An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had b een made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my s ide ca uses water to leak out all the way back to your house.'
The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?' 'That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.' 'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'
Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.
SO, to all of my crack pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Oneness Temple Consecrated
On April 22 & 23, 2008 the Oneness Temple in Golden City, India has been consecrated. This amazing temple was built to support the work of the Oneness Movement founded by the Sri Amma Bhagavane. Over 2 million people gathered for this occasion to partake in this great blessing of Oneness.
The Deeksha Blessing was brought in through the divine union consciousness of Sri Amma Bhagavane. It is an interfaith blessing, available to one and all. Click here to read more about the Oneness phenomenon.
I pray... That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us... one even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." - Jesus Christ(John 17:20-23)
The Deeksha Blessing was brought in through the divine union consciousness of Sri Amma Bhagavane. It is an interfaith blessing, available to one and all. Click here to read more about the Oneness phenomenon.
I pray... That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us... one even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one..." - Jesus Christ(John 17:20-23)
Monday, April 21, 2008
Happy Earth Day!
GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL WORLD
From First People of America and Canada: Turtle Island - A Haudenosaunee “Thanksgiving” Prayer
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Waters
We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms – waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of water.
Now our minds are one.
The Fish
We turn our minds to all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as good. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.
The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them, too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.
The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one.
The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many peoples of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.
The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest – we send our joyful greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.
The Thunderers
Now we turn to the west where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightening and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.
Now our minds are one.
The Sun
We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.
Now our minds are one.
Grandmother Moon
We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.
Now our minds are one.
The Stars
We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars.
Now our minds are one.
The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.
Now our minds are one.
The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.
Now our minds are one.
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.
From First People of America and Canada: Turtle Island - A Haudenosaunee “Thanksgiving” Prayer
The People
Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People.
Now our minds are one.
The Earth Mother
We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Waters
We give thanks to all the Waters of the world for quenching our thirst and providing us with strength. Water is life. We know its power in many forms – waterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the spirit of water.
Now our minds are one.
The Fish
We turn our minds to all the Fish life in the water. They were instructed to cleanse and purify the water. They also give themselves to us as good. We are grateful that we can still find pure water. So, we turn now to the Fish and send our greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Plants
Now we turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come.
Now our minds are one.
The Food Plants
With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them, too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Medicine Herbs
Now we turn to all the Medicine herbs of the world. From the beginning, they were instructed to take away sickness. They are always waiting and ready to heal us. We are happy there are still among us those special few who remember how to use these plants for healing. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to the Medicines and to the keepers of the Medicines.
Now our minds are one.
The Animals
We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so.
Now our minds are one.
The Trees
We now turn our thoughts to the Trees. The Earth has many families of Trees who have their own instructions and uses. Some provide us with shelter and shade, others with fruit, beauty and other useful things. Many peoples of the world use a Tree as a symbol of peace and strength. With one mind, we greet and thank the Tree life.
Now our minds are one.
The Birds
We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest – we send our joyful greetings and thanks.
Now our minds are one.
The Four Winds
We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds.
Now our minds are one.
The Thunderers
Now we turn to the west where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightening and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers.
Now our minds are one.
The Sun
We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun.
Now our minds are one.
Grandmother Moon
We put our minds together and give thanks to our oldest grandmother, the Moon, who lights the night-time sky. She is the leader of women all over the world, and she governs the movement of the ocean tides. By her changing face we measure time, and it is the Moon who watches over the arrival of children here on Earth. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Grandmother, the Moon.
Now our minds are one.
The Stars
We give thanks to the Stars who are spread across the sky like jewelry. We see them in the night, helping the Moon to light the darkness and bringing dew to the gardens and growing things. When we travel at night, they guide us home. With our minds gathered as one, we send greetings and thanks to all the Stars.
Now our minds are one.
The Enlightened Teachers
We gather our minds to greet and thank the enlightened Teachers who have come to help throughout the ages. When we forget how to live in harmony, they remind us of the way we were instructed to live as people. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to these caring Teachers.
Now our minds are one.
The Creator
Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator.
Now our minds are one.
Closing Words
We have now arrived at the place where we end our words. Of all the things we have named, it was not our intention to leave anything out. If something was forgotten, we leave it to each individual to send such greetings and thanks in their own way.
Now our minds are one.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What is Priesthood?
Someone recently posed a question through our website regarding the Melchizedek Priesthood and its influence on Church of Spiritual Light. I was very grateful that someone asked this question, because it gave me the opportunity to put something in writing that is very sacred to me and prior to might have been a little difficult to put into words. My motivation to share with anyone who might feel the call of priesthood, initiation and spiritual service helped me to hopefully bring some clarity to something that goes beyond words.
The Melchizedek priesthood empowers and invests humans who feel the call to serve God by serving humanity as a spiritual guide. It cuts a straight path through the hierarchies of man. It imbues us with the will, the strength, the fortitude and of course the blessing needed to carry a torch to light the way for ourselves and all mankind to establish a greater connection to the Light of God, to each other and All that is. It opens a portal of protection and all forces for good that are available throughout the entire cosmos to us and to those we serve.
The short answer is that it infuses our body, mind, heart and soul with Holy Spirit. Some people may call this life force, chi or prana. However, as an energy healer I feel that the energy received in priesthood ordination is not the same as raw life force energy. I feel that raw life force energy is a part of Holy Spirit and perhaps even the vehicle. Not that it really matters what it is. Because when you receive it, there is not a shadow of doubt that something very profound has transpired. It is a widely held belief that the confirmation of Holy Spirit is an infusion of the Divine Feminine. I would agree with this.
The priesthood is not simply an organization of men, just as the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Light is not an earthly organization. There is no central office or organization that runs this priesthood. That is not to say that there aren't universities, seminaries and schools that train and initiate adepts and clergy, but no single entity holds a copyright or licensing rights for this priesthood. You don't call and apply, you don't have to go to a workshop and there are no dues (financial, anyway). That is not to say that you won't have a burning desire to learn and connect more. In fact, it weaves its way into your life and finds you at the behest of your soul's calling and leads you where it may. It is the oldest unbroken priesthood on the planet, dating actually before Christ, who by the way is a High Priest in this order. Many differing religions utilize the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Is it the only priesthood? No, there are others and there are other cultural, religious and traditional ways to the same empowerment for the cleric calling. This is one of the ways that was placed before us on our path that we resonated with. Yet, I feel that no matter what names you give it, we are all tapping into the same divine forces.
The priesthood establishes a lineage as it is passed down from human to human. This is done by the free will choice of the recipient. Although when you hear the call of priesthood, it doesn't feel like there is much of a choice. In fact it is an acknowledgement of what already is. Much like in a marriage the exchange of wedding vows is a declaration of what already is, yet somehow synergistically places the union on another track and the two become three entities...man/woman/relationship. The priesthood, like a marriage changes everything and nothing and creates that same type of synergy and union within yourself and all the names of God.
Priesthood ordination and other initiations support the reunification with the angelic self or higher self and empowers us to assist others with this process. Accepting the priesthood means that we intend and vow to be 100% in service to mankind in the Light as a spiritual mentor, guide and healer. There are other initiations that bring in this same energy for those who serve in other capacities...not higher, not lower, just different. Initiation as an Adept into the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Light is one such initiation. One day I personally hope to see financial healers, instead of financial planners...a hospital that has energy healers in the emergency room....a school teacher that knows her worth.
In a nutshell, an initiation is something that the individual invokes. It's something you earn, but only in the eyes of your SELF. It's sort of like a cosmic raising of your hand to be flagged that you want and are ready for more light and empowerment. Some people feel
disempowered and turned off at the thought of initiation and feel a negative attachment about this process as if the initiators have a sort of hierarchy over them. However, this is exactly the opposite of what our "small" mind thinks. The persons who initiate others are in service to humanity and to the Light. In the Hierarchy of Light, the "higher" you are, the more of a humble servant you are!
When you accept a priesthood or initiation, does it mean that you cease to be human? No. Does it mean you are perfect? No. Does it mean you don't make mistakes? No. But you no longer see mistakes as imperfect and the definition of the word changes. Your ability to transmute darkness is increased a thousand fold. The word "sin" in ancient Greece was an archery term for "missing the mark". Of course, one could view the "sins" in archery practice as evidence of lack of skill or one could view them as crucial to mastery. Ones who view it as lack or failure will not feel worthy of initiation and so will hold themselves apart, those who tenaciously seek mastery will. It is totally driven by the self and is a marker for the level of free will that we will allow ourselves.
Most often by the time we hear the call of priesthood we have already made a great many mistakes and processed much and hopefully purified and clarified our heart and soul connection to the degree that our life lessons have entered a new realm of subtleties as we continue to integrate shadow and light. Hopefully enough light has been taken in that any remaining darkness can always be turned to the light with a sort of ease and grace. And in this very thing, is the greatest opportunity to hold the energy high and be of true service as we bring our perceived frailties into the light and model the power of transformation. For what we heal in ourselves, we heal in the world. In this endeavor we become a mixture of both human and divine beings of light.
As far as how the priesthood influences Church of Spiritual Light, I would hope that my answers above have made the benefits self-evident, as everything that I have said rains down upon all who commune together and fall under this umbrella. Ultimately one day we will be able to facilitate the handing down of this ordination and many other initiations for our people. And so this church will ultimately empower others to serve in the light in the ways of their choosing and through their own creative expressions that brings joy, love and fulfillment to all.
The Melchizedek priesthood empowers and invests humans who feel the call to serve God by serving humanity as a spiritual guide. It cuts a straight path through the hierarchies of man. It imbues us with the will, the strength, the fortitude and of course the blessing needed to carry a torch to light the way for ourselves and all mankind to establish a greater connection to the Light of God, to each other and All that is. It opens a portal of protection and all forces for good that are available throughout the entire cosmos to us and to those we serve.
The short answer is that it infuses our body, mind, heart and soul with Holy Spirit. Some people may call this life force, chi or prana. However, as an energy healer I feel that the energy received in priesthood ordination is not the same as raw life force energy. I feel that raw life force energy is a part of Holy Spirit and perhaps even the vehicle. Not that it really matters what it is. Because when you receive it, there is not a shadow of doubt that something very profound has transpired. It is a widely held belief that the confirmation of Holy Spirit is an infusion of the Divine Feminine. I would agree with this.
The priesthood is not simply an organization of men, just as the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Light is not an earthly organization. There is no central office or organization that runs this priesthood. That is not to say that there aren't universities, seminaries and schools that train and initiate adepts and clergy, but no single entity holds a copyright or licensing rights for this priesthood. You don't call and apply, you don't have to go to a workshop and there are no dues (financial, anyway). That is not to say that you won't have a burning desire to learn and connect more. In fact, it weaves its way into your life and finds you at the behest of your soul's calling and leads you where it may. It is the oldest unbroken priesthood on the planet, dating actually before Christ, who by the way is a High Priest in this order. Many differing religions utilize the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Is it the only priesthood? No, there are others and there are other cultural, religious and traditional ways to the same empowerment for the cleric calling. This is one of the ways that was placed before us on our path that we resonated with. Yet, I feel that no matter what names you give it, we are all tapping into the same divine forces.
The priesthood establishes a lineage as it is passed down from human to human. This is done by the free will choice of the recipient. Although when you hear the call of priesthood, it doesn't feel like there is much of a choice. In fact it is an acknowledgement of what already is. Much like in a marriage the exchange of wedding vows is a declaration of what already is, yet somehow synergistically places the union on another track and the two become three entities...man/woman/relationship. The priesthood, like a marriage changes everything and nothing and creates that same type of synergy and union within yourself and all the names of God.
Priesthood ordination and other initiations support the reunification with the angelic self or higher self and empowers us to assist others with this process. Accepting the priesthood means that we intend and vow to be 100% in service to mankind in the Light as a spiritual mentor, guide and healer. There are other initiations that bring in this same energy for those who serve in other capacities...not higher, not lower, just different. Initiation as an Adept into the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of Light is one such initiation. One day I personally hope to see financial healers, instead of financial planners...a hospital that has energy healers in the emergency room....a school teacher that knows her worth.
In a nutshell, an initiation is something that the individual invokes. It's something you earn, but only in the eyes of your SELF. It's sort of like a cosmic raising of your hand to be flagged that you want and are ready for more light and empowerment. Some people feel
disempowered and turned off at the thought of initiation and feel a negative attachment about this process as if the initiators have a sort of hierarchy over them. However, this is exactly the opposite of what our "small" mind thinks. The persons who initiate others are in service to humanity and to the Light. In the Hierarchy of Light, the "higher" you are, the more of a humble servant you are!
When you accept a priesthood or initiation, does it mean that you cease to be human? No. Does it mean you are perfect? No. Does it mean you don't make mistakes? No. But you no longer see mistakes as imperfect and the definition of the word changes. Your ability to transmute darkness is increased a thousand fold. The word "sin" in ancient Greece was an archery term for "missing the mark". Of course, one could view the "sins" in archery practice as evidence of lack of skill or one could view them as crucial to mastery. Ones who view it as lack or failure will not feel worthy of initiation and so will hold themselves apart, those who tenaciously seek mastery will. It is totally driven by the self and is a marker for the level of free will that we will allow ourselves.
Most often by the time we hear the call of priesthood we have already made a great many mistakes and processed much and hopefully purified and clarified our heart and soul connection to the degree that our life lessons have entered a new realm of subtleties as we continue to integrate shadow and light. Hopefully enough light has been taken in that any remaining darkness can always be turned to the light with a sort of ease and grace. And in this very thing, is the greatest opportunity to hold the energy high and be of true service as we bring our perceived frailties into the light and model the power of transformation. For what we heal in ourselves, we heal in the world. In this endeavor we become a mixture of both human and divine beings of light.
As far as how the priesthood influences Church of Spiritual Light, I would hope that my answers above have made the benefits self-evident, as everything that I have said rains down upon all who commune together and fall under this umbrella. Ultimately one day we will be able to facilitate the handing down of this ordination and many other initiations for our people. And so this church will ultimately empower others to serve in the light in the ways of their choosing and through their own creative expressions that brings joy, love and fulfillment to all.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Heart Sutra
Gate gate (Gone, gone)
Pāragate (Gone beyond)
Pārasaṃgate (Gone completely beyond)
Bodhi svāhā (To full enlightenment)
One can interpret the mantra as the progressive steps along the five paths of the Bodhisattva, through the two preparatory stages (the path of accumulation and preparation — Gate, gate), through the first bhumi (path of insight — Pāragate), through the second to seventh bhumi (path of meditation — Pārasamgate), and through the eight to tenth bhumi (stage of no more learning — Bodhi svāhā).
Olivia Newton-John (along with Amy Sky) has recorded an amazing CD entitled, Grace & Gratitude. Included on this recording is a gorgeous version of the Heart Sutra, Gate, Gate, as well as the song below, Pearls On A Chain. Olivia's Grace & Gratitude CD takes you on a journey through your chakra system and the Tree of Life. This is a truly lovely, healing and deeply spiritual work of art that incorporates Tibetan chants, prayers from Judaism and Islam, and a poem from St. Francis of Assisi.
Pāragate (Gone beyond)
Pārasaṃgate (Gone completely beyond)
Bodhi svāhā (To full enlightenment)
One can interpret the mantra as the progressive steps along the five paths of the Bodhisattva, through the two preparatory stages (the path of accumulation and preparation — Gate, gate), through the first bhumi (path of insight — Pāragate), through the second to seventh bhumi (path of meditation — Pārasamgate), and through the eight to tenth bhumi (stage of no more learning — Bodhi svāhā).
Olivia Newton-John (along with Amy Sky) has recorded an amazing CD entitled, Grace & Gratitude. Included on this recording is a gorgeous version of the Heart Sutra, Gate, Gate, as well as the song below, Pearls On A Chain. Olivia's Grace & Gratitude CD takes you on a journey through your chakra system and the Tree of Life. This is a truly lovely, healing and deeply spiritual work of art that incorporates Tibetan chants, prayers from Judaism and Islam, and a poem from St. Francis of Assisi.
Dragonfly Magic
May you be
blessed today
in many
little ways.
Even in your busy-ness, I hope you can see the beauty that abounds and that if you
are surrounded by anything other than light it is only so that you can know the
difference between the two.
For the dark
provides the
contrast
only there
so you
can see
what is
wrong and
what is
right
what you
want and
do not want
So that
you can
reach a
little higher
for the
stars
for the
light
of day
for the
fullness
of the
moon
and allow
yourself
to feel
worthiness
of what
is already
embedded
in
all
that
is
and
that
is
love.
(c) 2007 Renee Bledsoe
Friday, April 11, 2008
If I Ever Lose My Faith...
I am sitting here listening to Sting. He is singing to my soul and I am hearing the words that click in to my deepest heart of hearts and perhaps truly understand them for the first time..."I don't know what I'd do if I ever lose my faith in you...there'd be nothing left for me to do."
This song was released in 1993. When I heard this song then, I was different. I was a different person, the world was a different place and the message of this song floated right over my head. I bet you thought it was about your lover or your partner, too. I bet you thought this was a love song about having faith in another person. But the imagery of the video lays bare the deeper message of lyrics veiled by rock star glitter and our addiction to love. And it is obviously after I've changed the way that I love that I could finally hear this message.
Oh yes, this is a love song alright. But it's not about his lover. These are the words of a man whose connection to divinity has come straight through the core of his soul - through, because of and in spite of his earthly experience. He hashed it out, he waded through the muck, he made it to the Light and he came back, through his art to deliver this high and fine message to humanity.
And we see this beauty in all the intricate, amazing, breathtaking ways that the Light can peer through the cracks and make its presence known, like in this song. And its truth is so utterly radiant, lifting and holy that it takes the deepest denial and darkness to block it. And the energy it takes to supress this knowing, this feeling is immense.
So there is only one answer to relieve the pressure: Let go. Just let go. Be who you are. Let us have your genius, that exquisite thing that only you can bring. It might be bold and right between the eyes or it might be a subtle steady whisper of a life lived with love and authentic feeling. It might just look like a song by a rock star, or a child's book, or a ranting blog, or a family of children that know what true love is, but however it may express, may it be of the Light...the Truth...of your heart and soul.
We are holy, holy people. This connection we have cannot be labeled. We do know that when it is embraced all manner of the greater will to good comes flooding in. There is never ending support and the darkness becomes a tool, pain is thanked for its message and for its chipping away at what does not serve. And we continue to move forward. Our faith is not blind, and there is no longer any chance of losing it, because where we were once blind we now can see and our transformations are transcending. We can't stop seeing Waldo everywhere.
As Sting says, "there would be nothing left to do"...because it comes from inside and to lose our faith would be like losing our soul."
Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith - YouTube.com
This song was released in 1993. When I heard this song then, I was different. I was a different person, the world was a different place and the message of this song floated right over my head. I bet you thought it was about your lover or your partner, too. I bet you thought this was a love song about having faith in another person. But the imagery of the video lays bare the deeper message of lyrics veiled by rock star glitter and our addiction to love. And it is obviously after I've changed the way that I love that I could finally hear this message.
Oh yes, this is a love song alright. But it's not about his lover. These are the words of a man whose connection to divinity has come straight through the core of his soul - through, because of and in spite of his earthly experience. He hashed it out, he waded through the muck, he made it to the Light and he came back, through his art to deliver this high and fine message to humanity.
And we see this beauty in all the intricate, amazing, breathtaking ways that the Light can peer through the cracks and make its presence known, like in this song. And its truth is so utterly radiant, lifting and holy that it takes the deepest denial and darkness to block it. And the energy it takes to supress this knowing, this feeling is immense.
So there is only one answer to relieve the pressure: Let go. Just let go. Be who you are. Let us have your genius, that exquisite thing that only you can bring. It might be bold and right between the eyes or it might be a subtle steady whisper of a life lived with love and authentic feeling. It might just look like a song by a rock star, or a child's book, or a ranting blog, or a family of children that know what true love is, but however it may express, may it be of the Light...the Truth...of your heart and soul.
We are holy, holy people. This connection we have cannot be labeled. We do know that when it is embraced all manner of the greater will to good comes flooding in. There is never ending support and the darkness becomes a tool, pain is thanked for its message and for its chipping away at what does not serve. And we continue to move forward. Our faith is not blind, and there is no longer any chance of losing it, because where we were once blind we now can see and our transformations are transcending. We can't stop seeing Waldo everywhere.
As Sting says, "there would be nothing left to do"...because it comes from inside and to lose our faith would be like losing our soul."
Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith - YouTube.com
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
WHY MEDITATE?
STROKE OF INSIGHT - Dr. Jean Bolte Taylor
Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story of recovery and awareness -- of how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 18:44.)
Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story of recovery and awareness -- of how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another. (Recorded February 2008 in Monterey, California. Duration: 18:44.)
Interspirituality
" The real religion of humankind can be said to be spirituality itself, because mystical spirituality is the origin of all the world religions. If this is so, and I believe it is, we might also say that interspirituality - the sharing of ultimate experiences across traditions- is the religion of the third millennium. Interspirituality is the foundation that can prepare the way for a planet-wide enlightened culture, and continuing community among the religions that is substantial, vital, and creative. " Brother Wayne Teasdale- from The Mystic Heart
There was an immediate click for me when I first heard the word "interspirituality".... what word could say more than one that embraces all spirituality. In this new age of finding the 'right language" for what we believe this is a word that says it all. Unlike interfaith where people of all different faiths gather and are tolerated, this is a word that takes us away from religiosity and into the core of spirit.
As we come together to birth the Church of Spiritual Light, let us be in awareness that in this community the Divine in each of us creates what is to be here, not a set doctrine or dogma, nor a language that sets one apart from the other, but rather respect and interconnectedness that creates a community of people from diverse backgrounds celebrating the Divine in their selves and in each other.
Joanna Salerno
There was an immediate click for me when I first heard the word "interspirituality".... what word could say more than one that embraces all spirituality. In this new age of finding the 'right language" for what we believe this is a word that says it all. Unlike interfaith where people of all different faiths gather and are tolerated, this is a word that takes us away from religiosity and into the core of spirit.
As we come together to birth the Church of Spiritual Light, let us be in awareness that in this community the Divine in each of us creates what is to be here, not a set doctrine or dogma, nor a language that sets one apart from the other, but rather respect and interconnectedness that creates a community of people from diverse backgrounds celebrating the Divine in their selves and in each other.
Joanna Salerno
Friday, April 4, 2008
Facing Your Light
You must come into divine union with yourself.
You are the one that you have been waiting for.
True love is within you.
You are the keeper of this treasure.
You love without reserve
Because you are unafraid to experience loss.
For nothing that has become a part of you
can ever truly be lost.
You are a creator.
You are here to widen the lens
of your perspective on your world
And to imagine and manifest
the magnitude of all that is you.
Embrace the dance of life.
Look on in wonder
at all the possibilities
with stars in your eyes.
See the brilliance
of Universal Law
And understand it’s power.
It is your birthright.
© Renee Bledsoe, May 28, 2006
You are the one that you have been waiting for.
True love is within you.
You are the keeper of this treasure.
You love without reserve
Because you are unafraid to experience loss.
For nothing that has become a part of you
can ever truly be lost.
You are a creator.
You are here to widen the lens
of your perspective on your world
And to imagine and manifest
the magnitude of all that is you.
Embrace the dance of life.
Look on in wonder
at all the possibilities
with stars in your eyes.
See the brilliance
of Universal Law
And understand it’s power.
It is your birthright.
© Renee Bledsoe, May 28, 2006
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