Category Archives: Enlightenment

Where Spirit Exists

What is the purpose of spirituality? What are the reasons for it? Why have we created it? Why do we seek spirit? Why is it important to some and irrelevant to others? What has it done for us lately?

Spirituality like anything, only holds power because of the value and meaning that we perceive in it.

This is the reason why real ability and skill is important. Without the ability to perceive and connect with spirit, spirituality is simply a set of blind beliefs. These beliefs remain blind until the ability to see is developed. As long as we are blind or partially blind to spirituality we will not understand the opportunities or benefits available to us. So in a very literal sense, the purpose and reasons for us seeking it will continue to elude us. We may hear stories of spiritual knowledge and power and think “Gee that sounds alright!”, but these will just be thoughts and words without actual experience.

Defining spirituality from experience is important because it separates and distills what holds meaning and value for us from what does not. We need to be clear on what it is that we are seeking and this requires blunt and direct honesty. If we rely on theory and concept over actual experience then we are compromising real understanding. Theories no matter how good are simply ideas. Real understanding comes from taking these ideas and integrating them into a course of action. For example we may have an idea that expressing our emotions is of some use. We may gather all the evidence to support this idea and in our mind it may seem like God’s have gifted us with their wisdom. However without putting this idea into action, without actually expressing our emotions, we will never know the truth of this wisdom.

Spirituality is a big word. It essentially means to connect with spirit, but this in itself holds many unknowns, one of which is “where is this spirit thing?” Interesting then that many aspects of spiritual society choose to hold onto the known and shy from the unknown. Spiritual logic or logic of any kind would suggest that if spirit has unknown qualities, that delving into the unknown would then be a valuable course of action. This is where faith comes into it once more. Faith is a concept and as a concept it becomes refined when it is tested. There are so many untouchable qualities about “spirituality.” Keep pushing and digging in our consciousness and we find a point that wants to cling to dogma, faith and concept. Dig a little deeper and we find fear. It is essentially the good old God fearing persona, the one that does not want to question or investigate its betters for fear of punishment. It is no wonder that with this type of fear that mastery, enlightenment and real power elude us. Again, these fears and beliefs are simply concepts that require testing.

The battlefield where all our beliefs, ideas and concepts are tested is within our own practice. It is through aligning our inner values into our actions. Things can get sticky at times. Sometimes our most cherished ideas get trampled on mercilessly by experiences that reject them. We may for instance have the idea that “spirituality is everywhere and in all things”. It is experience that will either reflect this – or not. Our findings here give us something tangible to work with. If this idea holds under the steady and rigorous criticism of actual experience, not just intellectual argument, then it contains true value. If it does not hold this does not necessarily mean that the idea is invalid, it may simply require that our abilities and skills require further development. Of course sometimes we need to admit that what once seemed like a novel idea just doesn’t cut it in the real world.

This is how we evolve our spiritual understanding and as our understanding evolves, so too does our understanding of where spirit exits. This is essentially what is happening – we are understanding connection, but connection can only be understood by experiencing where the object of connection exists. Spiritual connection or existence then is a process of looking and finding, as well as looking and not finding. The places where spirit exists then provide a connection – places with which to develop paths to our consciousness. The places which do not connect are not discarded, but rather we refine the method of connection within ourselves.

An interesting thing happens when we test our ideas, concepts and beliefs. The destruction of these makes the mind more fluid. Through this flexible flow, we regain the ability to connect where once we could not. Once again our understanding changes, as the places that we knew with+ certainty that spirit was not, open up and show us that it is in fact there. This opening does not occur through wishful thinking, holding onto ideas, concepts or beliefs. It occurs through practice, critical thinking, developing ability and understanding.

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Logical Spirituality – Practical and Effective Spiritual Practice

Faith becomes truly strong when it is tested. Untested faith makes way for corruption, deceit and illusion. Blind faith is the kind that fears criticism because the bearer lacks real understanding or perception. Ironically, what will bring understanding is to shake that faith to its core and see what comes out.

Real inner strength comes from absorbing what remains after illusion has been broken. This is the reason why protecting illusions is so detrimental to real personal development. We need to let go of what is essentially useless, not hold on to it like there is no tomorrow. All it requires is that one moment of being critical and then to observe the outcome. What do we feel when we are critical of faith? Do we feel lost? Do we feel despair? Anguish? Hurt? There needs to be a little rejoicing also, because all these emotions are signs that we have found flaws in our faith. Here in lies the opportunity to discard what is useless and refine what is true.

Testing faith like this may seem like a very unstable course of existence, but in truth it is the most stable way of being possible. Not only does testing faith develop inner strength and fortitude, it also creates the perception that allows us to become increasingly sensitive to what is of value and what is not. This cultivation moves our being in the direction of understanding real strength, mastery, meaning and purpose.

Spirituality is all about action. This statement was never meant as a metaphor. It is a reality. If we do not integrate what is important into our actions then they never really become important. It is ludicrous to then complain why spirituality does not make sense, and why life purpose is not more clear. Confusion, lack of purpose and meaning will always exist as long as we do not make our actions congruent with our values. It means being critical, it means looking deeply at what we are doing, how we are acting, thinking and feeling. Then we must bring our actions, thoughts and feeling into alignment. This is what mind, body and spirit as one means -again, not a metaphor, but the reality of action.

Spirituality becomes extremely logical when we observe ourselves critically. Sure, there may be areas that haven’t been accounted for yet, but on the whole, it will be clear that the vast majority of our consciousness, mind and body is simply not aligned with what holds meaning and value. This awareness clears up a lot of confusion. Instead of lamenting: “What is going on?” we will be able to state clearly: “All this is happening because these actions and thoughts aren’t in the appropriate places.” There is a massive difference between these two ways of perceiving. The first way takes the role of the denying knowledge and understanding, but saves the ego from needing to acknowledge weakness. The second way embraces and receives the knowledge and understanding and allows the ego to feel whatever it believes it needs to feel.

Logical spirituality just comes down to being open to knowledge and awareness. We must guard this principle from being blind dogma or a New Age slogan. “Being open” does not mean just welcoming in the light and love and pretending that nothing else exists. “Being open” means seeing reality as it is, whatever this awareness may bring. This is the most tangible and concrete way of ensuring that spiritual development and growth is real.

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Destroying Dogma – Freedom of the Mind

Dogma is belief that is not subject to self-criticism. It is for this reason that dogma must be continually tested and bombarded. Dogma would have us believe that it stands above criticism, that the very thought of criticism is blasphemy or blasphemy’s modern day cousin, politically incorrect. This is the nature of what occurs when we allow power to corrupt us. We seek to keep this power safe, and the safest place is a place that is untouchable.

When we create untouchables we create objects within our minds that are exempt from criticism or observation. These untouchables become so perfect that we skew our own intuition in order to justify what we see. We literally and willingly pull the wool over our eyes. The solution is to actively and consciously test everything.

Real power comes from making our deepest values completely congruent with our actions. Simple in principle, but rapidly degenerates in practice when we actively deny and ignore our growing awareness and perception. This is what happens when we hold on to dogma. It is an active process and the solution must also be active. It is through being alert and critical that dogma is destroyed. We ignore nothing, we let nothing get away. What ability is trained here? The ability of sensitive and aware perception. This is the tool that is required for self-mastery. Many speak of it and yet when it comes to using and developing it they shy away because of what it truly means.

It takes inner strength and courage to realize that illusion and dogma exists everywhere. Each time awareness destroys a piece of it, it feels like part of our dream has perished. In truth, what is really occurring is that we are creating evolution and development that is aligned to our own realization of truth and empowerment.

Destruction is a necessary part of evolution and growth. It transforms what is not useful and expands what is. Dogma when freed from its prison of our perceptions becomes alive and useful information. It then has the ability to adapt, to grow and to fit our own purpose and meaning. Instead of a separation between our own value and that of the untouchable, the untouchable simply becomes touchable and we recognize unity.

The only reason that dogma exists is to protect the investment of power. This itself is a lie also, because what it is really protecting is an illusion of power. Any power that needs protection is just an affirmation of an inner weakness and so is not true power at all. This is dogma, made untouchable because to touch it would make it crumble. Tearing away this perception brings us to the true cause of fear. Facing this fear, not running, hiding or pretending that its flaw does not exist allows us to create the strength, peace and wisdom that becomes in itself true power.

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Real Mastery – What is Self Mastery and How to Achieve It

Mastery needs to be recognized for what it is if it is to be reached. Many terms and concepts such as empowerment, enlightenment and mastery are bandied about these days and it seems almost popular not to define them at all, but to simply use them as romantic concepts. This is fine if we are to remain passive listeners to stories of spirituality. If on the other hand we wish to develop and experience spiritual understanding for ourselves, then we need to exercise our brains and refine and analyze exactly what these goals mean.

Real Mastery is about skill and ability. This statement encompasses the necessity that strength and discipline are also part of the skill set. Part of the romance of the later parts of the last century were that mastery has nothing to do with skill, but has more to do with being alright with being where we are. This mindset implies that whether we are growing or not, “it’s all good.” This is not real mastery. This is just passive acceptance and a reluctance to engage with perceptions of struggle, work and fear.

Real mastery is about control of the self. It is through skill and ability that we gain the opportunities to control the self. Without skill and ability we have no choice. We are like puppets. It is like a car with a broken steering wheel hurtling along the highway. The passengers have no choice, they must go where the car goes. Ability and skill, is development of choices. It is directly linked to control. When we have control we can move and act as we will. Control in itself is a subject in itself, but suffice to say for now, that what many of us mistake for control, is not control at all. Control is not repression or “keeping a stiff upper lip” this is just a reflection of inability or lack of skill. Control is not rehashing the same emotional patterns or personality traits over and over again. Control is choice. It is the ability and skill to choose this action or that action. With control, the higher consciousness actually gets a choice. Without control there is only the choice that seeks to avoid or repress fear.

It has been said that all babies are masters, but while this is certainly a romantic notion, it holds no logic in universal law. Babies for sure have an ability to learn and adapt at a fast rate, but they do not have control over their environment or survival. If they were left alone for a few days without food or water they would almost certainly die. If they were left without physical contact for too long then they fall apart emotionally. Babies are not masters, if they were we would not need to be so protective of them. If anything, babies are masters in the making. They are developing the abilities and skills necessary to have choices and control.

The path of mastery ends when we decide that what we have is “good enough”. This is the reason why many people do not fully develop their abilities and skills. They simply believe that they are “good enough.” Mastery requires the cultivation of an extremely critical mind. This is not a mind that simply denigrates everything, rather, it is a mind that tests all things and searches for flaws. It does not stop here however, simply seeking flaws without also seeking solutions is what a pessimist really is. The true critical mind seeks flaws in order to seek solutions. It destroys in order to create something better. It is transformation with purpose and meaning. This is how ability and skill progresses, by seeing what is lacking or could be improved and making it better.

The mindset of mastery does not fit with the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality. The mindset of mastery fits more with the “let’s see if it breaks when I do this…and if it does, lets see if we can make it stronger.” Painful? More for the ego, than anything else, but it needs be understood that having regular scuffles with the ego keeps it in check. The ego needs to become accustomed to pain and bruising if it is to join the journey to mastery. The development of ability, skill and control will always be a thorn in the side of the ego, because it is only through being critical that conscious growth will take place. Denial makes many friends, truth is only interested in one. Luckily at the end of the day, this is the one friend that we will be able to count on to get the job done: our self. This is what mastery is about. It is about getting the “self” under control.

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Real Manifestation – How to Create Your Reality

Manifestation is creation. It encompasses all that we create, from a single thought, to a breath, footstep or dollar. For each creation there is a transformation of energy, there is expenditure, destruction and creation of form. These days in metaphysical circles it is becoming popular to think of manifestation as existing without needing to expend any effort at all. There has become such a separation between body and mind, that people believe that if any physical effort or action is implemented at all, that this is not real manifestation. This way of thinking simply limits the potential and reality of manifestation.

Manifestation is not about creating things without lifting a finger. Manifestation is just about creation – period. Mental, physical, spiritual – it’s all the same to a consciousness that is intent on getting real and tangible results in life. The belief that says that all manifestation has to happen without any effort is simply limiting all the other ways that creation could happen.

It is our definitions and beliefs about work and effort that are getting in the way here. How can manifestation be working if I need to labor for 40 hours to get it done? The real question is: why is 40 hours for a manifestation wrong? Ah! Because I should be sitting on my couch waiting for enlightenment, a new car, fame and fortune to come knocking my door down!

The guiding principle of manifestation is to imprint the pattern of achievement into our consciousness. This pattern then communicates with our world with the language of achievement. If this language is saying: “I am master of my destiny, but only if I don’t need to do a thing,” then what is being broadcast loud and clear is that this goal really isn’t worth it. True intent is not about “I don’t want to lift to finger or get my hands dirty.” True intent is about “there’s my goal, let nothing not even heaven or hell stand in my way.” With an intention like that the language being communicated is entirely different. The world understands that we are serious about our goals, that sensations, emotions and feelings aren’t going to hold us back. More importantly, our own consciousness understands that we are serious. It is this kind of mindset that makes providence move mountains for us. It is also a mindset that cannot be faked. Denial is one thing – continual lack of results is hard to ignore.

We need to shift our minds from being attached to concepts and slogans, to looking at results. Legions of philosophy, spirituality and theory die in their very first steps when asked to provide results.

All manifestation, whether spiritual, financial, emotional, physical or otherwise has a logical process and practice that delivers it. If results are lacking, it is because the process is missing something. It may be something on the mental level, it may be something on the physical, it may be information and knowledge, it may be action and discipline. Real manifestation occurs when we recognize the process and structures that need to be linked and in place and then respond appropriately. The real reason that manifestation fails or is only partially realized is because limiting beliefs prevent us from seeing the opportunities and understanding that we can enter into them. This is all. Manifestation is simple. It becomes more complicated with each and every condition that we place on it. Being open to all the ways that creation may come, means that we need to destroy all the beliefs that would stand in creation’s way.

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True Purpose – The Real Reason You Are Here

Evolution is the journey of discovering purpose and meaning. This path is one of self-exploration and it moves us to create experiences that we believe would connect us to meaning and purpose. Through observation and reflection we come to understand the true nature of an experience and the true beginning of meaning and purpose. We come to see that it is not external circumstances, people or places that bring us the deepest meaning, but the way that we find, react and understand those circumstances, people and places.

A journey may go through periods where we seek great material wealth and glory, feeling for a time that this is where we can find real satisfaction. We may also seek knowledge, information and building up our intelligence and wit, believing that this is where we will find meaning. We create these experiences because it is exactly what we require in order to see the truth. It is only through time and experience that we gain the opportunity to observe. Through observation we learn to recognize, and through recognition we learn to understand.

Observation, recognition and understanding only occur when the mind is allowed to immerse itself within experience. By embracing and accepting experience, living and being open to what is available, we give the senses the opportunity to see.

What is it that we see?

What is it that we may measure our experiences up to?

What would make them fall short?

What would make us seek deeper and further?

Why would we risk losing all this for the chance that something else better exists out there?

It is the fact that we see and the fact that we see something of importance, feel something of purpose and meaning, that spurs us to move onwards. It is as if each experience is but a respite, a momentary refreshment for the body and personality, but that before long we remember a feeling or a memory of our purpose and we must move on.

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The Way of Karma ~ Pt 2 ~ The Journey to Enlightenment

The story of Karma will lead us through its many dimensions, paths and levels. It will bring us through the worlds of emotion, the literal civilizations of thought and belief, right through to the beginning where they were born. By listening to the story of Karma we learn to see that in truth the way has been formed by who we believe ourselves to be and it is through this channel that Karma becomes what it is.

Understanding only deepens as our ability to listen and hear deepens and is opened. Karma when it is truly heard and seen reveals itself to be as fluid and free as pure energy. All that would make it rigid is simply that in our consciousness that would grasp to shape, form and belief. There is a path where consciousness tells the same story, simply because the energy of this story requires validation and expression. There is however no release in this expression, it is born again with each validation at the deepest level of sense and perception. This is the story of Karma and it has become our way.

In time the story of Karma becomes like a tale that has been heard too many times. It is like being at the same carnival sometimes for what seems like an eternity. What once stimulated the senses no longer holds charm or allure. There is the sense that the story hurts more than it heals. This is the essence of the True Self, ever patient, yet a reminder that no carnival ride will ever match up to true power of being at one, and being at peace. It is through this crack that we gain an opening. An opportunity to move past the story, to realize that the meaning has changed and that the destination no longer has any purpose. Through observation, meditation, inner communication and life we gain the opportunity to hear the story of Karma, to see the way that we have created and to discover the path of freedom.

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The Power of the True Self ~ Part 2 ~ Awakening the Master Mind

The cycle of remembering and forgetting is necessary to create the experiences of exploring, finding and recreating. The True Self knows that in the deepest of seeking what will be found is always reunion. In this journey we will create much love, much hate and much forgiveness. We will forget, reconcile, regret and accept. This is the eternal balance and cycle that moves from “being” to “doing” – and back again. As with all that exists within the infinite, however there is ample room for a consciousness that moves on the fringes of the True Self, between “being” and “doing”, acceptance and creation, inner peace and directing and guiding wisdom and information.

The essence of a Bodhisattva is that of a consciousness that has at the moment of complete dimensional connection with the true self, chosen to delay full transcendence from this plane in order to stay and continue to work with it. This choice and decision required at a certain level that the need for struggle, aversion, craving and direction continue to exist. The choice to delay purifying and transcending these levels of struggle enable the Bodhisattva to stay on this plane. It is what connects them here and this connection becomes their purpose. The same principles inherent in this choice work for all forms of consciousness, Bodhisattva or not. It is simply a compromise for the time being of energies and choices in order to support and facilitate a particular goal and direction. Those that would transcend and continue moving beyond this dimension have made the choice to purify all attachment, struggle, craving and aversion to this plane. This is the reason why so few ascended masters and the like interfere with the affairs of the physical. The need and drive to do this is for all intents and purposes non-existent. What throws a spanner in this perfect plan however it the nature of all consciousness to head toward the direction of truth and the infinite. This in itself creates consciousness where it is possible for the ascended and transcended to interfere and interact with our plane. Another example of the impossible becoming possible. Contradictions within contradictions. Observing these workings from the outside we may for a moment perceive pure chaos, but the essence of observation itself moves in the direction of order and so the chaos is balanced. Further perspectives and opportunities are revealed when we begin to understand how to channel and work with these contradictions. How to shift what is impossible, draw in and create what is opposing and observe how the infinite balances the finite.

The different forms are the products of the inter-relationship of the same principles. Healing, psychic senses, manifestation, meditation, channeling, astral projection, shamanism – all are the forms. The perspective and ability that makes these what they are are born from our understanding of their specific shape, dimension and form. The potential infinity of the consciousness is the reason why these forms do not follow each other sequentially like patterns in the physical. Rather the essence needs to be seen through the lens of the True Self. Through these eyes and ears the connection between what cannot be connected can be understood, experienced and made logical. Integrating all of these levels of consciousness right through to the physical and intellectual is what allows full and whole understanding. At this point spirituality begins to be understood through the eyes of science.

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The Power of the True Self ~ Part 1 ~ Awakening the Master Mind

The power of the mind is revealed when we learn to control it. From control comes mastery, and from from mastery the full spectrum of opportunities to experience universal consciousness. In all of this the most empowering of experiences it that of connection and realizing the True Self.

True Self is simply a name to define an experience and feeling. It is a connection and a re-connection, a coming home and a reunion. It is a source of intelligence and wisdom, and it is also a source of unconditional love and understanding. Realizing the true self is perhaps the highest goal of meditation, because it is the only place where the journey actually stops and is still. From this lens all things can be seen and touched, wielded and understood. At the same time, the need for understanding, the search for wisdom and knowledge ceases – at least for the moment. The moment of connection allows the understanding that all wisdom, knowledge and intelligence has been and is for the attainment of this goal, and so once reached all further seeking is superfluous.

The more the mind and body enters into the realm of True Self, the more peace, unconditional love and acceptance become what we are, rather than something we seek. The irony is that in this state although we no longer need to seek, we also do hold no more aversion to seeking, no more aversion to struggle, fear and failure. To move and create becomes a joy, and so with the smallest of movements we enter into a dance with the universe and energy and willingly leap back into a communication with that which would perceive life and consciousness as “I.” This brings us back to who we are, with all that we would perceive as flawed, unworthy and needing of transformation and transcendence. Yet there is an extra lens. An expansion and channel to a consciousness that is our True Self, one that cannot possibly exist simultaneously with our perception of a flawed and fractured self – and yet it does exist. It exists simultaneously and seamlessly. The True Self is consciousness that whether at peace or not at peace, whether ignorant or aware, in love or in hate, wisdom or confusion, is still complete, fully connected to the universe and with no falter in its willingness to experience the finite and the human.

It is one of the exquisite contradictions of consciousness, that from the lens of the finite cannot be seen the face of the infinite, yet with a shift one can be infinite and comprehend and encompass with ease all that is finite. For these to exist simultaneously is impossible – and this is the very reason why the True Self holds the key to making the impossible possible. From all seeing, unlimited and all knowing, and all accepting to limited, finite and small knowing. Yet the infinite self understands that it is only in being finite that we are able to experience so many qualities in their purest essence. The “I” is created without the benefit of perspective, wisdom and knowing, so as to experience the act of seeking and finding and all the levels of creation and reflection that form the path of power. The True Self is then able to experience an aspect of itself that is able to love single mindedly, struggle, persevere and create – and it knows that we do all this, continuing on our path and journey to seek something that we may only sense we have lost or forgotten. Rediscovery of course brings much laughter.

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Channeling ~ Part 5 ~ Tapping Metaphysical and Spiritual Sources of Knowledge

Channeling offers a practitioner the opportunity to shape their mind in such a way that it perceives itself to be communicating with external sources. It is this perception that allows the development of the internal consciousness to realize and understand that the entire universe can be experienced within. The process of seeking the outside from within guides the mind to discovering more than what its familiar comfort zone and it is this that allows it to find true strength and purity. The contrasting perception of purity, which is one of isolation ultimately creates a perception of complete separation from the True Self.

In moving the mind out we are working with the sense and perception that we are moving from what is the self into external territory. This perception is what opens us to the possibility of psychic manipulation and negative entities. There are two main methods of dealing with these phenomena. One is to release the areas of resistance within us that entities can hold on to. The other is to form the part of consciousness that channels into a weave of sensitivity – soft yet strong enough to match the frequencies of any that come in its way. At the point of meeting it is important that our mental direction and energy is strong enough to move past these entities without taking on their residues while at the same time not compromising flexibility for strength. This is a process that is learnt most easily through experience, however it is important to note these things. Interestingly it is almost impossible to connect with another energy and not have an effect. The intention is to learn how to manage and direct this effect so that it is congruent with our truth.

This type of training provides a basis for moving in the direction of our potential at all times. Rather than fearing what we perceive to be negative energies because we have not yet reached the point where we can transform them, we learn to keep ourselves centered while moving toward our destination. We neither compromise our ultimate destination nor do we compromise our development of real inner strength. Working with this level of sensitivity requires a constant state of consciousness because subconscious states will have a tendency to react with fear to anything that they cannot assimilate or transform. A flexibility of mind is required to understand when the opportunity for developing aspects of emotional strength are at their potential and when less vulnerable methods of protection such as the popular white light visualizations are more appropriate. In itself this flexibility develops into a wisdom that is gradually understood at the deeper levels of body and mind. This direction entrains a further congruency of truth, reason and purpose between all levels of consciousness.

All action must report back to reflection and observation, and the main factor to observe is the overall state of tangible and conscious energy. Energy is the fuel that allows us to direct, drive and move our consciousness. There will always be a balance between integrating knowledge and having that act of integration drain us of energy. The important thing is that we keep tuned into our purpose and destination. There will be times when we intuit that it is necessary to enter low energy states, but the awareness of reason and meaning will provide the opportunity to find a gate through which we can again transcend this state.

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