Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sacred Medicine: Panther
A poem written in dedication to the light bringers of the shadow...(not written by me)
Panther Speaks:
Shadows dripping in silver light cast from an illusive moon,
stir, then magically still,
leaving doubts adrift in the mind of the observer . . .
was there movement of shadow within shadow,
or only the illusion of such,
like breath caught on a summer breeze?
Sister of Artemis, and Guardian of the Gateway
between the Known and the Unknown,
you prowl the Night, bearing witness to the blackness
that exists before the dawning of morning Light.
Blazing eyes pierce the veil of darkness of Forgotten Realms,
to bring Consciousness to the Unconscious.
To follow your sleek and silent form as it glides
as a spectral mist through the night,
is to face the deepest fears that prowl the jungles of
the Human Mind.
When we learn to move as you move,
through those overgrown and tangled vines,
we come to understand that even in the darkest of journeys,
the Illuminating Rays of faith and acknowledgment
will provide us with the Light to guide us safely
to the Other Side.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Relationship: Evolving from negative thinking
Does it seem that, generally, we tend to meet people where they are at by agreeing or conforming, at least for a short time, to the ways of partner/friend/comrade. Somewhere within our being there is a deep desire to connect and be met, acknowledged and loved by people around us and yet, not all the time, do we really agree or feel similarly to "other." Sometimes negativity, disagreement, and unsettled feelings seem to happen more often than good times. So we come at odds, struggling within ourselves and within our relationships.
Our ability to evolve is dependent on seeing healthy mirrors and spending time alone. When one is around negativity, then another may pick up that negatively and carry it with them until they actively clear it. For this reason , some relationships that were once close will want to be reevaluated. If there are relationships that drain our energy, we will want to consider how this investment costs us and how it benefits us.
For the evolutionary, on the path to higher consciousness, which I believe is toward conscious, unconditional love, there are good questions to consider when choosing to spend time with people.
What mirrors do I want to attract? What agreement/contract have I made to attract the relationships I am in?
Do I feel empowered in these relationships? How can I create an empowering relationship between us, so that we evolve each other, spiritually grow and develop?
How much time on earth am I willing to spend, living in a disempowered reality?
How often and how much can I presence love, without defense or need to be "right?"
How much can I love myself in the presence of this particular person/mirror?
Do I feel at one with myself in the presence of this perceived "other?"
Does our relationship feed separation or oneness?
Is there still learning and growing to do in this relationship?
What is working? What isn't working in this relationship?
What does this relationship have to teach me about myself?
There is great deal of us who fall into the category of negative thinking. It is not that we are negative, but there is a seed within us that we have been watering for lifetimes; that is, our ego. Without conscious awareness to perceive the ego's grip, to be right, special, superior, justified, we believe we are doing good by telling what is "wrong" in the world, ourselves, and each other. What often happens is that we tend to agree with negativity, through feeling sorry for the "other" and justifying their feelings as acceptable or through taking on their energy kinistetically. When we do this, what we actually do is create and attract more "wrong" in our life, perpetuating fear and emotional turmoils that strengthen the already existing separate mentality.
Because we are becoming more sensitive to subtler energies/realities, we want to make sure that we are feeding light and love and not negativity and fear. Therefore, it is important to learn to separate from negative energy. This can be done without blame, as everyone is a mirror and every moment can be an opportunity to practice, learn about ourselves, and heal.
One thing to consider is psychic regeneration and the subtle body. In kundalini yoga, we studied that there are actually 10 bodies, 6 bodies of which are subtle or etheric. These subtle bodies more greatly impact and effect our physical body, which is all that we see, our perception of reality. The view of reality, in which, we see, often masks our true identity; they are made up of visual imprints learned or conditioned throughout lifetimes. We can know our view of reality by looking at what is happening in present time, what we see projected outside of ourselves. With awareness, we can work to strengthen the subtle bodies and clear space within these realms, so that we can live from our true identity, as one.
The space that is required may be temporary but necessary for psychic regeneration to occur. Without this regeneration of the etheric or subtle realms, it becomes more difficult to love, like a fog has come over. Perhaps, all one needs to clear the air/space within relationship is time apart. While within established relationships, we want to continue growing and developing ourselves together and we care about the "other," we also need to listen to ourselves. If we don't take the space we need to regenerate, integrate what we are learning, and restore our life force energy, we become a breeding ground for negativity.
Therefore, as much as possible, spend time alone and in the accompaniment of clean, friendly, creative, loving mirrors- however that looks.
Our ability to evolve is dependent on seeing healthy mirrors and spending time alone. When one is around negativity, then another may pick up that negatively and carry it with them until they actively clear it. For this reason , some relationships that were once close will want to be reevaluated. If there are relationships that drain our energy, we will want to consider how this investment costs us and how it benefits us.
For the evolutionary, on the path to higher consciousness, which I believe is toward conscious, unconditional love, there are good questions to consider when choosing to spend time with people.
What mirrors do I want to attract? What agreement/contract have I made to attract the relationships I am in?
Do I feel empowered in these relationships? How can I create an empowering relationship between us, so that we evolve each other, spiritually grow and develop?
How much time on earth am I willing to spend, living in a disempowered reality?
How often and how much can I presence love, without defense or need to be "right?"
How much can I love myself in the presence of this particular person/mirror?
Do I feel at one with myself in the presence of this perceived "other?"
Does our relationship feed separation or oneness?
Is there still learning and growing to do in this relationship?
What is working? What isn't working in this relationship?
What does this relationship have to teach me about myself?
There is great deal of us who fall into the category of negative thinking. It is not that we are negative, but there is a seed within us that we have been watering for lifetimes; that is, our ego. Without conscious awareness to perceive the ego's grip, to be right, special, superior, justified, we believe we are doing good by telling what is "wrong" in the world, ourselves, and each other. What often happens is that we tend to agree with negativity, through feeling sorry for the "other" and justifying their feelings as acceptable or through taking on their energy kinistetically. When we do this, what we actually do is create and attract more "wrong" in our life, perpetuating fear and emotional turmoils that strengthen the already existing separate mentality.
Because we are becoming more sensitive to subtler energies/realities, we want to make sure that we are feeding light and love and not negativity and fear. Therefore, it is important to learn to separate from negative energy. This can be done without blame, as everyone is a mirror and every moment can be an opportunity to practice, learn about ourselves, and heal.
One thing to consider is psychic regeneration and the subtle body. In kundalini yoga, we studied that there are actually 10 bodies, 6 bodies of which are subtle or etheric. These subtle bodies more greatly impact and effect our physical body, which is all that we see, our perception of reality. The view of reality, in which, we see, often masks our true identity; they are made up of visual imprints learned or conditioned throughout lifetimes. We can know our view of reality by looking at what is happening in present time, what we see projected outside of ourselves. With awareness, we can work to strengthen the subtle bodies and clear space within these realms, so that we can live from our true identity, as one.
The space that is required may be temporary but necessary for psychic regeneration to occur. Without this regeneration of the etheric or subtle realms, it becomes more difficult to love, like a fog has come over. Perhaps, all one needs to clear the air/space within relationship is time apart. While within established relationships, we want to continue growing and developing ourselves together and we care about the "other," we also need to listen to ourselves. If we don't take the space we need to regenerate, integrate what we are learning, and restore our life force energy, we become a breeding ground for negativity.
Therefore, as much as possible, spend time alone and in the accompaniment of clean, friendly, creative, loving mirrors- however that looks.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Journaling thoughts...
I am grateful. As I write, I learn. I am on a spiritual path as anyone, whether we know it or not, everything is spiritual...
Today I got, what I was perceiving as the dirtiest look someone could give me. I noticed shame within myself as well as the defense of wanting to make her wrong for my shame and for her shaming me. Then, I remembered, "this is just my experience. I could choose a different experience. See love", I thought, "and turn the other cheek."
So I thought about how this woman was probably amazing to someone and that there were qualities within her that I would love as well. Also, perhaps it was only because she became a victim to life or because she was afraid of something I did that she had the moment to give me such a dirty look. Perhaps she wasn't even giving me a dirty look but I was perceiving it as such based on my past experiences.
WHO KNOWs!
We can never know what one is thinking unless we ask. Therefore, it is ridiculous to make up stories or become hyper-aroused for perceived losses at what is likely to be our ego.
Only the ego can be hurt and defended by what others say or do. God, who is unconditional love, would simply hold space for our perceived losses/negativities and not make it mean anything. This, I truly believe and because it empowers and feeds me to think, act, and live for higher good, there is no convincing me otherwise.
There are a great deal of people that want to talk "philosophy" and debate whether God exists or not. To me, these conversations teach me that there are a lot of people (me included sometimes) who feel alone and unsupported and are angry and blame God. To me, this is because we were taught that we are separate from God. The truth is that we are co-creators, we are part divine and part animal. There is nothing to be ashamed of, but perhaps one of our purposes in life is to extract the truth from this belief in separation so that we can create more beauty, love, joy and happiness in the world.
Amen!
Today I got, what I was perceiving as the dirtiest look someone could give me. I noticed shame within myself as well as the defense of wanting to make her wrong for my shame and for her shaming me. Then, I remembered, "this is just my experience. I could choose a different experience. See love", I thought, "and turn the other cheek."
So I thought about how this woman was probably amazing to someone and that there were qualities within her that I would love as well. Also, perhaps it was only because she became a victim to life or because she was afraid of something I did that she had the moment to give me such a dirty look. Perhaps she wasn't even giving me a dirty look but I was perceiving it as such based on my past experiences.
WHO KNOWs!
We can never know what one is thinking unless we ask. Therefore, it is ridiculous to make up stories or become hyper-aroused for perceived losses at what is likely to be our ego.
Only the ego can be hurt and defended by what others say or do. God, who is unconditional love, would simply hold space for our perceived losses/negativities and not make it mean anything. This, I truly believe and because it empowers and feeds me to think, act, and live for higher good, there is no convincing me otherwise.
There are a great deal of people that want to talk "philosophy" and debate whether God exists or not. To me, these conversations teach me that there are a lot of people (me included sometimes) who feel alone and unsupported and are angry and blame God. To me, this is because we were taught that we are separate from God. The truth is that we are co-creators, we are part divine and part animal. There is nothing to be ashamed of, but perhaps one of our purposes in life is to extract the truth from this belief in separation so that we can create more beauty, love, joy and happiness in the world.
Amen!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Conscious love: "Turn the Other Cheek"
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
_________________________________________________________
What we give to another, we give to ourselves.
We hide our shame and fear in other people.
So when we "turn the other cheek", we replace negative reaction with positive, loving intent. Through positive, loving intent to see good and give love, we become mirrors for another and therefore ourselves, giving each other the opportunity to awaken to love and to healing.
Even if another is not loving or seemingly awakening, the love we give reverberates out to the universe so that what we give, we get in equal or greater return. This is what I perceive is meant by "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." If we give shame, fear, and guilt, we give the same to ourselves, through perceived losses and set-backs. If we give love, we awaken to it and become more aware of our potential/purpose. Through this, we become more evolved, conscious and aware.
When we give shame and fear, we perpetuate hidden, unconscious drives and tendencies that get mirrored from the outside for us to at some point, become aware and heal from. We need only to ask ourselves what we can learn that the positive, loving intent occurs. It is only a matter of time. Therefore, let's do our best!
May we awaken and evolve- each other!
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
_________________________________________________________
What we give to another, we give to ourselves.
We hide our shame and fear in other people.
So when we "turn the other cheek", we replace negative reaction with positive, loving intent. Through positive, loving intent to see good and give love, we become mirrors for another and therefore ourselves, giving each other the opportunity to awaken to love and to healing.
Even if another is not loving or seemingly awakening, the love we give reverberates out to the universe so that what we give, we get in equal or greater return. This is what I perceive is meant by "eye for eye and tooth for tooth." If we give shame, fear, and guilt, we give the same to ourselves, through perceived losses and set-backs. If we give love, we awaken to it and become more aware of our potential/purpose. Through this, we become more evolved, conscious and aware.
When we give shame and fear, we perpetuate hidden, unconscious drives and tendencies that get mirrored from the outside for us to at some point, become aware and heal from. We need only to ask ourselves what we can learn that the positive, loving intent occurs. It is only a matter of time. Therefore, let's do our best!
May we awaken and evolve- each other!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The evolutionary process
Through seeing and focusing on the commotion in our lives, we thereby create more of it. Through distraction, numbing ourselves, blame and shame, we give to "others" what we do not want to feel within ourselves. It is important to commit in advance therefore, that to see love is a choice and to be it is a practice.
Imagine that life is like a movie we go and pay for and watch on a screen. What we see in a movie, we expect to see because what we think we know about the movie, through the past actions of what it tells us, make it somehow predictable. So we pay and give in advance, oftentimes, what we learn from our past.
A wise teacher once said, "all growth starts with confusion." Perhaps then, it is the practice of not knowing, embracing fear and uncertainty, and trusting so that we can watch a different movie and create from it what we truly wish to see and experience in our lives. This is coming from a place of no evidence, but of faith, that what we create is what we choose to see, regardless of what is being presented.
This can be quite a challenge; however, always turn to love and focus on the good of any situation. 2 of the 5 sutras for the times in which we live is that "there is a way through every block" and "start and the pressure will be off." As we evolve into the Oneness of Love, the blocks will be our own self-loathing, emotional turmoils that we will need to heal from. If we focus on love, we will see that the impediments to our growth are in having been not seeing the love, as well as our confusion about what love is. Therefore, a significant stage in our growth and spiritual development is in relearning what love is.
Imagine that life is like a movie we go and pay for and watch on a screen. What we see in a movie, we expect to see because what we think we know about the movie, through the past actions of what it tells us, make it somehow predictable. So we pay and give in advance, oftentimes, what we learn from our past.
A wise teacher once said, "all growth starts with confusion." Perhaps then, it is the practice of not knowing, embracing fear and uncertainty, and trusting so that we can watch a different movie and create from it what we truly wish to see and experience in our lives. This is coming from a place of no evidence, but of faith, that what we create is what we choose to see, regardless of what is being presented.
This can be quite a challenge; however, always turn to love and focus on the good of any situation. 2 of the 5 sutras for the times in which we live is that "there is a way through every block" and "start and the pressure will be off." As we evolve into the Oneness of Love, the blocks will be our own self-loathing, emotional turmoils that we will need to heal from. If we focus on love, we will see that the impediments to our growth are in having been not seeing the love, as well as our confusion about what love is. Therefore, a significant stage in our growth and spiritual development is in relearning what love is.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Emotion
As Yogi Bhajan said, emotion can be either a catalyst for devotion or it can create commotion.
It seems that the ego really likes to pull at us, creating a neurosis that may seem at times maddening. We go back and forth between light and dark, heaven and earth, love and fear. At times, we love ourselves and other times, we want to run away from ourselves. We love what we do and then we hate it. This is what happens when our emotions become commotion. It becomes a noise that gets us out of being present to heaven: beauty, joy, abundance, and peace, here on earth. Through the commotion, we distract ourselves...
Sometimes distractions are a great companion and other times, they simply create more commotion. I notice that when I impulsively act from emotion, it tends to feed guilt and shame. Perhaps this is because guilt and shame are at the root of our belief in separation from God and has been so ingrained in our culture and conditioning since at or before birth. The difference, I find, is when I pray; when I shift my awareness and focus my attention on my devotion to Love, to God, that which is greater and higher than my ego. With prayer, even before I do something to distract myself, everything becomes more sacred. I notice that this brings me the greatest peace.
I pray for this remembrance always.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Love and war
We have to keep trusting.
No matter what!
No matter who says we are less than we are.
No matter tyranny and mayhem that happens.
If we fight we fight FOR love.
We fight for unity and oneness.
There are no separations-
between "us" and "them"
There is no tyranny, that we do not do to ourselves or are also a part of.
To know this is to see oneness and at the same time,
to fight on behalf of God or "truth" would always be and only if in the name of love.
God is ALL love, unconditional, unwavering, absolute LOVE.
God sees no difference between "us" and "them"
At the same time, if we truly work toward love, then it is dissolving the illusion of separateness.
Can war dissolve separation?
Or do we feed separation through war?
When is love present in an act of war, where fear is not?
Where fear exists, the presence of God, of love, can not be noticed,
until we change perspective.
So think differently.
See choices
"There is a way through every block."
No matter what!
No matter who says we are less than we are.
No matter tyranny and mayhem that happens.
If we fight we fight FOR love.
We fight for unity and oneness.
There are no separations-
between "us" and "them"
There is no tyranny, that we do not do to ourselves or are also a part of.
To know this is to see oneness and at the same time,
to fight on behalf of God or "truth" would always be and only if in the name of love.
God is ALL love, unconditional, unwavering, absolute LOVE.
God sees no difference between "us" and "them"
At the same time, if we truly work toward love, then it is dissolving the illusion of separateness.
Can war dissolve separation?
Or do we feed separation through war?
When is love present in an act of war, where fear is not?
Where fear exists, the presence of God, of love, can not be noticed,
until we change perspective.
So think differently.
See choices
"There is a way through every block."
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A taste of my own medicine
I can appreciate one who has given me a dose of my own medicine. The gifts that I bestow, bestow onto me to teach me what I do not yet completely realize within myself, the gifts that I am meant to develop. I gather that this is true for anyone who aligns with Creator and pays attention, believing in the possibility that the unique gifts of one will be seen in "others," in mirrors.
"Sit on my lap" he said. I was skeptical and curious at the same time. Is this man trying to manipulate me or is he really teaching me something? So I sat and felt his strength of his leg and I felt my fear of being led on. My mind going back and forth between safe and unsafe, coaching me to feel my fears and open my heart, as I flooded with judgement, fear and curiosity as to what I might learn. And then at one point, I got to be playful and I told him I just wanted to feel safe, so he encouraged it and I laughed. At the same time, still feeling the fear, the uncertainty.
Then I sat down, away from him, still unsure about whether I got anything out of the session. He told me because I am kinestetic, I would know more later and that the whole purpose of touch was for this. When I left, I felt still a sense of uncertainty and yet, also more free.
Upon awaking this morning, I realized that the experience I had last night was much to do with feeling my own fears, facing the unknown through the kinestitic experience of play, learning to feel my fears of being led on. I imagine this is the feeling of anyone who has been inappropriately touched or left feeling abandoned. The feeling and need for safety and security, at the cost of the aliveness of letting go and surrendering. The need and love of touch, while holding on to the false sense, the illusion of security. As I write, I can still feel the feelings, the fear, which tells me I still have feelings to process...
"Sit on my lap" he said. I was skeptical and curious at the same time. Is this man trying to manipulate me or is he really teaching me something? So I sat and felt his strength of his leg and I felt my fear of being led on. My mind going back and forth between safe and unsafe, coaching me to feel my fears and open my heart, as I flooded with judgement, fear and curiosity as to what I might learn. And then at one point, I got to be playful and I told him I just wanted to feel safe, so he encouraged it and I laughed. At the same time, still feeling the fear, the uncertainty.
Then I sat down, away from him, still unsure about whether I got anything out of the session. He told me because I am kinestetic, I would know more later and that the whole purpose of touch was for this. When I left, I felt still a sense of uncertainty and yet, also more free.
Upon awaking this morning, I realized that the experience I had last night was much to do with feeling my own fears, facing the unknown through the kinestitic experience of play, learning to feel my fears of being led on. I imagine this is the feeling of anyone who has been inappropriately touched or left feeling abandoned. The feeling and need for safety and security, at the cost of the aliveness of letting go and surrendering. The need and love of touch, while holding on to the false sense, the illusion of security. As I write, I can still feel the feelings, the fear, which tells me I still have feelings to process...
Friday, August 5, 2011
THis is a repost about spiritual emergency and possible symptoms for spiritual seekers
This is a repost:
Spiritual Emergence leading to Crisis: Shakti Pad
Shakti Pad: The stage of the Practitioner
Along the path of wisdom, of spiritual development, we meet at Shakti Pad. This is the stage of the practitioner and is "the most crucial, transitional, and challenging of all the stages." This stage determines whether we progress toward mastery. In my textbook "The Aquarian Teacher" Level 1 manual, what is required at this stage is the "ability to choose a goal, fix on a motivation, and consciously commit to a set of values."
This stage of spiritual development is also "the test of power." Where decisions are done out of habit or unconscious patterning, doubt prevails, commitment is lost. The practitioner does not excel past this stage until he gives up what he thinks he knows is best, the desirable, and begins to embrace trusting what he doesn't know. This is why Yogi Bhajan describes this stage to the next as determined by a leap of faith rather than a rope which connects the practitioner directly to the master.
"The experience of this type of decision-making is often unpleasant and frightful. It is beset with uncertainty and often fills the practitioner with doubt. It is a perilous and existential moment. It is an agonizing decision- a question of identity and commitment. The decision is made through deliberate effort to reach the correct perspective of the whole, and to discern the true significance of the decision."
If the practitioner looks at the whole situation and consciously acts from the whole or part of the whole, this period in training will be won with trust, healing, and a greater connection to God or ONE Self. Thus, it is at this period where the test of one's belief in God is most challenged. It may be a dark period and for some cultures or religions, this stage of spiritual development is where we go through the "mystic death," the death of the "false" self or the ego. At this stage, the practitioner struggles with his belief in God and higher intelligence. He may resort to blaming God or other people for his problem and fall back on old ways of doing and being that do not serve him or his higher Self. Maybe he forgets what it is he truly wants and because he is fraught with so many difficulties within himself, he becomes depressed. The practitioner in crisis who finds himself aware of the alternate reality struggles with this reality because he is still afraid and his trust has not yet outgrown his fears. Thus, he clings to what he knows as much as he can. Possibly, the practitioner feels that he is losing his mind and indeed he may. However, the possibility of "no" mind could be a gift, as the practitioner becomes more aware of himself, he finds himself less reactionary and more in trust of the "unknown." His glass is empty and because of this, he can be a great teacher, guide, and lover to all. If he falls predator and prey to fear, however, he could suffer a great deal; his heart will not be interwoven with his decisions. If this is the case, he must always return to balance through actions having to do with heart, that is through self-love and service to others.
At this stage of development, we find that the ego wants to hang on while the ONE self desires to let go. This is perhaps what OSHO describes as schizophrenia. This stage in spiritual development is beset with uncertainty and perhaps can be described by some as "the dark night of the soul."
Some practitioners at this stage do not experience ego-death and may wonder why they should have to. Their ego gets stronger and they become more imbedded in the web of illusion, also known as maya, which is beset with karmic influences and universal laws. The practitioner may blame God or other people because his ego believes they are more deserving and they resent having to have to go through anything at all. They retreat back to old ways of being without seeing the hint of what there is to learn or heal from. The ego does not want to see oneness; however the practitioner in spiritual crisis is being jolted to practice what he himself resists and yet must see. The ego strives for control, certainty and specialness and becomes ignorant, depressed, isolated, and/or split thus leading to even more dissociative thoughts that make him seem crazy to "others," who are also unaware of the spiritual nature of the "problem." The practitioner succumbs to fear and and can not see light; however the light is always there.
I share this information because there doesn't seem to be a lot of talk of "Shakti Pad," or spiritual emergencies. I feel called to share this information, because I know that for some, a spiritual emergency can happen on a unconscious level, meaning without intent of a spiritual emergence or awakening. For those who are on a spiritual quest, perhaps this writing will be a sign to stay on track or an offering of some kind. It is my understanding that some spiritual emergencies are actually "kundalini awakenings" that can lead to greater connection to oneself and God. However, without the awareness or preparation, this experience can lead to crisis. This is why the path of healing is so important and especially at this time. If we aren't on a path of healing from the ego-ic mind, the separated self, we can be unaware of the true nature of dis-ease and dissociative disorders which lead to fatigue and more depression. We must all be on a path of healing to prepare ourselves for the spiritual emergence that is occurring at this time.
I gather this information partly from books as well as from intuition, personal experience and observation.
Spiritual Emergence leading to Crisis: Shakti Pad
Shakti Pad: The stage of the Practitioner
Along the path of wisdom, of spiritual development, we meet at Shakti Pad. This is the stage of the practitioner and is "the most crucial, transitional, and challenging of all the stages." This stage determines whether we progress toward mastery. In my textbook "The Aquarian Teacher" Level 1 manual, what is required at this stage is the "ability to choose a goal, fix on a motivation, and consciously commit to a set of values."
This stage of spiritual development is also "the test of power." Where decisions are done out of habit or unconscious patterning, doubt prevails, commitment is lost. The practitioner does not excel past this stage until he gives up what he thinks he knows is best, the desirable, and begins to embrace trusting what he doesn't know. This is why Yogi Bhajan describes this stage to the next as determined by a leap of faith rather than a rope which connects the practitioner directly to the master.
"The experience of this type of decision-making is often unpleasant and frightful. It is beset with uncertainty and often fills the practitioner with doubt. It is a perilous and existential moment. It is an agonizing decision- a question of identity and commitment. The decision is made through deliberate effort to reach the correct perspective of the whole, and to discern the true significance of the decision."
If the practitioner looks at the whole situation and consciously acts from the whole or part of the whole, this period in training will be won with trust, healing, and a greater connection to God or ONE Self. Thus, it is at this period where the test of one's belief in God is most challenged. It may be a dark period and for some cultures or religions, this stage of spiritual development is where we go through the "mystic death," the death of the "false" self or the ego. At this stage, the practitioner struggles with his belief in God and higher intelligence. He may resort to blaming God or other people for his problem and fall back on old ways of doing and being that do not serve him or his higher Self. Maybe he forgets what it is he truly wants and because he is fraught with so many difficulties within himself, he becomes depressed. The practitioner in crisis who finds himself aware of the alternate reality struggles with this reality because he is still afraid and his trust has not yet outgrown his fears. Thus, he clings to what he knows as much as he can. Possibly, the practitioner feels that he is losing his mind and indeed he may. However, the possibility of "no" mind could be a gift, as the practitioner becomes more aware of himself, he finds himself less reactionary and more in trust of the "unknown." His glass is empty and because of this, he can be a great teacher, guide, and lover to all. If he falls predator and prey to fear, however, he could suffer a great deal; his heart will not be interwoven with his decisions. If this is the case, he must always return to balance through actions having to do with heart, that is through self-love and service to others.
At this stage of development, we find that the ego wants to hang on while the ONE self desires to let go. This is perhaps what OSHO describes as schizophrenia. This stage in spiritual development is beset with uncertainty and perhaps can be described by some as "the dark night of the soul."
Some practitioners at this stage do not experience ego-death and may wonder why they should have to. Their ego gets stronger and they become more imbedded in the web of illusion, also known as maya, which is beset with karmic influences and universal laws. The practitioner may blame God or other people because his ego believes they are more deserving and they resent having to have to go through anything at all. They retreat back to old ways of being without seeing the hint of what there is to learn or heal from. The ego does not want to see oneness; however the practitioner in spiritual crisis is being jolted to practice what he himself resists and yet must see. The ego strives for control, certainty and specialness and becomes ignorant, depressed, isolated, and/or split thus leading to even more dissociative thoughts that make him seem crazy to "others," who are also unaware of the spiritual nature of the "problem." The practitioner succumbs to fear and and can not see light; however the light is always there.
I share this information because there doesn't seem to be a lot of talk of "Shakti Pad," or spiritual emergencies. I feel called to share this information, because I know that for some, a spiritual emergency can happen on a unconscious level, meaning without intent of a spiritual emergence or awakening. For those who are on a spiritual quest, perhaps this writing will be a sign to stay on track or an offering of some kind. It is my understanding that some spiritual emergencies are actually "kundalini awakenings" that can lead to greater connection to oneself and God. However, without the awareness or preparation, this experience can lead to crisis. This is why the path of healing is so important and especially at this time. If we aren't on a path of healing from the ego-ic mind, the separated self, we can be unaware of the true nature of dis-ease and dissociative disorders which lead to fatigue and more depression. We must all be on a path of healing to prepare ourselves for the spiritual emergence that is occurring at this time.
I gather this information partly from books as well as from intuition, personal experience and observation.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Of a philisophical nature: the separation from God
God is unconditional love. Therefore, God would not have us believe that rape and torture are a creation of it. God would not have us believe that all that is done is because we deserve to be punished. God does not want us to suffer and although there are laws in place to which even God does not interfere, God only wants us to awaken to love.
God is all light and love. God would not make us wrong for living or playing in the shadow. God would not have us be punished or suffer. It is us that chooses. We create suffering. Without pain, however, we would not desire to be one with God. Therefore, through pain, we transcend to know God. God holds space. God does not judge what we do and loves us the whole way through.
We create. We create through who we are being- our thinking, aligns with our feelings, our actions, and attitudes. We create things we don't want and God aligns with us through our being. At the same time, God wants us to learn and to awaken to peace, joy, happiness and the truth of who we are- LOVE. Because of this, God evolves as we evolve. God meets us where we are at. If there is something to learn within suffering and pain, we can be clear that it is God, who has complete trust and faith in our awakening.
We are awakening to spirit, subtler realms. If we choose fear over love, hurting and causing pain, we will hurt ourselves. Our ability to stay grounded as we awaken to this experience is to know God as unconditional love, the source of which is within human BEINGNESS. We are to be love- share, forgive, accept, create beauty, inspire.
God is all light and love. God would not make us wrong for living or playing in the shadow. God would not have us be punished or suffer. It is us that chooses. We create suffering. Without pain, however, we would not desire to be one with God. Therefore, through pain, we transcend to know God. God holds space. God does not judge what we do and loves us the whole way through.
We create. We create through who we are being- our thinking, aligns with our feelings, our actions, and attitudes. We create things we don't want and God aligns with us through our being. At the same time, God wants us to learn and to awaken to peace, joy, happiness and the truth of who we are- LOVE. Because of this, God evolves as we evolve. God meets us where we are at. If there is something to learn within suffering and pain, we can be clear that it is God, who has complete trust and faith in our awakening.
We are awakening to spirit, subtler realms. If we choose fear over love, hurting and causing pain, we will hurt ourselves. Our ability to stay grounded as we awaken to this experience is to know God as unconditional love, the source of which is within human BEINGNESS. We are to be love- share, forgive, accept, create beauty, inspire.
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