiritual guides, saints, angels, etc. to help you with this process. You can also ask to have your Higher Self as well.  Archangel Michael, specifically, is associated with Cord Cutting.  You will be visualizing him using his sword to help you cut the cords, so when you are ready invite him to assist you in the process. The beings you have called on will be lending energy in this ceremony, but it is you who has to cut the cords. No one will do this for you.  The beings will help in clearing the energy from your fields, but you must start the process.  Even if you are not able to feel anything trust that this process is happening.  Allow yourself a few minutes to feel the energies you are calling upon, to feel your lower chakras being grounded in the earth and your top four chakras opening and receiving the sustaining assisting energies of those you have invited and asked for help.

You can say the following to yourself or out loud:   "I now cut and release the cords of this relationship with (say the name)".  While you are saying this visualize Archangel Michael cutting the cords all around your body with his sword, in every direction; above your head, below your feet, in front of you, behind you and on both sides. You may find as you do this that some cords may be more concentrated in the navel, or heart area. Sexual relationships may be concentrated more in the lower chakras, while relationships that made your stomach churn maybe more in the solar plexus area. Relationships that seem to mentally tax you may be more in the top three chakras. Relationships that have been more joyful, generally are more diffused throughout the whole energetic field, they still need to be cut to allow for new growth. In some ways you are tending your energetic relationship garden, and things have to be cut to allow for energy for new growth. Continue to say the name of the person whom you are cutting cords as you do this. When you feel you are finished with that person/relationship/ pause and let yourself feel it, and scan, get your sense of whether or not you think you are done with this particular relationship, then go on to others. It is best not to overtire yourself and only do a few relationships in one cord cutting ceremony. Start with the ones that are most foreground for you, the ones that seem to occupy your mind and heart the most. This could be someone from your past. Those who have experienced abuse, who have been attacked, raped, mugged, etc, start with that one first, even if you don't know the name, say "the person who stole my purse and knocked me down, and give the date). For some, you may also need to say goodbye, I release and let you go. (remember to say their name or give explanation of the relationship)

When the cords have been cut, surround yourself with a beautiful cocoon of glowing, white light, and state:  "I now am willing to connect with my Divine Source of energy, and I allow only the Highest Vibration of Love to connect me to others, and others to me."  Allow your heart to really open and feel your connection to yourself and the Divine. In doing this ceremony you have created a void which is replaced by this divine light and more of your higher Self.  While you are bringing in and receiving the Highest Light and more of your Higher Self, you can begin to allow yourself to fill up with gratitude and start thanking those who have helped you in this ceremony.

Now is a good time for you to simply relax and rest. Even though you are done with the ceremony, the work is still going on, as the work ripples outwards and the energy streams are dissolved as they go back to the time, person and relationship.  I also find it helpful to imagine a divine white light going back to the person on the end of the severed cord.  I imagine this light filling them up as it reaches them, helping to heal anything they may need help with regarding our relationship.  I like to burn sage or an alternate clearing incense to help clear the energy of the space after you have done a cord cutting.

With relationships that are ongoing, such as with children and spouses, bosses, parents, you might want to do this a couple of times a year. You may find also with old relationships, that something new about them as come up for you that represents another aspect that you weren't aware of before, that also needs to be cleared out. Generally speaking, it's not recommend to do cord cuttings more than once a month. We need time to process and assimilate the work we have done. Cutting Cords is a cleansing and clearing ceremony. Respect the work you have done, honor yourself, and the work, and allow time for yourself to have new perspectives.

http://harusami.com/soul2soul/sara_judith_cole/cordcutting.htm

letting go

Letting Go and Knowing What We Want

Peter Russell

Letting Go is a mantra of our times. "Just let go," we're advised. "If only I could let go," others complain.

The call to let go lies at the core of humanity's many spiritual traditions. Non-attachment to outcomes, surrendering desires, accepting the present, opening to the guidance of a higher power, relinquishing the ego, forgiveness—they all entail a letting go.

Why is letting go so important? Holding on, these teachings repeatedly affirm, limits perception, makes us tense, and obscures our true nature. Moreover, it lies at the root of most our suffering. Letting go, on the other hand, brings relief, ease, joy, and love.

But if letting go is so valuable, why don't we just do it? The answer, as anyone who has tried can testify, is that it is not as easy as it sounds.

To appreciate why letting go can seem so difficult, we need to understand why we hold on, and what we hold on to. To answer these questions we must delve into a more fundamental question: What is it we really want?


Most of us have become so focused on what it is we think we want, we have forgotten what it is we are really seeking. We seldom ask ourselves “What is it we really want?” When we go deeply into this question we find a common theme behind all our desires. We want to feel better. We may give this inner feeling various different names -- joy, happiness, inner peace, satisfaction, fulfillment, bliss, contentment, ease, well-being -- but however we describe the quality of mind we seek, the underlying motivation is the same. We are looking to avoid pain and suffering, and find a more enjoyable state of consciousness.

This is completely natural, and is as true for every other sentient being on this planet as it is for us. It is the organism’s way of monitoring how it is doing in life. If there is something amiss -- if we need food, for instance -- we feel hungry, which is usually an uncomfortable experience. We don’t feel good and so, quite naturally, we look for something that will relieve our suffering -- in this case food. Having eaten we feel better; our lives are in balance again.

This is one thing that unites us all; we all want to reduce our suffering and find a more comfortable, satisfying state of mind.

I may decide to change jobs because I believe I will be happier. I may choose to play tennis with a friend because I expect to get some pleasure from the game, some good feelings from the exercise, and some satisfaction from winning -- or perhaps from seeing my friend win. I may take up hang-gliding because I find the challenge enjoyable -- or because I get a kick from the release of adrenaline. I may spend time writing a book, foregoing other pleasures, because I gain satisfaction from following my inner drive. If my mind wanders into daydreams, it is probably because they are more entertaining than the task at hand. And I may meditate to feel more at peace within myself.

However, although we may all be looking for a more fulfilling state of mind, our search is not always successful. Sometimes, through short-sightedness or factors beyond our control, we do not achieve our objectives. At other times we may well get the things we desire only to find they have not made us any happier; they may even have led us to suffer more. How many of us have started a new job, a new course of study, or a new relationship, believing it will make them happy, only to discover later they were happier the way things were?

Nor is it always immediate gratification that we are after. We may not enjoy visiting the dentist, but we go in the hope that life will be more enjoyable later. At other times we may worry about the future, creating much discomfort for ourselves, because we unconsciously assume that our worrying will help us avoid future sources of discomfort.

The same principle lies behind our more altruistic actions. We may give up all sense of personal gain and devote time to helping others feel better, perhaps putting ourselves to considerable inconvenience or hardship. But we do it because at some deeper level we feel better for it.

Even the masochist who sets out to cause himself pain does so because he gets pleasure from it -- or imagines he will.

A more pleasant state of consciousness is the mind’s bottom line. It is the fundamental criterion by which, consciously or unconsciously, we make our decisions.

Trying to discourage this drive is to miss the point of life. Our error lies not in seeking inner peace, fulfillment, happiness or joy, but in the ways we set about finding it. Our cultural conditioning has trapped us in a materialist mindset -- a meme that says if we are not happy then something in the world around us needs to change.

This is the “virus” that has infected our minds. This is the bug in our thinking that lies at the root of our malignant attitudes and behaviors.

-http://www.peterrussell.com/SpiritAwake/lgo.php


image: http://latoday.deviantart.com/

Change

Thought always precedes actions, so it is more important to first change the thought. The details of the information that we are given are not what's important; but those details make you think. As you think, your thought processes change. That is the first step and that is a step of action. Whenever you do not like your reality, you don't need to change the reality, you must first change yourself. That is the first step. And when you take that step you will know naturally the next step to take. You cannot change others. You can only change yourself.

-Germane Through Lyssa Royal

http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/esp_etcivilizations.htm

Solar Gazing

I came across solar gazing about 7 years ago and thought it sounded rather amazing.  It was kind of hard to believe at first, but something inside of me aligned with it perfectly.  At the time I didn't try to do it as a practice because I was too "bound" to food...I LOVE food....preparing it, being creative with it.....it's just GOOD.  But I also understand that our bodies don't actually NEED it to survive.  That concept is REALLY difficult for most people to "digest" ;-)  (Pun intended)  and that's ok....  everyone learns and discovers in their own time when it is right for them.  Anyway, the topic of sun gazing found it's way back into my life once again, and this time, I feel more ready to try it out.  So..... wish me luck!!!!!!  I'll post an update in a few months. 

The following is taken from the website:    http://solarhealing.com/home/   It seems to be the most comprehensive site for information on solar gazing, but if anyone knows of another, I'd love to hear about it!!! 

"We have a super computer in our bodies given to us by the nature, which is our brain. HRM (Hira Ratan Manek) calls it the “brainutor”. The brain is more powerful than the most advanced super computer. Each and every human being is gifted with innumerable talents, and infinite inherent powers by nature. Individuals should never underestimate themselves. Everyone is gifted. If we make use of these powers we can take ourselves to great levels. Unfortunately, these infinite inherent powers are programmed in that part of the brain that is largely dormant and goes unused. Even medical science agrees we hardly make use of the brain but about 5-7% – the most brilliant of humans like Albert Einstein is reported to have used only about 32% of their brains.

If we can activate the human brain and awaken these infinite powers inherent in ourselves then we can raise ourselves to higher levels.  We can achieve any results we want.  In order to operate the brain effectively, it needs to be activated.  Being a holistic entity it needs a holistic power supply.  Sun energy is the source that powers the brain, which can enter and leave the human body or the brain only through one organ that is the human eye.  Eyes are the Sun Energy’s entry door to the human brain. They are also known as the windows of the soul.  Recent research has found out that the eye has many functions other than vision.  And more information is continuing to be revealed about the functions of the eye.  The eyes are complex organs and they have 5 billion parts much more than a spacecraft that has about 6-7 million parts.  By this, you can see the immense capacity of the human eye.

HRM asserts that the rainbow is in the eye not in the sky. The seven colors of the sun is only the reflection of what is in the eye.  We can create a rainbow anytime we want – go to the garden, just observe below a source of flowing water as the sun moves above.  There you will see the rainbow.  Eye can receive the entire spectrum of the sunlight.  It’s like having a glass window.  Eye is the perfect instrument to receive all the colors of the rainbow. Since eyes are delicate parts of the body, we have to use them in such a way that they serve our purposes without getting damaged. Present day teachings and ideas such as don’t look at the sunlight at all --you will damage your eyesight; never go out in the sun as you will get cancer, are causing needless hysteria and paranoia. The more you are away from the nature, the more there is a cause for illness and you will automatically support global corporations. There are definite foolproof ways of getting the benefits of the nature without exposing ourselves to its adverse effects.  It is also as intuitive as when the  clouds gather we become gloomy.  When we see the sun, we feel energetic."

"Four Great Questions"

 "Who are we?
  Where do we come from?
  What should we do?
  Where are we going?

These are the four great questions that everybody faces, wether they realize it or not (from the agnostics and atheists to the believers and the pius).  And if you don't answer these four great questions, obviously your life is pretty meaningless.  And many people just stuff those questions down.  They want the answers made for them.  They want somebody like Jesus, or Krishna, or Buddha, or someone else to do it for them.  It can't be done.  It's like wanting someone else to be born for you, or to die for you, or to eat your lunch for you.  These things are inescapably personal."

- Miceal Ledwith, PhD.
Former Professor of Systematic Theology, Maynooth College, Ireland
Member of the International Theological Commission
International Lecturer in theology and mysticism
Creator of Deep Deception: The Great Questions in the Hamburger Universe

Tarpana

Ivonne Nelson is one of the AMAZING healers I see when I'm in Minneapolis.  She does all kinds of different energy & body work, including akashic records consultations, level III reiki, ayurvedic counseling and psychotherapy (she has a doctorate in clinical psychology), and she has worked with me using all of these modalities.  The one that was most powerful for me however, was something called tarpana. 

According to her website, "tarpana is  a powerful ayurvedic forgiveness ritual which is extremely beneficial in trauma healing, and interpersonal conflict resolution. It can facilitate healing of relationships, increases inner strength and connection with our true essence. Tarpana can clear relationship blocks and patterns and realign relationships in a graceful and peaceful way. It is also extremely healing for any type of physical, emotional or sexual abuse."  http://enliiven.com/

I had 2 different tarpana sessions with her, about 3 years apart, and both times my body intensely purged (somewhat violently) ALOT of toxic crap.  After the first one, my body released several pounds of a black, tar-like substance and in the next couple days I got a really severe cold, passed a kidney stone and threw my back out.  The second time around I ended up in the emergency room with severe intestinal cramping and everything that was in my digestive system came out one way or the other.... and of course the doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with me.  It took me a day or two to realize that I had just done the session with Ivonne and when I remembered what happened the last time, it all made sense. 

I realize my personal experience may not be the most ideal "advertisement" for doing this kind of healing work, but not everyone processes and releases the same way.  I know that my experiences and emotions tend to manifest more strongly in a physical way in my body, so when it's time to get rid of the "build-up", apparently I need to brace myself and take a few days off;-)  Both of these experiences helped me to realize just how important it is to "deal with" the non-physical side of ones' overall wellness and how much one can affect the other. I highly recommend it;-)

The following is an alternative, more traditional definition/interpretation of what tarpana is.  It includes instructions on how you can "perform" a healing ceremony yourself, however, I've never done it this way and it is different than how Ivonne does it.  I believe it's is a more traditional way to do it that more closely mimics the way ancient cultures practice it.  Ivonne facilitates the ritual with a little bit of a modern "edge", incorporating her knowledge of psychotherapy, but still stays true to the ceremony's ayurvedic roots. 

TARPANA (Relationship Healing)   http://www.ayurvedichealers.com/tarpana.html

A healing ceremony that is used to release constraining thoughts about our relationships to others and to empower ourselves as an active co-creator of our lives. While Ayurvedic practices embrace foods, herbs, oils, and lifestyles as crucial healing modalities, it also acknowledges that our sense of connectedness to all things may be the most powerful factor in our well-being. By freeing us from the power of the negative thoughts that we hold about our relationships to others, Tarpana is a way to experience our true connectedness with all of creation. The ceremony helps us understand that it is possible to change how we view the world and how we feel about ourselves and our connection to others in the universe.

Begin the ceremony alone in a quiet and dimly lighted space. Light candles and incense and begin a form of breathing called the "re-birthing" or "connected" breath by breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Allow the inhalation and exhalation to be connected and don't control the exhalation, allow it to excape at its own pace like a long sigh. When you are in a relaxed frame of mind, begin the unblocking process by first calling forth your ancestors and then anyone you have ever been in a relationship with.

Begin with your mother or father, then continue through each ancestor and other significant people. Visualize them standing before you looking into your eyes. Remember what they looked like, using your own memory or images from photographs. Remember your experiences with them or stories you have heard about them. Visualize them receptive to listening to what you want to say to them. Begin the clearing by saying "What I want you to know is__________." Then tell the ancestor what you have felt about them. Are you grateful for gifts or genetic tendencies that you inherited? Do you feel yourself victimized by them in some way? Discuss with them your role in the co-creation of your relationship. Take this opportunity to forgive yourself and your ancestor. If you truly forgive then you are a ble to leave the experience behind you and no longer carry it with you. With forgiveness comes the ability to turn adversity into a catalyst for growth and a new sense of gratitude for the gifts they have given you.

Conclude your ceremony by symbolically serving your ancestor their favorite food or drink, something they would have enjoyed. In your mind's eye, visualize them taking your offering, consuming it, and smiling. Then look directly into their eyes and see if you can experience them giving you a blessing--wishing you success in life, blessing you as you find your path, freeing you from obligations to them, and freeing you to pursue your own passion and purpose. Accept their blessing and visualize them walking in the light of their own path. Bless their path as they leave.

Conclude the Tarpana session by being centered and repeating positive affirmations: "I am love, I am one with all things, I am peace, I am joy, I am prosperity, I am forgiveness, I am trust, I am fulfillment." And so it is.

The Wounded Healer

 I've been learning a lot about astrology lately and one of the more significant ideas I've come across is that of Chiron.  It's called the "wounded healer" because it represents the areas of life and experiences as reflected in the birth chart that can lead to self-discovery and self-healing.  These areas and experiences, often called "issues" must be resolved in order to achieve personal growth and are reflected in Chiron's sign, house and aspects to planets and angles.  It is also linked to shamanism, an ancient practice of using intuition to heal. 

I found all of this very interesting because of the journey I'm on personally in my life.  When I started having severe health issues a couple years ago, my whole life was turned upside-down and I was literally forced to reassess just about everything in my life; my values, belief system, friends, ideas about how life "works", etc.  The concepts of self-discovery and self-healing have become an every-day occurence in my life, so "figuring out" what my "wounds" are and how to heal them seemed like a really good way to move forward on my journey. I found the following information to be a great overall lesson in dealing with the challenges in my life and you really don't have to know anything about astrology to understand and use them.  I found this information on Karyl Jackson's site, Alpha Life trends.  She also has a lot of really great information on the planets Uranus and Pluto and how they affect transformation and sudden changes in our lives.

http://www.alphalifetrends.com/index.html

Chiron portrays a forced savings account from our efforts. On our road of life, each of us are given pot holes from one challenging situation or another. The tendency is to blame others for these pot holes, or to blame situations for these deep challenges and scars in our life.  The Truth about Chiron is that it points to the type of qualities and the area of our life that is designated to give us the opportunity to understand selfless giving and to grow through our chosen responses to these potholes. Within these challenges, we are given the deep hole of experiencing unfair situations that we must accept, deal with, understand and ultimately bless. This is a very tall order, however, our life, our path is sprinkled with them.

Chiron takes 50 years to make one complete orbit, so that we have to provide 50 years of effort that may not be rewarded until Chiron connects with where it started out in our charts. Chiron is the ultimate of giving us challenges to see how we will respond to them. They usually take the form of unfair situations, being the target of ill-motives, blame, displaced power, etc. It is easy and the most popular response to be angry, to blame the situations or the people involved, something outside of ourselves for creating these pot holes. That may be true, however, the most important part is not the fact that others or outside circumstances created the pot holes unfairly. The important part is the quality with which to fill up these pot holes. 

There are five qualities, each of which has its own level of (spiritual) awareness with which to fill up the pot holes of challenges;

First, there is tolerance. We can tolerate the situation with patience and those that have created this pot hole with patience as well.

Second, there is acceptance. Ultimately we have to accept that this is the situation we are given, whether it looks like it was unfairly given to us or not, and not continue to point outside ourselves as an excuse for not seeing the opportunity within the situation. Our inability to look inside and find something to fill up these pot holes with determines that we will continue to point to the unfairness, become angry, and blame others.

Third is understanding. We may not be able to understand why everything had to occur and had to bring us to the depths of our soul. But the reward for having acceptance of the situation, is to bring us understanding.

Fourth is appreciation. To be able to appreciate the situation, to see the positive side of the circumstances. We can see the opportunity to fill up these potholes with something wonderful, finding the Divine Gift of growth. We can look to the new level of understanding and knowing that these potholes have brought us some incredible circumstances.

The fifth is to be able to see situations through love and the ability to see these potholes as something wonderful and good to help us to grow. We have the opportunity to respond to circumstances differently than those individuals who created our potholes and to take action instead of just reacting to the situations. This expands our understanding of the completeness in our Cosmic Savings account and the Divine Plan.

Being Present

This is the second post in the Peter Russell series of articels.  It deal with being present in your life.  This is typically a very challenging thing for most people to achieve with our society as it is.  There is so much focus on what we're GOING to do, what we're SUPPOSED to do.  Everyone want to know what you're plan is for your career and/or future and how you plan on getting there.  I'vedefinitely struggled with this one for a LONG time, mostly because I didn't know any better.  When I first heard of the concept of "living in the now" it seemed kind of impossible, because what was I supposed to do about the rent being due???  It surely wasn't going to pay itself, along with all the other bills, etc.  It took a while before I was really even able to let go of the worry and stress of that kind of situation, but when I did, I was able to see that the less I worried/stressed or thought about how something was going to turn out in the near or even distant future, the more smoothly it actually turned out.  That was a giant revelation for me and although being able to implement it into my everyday thought process was akin to pulling teeth for the first few years, it was one of the most integral concepts I learned to bring success into my life.

You can read more about Peter's insights at the link:

http://www.peterrussell.com/SP/3Present.php


***Living for Now versus Living in the Now***

In one sense we are always in the present. Everything we experience is an experience in this moment.  Our memories of the past are experiences in the present. So are our thoughts about the future.  When people talk about not being present, they are usually referring to the attention not being in the present moment. When our attention is caught up in our thoughts about the past or the future, and we are no longer so aware of what is happening now.

Unfortunately, most of us spend too much of our time thinking about past and future events. We savor past delights, rejoice in past achievements, ponder whether or not we did the right thing, grieve over past losses and disappointments, get angry about the way things turned out. Or we anticipate future delights, plan our best course of action, worry about what might go wrong, fear not being in control of a situation, anguish over how others might respond.

Most of this thinking is unnecessary; a waste of time and energy. Moreover, it makes the mind tense, which is the very opposite of what all this thinking is trying to achieve—an easier, more peaceful state of mind.  This is why the wise ones have repeatedly urged us to be more in the present; to be here, now.  But what does it mean to be present? There are three principal ways in which people use the term.

1. Living for today. Not worrying about what happened yesterday; nor about what might come tomorrow.

This attitude definitely has its value. It may help us take life as it comes, and not get so caught up in unnecessary fears and concerns. It allows us to enjoy more of what life has to offer.  But it does not necessarily lead to a fuller awareness of the present moment. One may still be as caught up in thoughts as before, even if they be thoughts of today rather than yesterday or tomorrow.

2. Awareness of present experience. This is the starting point for a number meditation practices.

Whereas most of our thoughts are about the past or the future, our sensory experience is always "now". Thus many spiritual teachers advocate placing the attention on bodily sensations—points of contact with the physical world, the heartbeat, or the breath. The actual feelings in the body are in the present moment.  Then when the mind wanders off into some thought about the past or future—as it surely will—gently return the attention to physical sensations, and so back to the present.

3. Being at ease with everything. This often comes as the result of the long-term practice of meditation.

There is no longer the need to keep the attention to sensory experience. One is present to whatever is—including the arising and passing of thoughts about the past or future.  Some call this the witness mode. There is deep ease, and profound relief. There is an inner equanimity in each moment.

It simply is as it is.

Waiting

This is the first of several posts that I'm planning on doing that highlight some of Peter Russell's amazing insight.  This one deals with waiting ;-)  You can read more about Peter's work on his website:  http://www.peterrussell.com/SP/Waiting.php

"Waiting Is"—a phrase immortalized in Robert Heinlein's celebrated sci-fi novel Stranger in a Strange Land.

For most of us waiting is not easy, often a bore. Waiting for a bus or train, we look for something to do to pass the time. Sitting in a doctor's waiting room, we idle away the minutes thumbing through magazines of no particular interest.

We want the waiting to be over with, so that we can get on with whatever is the next task at hand. Yet in treating waiting this way, we deny ourselves a most valuable opportunity.

Pure waiting, not waiting for any event to happen, just waiting without wanting, can be a profound spiritual practice.

When you simply wait, not waiting for anything in particular, not wishing things were different than than they are, the mind relaxes. And, as you let go of wanting, you will probably find your awareness of the present moment expanding.

Many, from Buddha to Ram Dass and Eckart Tolle, have encouraged us to be more aware of the present, to "be here, now". And numerous practices aim to help us become more aware of the present. Most, however, lead to focussing of the attention on some aspect of the present—the breath, a visual object, a mantra. The focus may be effortless, nevertheless it is there, a very faint directing of the attention.

With pure waiting, on the other hand, there is no attempt to be aware of any particular aspect of the present. Instead, with nothing to do, no particular thing to wait for, there is space for more of the present to reveal itself. We begin to notice aspects of our world we were not aware of before—the sound of a clock, or a distant conversation; a tree gently waving in the breeze; the touch of clothes against the skin. It does not matter what. It will probably be different every time, simply because the present is different from one moment to the next.

As you get the hang of simply waiting, you will find yourself being present in a relaxed, innocent, undirected way.

So the next time you have to wait for something, use the time as an opportunity to become more awake. Instead of waiting for that something, simply wait. No expectations. Simply stopping, and waiting, with an open mind.

Nor do we need to wait for a late bus or be sitting in a "waiting room" before we can practice waiting. Any moment of the day we can choose to pause for a while and simply wait.

Waiting without expectation for whatever is next. Maybe a bird flies past the window. Perhaps the refrigerator starts up. Or we find we have wandered off on some thought. It doesn't matter. Waiting is.

You can start right now. Pause. Take a breath. Relax... And wait...