We are not just physical but multi-dimensional beings. We consist of mental, emotional, astral and etheric layers. Our human aura is like an illuminated egg if someone can perceive energy directly, the Mexican shaman Don Juan Matus mentioned in Carlos Castaneda's book - A Separate Reality, can perceive energy directly and he claims it looks like an illuminated egg with a votex of energy coming into the aura, the votex where the spiritual energy enter our aura is called the assemblage point. There are 7 layers in our aura based on the chakras, but some says there are 12 chakras. When we use meditation and try to 'clean' it, we have to clean every layer. Many new age mystics just tell you imagine and...
The Gayatri Mantra is considered the most powerful Hindu mantra. It comes from the Vedas, which are the ancient Hindu scriptures, and is the most revered of all Vedic mantras. Although, this mantra is used for different meditations and prayers, in this article, I am going to teach you how to use the it to open the all important Third Eye Chakra. The Third Eye, or Ajna Chakra, is part of the Kundalini Yoga Seven Chakra system. This system postulates that there are seven energy vortexes that lie along the spine, which help to transmute energy between the physical and subtle bodies. Each of these chakras are responsible for the health of the organs in the region where they lie, and are also responsible...
If you are looking for on how to open your chakra, then just doing meditation will not give you quick results. Experimenting with meditation music helps in stimulating your chakras at a faster rate. Chakra music uses binaural beats which target every 7 chakras and helps in stimulation. The various level of frequency generated by different sounds and along with meditation is a powerful way to open chakras. The beats help in generating immense flow of energy in your body. There are no side effects or adverse effects of this therapy and when you regularly perform it you will soon see some quick results and feel the energy flowing through each chakra. More and more people are getting inclined towards...
Did you know that the Akashic Records are a sacred compilation of information about your soul? In fact, at the time you made the choice to experience life as a independent soul, there was a field of energy created to record every thought, deed and action. That field of energy is the Akasha which is Sanskrit for the energetic substance from which all life is formed. Not surprisingly, when you are in the energy of your soul, you receive healing from learning the truth about who you are, why you are here and why events and patterns occur in your life. As the saying goes, 'the truth shall set you free." When you are in the energy of your soul and complete soul contracts, this is the deepest level of...
Water Spells - What Are They, What Can They Do,...
Water is believed to be the most important energy on the Earth. Studies have proved that water acts as a receptor as well as a transmitter of information through vibration. Water gives life to all living things. Water is easily influenced by our thoughts, emotions and communications. Just imagine the water from a shower or a gentle waterfall. As soon as it hits you, you feel like all your worries are draining away. Ancient cultures considered taking a shower under a waterfall as very auspicious. Nothing cleans our soul like naturally flowing, pure, clean water. Many of us are aware of the fact that our tissues are made up of at least 70% water. We use a mixture of salt and water to cleanse our homes...
How to become a witch is a simple question to which there is a simple answer. You can learn how to become a witch and actually refer to yourself as a witch as soon as you wish. No one is a born witch but some people are definitely more predisposed towards witchcraft than others. Simply having ancestors who were witches does not mean you inherit their craft. There are no reasons or obstacles which should prevent anyone learning how to become a witch. There is a period of learning basics and then you will be able to practice witchcraft even whilst you are a novice. The hardest part in learning how to become a witch is becoming disciplined and focused. You need full self examination, a wonder in the...
In almost every city in the world there is a building dedicated to a religion or philosophy that promises to free the human soul from the gates of hell. Hell can be considered anything from miserable way of living, to purgatory where the soul is tried, or to a place where souls go to burn forever after death. All of these religions and philosophies have one thing in common; they keep the "secret teachings," the ones that connect us with God and give us freedom on earth now, for the insiders. One has to be truly dedicated to learn the mystical teachings of many of these religions and philosophies. One must prove that they are diligent and loyal to the hierarchy of the institution. Only then do...
Come on Be Positive, Be Happy - A Recipe For...
Introduction The message in our culture is that you need to be happy and positive in life. If someone is not, there is something wrong with them and it (they) needs to be fixed. Few of us have room for sadness, fear, guilt and anger. It is one of my pet peeves that we tend to cover up how we truly feel and gloss it over with inauthentic happiness and positivity. For those of us middle aged and beyond, the cost of our inauthenticity catches up with us. Our soul is calling for its true expression after being suppressed for many years. Continued suppression of our soul leads to suffering - a lack of fulfillment and joy. What is the problem with being real? This question is related to the question, "who...
Positive Thinking Affirmations For Women
Changing your mindset is the single most powerful and important step you can take to change your life. The power of positive thinking has been studied by the psychiatric medical, scientific and spiritual community and they've all determined the same thing - positive thinking has power. Of course, changing the way you think is easier said than done. That's where positive affirmations become a very useful tool. What Is a Positive Thinking Affirmation? A positive affirmation is a statement you can use to replace a commonly held negative statement. For example, if you're always saying, "I feel fat," then a good positive affirmation to replace this sentiment might be, "I am comfortable with my body and...
How to Stay Positive All Year Long
Ever wonder how 'they' do it? You know the ones, they are positive, always see the glass as half full, and no matter what the situation, they can always find a positive thing to pull from it. How do they do it? What is different in their day to day thinking that allows them to see the good in all? I have watched, spoken to, listened to, and studied many leaders, who seem to stay positive, and professionals who make it their business to keep in the right frame of mind. I have pulled some bits of advice and information that is free to implement, and some may even save you some money. One of the most giving things we can do for ourselves is to discover different ways to stay positive throughout the...
6 Religious Scenarios That Arise When Dating
p>I've outlined six different religious scenarios that singles often need to address when dating. There are issues to work through in each situation. You can substitute 'her' for 'him' through out because gender is inconsequential: 1. HER FAMILY OF ORIGIN CARES ABOUT RELIGION BUT SHE DOESN'T: Example: A single woman comes from a family of religious Catholics. This is how she was raised but as an adult, being religious is not that important to her. She is looking for so many other qualities in a mate that she doesn't care if her husband is Christian or atheist. Challenge: Her family is upset because their daughter is not following the values they set up for her and is not choosing a mate who supports...
Joannie Rochette - Olympic Courage Despite...
Just hours after learning that her mother had died of a sudden massive heart attack, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette was back on the ice. One of the favorites to win an Olympic medal, she practiced her jumps over and over again while her father watched with tears in his eyes. Joannie's fellow athletes concurred that she was doing the right thing by staying in the competition. They spoke about her inner strength, remarkable courage and determined attitude. Fans around the world appreciated that, with a heavy heart, she was facing the most difficult skates of her life. If, like Joannie Rochette, you are in shock or have been numbed by an unexpected loss, what follows are some tips that may...
A Culture of Discipline
A "culture of discipline" is a phrase used by Jim Collins (Good to Great) in his study of great companies. All of the great companies, those that far outperform others, have a culture of discipline. This does not mean that they spend their time disciplining people. When you have a culture of discipline you rarely need to discipline people. A culture of discipline is not about punishing people, but it is about control. It is about self control. Disciplined thinking leads to disciplined action. All greatness, whether it be in athletics, music, art, business, leadership, healing arts and sciences, teaching, or sales, is a result of discipline. Whether we are talking about an individual or an...
In this article, I'd like to go over the main four triggers, and I'd like to do it a little differently. I want you to see these triggers from both points of view - from both the survivor and the supporter's views. Just to review, in general, a trigger is something external which can set in motion an oncoming bipolar episode. Everyone has different triggers. For some people, it might be excess stress. For others, it might be frustration at work or a major disappointment. For some people who are highly susceptible, even a seemingly "wrong word" can cause them to go into a bipolar episode. The person who has Bipolar Disorder should try to determine what those triggers might be for them, and go over...
The Evolution of Consciousness
The future of Earth that is not in question; it's the future of the human race. If we continue to disrupt the ecosystem, Earth will become increasingly hostile to humans. It may seem obvious, but I think it's worth pointing out that any meaningful discussion of Earth's future must be in the context of the human race's place on it. There will unquestionably be many more extinctions, quite possibly leading to our own. According to a Science Daily article from January 10, 2002, half of all living bird and mammal species will be gone within 200 or 300 years. The question is whether we will survive our own ignorance. I think that no matter how great our folly, Gaia (Mother Earth) will eventually reach a...
How to Be Happy - Spirituality
What are your spiritual beliefs? Do you have your own personal ideas or do you follow what others tell you? Are religion and spirituality one-and-the-same or two different concepts in your world? Do you keep your beliefs to yourself or do you share them with others? If you share them, do you associate with others who share your beliefs or with all other people? If you keep your ideas to yourself is it your choice or are you concerned that others may think you are weird? Do you honor your thoughts and beliefs? Do you honor and respect the thoughts and beliefs of others even if they are radically different from your own? Do you have a spiritual practice? Is it daily? Weekly? Monthly? Yearly? Is ritual...
Awakening in the Stillness - Divorce Recovery
It's over. The rage and fury, the blame and shame, the sleepless nights and depression no longer are part of our days. The papers are signed. The divorce is over. That door is closed behind us and we begin our new journey. The months following divorce are almost eerie. I recall feeling like a war had ended. I could almost see the smoke of the dying fires enveloping the landscape of my home. There was destruction everywhere: my kids were hurt, my finances were uncertain, my mind and body were exhausted, the boxes of financial papers and "evidence" were moved from the lawyer's office to my dining room table. I took the lawyer's number off the speed dial. I looked around at the pieces of recent life...
Einstein & Spirituality
Since Einstein physicists reluctantly shifted their view on the apparent duality that "exists" between matter and energy. So much so that they now use the inadequate terms "matter-energy" or "energy-matter" to try to make reparations in their previously faulty view of nature. So in this light science has begun to recognize that the idea that matter and energy are two different things is absolutely incorrect. In my view however it appears that many individuals from the spiritual community have yet to make this very crucial and important shift. This reluctance is based on spiritual teachings that suffer from the same kind of myopia that has so often impeded the progress of science and other such...
It must be said, I did very little wandering on the short Journey to Nowhere. The first few months revealed only a sliver of the chaotic confusion that is rampant in today's spiritual marketplace. It was enough to have me ready to head for the highest peaks of oblivion in order to escape the often contradictory and far fetched allegations of truth in all its diverse and strange packages. Once I found a Teacher that seemed about as ordinary as this Path would allow, and that also sang sweetly to the Heart, I settled down and refused to look to any other teaching or teacher for fear I would end up manifesting jewels on the roadside and selling them for money. Granted, it was also pure Grace that such...
Book Marketing - Raise Your Prices and Sell...
It sounds counterintuitive. Raise the price of your product and sell more of it. But it's what happened to John Harricharan. (And you can do this too.) John wrote a book called PowerPause. PowerPause is an eBook or a digital book, which means it can be downloaded directly from the Internet. Nothing is shipped or printed - it's a PDF file. John started with just a thought - what is my product? He then realized he was his product. John is an outstanding businessman, lecturer and author, but he also knows what it's like to experience failure as well as success. He takes his own experiences and incorporates them into his lectures and books, which result in inspiring tales of strength, courage and...
Love Begins With You - Help Create a More...
The world is a reflection of your own inner landscape. If you want to create a better world, rather than focusing on the problem "out there," begin by changing what is going on inside of you. This journey begins by accepting all aspects yourself. How much do you love and accept yourself? How does that effect how you treat others? Learn how to move beyond the illusion of separation and discover that you are Love. As you let love flow through you, the world mirrors back the love you give to others. Take the Self-Love Inventory Do you love your body? Do you feed it good food? Do you give it enough exercise? Do you touch it in pleasurable ways? Do you wear clothes that feel good against your skin? Do...
Developing Essential Life Skills
Life skills are adaptive abilities to deal effectively with challenges and changing demands. They include decision-making, creative and critical thinking, stress management, interpersonal communication, and problem solving skills. Examples of practical life skills are: communicating with co-workers, financial management, self-care, maintaining health and wellness, employability, home maintenance, and managing family responsibilities. As young students, we begin a life skills-based education in the foundational skills: reading, writing, telling time, math, creative thinking, and interacting with others effectively. However, we continue to learn and develop throughout our lives. As we become young men...
Goal Setting - 4 Simple Steps to Set Your 2009...
p>At the beginning of the year, you may find yourself stuck between celebrating the success of last year, planning for the New Year and perhaps overwhelmed by everything you have on your full plate. You're not alone. Most conscious entrepreneurs go through this type of celebration, anticipation and yes, sometimes even overwhelm. That being said, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take some time to get laser-focused on what you want to experience and manifest this year. For the past 6 years, my husband and I have always spent New Year's Day clarifying and writing our intentions for the New Year. This ritual is a highlight of the year and one that continues to catapult growth on all...
Divorce - The Unforgivable Sin - NOT!
Divorce hurts a lot of people. I don't think many people would take up issue with this. The reasons people get hurt are as varied as the divorces themselves. As a Christian though, I've been horribly offended by the way the Church has treated divorced individuals. I believe in many cases they've hurt people far more than they've helped them. The ideal Church is meant to be a family atmosphere where we can feel safe, accepted and loved. Unfortunately because the Church is made up of people and we're all sinful, it falls short of that ideal. It can easily become, judgmental, hard hearted and cruel if not carefully guarded. This, unfortunately has been more the norm rather than the exception...
Book Reviews - The Lost Hall of Records -...
What is a myth? Perhaps it's a story that isn't true on the outside, but is true on the inside. The tension between what our heart's intuition tells us and what we can actually experience on the outside is a source of great creativity and development, both personal and for the human race. Cayce's story of the history and destiny of humanity is a lesson here. Not only does his story include our spiritual creation and its purpose, but also the external history of life on planet earth, including predictions about major changes ahead. Is this story a myth? For many of those who contemplate it, his story is stimulating and spiritually fulfilling, which is what a good myth should be. But Cayce presents...
Ten Reasons Why We Should Go to Church
Do you sometimes wonder why you need to go to church? Sometimes I get so busy that I think, "Why do I need to go today? I'm tired." It is easy to forget that you are a part of a spiritual community. You are a part of the body. And someone may be there waiting for a good church welcome just from you! The truth is we really need to go. Whenever I make myself go to church I usually feel better. I am blessed by the service. I am blessed by singing praises to God. I listed below 10 reasons why we should go to church. 1. If we are Christians we have the Holy Spirit within us. Everywhere we go, He goes. When you are in church with other Christians you have more power from above. 2. When we go to...
Biography of Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda was born in Gorakphur India January 5th 1893. Gorakphur is in the north of India and is associated with the great saint Gorakshanath who lived in the 10th - 12th Century. Yogananda was brought up in a devout loving Hindu family. At an early age Yogananda's mother passed away and this pushed the young Mukunda (as he then was) into a deep grief. However this experience encouraged Yogananda to seek beyond the world and practise spiritual discipline. In his famous autobiography of a Yogi he explains how his early life was filled with visiting various the various saints of Bengal and seeking to learn from their spiritual wisdom. One of these early teachers was Master Mahasaya who...
TeleSeminar Marketing - How to Repurpose Your...
An eBook is the digital equivalent of a printed book and is downloaded directly from the Internet as a PDF file. A great example is the eBook PowerPause by Mr. John Harricharan. PowerPause is a digital book that was repurposed several times over. He took one concept and splintered it into many products. With each repurposing, there's more profit. John took his eBook and turned it into an eClass on how to write a book and make it a bestseller. He then launched his website Write -- another repurposed concept from PowerPause. John's book was initially geared toward the self-help spiritual community, but the largest percentage of buyers ended up being the Internet marketing community. So John changed...
Honoring Relationships in Alignment with Who We...
The month of February reminds me of family, history and most of all love. Like most of you, I recognize and honor love each and every day but there is something very special about the collective consciousness that allows you to take a deeper look at how love shows up. What a wonderful time to appreciate all of the relationships that make up the community of our lives. This week many young couples are preparing for romantic dinners and get-a-ways. In addition, our community of relationships also includes our friendships, our spiritual community, business associates and most importantly our relationship with ourselves. One of the greatest benefits of living our best life and being comfortable in the...
Spiritual But Not Religious - Is There a...
My opening reflections about the political climate in this country generated a thought provoking response from a reader. She wrote, "I'm sorry about your discouragement re: Edwards, but am puzzled at why you would extrapolate from losing faith in him to losing faith in the general political process. Yes, the process is flawed, but it's what we've got." I appreciated her concerns, particularly because they gave me an opportunity to put words on far deeper thoughts about the political process than I had articulated before. The last few years, I have been acutely aware that many people who have come to my office are feeling despair in regard to political action. They feel the political process seems so...
A Long Haul Trucker's Road to Spiritual Growth
Before becoming a long-haul trucker, I worked in the television industry for twenty years. During that time, I considered myself an agnostic. I did not reject the notion of God outright, but I was not convinced of His/Its existence either. Whatever the case were, it didn't seem to make much difference in my life. Although I was a self-proclaimed agnostic, I still prayed from time to time. I figured that, at best, I was talking to God-at worst, it was a personal catharsis. It seemed like a win-win situation to me. In doing this, I suppose that I had, in some way, avoided uprooting the seeds of spirituality. An experience in Cross Timbers, Missouri with my truck driving trainer and his family, along...
Some say Jesus was the word, meaning Torah, who came to Earth as flesh and dwelt among us. Therefore, they apply Torah (books of Moses) legalistically. However, Jesus taught at a higher spiritual level. He taught a spiritual aspect of Torah. In the books of Moses, we are told "an eye for an eye." Jesus said this is what the ancients taught, but he went on to say that if someone smites you on the right cheek, turn to him the left also. In Torah we read that adulterers were to be stoned to death. Yet, when an adulteress was caught in the act and brought before Jesus, he said let him who is without sin throw the first stone. Since no one was left to condemn her, Jesus did not condemn her either and let...
Freedom of Cognition - Reframing the Freedom of...
The term cognizable means capable of being known, and cognition in general concerns everything that can be thought and known by the individual. Thus, everything written during the relatively short history of humankind are cognizable, as it is often a posteriori knowledge and knowledge produced by humans with relatively similar neurocognitive capacities, and can hence be used to extend one's procedural capacity. But pre-deterministic choices of fate must contain a priori information, as the term a priori roughly means knowledge before experience. By studying the experience of those who have already been in the desired circumstances, one may cognize a posteriori knowledge that can prove to be vital...
Art and Spirituality
ART AND SPIRITUALITY What is the relationship between art and spirituality? We know there is one, but can we articulate it? An artist might say he is dedicated to his art. Does that connote spirituality? Is the art his spiritual path? Many would not take him seriously - yes, one honors the artist's choice to dedicate himself to art. But dedication to one's work does not necessarily a spiritual path make. Or does it? "I'm dedicated to my art." Pshaw, many would say, and, don't take it so seriously. Besides, one knows very well that art cannot take the place of a divine Creator. Where is God in all this? For many dedicated artists, God does not exist, or at best his or her or its existence is in...
Many people have come to believe that a block in the path to achieving a goal means that the goal itself is not worthwhile. While this may be true in some cases, there is another interpretation of these events. In particular, they may be an indicator that you are being challenged, or prompted to push yourself a bit harder, or to make some changes in the way you live your life. Under these circumstances, you should be able to use meditation practice to find, and then release all of the blocks that prevent you from achieving your goal. Consider a case where you want to get a better relationship. Chances are, you already know exactly what you want. Even though many spiritual books may say you need...
Bringing Spiritual Concepts Into...
On the September 18th edition of The Frazzled Entrepreneur Program: The Author as Entrepreneur, I was interviewed by the show's host, H. Les Brown-an entrepreneur, a Franklin Covey certified life coach, and author of the new book The Frazzled Entrepreneur's Guide to Having It All. On the show, Les and I talked about how spirituality and business go hand in hand. He asked a question I have never been asked. What led you to get into theology and how have you incorporated that education with your career? Turning a theology degree into a livelihood is a real challenge,but it can be done. Here's how it happened for me. It was during the time when my eyes were opened to see things going on with organized...
The Path of Illumination
The Path of Illumination By Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. Whole Life Coach, Speaker, and Author Change is a mythological journey, where we hear the call; go with uncertainty into unknown dangers, until we finally find our way home. You can become what your spirit intended you to be---whole, perfect and free. To free yourself, you must step into the light, be brave and take action. Although you may feel safe in the dark because it is what is familiar to you, the safety is within the light. Where there is light, there is growth. Once you have stepped on the path of transformation, you are well on your way to a new experience. You can no longer deny the growth that is taking place within you. If...
Spiritual Inspirations of How Elvis Presley...
I began a journey through his past and probably like everyone else who has become interested in Elvis Presley, I have imagined and re-imagined how things must have been. I also think that none of us will ever know "exactly" how things must have been. I feel this especially after reading the written words about him that are conflicting in many ways. The facts of his life remain constant, but with each story teller, one has to only imagine what is told is coming through sort of like a distorted lens. For that reason every new inquiry into his life is a beginning rather than a definitive end to who this man truly was and how things really were. I think he had "short" episodes when he drew nigh to God...
What is Stasis?
Stasis is a concept that is used continuously by whose following a spiritual path, or those working self help programs, but it is seldom called Stasis. It is an important concept and understanding Stasis will help people understand why they are working a particular way. Stasis has several meaning but in this context is an internal that is held constant by a force around its boundary. Suppose you have a population of people and they are held constant by a political entity. At first the stasis is easy to maintain because the difference inside the stasis is not very different to outside the stasis. But as the world changes the pressure for change within the Stasis increase and more control has to be...
How To Reach A Higher State Of Consciousness
Higher states of consciousness are naturally interesting to people because we all inherently know that things are simply easier to understand when we aren't lost in our usual day to day problems that plague us from day to day. There are rare experiences when we are able to see the higher meaning of our lives and these moments help us to achieve greater clarity and value in the things we do. In addition to the higher value and clarity that we can all achieve in a higher state of consciousness, we can also alleviate the negative feelings that come from our normal day to day routine. Higher states of consciousness transcend all of our negative emotions and leave us feeling as though we were "floating...
Helping Yourself Achieve Personal Fulfilment
When it comes to self help and a spiritual path in life, everyone is different. There is no set of rules that can be applied to anyone across the board because each person has their own individual set o circumstances that are specific for them. Personal self help means finding out what your specific issues are that are different from other peoples and then finding a way that you can fit these issues into a more common form of treatment that is convenient and readily available. Every alcoholic or drug addict that ever existed enters a treatments center or a twelve step meeting with the idea that "I am different from thee people" and every one of them is right to some degree. Regardless of this...
The Spiritual Life
A spiritual life is our conscious aspiration to achieve a more fulfilling and illumining reality. A spiritual life strikes a balance between acceptance of the world and our inner spiritual disciplines. The ultimate goal of the spiritual life is to transcend our limitations and become aware of our inner capacities. Aspects of Spirituality Tolerance. The spiritual life believes in tolerance of others and their beliefs. Spirituality does not mean trying to change the opinions of others. In the spiritual life we seek to transform only ourselves. Spirituality encompasses a wide diversity of paths and traditions. The spiritual life enables people to approach the goal from many different angles. Acceptance...
Many spiritualists tend to differentiate between spiritual and physical life treating both as distinct and separate from each other. Being on the Spiritual path somehow has people thinking that physical life and all its related activities are bad. This kind of mind set happens because of disappointment in worldly matters. This disappointment then results in a separation from the World itself and the day-to-day experiences of material conscious people. This is almost as bad as the thoughts held by those who think of life only from a physical plane and who are completely cut off from their spiritual side. While those living purely on the physical plane seek the collection of physical assets and...
Consciousness - The Creative Force Of The Universe
When you avail yourself of the creative force of the universe, you can solve any problem, step out of any dilemma, and resolve any conflict. The creative force is invincible. It can easily cut through any Gordian knot. What is infuriating and baffling to the mind, it considers child's play. They are many levels this creative force works on. It can be an insight that arises from the depths of consciousness in the middle of the night. It can be a law of attraction practice such as visualization, affirmation, or creating a vision board that results in serendipidity or synchronicity. It can be a heart-felt prayer. Ultimately, this creative force is consciousness itself, also known as super...
What One Thing Can You Do to Effectively Hold...
So you want to know the one thing you can do to effectively hold the space for what you want? I understand how you feel. I never even heard of holding the space for someone to manifest something in their life until I started my ministerial studies. I had no clue what it meant and certainly did not know how to do it. So I really understand where you are coming from. But I have a solution for you...and here it is: I know how to hold the space for someone to acquire something they want and you can too. In fact we do it every week in my Gathering of The Learning Circle Spiritual Ministry. The results are truly magnificent! People tell those gathered what they want and everyone in attendance holds the...
Spiritual Bypass - How Not Working on Your...
Throughout yoga class, Jennifer feels fat. She's obsessed with the other women's bodies - how much thinner, limber, and more beautiful they are. Afterward, at Whole Foods she buys a package of Organic Fig Bars and a pint of Carob Almond Rice Dream, goes home, eats it all, and throws up. Self-hatred quickly follows. Kyle is late on his rent again, and can't be sure he's not overdrawn. It's always this chaos, every month. That reservation he made for the week long meditation retreat was more than he could afford - but maybe he'll get some answers there. Jennifer and Kyle are examples of what we call spiritual bypass: when a person's spiritual intentions and aspirations are sincere, but their...
Swami Vishwananda: Providing A Path To...
squo;s contemporary world is mired in widespread chaos. War, poverty and disease exist all over the planet. Even if those issues do not affect one’s life personally, there is still uncertainty and concern about safety, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. People are always seeking the path toward a more meaningful existence, and many have taken notice of the message and work of spiritual Master, Swami Vishwananda. From the island of Mauritius, Swami Vishwananda was born in 1978. Even as a child, he was inspired by spirituality and religion, and early on, he realized that his purpose in life was to provide help to others through his teachings. He offers, as well as teaches, the...
Self Love and the One True Path
When we first start out on our spiritual path we have a choice of many paths but only one fits like a glove, and that is the pathway that includes self-love. Many people want to share themselves with you, the ways they do things, their experiences, their know betters, sometimes it comes from love, sometimes control, but none of it will fit like a glove. The only pathway that feels right is the one your heart ignites coming from the love you have inside for you. One of the most difficult things we face is tuning other peoples "sharing" out so that we can hear and be true to our own voice (the one that fits like a glove). Sometimes we wrestle with the viewpoints of others, the will for us they extend...
I am deeply persuaded that there will be no full, soul-filling, heart-ravishing, heart-satisfying outpouring of the Spirit of God till there be more praise and thanking the Lord. Let me stir up your hearts to praise. This was how Robert Murray McCheyne spoke and wrote. These are profound words which contain deep spiritual truth. When you pick up a book that suddenly becomes so meaningful and relevant to you again, it can be difficult to put it down. This chunky Memoir of Robert Murray McCheyne has had that type of influence on me recently. Robert Murray McChenye was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, away back in 1813, and it is said that Robert Murray McCheyne was one of God's blessings given to Scotland...
The Rose As a Spiritual Symbol
Eric Pepin offers a free module from his teachings called "The Struggle to Awaken". In this module he talks about how spiritual awakening and enlightenment are like a box. "All the secrets of the Universe are in this box. Everything you have ever wanted to know. An Enlightened Master is telling you that they are in there. But there is on problem. The harder you try to open the box, the tighter it becomes. But there is a way to open the box" The Universe cannot be forced to reveal its secrets. You cannot force your way into Enlightenment. It is only by making sure that everything is in the right place that you can coax the right circumstances for the box to open. Eric then grabs a box down from his...
If you would take one idea from this article, let it be that a spiritual life is not a life of denial. When spiritual teachers talk about recognizing spirit, they don't mean we need to deny the flesh. The body is no more than a communication vehicle for our mind. The mistake we make is exaggerating the importance of the body. That means we are often overly concerned with it when we are afraid and overly guilty about it when we feel pleasure. I am not an enlightened being or spiritual master. I am a student. I believe strongly that the mind should be telling the body how to feel and not the other way around. Our obsession with the comfort of the body often dominates our life. If we can learn to...